As a family dog and a dog for children, the Beardie scores top marks (5/5). It loves close contact with its people, gets on well with other dogs and, once the work is done, is ready for a cuddle on the sofa. Thanks to its extremely high trainability (5/5) and its bubbly intelligence, it learns incredibly fast – though that also goes for bad habits if you are not consistent. As a former herding dog, it is also often sensitive to noise; calm, confident leadership gives it the security it needs here.
Never underestimate its energy level (4/5). A Bearded Collie needs daily adventures in all weathers, as well as mental tasks, for example in agility, rally obedience or demanding search games. Suitability for city living is in the middle range (3/5): a flat in the city only works if you live right next to green space and the dog does not have to be left alone all day. You should also plan set times for grooming. The long, dense coat with its abundant undercoat (grooming needs and shedding each 3/5) must be brushed through to the skin regularly to stop it matting. On top of that, after every rainy walk the Beardie brings half the forest into your living room in its beard and long ear fringes.
Your checklist for the first conversation with a breeder
When you visit breeders, specific questions and observations will help you recognise good rearing. Don’t rely on mere assurances; check the facts on the spot:
- Review the eye test results: Ask to see the official reports of the parent dogs’ ophthalmological eye test (including the examination for CEA and cataracts) as well as the puppies’ eye test results.
- Check the hip status: Ask for the official X-ray evaluations for hip dysplasia (HD) of the dam and the stud dog.
- Ask about the line history: Ask the breeder directly whether any cases of autoimmune disease (such as pemphigus) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are known in the parent dogs’ lines. A good breeder talks about this openly and transparently.
- Observe the dam’s temperament: Watch how the bitch reacts to visitors and everyday noises. She should be lively and friendly, as is typical of the breed, but never panicky or extremely jumpy.
- Early grooming habituation: Ask how the puppies are already being accustomed to the brush, having their ears checked and having their paws dried – this will make life much easier for you later.
On HonestDog, a breeder profile only goes online once the breeder has completed registration: identity verification by ID and selfie, proof of club membership or a §11 permit where applicable, a knowledge test on breeding and animal welfare, and agreement to the HonestDog breeding standards, which among other things rule out breeding with traits associated with extreme breeding. Health tests of the parent dogs that breeders upload are visible directly in the profile; you should ask to see the original results when you visit. Your next step: compare the profiles of the Bearded Collie breeders on HonestDog, look at the health certificates that have been uploaded and ask directly about the next litter.
