Also called Beardie, Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou'ed Collie · Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs · Scotland
A cheerful, bouncy herding dog that loves being outdoors and busy.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18 to 27 kg (40 to 60 lb)12 |
| Height | 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in)males 53 to 56 cm, females 51 to 56 cm314 |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years25 |
| Coat | Long double coat |
| Origin | Scotland, where it herded sheep and drove cattle.316 |
| Group | Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1) |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
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.3642
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bearded Collie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
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.521
Sociable and people-oriented; generally gets on with other dogs and thrives with company and involvement in family life.26
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.521
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
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
Pet Wiki'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
The Bearded Collie's long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles, as recommended by the Royal Kennel Club. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a thorough brushing once a week, but daily is best for a healthy coat.5
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
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. Pet Wiki's starting plan is daily walks and play.521
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
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.25
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.26
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.26
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.
Running costs for a Bearded Collie, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 100 kg of dry food a year | 328 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Grooming3 salon visits a year | 165 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Bearded Collie in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
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
Mrs Willison originally ordered a Shetland Sheepdog puppy and was sent Jeannie, a Bearded Collie, by mistake.5
Beardie coats often lighten as puppies grow, then darken again later, without returning to their birth shade.4
A popular legend says Polish Lowland Sheepdogs brought to Scotland by a trader in 1514 are among the breed's ancestors.1
A Bearded Collie, Potterdale Classic at Moonhill, won Best in Show at Crufts in 1989.1
The breed is named for the distinctive beard of longer hair on its chin, which is a key feature of its shaggy coat.6
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.
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 1959.531
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog
Border Collie