Bearded Collie — Breed Profile
"Boisterous, charismatic, friendly, independent, willful, energetic"
Shaggy chaos agent
At a Glance
Breed Traits
Best For
Active families, experienced dog owners, rural homes, herding enthusiasts, agility competitors
Not Ideal For
Apartment dwellers, sedentary owners, first-time dog owners without support, those without yard space
Health Considerations
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly
Estimated annual vet cost: $500-$1,000
Breed History
Developed in Scotland for herding livestock in harsh Highland terrain. Originally called Highland Collie or Hairy Mountain Dog. Bred to be independent decision-makers to work without constant shepherd direction. Recognized as distinct from Rough Collie in mid-20th century.
Fun Facts
- Also called Beardie, meaning shaggy in Scottish
- Can herd in all weather conditions, bred for Highland climate
- Ranked 140th in AKC popularity
- Requires 2+ hours of daily exercise
- Known for "Beardie bounce" - exuberant jumping and play behavior
Famous Bearded Collies
Bergman (from the 1969 film), numerous agility and herding trial champions
Bearded Collie products coming soon.
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