GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History
The Bearded Collie was bred by sheep farmers in the rugged, mountain area of the Scottish Highlands. They had the agility, stamina and hardiness to perform their work, with a thick, shaggy coat which kept them warm and dry in the harsh winters. There are theories that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog may have been involved in the evolution of the Beardie, but that is not documented.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 11 to 15 years.

Temperament
Slow to mature, Beardies are playful, and enjoy being involved in family activities. With high energy and intelligence, they excel in dog sports, but can be challenging to train.

General Breed Description
A medium sized breed, with a double coat, they are an affectionate dog and prefer to be with the family, not locked outside on their own. The breed can be strong willed, so should be socialised and trained from an early age. They are slow to mature, so can continue with juvenile behaviour, but this can also be part of the charm of the breed. Coat colours range from black, dark slate, steel blue, silvery blue, rich chocolate, reddish brown, fawn to sandy, with or without white markings.

Coat and Care Requirements
With a double coat, the Beardie does need consistent and frequent grooming, however, a thorough brush and comb through weekly will keep the coat in good order. More attention will need to be payed to the coat during the puppy to adult coat change. Bathing when required, and keeping the dog free of parasites, will keep the Beardie happy and in good bloom.

Size
Height: Males 53 to 56cms (21 to 22ins), Females 51 to 53cms (20 to 21ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Beardie is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
A loyal and family friendly dog, the Beardie will become a member of the family.  Regular coat maintenance, and time to spend with the Beardie is essential.  They are willing participants in Obedience or Agility events.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/151