Bearded Collie

Standing 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder and covered head to tail in a shaggy coat, Bearded Collies bear a passing resemblance to another of Britain’s droving dogs, the Old English Sheepdog. But beneath the coats, Beardies are the leaner and more angular of the two. The lavish facial hair shouldn’t obscure the characteristic expression: a dreamy, faraway gaze that conveys, as a noted breeder wrote, a “gentleness and nobility that lifts them out of the rut they might otherwise fall into as mere shaggy dogs.”

With an aura of strength and agility, the Bearded Collie was bred for centuries as a companion and servant of man. Their medium-length coat is flat, harsh and shaggy.

Breed Profile

Experts agree a busy Beardie is a happy Beardie. These are boisterous dogs who love outdoor exercise in all types of weather. Like every dog, the Bearded Collie needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Bearded Collie puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Beardies are herders and will excel at a variety of dog sports, which they can be trained for such as herding, agility, rally, and obedience.