Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is one of Scotland's most distinctive herding breeds, with roots stretching back centuries in the Scottish Highlands.
Originally developed to herd cattle and sheep across challenging terrain, these intelligent working dogs are believed to have descended from Polish Lowland Sheepdogs brought to Scotland in the sixteenth century, crossed with native herding stock.
25-34kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Bearded Collie
Today, the Beardie retains much of that hardy, independent spirit, though it has become equally cherished as a family companion. Standing 51–61 cm tall and weighing 25–34 kg, the breed is instantly recognisable by its long, shaggy double coat, which requires regular grooming several times weekly to maintain. Temperamentally, Bearded Collies are lively, affectionate and exceptionally good-natured, with a playful exuberance that often continues into adulthood. They are intelligent and responsive to positive training, thriving in active households where they receive plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. These sociable dogs love being involved in family life and are wonderful with children, though their bouncy nature may be overwhelming for very young ones. They are not natural guard dogs and generally welcome visitors warmly. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, the Beardie makes an ideal companion for families committed to meeting their considerable exercise and grooming needs.
Bearded Collie at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Bearded Collie is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £400–£800
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is a lively, affectionate and energetic breed that thrives in the heart of family life. Adaptable and sociable, Beardies love being involved in all household activity and are not content to be left outside and ignored. They are sensitive dogs with a deep need for companionship, and respond poorly to harsh handling or isolation. Their playful, bouncy nature makes them wonderful companions for children, though their exuberance may be a little overwhelming for very small ones. Generally friendly and welcoming to visitors, Beardies are not natural guard dogs. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy.
Bearded Collie Lifestyle
The Bearded Collie is best suited to a larger home and does best with a large outdoor space to burn off energy. They are comfortable in either a town or rural environment.
Dog Food for Bearded Collie
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Bearded Collie weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Bearded Collie Characteristics
The Bearded Collie needs at least one good run or long walk every day and trains well and tends to enjoy learning new skills. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them, but cope reasonably well on their own as long as they're well exercised first. The coat is manageable with a regular brushing routine and is neither a heavy nor light shedder. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Bearded Collie Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good-natured and affectionate with a warm, sociable personality
- Gets along well with everyone and everything around them
- Adapts well to most lifestyles
- Playful and fun-loving, with a youthful spirit that stays with them into old age
Cons
- The long coat needs daily brushing and is quite high maintenance
- Can become destructive without enough exercise and mental stimulation
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
- Not ideal for first-time owners given their stubborn side and training demands
