Discover Everything About Bearded Collie
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Bearded Collie overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Bearded Collie is a robust and generally healthy breed, with typical risks well-managed through selective breeding tests. Important conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and hip dysplasia (HD) are effectively controlled through mandatory health tests. Prospective buyers should also ask the breeder about the M-locus to avoid risky merle-to-merle matings and associated health defects.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
51–56 cm
Weight
18–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: Scotland
Typical coat colors
- Any shade of gray or chocolate brown
- with or without white markings
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Bearded Collie, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Bearded Collie right for you?
The Bearded Collie is a cheerful, extremely sensitive Hütehund (herding dog) — bred to independently and tirelessly guide Scottish sheep flocks across rugged terrain. Beneath that lush coat, there remains a quick-reacting, vocal worker who needs plenty of exercise.
Perfect for you if:
- You are up for long walks every single day, regardless of the weather — this dog was selected for the Scottish Highlands and will wither away with just short strolls.
- You lead with sensitivity and a quiet demeanor, as he will completely withdraw in response to harshness or loud words.
- You have the time and patience for intensive weekly grooming to ensure his long coat doesn't become matted.
- You live in a rural area or have a garden where his natural urge to move won't bother anyone.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a thin-walled apartment — herding dogs often use their voices to control movement, and the Beardie is no exception.
- You value a meticulously clean home, as that long coat brings plenty of dirt, moisture, and leaves inside every day.
- You have small children and don't want to manage his instinct to try and herd playing kids by nipping at their heels.
The real vibes check
Don't let the elegant, shaggy look fool you — deep down, the Bearded Collie is a robust nature-lover who would much rather run through muddy fields than pose cleanly on the sofa. You aren't getting a quiet cuddle-bear, but a quick-reacting, highly sensitive partner who mirrors your every mood and always wants to know if the two of you have a job to do.
Breed Profile
The Bearded Collie, also known as "Beardie" called, is a dog full of charm and personality. His name "Bearded" means "bearded" and refers to the distinctive fur on his chin that looks like a beard. With its flowing, long and dense coat of fur and cheerful wagging tail, it is an unmistakable sight. His expression is bright and alert, and his eyes, often hidden by his fur, shine with intelligence and curiosity. The Beardie is a medium-sized dog with a powerful build and well-proportioned features. His movements are fluid and effortless, highlighting his working dog ancestry. Bearded Collies belong to FCI Group 1, herding and driving dogs, and are excellent working dogs. There are no distinct differences between show and performance lines, although individual dogs may vary in their working ability and temperament.
| Height | 51 - 53 cm (Female), 53 - 56 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 27 kg (Female), 20 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Active, intelligent, friendly |
| Coat | Long, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Any shade of gray or chocolate brown, with or without white markings |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Bearded Collie is one of the oldest British dog breeds, originating in Scotland. The breed is believed to have descended from dogs brought to Scotland by Polish sheepherders in the 16th century. These dogs were then likely crossed with local Scottish breeds to create the Beardie as we know it today. The Beardie was originally used for herding work, particularly for guarding and driving flocks of sheep in the Scottish Highlands. With their intelligence, endurance and ability to work in both harsh terrain and bad weather, they were indispensable helpers to the shepherds. The breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1971, and today the Bearded Collie is popular as a family dog as well as a show and working dog. Despite his popularity, the Beardie has retained his working skills and robust temperament.
The Bearded Collie was bred as a sheep herding dog and is known for its long, shaggy coat and lively nature.
Scotland
1600
Character & Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for his active and bubbly personality. This dog is full of energy and loves to keep busy, reflecting his origins as a working dog. Beardies are very people-oriented and build close bonds with their family. They love spending time with their humans, whether it's a long walk, a workout, or just cuddling on the couch. Bearded Collies are also very intelligent and eager to learn. They love mental challenges and learn quickly, making them excellent candidates for dog sports such as obedience, agility and flyball. They have a natural herding instinct and can sometimes tend to "herd" family members or other pets, which can be done in a gentle and playful manner. Their active and energetic nature means they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can learn to stay alone, but they need enough exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. A bored beardie may be prone to unwanted behaviors such as barking or chewing. The Bearded Collie has a low to moderate hunting instinct. While some beardies may love hunting and tracking small animals, others are more focused on their people and their "work." (like herding or playing). It's important to start recall training early and ensure your beardie has the opportunity to express his energy in a safe and controlled environment. Beardies are alert and attentive, which makes them good guard dogs. They will likely bark to alert you to strangers or unusual noises, but they are not aggressive dogs. They are generally friendly and outgoing towards strangers, especially if they are well socialized and used to different people, environments and situations.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Although Bearded Collies are great herding dogs, they were almost extinct in Britain during the two world wars. The breed was only revived in the 1960s and has been a popular family and show dog ever since.
