Bearded Collie
This beautiful and loveable dog was bred to herd sheep and cattle in their homeland of Scotland. Today, they are still used as sheepdogs but have firmly found their way into many homes as an excellent family companion.
Bearded Collie At A Glance
| Lifespan | 14-15 years |
| Temperament | A boisterous and independent breed who is super friendly. |
| Suitable | An active family who loves to get out and about. |
| Health | The Bearded Collie is typically a healthy dog breed, but like many dogs, they can be predisposed to certain health complications. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | $1,425.15 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $2,740.00 |
| Respiratory Condition | $957.35 |
| Nail Disorder | $2,027.15 |
| Skin Allergies | $1,146.19 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $8,426.48 |
| Peritoneum (abdominal) Disorder | $4,524.45 |
| Cruciate Disease | $4,813.45 |
*PetSure Data 2024
Trainability
These stunning dogs are a delight to train and excel in all training and dog sports. They make enthusiastic students and love to please. This attitude makes them super easy to train in the right hands. Like all breeds, they will not adapt to harsh training methods. They can be headstrong due to their herding ancestry; however, with persistence and rewards, your pup will be eager to learn and please. You must start training early and ensure you correctly socialise your Beardie with plenty of sights, sounds, and experiences. Puppy preschool classes are a fantastic way to encourage socialisation and basic training. Beardies learn best in an enthusiastic and positive environment, so think of plenty of praise treats and fun activities. This breed does like to bark. It is an inherited trait as it served them well as masters of herding. However, this behaviour may not be so well-liked by your neighbours. Training is a must to teach your pup how to control their barking.
Grooming
If you do not like grooming, then a Beardie is not the breed for you. This sensationally shaggy dog needs a good dose of weekly grooming. The long double coat will need a good brush with a pin brush to remove tangles at least twice a week and more during extra activity and shedding times. Many groomers and breeders will advise using a de-tangle spray to help with tough patches and to reduce hair breakage. Your young pup will need to learn to love a good groom, which can take up to an hour on occasion. The more you groom, the better, and remember to make this an enjoyable experience with plenty of praise and treats. The breed will shed heavily once a year. Many owners call in professionals during this time to help cope with the mass of hair. Having your puppy desensitised to touch and grooming will help immensely when they are older. Teach them that paw touches, mouth touches, ears, and faces are all okay and nothing to fear. Nail clipping is also advised at an early age. Ask your local veterinarian how to clip your young dog’s nails correctly.
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Common Health Complaints – Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are generally a healthy and robust breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to specific health issues. Responsible breeding practices, regular veterinary check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the overall well-being of Bearded Collies. Here are some common health concerns associated with this breed:
- Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in many dog breeds, including Bearded Collies. It involves the malformation of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and responsible breeding practices that screen for hip dysplasia can help prevent and manage this condition. Treatment typically involves weight management and surgery.
- Hypothyroidism: - Bearded Collies may be prone to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Regular thyroid function testing, a balanced diet, and prompt veterinary intervention can help manage hypothyroidism.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - PRA is a genetic eye disorder that leads to the degeneration of the retina, potentially resulting in blindness. Responsible breeding practices, including genetic testing for PRA, can help reduce the risk. Regular eye check-ups and early detection are crucial for managing this condition.
- Allergies - Bearded Collies may be susceptible to allergies, manifesting as skin irritations, itching, and digestive issues. Identifying and avoiding allergens, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular grooming to keep the coat clean can help manage allergies.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat) - Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding strenuous exercise after meals, and raising food bowls can help reduce the risk of gastric torsion.
- Ear Infections - Bearded Collies, with their floppy ears, may be prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning, proper grooming, and prompt veterinary attention at the first signs of infection can help prevent and manage ear issues.
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) - Similar to hip dysplasia, CHD is a hereditary condition affecting the hip joint's development. Responsible breeding practices, including hip screenings, healthy weight, and appropriate exercise, can help manage CHD.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing health concerns promptly contribute to the overall well-being of Bearded Collies. Responsible breeders are crucial in minimising genetic health issues through screening and ethical breeding practices. If you’re considering bringing a Bearded Collie into your home, choose a reputable breeder and proactively manage your dog’s health.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Bearded Collie here.
Exercise Requirements
This breed is very smart and is known for being headstrong and independent – a required trait when herding sheep. For this reason, it is essential to consider enriching your dog’s environment when you are not at home and ensuring you adequately exercise your dog. If not, your adorable Beardie will undoubtedly find some wonderful entertainment that may not be suitable – such as constant barking, destructive chewing and escaping.
Intelligence
This breed is very smart and is known for being headstrong and independent – a required trait when herding sheep. For this reason, it is essential to consider enriching your dog’s environment when you are not at home and ensuring you adequately exercise your dog. If not, your adorable Beardie will undoubtedly find some wonderful entertainment that may not be suitable – such as constant barking, destructive chewing and escaping.
Family Friendly
The Bearded Collie makes an ideal family companion. They are a great addition to any active household when socialised, trained and bred correctly. Their sheer enjoyment and keenness for life make them a great playmate to an older child. Like with all dogs, supervision is advised as too, teaching your child how to correctly play with a dog, and train your dog how to interact with a child correctly. The Beardie gets along well with other pets, especially if introduced in puppyhood.
Indoor/outdoor?
The Beardie thrives being with their pack or flock. They do not take well to spending long and endless hours alone and will showcase barking or other destructive behaviours when bored. They need to feel a part of all the action and love a household can offer. Like with all breeds, ample shade in the summer and warmth in the winter is paramount. Some owners clip their dogs during blistering Australian summers to help cool their pets. This breed is known for escaping, so double-checking fences regularly is essential.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Bearded Collie here.
Responsible Breeding
Selecting a new furry addition to your family is a significant decision that warrants careful consideration. Opting for a reputable breeding establishment is paramount in ensuring the health and well-being of your puppy. Take the time to pose essential questions regarding any hereditary issues and, whenever possible, request to meet the prospective pup’s mother and father.
Contact your local breed club for valuable insights and recommendations about your chosen breeder. A reliable breeder should be able to provide evidence of regular genetic disease testing for their dogs and demonstrate a commitment to breeding from individuals with sound temperaments.
While it may be tempting to make a quick purchase, investing a little extra time in thoroughly vetting the breeder can spare you and your family from potential heartache and the distress of caring for an ailing puppy. Ensuring a healthy and well-cared-for canine companion is well worth the patience and diligence exercised during puppy selection.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Rottweilers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
Resources
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bearded-collie/
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bearded-collie
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bearded-collie
