Bearded Collie

When dog owners hear the word "Collie,"� they often think of Lassie, though the Bearded Collie is a unique breed that looks much different. Collie comes from a Scottish word meaning "sheep herder,"� and these dogs certainly excel at that. History Bearded Collies, or "Beardies"� for short, are one of the older dog breeds in existence today. Since there are many legends about this dog, it's not exactly clear where they originated. However, after careful research, most believe that the breed started in Central Europe. A Polish merchant named Kazimierz Grabski came to Scotland in 1514 with a few Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and their ability to work on a farm impressed the local Scotsmen. After trading a few sheep for one of these Polish dogs, the Scotsmen started breeding them with their native sheepherders, and thus the Bearded Collie was born. It was originally dubbed the Highland Collie, but its name was changed to the Bearded Collie to account for its appearance. Appearance The most unique thing about the Bearded Collie is its long facial hair, which distinguishes it from all other Collies. This long coat hangs from the muzzle, ears, and the top of the head, giving it a shaggy appearance. Medium-length fur also covers the rest of the body. Beardies have a soft under coat and a straight, rough outer coat. Fur can be a variety of colors, though blue, fawn, brown, and black are the most typical. White markings are often present, though not always, and these markings are normally on the front of the body like the face, forepaws, and chest. Owners should note that the fur can lighten with age, and this is perfectly normal. Under the shaggy fur, the Bearded Collie has a long, lean body. The average height is between 21 and 22 inches for males and between 20 and 21 inches for females; average weight is between 40 and 60 pounds for both sexes. Legs are strong, the chest is deep, and the tail is carried low and straight, though it will curl up when the dog is excited. As for the face, they eyes are large and dark, giving this dog an inquisitive expression. The ears are not overly large, though the long fur gives them this appearance. Temperament This breed can be very affectionate, which is why they are often kept as house pets today rather than as herders. They are also very outgoing and love trying new activities, which is why they work well in agility competitions. Beardies are active, hardy, and loyal as well. They are great problem solvers because of their high intelligence. It is rare to find an aggressive, shy, or unconfident dog in this breed. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Bearded Collie is around 12 years, which is average for a medium-sized purebred dog. The most common causes of death are cancer, old age, chronic kidney failure, cerebral vascular problems (such as stroke), and Addison's disease. Addison's disease is much more frequent in Bearded Collies than in other breads. The condition is marked by low activity of the adrenal cortex, which produces steroids and other important hormones that the body needs. Potassium and sodium imbalances can result, leading to fatal problems in this dog. It can go untreated; owners should watch for signs of lethargy, stress intolerance, and gastric problems. If tested and caught early, this condition is treatable. Other problems include musculoskeletal issues like arthritis in old age, as is typical with medium-sized dogs. Pet Care Caring for a Bearded Collie can be time consuming on occasion. Their long fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and knotting. Some owners will trim the fur to reduce grooming time, but even with a short haircut, these dogs still need brushed a few times per week. Also, because they are a high-energy breed (they were designed to herd sheep all day, after all), they must have regular exercise. Daily walks and fetching sessions are always a good idea. What Owners Have to Say Owners usually praise Bearded Collies as great family pets. Though they may complain slightly about the grooming needs, most Beardie enthusiasts enjoy spending time with their dog. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a medium-sized dog with a scruffy look, then this dog may be the perfect breed for you. Bearded Collies work well in families where the can play and run around while interacting with their masters. They are very sociable dogs and will get along with other canines and animals. These qualities make them the ideal pet for many. However, the downsides of the Bearded Collie may prevent other owners from taking the plunge and getting this dog. The first major deterrent is the level of care necessary. Grooming has to be done; it is not optional. Without it, the dog may experience discomfort due to knots in his fur. This can lead to skin problems, too, meaning extra veterinary bills. The good news is that grooming can reduce some of the shedding, so dog fur won't always cover your furniture. However, if the coat gets wet, it will drip on your carpets and floors; the coat will retain the water for a while, which could leave some section of your house soaked. This dog is also very energetic, so walks and playtime are not an option. For most owners, this isn't a problem, since dogs are expected to need walks. However, this dog will bark a lot when it needs to burn off some energy, which can be annoying. If left alone enough, it will start displaying destructive behaviors to alleviate the boredom. While these traits are not awful, and they can be dealt with if the owner is prepared, there are other, more practical concerns. There are usually waiting lists for purebred puppies, and once you make it to the top of the list, you'll probably pay a large sum just to get your dog. These puppies are expensive. If time and money are a concern, another breed may be a better choice. However, if you truly love this dog breed, then price should not be a factor.

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