Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a very energetic and intelligent working dog. It was bred for herding sheep and cattle. This breed is naturally very alert and protective. It’s able to make independent decisions and solve problems. Bearded Collies are devoted to work and respond to consistent training. All dogs of this breed lack aggression to humans and animals and make loving pets for the whole family.

The Bearded Collie is medium-sized, with an average height at the withers around 20 inches and an average weight about 40 pounds. The overall proportion between body parts, height, and weight is more important than any measurement taken separately. The body of these dogs should be longer than the height. The Bearded Collie is lean and muscular, without excess body mass. The bones are not heavy to provide for flexibility and speed. The neck should be moderately long and slender; the topline is level; the chest is broad; the ribs are well sprung; the tail is low-set. The head is elongated and finely chiseled. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark in color. The nose of the Collie is usually black, but brown-colored dogs have a brown nose.

The coat of the Bearded Collie is long and weather resistant. The undercoat is dense and woolly, and the outer coat is coarse and straight or slightly wavy. On the chest and neck, Collies have a longer mane; on the belly, tail, and frills, the coat is much longer than on the forelegs and face. The common coat pattern of the Collie is black with white and tan markings. Usually, Collies have white collar, tail tip, and feet. This breed comes in a solid, bi-color, tri-color, sable, and merle patterns. Although the coat is a hallmark of the breed, its type, color, and pattern have always been secondary to working abilities in this breed.

Gait and movements of purebred Collies are of a great importance. Bearded Collies should trot in a free and tireless gait, without any sight of weakness. Working dogs should be endurable and enthusiastic. A Bearded Collie should be very flexible and able to change the speed and direction very swiftly and gracefully.