What Awaits You
Bearded Collies are very active but also sensitive dogs. They need a lot of activity appropriate to their type. Since they quickly learn mistakes, a good training structure is important. The Bearded Collie is a versatile companion for experienced dog owners.
Housing & Care
Bearded Collies can be kept well in both the city and the country, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are friendly and open-minded, even towards children. They are also generally friendly with cats and other pets as long as they are properly socialized.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Bearded Collies are intelligent and active dogs that enjoy learning and working. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. They are also great for various dog sports such as agility, flyball and obedience. It is important to maintain a balance of employment and avoid allowing the Beardie to become "over-employed" becomes. A constantly busy dog doesn't have time to relax and enjoy his surroundings. A proper balance between activity and rest is crucial. It is important to train frustration tolerance and impulse control in Bearded Collies. They are naturally very motivated and can sometimes be a bit "excited". be. Good recall is also important to ensure they can run freely in a safe environment.
Nutrition & Care
Bearded Collies require a balanced diet to maintain their energy and health. High-quality dog food that is tailored to the dog's age, weight and activity level is optimal. Fresh water should always be available. Coat care is a little more demanding for a Bearded Collie. They have a thick, double coat of fur with an undercoat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and skin problems. Bearded Collies can adapt well to the climate in Germany as their thick fur protects them from both cold and heat. However, they can shed quite a bit, especially during the shedding periods in spring and fall.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Bearded Collie is a robust and generally healthy breed, with typical risks well-managed through selective breeding tests. Important conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and hip dysplasia (HD) are effectively controlled through mandatory health tests. Prospective buyers should also ask the breeder about the M-locus to avoid risky merle-to-merle matings and associated health defects.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise, diligent grooming, and attention to any physical changes, you can support your dog well in daily life and spot potential issues early on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips and eyes tested and are intimately familiar with their lineage history to minimize the risk of autoimmune diseases.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Bearded Collie
Tobias M., Halter aus Niedersachsen (Rüde, Welpe)
Wir haben uns ganz bewusst für einen Bearded Collie entschieden, weil wir einen aktiven, aber freundlichen Hund gesucht haben. Und das ist er auch: Er hat ein absolut herzliches Wesen, liebt Kinder und ist im Grunde seines Herzens kein aggressiver Hund. Als klassischen Wachhund, der 'zur Sache geht', kann ich ihn mir beim besten Willen nicht vorstellen, auch wenn er Fremde durchaus lautstark meldet.
Was wir jedoch unterschätzt haben, ist die Sensibilität im Junghundalter. Unser Rüde ist jetzt 18 Wochen alt und das Alleinebleiben fällt ihm extrem schwer. Sobald einer von uns den Raum verlässt, fängt das Jammern an. Auch bei starken Reizen im Freien – besonders wenn er andere Hunde sieht – ist er vor lauter Aufregung kaum noch abrufbar. Da braucht man wirklich viel Geduld, Konsequenz und ein feinfühliges Training ohne Härte.
Sabine K., Halterin aus Baden-Württemberg (Rüde, Tierschutz-Hund)
Ich habe meinen Bearded Collie aus dem Tierschutz übernommen, als er knapp ein Jahr alt war. Er ist im Grunde ein toller, sehr aktiver Hund, aber seine Vergangenheit hat Spuren hinterlassen. Er zeigt einen extrem ausgeprägten Hüte- und Schutztrieb, der sich leider in unerwünschtem Verhalten äußert: Wenn wir ihn nicht rechtzeitig anleinen, neigt er dazu, nach Fahrradfahrern, Joggern, Inlineskatern und sogar rennenden Kindern zu schnappen.
Das zeigt mir ganz deutlich, dass diese Rasse eben keine reinen 'Plüschbären' sind, sondern echte Arbeitshunde mit viel Energie, die eine klare Führung brauchen. Beim Tierarzt ist er zudem sehr gestresst und versucht zu schnappen, wenn ihm etwas wehtut, weshalb wir dort zur Sicherheit immer einen Maulkorb nutzen. Trotz dieser Baustellen liebe ich seine sensible und aufgeweckte Art, aber man darf die Rasse charakterlich definitiv nicht unterschätzen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Bearded Collie
Is a Bearded Collie the right dog for me?
The Bearded Collie is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bearded Collie live?
The average life expectancy of a Bearded Collie is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bearded Collie need?
Bearded Collie grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bearded Collie good for families with children?
The Bearded Collie can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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