15 things to know before owning a Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is one of the longest-living breeds. They are often called Beardie, Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, and Hairy Mouth Collie. They were initially developed in Scotland. 

Before bringing one home, you must know these 15 things about the Bearded Collie breed!

They were initially bred as herding dogs.

Bearded Collies were initially developed to herd livestock, so they naturally possess a robust drive to direct the behavior of the animals under their care. 

Sometimes this manifests as a want to herd the family's kids or pets. This natural instinct needs to be channeled through training and socialization.

Bearded Collies can be well-behaved and fun to have around the house if you take the time to teach them obedience. 

Bearded Collies are highly active dogs.

As a prospective owner, you should be aware of the breed's exercise needs and be prepared to provide many opportunities for physical activity.

Bearded Collies were bred to herd sheep, so they need regular, vigorous exercise, or else they risk developing behavioral problems, including: 

• boredom
• restlessness
• and destruction.

Regular exercise is also an excellent weapon against the health risks associated with inactivity. They do best where they can get enough exercise, such as on a farm or a rural residence, where they can run around the yard and play.

These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.

Bearded Collies make lovely family pets because they are : 

• friendly
• devoted
• gentle and mellow
• fond of their owners,
• get along well with kids
• delighted in the company of humans
• easy to pick up new information
• adaptable to different environments
• with a great sense of humor

Anyone needing a trustworthy, social, and affectionate canine companion will find all three qualities in a Bearded Collie. 

They are generally good with children and other pets.

Beardies are also rambunctious playmates who enjoy spending time with kids of all ages. But remember that very young toddlers may be unable to handle a Beardie's boundless enthusiasm.

Beardies may also nibble at the feet of young children to herd them like sheep. Yet, with proper training, socialization, and maintenance, this shouldn't be a problem.

Bearded Collies get along well with kids and animals as long as they have been adequately socialized and taught. Keep an eye on them whenever they're around kids or other animals, especially when they're still puppies.

Teaching the children and the dogs how to behave appropriately and politely is crucial. There is always a chance of harm or misunderstanding when dogs and children play together.

If you have other pets and want to introduce your Bearded Collie to them, you should do so gradually and under close supervision to ensure everyone stays safe. 

They require regular grooming.

Bearded Collies with fluffy coats require more maintenance than those with shorter hair. Their attractive, distinctive, long, shaggy coats must be groomed frequently to prevent matting and tangling.

For best grooming results, you should visit a professional groomer for occasional cutting and shaping and regular brushing and combing. Grooming your dog regularly keeps him looking nice and helps prevent skin irritation and other problems from improper coat care. 

Bearded collies, like all dogs, benefit from regular nail trimming. Their teeth should be brushed twice weekly, and their ears must also be cleaned and checked. 

Bearded Collies are highly intelligent dogs.

Bearded Collies are well-known for their intelligence and sometimes headstrong or self-reliant. Given their brilliance and high energy level, they will greatly benefit from consistent, rigorous training.

They excel at working dog sports such as agility and herding because they love to be active. Like many other high-intelligence, high-energy breeds, Bearded Collies can become destructive without sufficient time and care.

They learn best when praised for their efforts and are more likely to improve their behavior rather than be reprimanded. Training sessions should be brief and frequent to keep their interest and attention.

Bearded Collies have a reputation for wanting to please their owners, which may make training a positive experience for both of you. 

Bearded Collies can be prone to specific health issues.

Like other dog breeds, Bearded Collies may be susceptible to various health issues, including: 

• hip dysplasia
• hypothyroidism
• allergies
• cataracts
• progressive retinal atrophy
• and other eye difficulties.

Hip Dysplasia occurs when the hip joint does not grow normally, which can be painful and restricts movement.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to generate adequate hormones. Hypothyroidism can also cause: 

• weight gain
• fatigue
• slow heart rate
• sensitivity to cold
• and skin problems.

These dogs may not be suitable for apartment living.

Bearded Collies need a lot of exercise and space to run around because they have a lot of energy and may be loud. As a result, they may not be suited to city life, where they might not have a yard or outdoor space to run off steam.

They could quickly become bored and start acting out if they aren't provided enough space. Because of this, you should evaluate your living arrangements to ensure that you can provide your Bearded Collie with the room and exercise it needs.

