Bearded Collie dog

Like all the collies, this is a herding dog. Its origin lies in the Scottish Highlands, which is why the breed is still known today by Scottish farmers as the Highland collie. Due to the prevailing weather conditions in Scotland, the farmers needed a dog that was robust and had thick fur. This led to the bearded collies, which are closely related to those from the lower regions of Scotland.

Unlike the similar-named Border collie, who was used as a normal sheep dog, the bearded collie has been used for complex tasks, such as independently herding cattle from the mountains, and locating and tracing back stray animals. Today, it is bred primarily as a family dog.

Description

At the withers, males are 53-56 cm; females are 51-53 cm. Males weigh 23-28 kg, females 18-22 kg. The bearded collie’s fur is medium length and harsh, with a smooth, soft undercoat, even on the head. The typical colors are blue (gray), fawn (sand color), brown, and black with white markings (on the feet, as a blaze on the face, around the neck, at the tip of the tail). The eyes should be in the color of the coat, not too light or too dark, wide apart, and large, gentle and loving, but not prominent. Its eyebrows are arched at the top and stand in front, while not so long that its eyes are covered.

The bearded collie’s ears are of medium size and drooping. In alertness they stand out and approach the height of the skull, but not beyond that, and so enhance the broad skull. Its tail has abundant hair, is low, and is so long that the last caudal vertebrae at least reach the hock.

Care

The bearded collie is a happy, balanced, easily trained dog. The attentive enterprising expression is a characteristic of the breed. It is a reliable, good-natured, active working dog, with no signs of aggression.