Pet Wiki

Bearded Collie

Also called Beardie, Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou'ed Collie

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Scotland, where it herded sheep and drove cattle.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight18 to 27 kg24
Height, male53 to 56 cm125
Height, female51 to 56 cm125
Lifespan12 to 14 years46
Sizemedium

The FCI standard sets no weight; Wikipedia and Hill's both give about 40-60 lb.

bouncy, lively and outgoing
clever working dog
friendly and self-confident
134

Coat and looks how to spot one

long double coat

A soft, close undercoat under a flat, harsh and shaggy top coat that should not be woolly or curly. Longer hair on the chin forms the beard that gives the breed its name.152

Coloursslate greyreddish fawnblackblueall shades of greybrownsandy15

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, bouncy herding dog that loves being outdoors and busy. It is bright and quick to learn, but has an independent streak and does best with patient, consistent training.1354

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic breed that enjoys daily walks plus active play or training; it is a popular choice for agility, obedience and similar sports. The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour a day, while Hill's suggests over 40 minutes plus vigorous play.642

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long coat needs regular care: The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming as a daily job, with thorough brushing to keep the coat tangle free.642

Company who they like around

Sociable and people-oriented; generally gets on with other dogs and thrives with company and involvement in family life.43

The story where it all began

Shaggy herding dogs of this type have worked in Scotland for around five centuries. The modern breed was rebuilt in the 1940s by Mrs G. Olive Willison of Bothkennar kennels, who started with a brown bitch called Jeannie and a grey dog called Bailie (Bailey). The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1959.612

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Mrs Willison originally ordered a Shetland Sheepdog puppy and was sent Jeannie, a Bearded Collie, by mistake.6

  2. 2

    Beardie coats often lighten as puppies grow, then darken again later, without returning to their birth shade.5

  3. 3

    A popular legend says Polish Lowland Sheepdogs brought to Scotland by a trader in 1514 are among the breed's ancestors.2

  4. 4

    A Bearded Collie, Potterdale Classic at Moonhill, won Best in Show at Crufts in 1989.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for the distinctive beard of longer hair on its chin, which is a key feature of its shaggy coat.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BrambleSkyeTartanMistyBounceThistleWeezyCloverRoverHeatherFizzMac

A day in the life told by a Bearded Collie

I started my day with a big stretch and a bark. My human took me to the fields, where I herded the sheep, just for fun, since they didn't need me. I ran in circles, leaping over bushes, and chased a frisbee. After a good romp, I got a brush and a treat. I love being busy and making my human smile. Every day is a new game.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 271, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard published 03.11.2014, country of origin Great Britain.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral group; recognised in 1959; listed as a vulnerable native breed.6
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 1979.5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bearded Collie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Bearded Collie tip

Bearded Collies can easily hide extra pounds under their thick coat, so use low-calorie, high-fibre treats like small pieces of apple or carrot, and always account for treats in their daily calorie allowance.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bearded Collie, and at what times?

Feed your Bearded Collie at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.7

What should a Bearded Collie eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you have concerns.8

How often should I bathe a Bearded Collie?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but you can bathe as needed, at least every three months. If your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, more frequent baths are fine. Use a dog-safe shampoo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bearded Collie need brushing?

The Bearded Collie's long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles, as recommended by the Royal Kennel Club. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a thorough brushing once a week, but daily is best for a healthy coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bearded Collie's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bearded Collie need?

This energetic breed needs at least 40 minutes to an hour of daily exercise, plus active play or training. They love agility and outdoor activities. Furry Diary's starting plan is daily walks and play.642 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bearded Collie's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bearded Collie's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bearded Collie live?

Bearded Collies typically live 12 to 14 years with good care. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle help them reach the upper end of that range.46

Is a Bearded Collie good with children and other pets?

Yes, Bearded Collies are generally good with children and other pets, especially when raised together. They are sociable, people-oriented dogs that love being part of family activities. Early socialization helps them get along well.43

Can a Bearded Collie be left alone?

Bearded Collies are very sociable and prefer company, so they should not be left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day. If left alone, provide plenty of toys and enrichment to keep them occupied.43

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Polish Lowland SheepdogOld English SheepdogBorder Collie

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 271 Bearded Collie fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Bearded Collie en.wikipedia.orgused for names, weight, history, facts
  3. AKC: Bearded Collie akc.orgused for origin, temperament
  4. Hill's Pet: Bearded Collie hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, social
  5. UKC: Bearded Collie ukcdogs.comused for recognition, temperament, coat colour change
  6. The Royal Kennel Club: Bearded Collie royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, facts
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.