However, Bearded Collies are highly adaptable canines. They will be happy and content if their vigorous exercise, socialization, and grooming needs are addressed. 

But if given a chance, your Bearded Collie will thrive better in the open spaces and fresh air of a rural setting. If you live in a city, though, your dog will need more opportunities to run and play, so be sure to take it to the dog park or another safe place often.

Due to their skill as escape artists, their outside play area or yard must be enclosed and safe.

Bearded Collies require a lot of socialization from an early age.

Like most herding breeds, the Bearded Collie requires human company and regular physical activity to feel fulfilled. They need training and care regardless of the task at hand.

Bearded Collies need extensive early socialization to avoid developing a fear of or hostility toward strangers. Bearded Collie puppies must be socialized with: 

• different people
• animals
• and environments.

Expose them as early as possible through means such as: 

• puppy courses
• outings to the park
• and other such activities.

Doing so will increase the odds that their Bearded Collie will mature into a friendly and content pet.

They have a strong prey drive.

Instinctively, Bearded Collies will chase and even kill tiny animals, a characteristic shared by many herding breeds. Because of this, Bearded Collies should never be let off the leash, even in a safe gated area.

This is especially crucial in locations with a high concentration of wildlife or busy highways, as a car could easily hit the dog. 

But, a Bearded Collie can learn to manage its prey drive and become a well-behaved and affectionate pet with the proper training and socialization.

They may become anxious if left alone for long periods.

Bearded Collies are sociable canines that thrive in households with people. Long periods of isolation can cause stress and boredom, leading to harmful behaviors like gnawing and digging.

Always keeping your Bearded Collie active and mentally challenged is crucial to avoid these problems. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by: 

• taking them on runs or walks
• playing games with them
• or giving them puzzle toys.

Hiring a dog walker or considering doggie daycare may be a good idea if you work outside the home or have other commitments that keep you away for lengthy periods. 

Don't leave this puppy in a crate all day while you're away because it can contribute more to their separation anxiety.

If you're considering getting a Bearded Collie as a pet, you should be ready to provide it with lots of love, care, and exercise.

Bearded Collies require consistent training.

Bearded Collies are an independent breed that can be difficult to train. Training can be successful if begun early and lots of positive reinforcement is used. 

Having a job to do and being treated with respect will help keep these dogs from getting into mischief during the day.

Bearded Collies benefit greatly from obedience training. They are also highly skilled in canine sports like:

• obedience
• rallying
• and agility.

But it's possible that they won't absorb information in the way you'd anticipate because these dogs have hyperactive minds and tend to get bored quickly. Moreover, they have an innate need to herd and chase, so they must be trained to channel these behaviors positively.

These dogs are also suitable for canine sports.

Bearded Collies excel at canine sports like agility and obedience because of their energetic and curious attitude.

In agility competitions, dogs will sprint, leap, climb, and weave around a series of obstacles. On the other hand, obeying directions and carrying out activities like sitting, staying, and collecting items are examples of obedience.

You may find these pursuits a delightful way to spend quality time together while allowing the dog's boundless energy to be put to good use. As a bonus, participating in these pursuits can boost self-assurance and enhance socializing abilities with other dogs and humans.

It's worth noting that not all Bearded Collies have the same level of interest in or aptitude for these pursuits. While determining whether or not to engage in these activities with your Bearded Collie, you should consider his or her specific temperament and preferences, just like you would with any other dog.

Bearded Collies tend to wander or roam.

Certain Bearded Collies have a propensity for wandering. So, if you leave them unattended or remove their leash, they may try to venture off your land and into unknown territory. Hence, ensure your Bearded Collie is always safe and sound by closely monitoring it.

If you want to offer your dog some freedom to run around while still keeping them under control, you can do so by fencing in your yard or using a long leash. 

Remember that if your Bearded Collie is not allowed to roam freely, it is safer from being:

• lost
• hit by a car
• or attacked by other animals.

Conclusion

Bearded Collies are lovable and loyal dogs, but they do come with their own set of unique requirements. From their exercise needs to their grooming requirements and health concerns, it's essential to be fully informed before bringing one into your home. By taking the time to research the breed and understand its characteristics, you can ensure that you and your new furry friend will have a happy and healthy life together!