Bearded Collie

Bearded collie puppies have distinct coat colors that lighten at about 6 month and set about 1 year later, except for those with solid black coats, and their hair eventually covers their large eyes.

These natives of the Scottish Highlands, a vast, cold wilderness often rainy and thick with fog, are named for their long, beardlike muzzle hair. Bardies-also called highland collies and hairy mountain dogs-though of uncertain origin and lineage, have worked at sheepdogs for about 2000 years.

The sheepherding instinct of the gentle, friendly and increasingly popular beardie is still at work. “When my family goes for a walk with our dogs and someone drops behind,” says one owner, “the beardie becomes nervous and frustrated.” Another owner comments, “I’ve seen a beardie trying to herd others dogs in the dog run.”

“They are very sensitive to the owner’s feelings and express tenderness in a casual manner. They are dogs that are never in your way.

Until they are 12-18 months old, their “puppy coat” is still very soft and tends to tangle easily, requiring careful brushing, their coat acquires its distinct roughness only at about 3 years.

Origin : United Kingdom
Size : (male) Height 21-22 inches; Weight about 49 pounds
(female) Height 20-21 inches; Weight about 49 pounds
Coat : Harsh; undercoat is soft and dense. Long muzzle fur resembles a beard. Colors include slate, grey, brownish fawn and white with black or orange markings. Some have a blaze or a collar