Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Bearded Collie
A shaggy Scottish drover famous for the 'beardie bounce' — leaping to see over the flock. Merry, boisterous and high-maintenance in coat and spirit.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Herding / Pastoral
- Origin
- Scotland
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18–27 kg
- Height
- 51–56 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long, harsh, shaggy double coat
- Temperament
- BouncyMerryIndependentAffectionate
History
Worked Highland cattle and sheep for centuries; the modern breed descends from a 1940s revival.
Appearance
Lean, medium herding dog hidden under a long shaggy coat, with a characteristic bouncing gait.
Exercise and activity
90 minutes daily; excels at agility and herding.
Care and grooming
The coat needs a thorough line-brushing several times a week; many pet owners choose a shorter clip.
Health considerations
- Hip dysplasia
- Addison's disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Pemphigus (autoimmune skin disease)
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Bearded Collie
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: 90 minutes daily; excels at agility and herding. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Addison's disease, Hypothyroidism, Pemphigus (autoimmune skin disease)), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Bearded Collie Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice