Bearded Collie Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Herding Group

This cute playful dog is a very funny and exciting companion. The gait of the Bearded Collie is free, supple, powerful and balanced.

History

The Bearded Collie was pioneered to Scotland in the early 1500's. Its ancestors came from the continent of Europe where it served as a herding dog. It was bred on the continent with the Poland Cowland Sheepdog and the Komondor. They almost vanished in the early 20th century but thanks for mating a pair of Bearded Collies in 1944 and they were rescued. Even so, today it is not a very widespread breed and even today, they are rare in the United States.

Physical Features

The Bearded Collie is a distinguished looking medium sized breed of dog. It has great agility, stamina and intelligence. It stands about 20-22 inches tall and weighs approximately 35-55 pounds. The long outer coat of the Bearded Collie is harsh, dense and weather proof. The undercoat is thick and soft. Its usual coat colors are black, brown, blue and fawn. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog. The hind legs are also muscular and powerful at the thighs. The tail, covered with abundant hair, is long and set low and carried low with an upward swirl while the dog is standing.

Personality

The Bearded Collie is very playful, funny and happy. They love to play in the mud. The dog is very affectionate and joyous. They seem to always have a sparkle in their eyes. They love attention from the family and are always seeking to make new friends. The Collie is not an aggressive or dominant animal. It loves most everything and everybody.

Common Health Problems

They usually are prone to cataracts and inherited corneal dystrophy. It is also common for them to have Pemphious foliaceus (skin problems), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and black hair follicular dysplasia. They are also prone to food allergies and hypothyroidism.

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