Tell me about Bearded Collies...

[Lamont77]

Hi,

Been looking into getting a dog for about 3 years now and thinking late next year could be the time to do it (still have a while to think about it).

Anyway, done some research and all the quizzes known to man, and Bearded Collies keep coming up.

My friend has one, who is lovely, but I only really have her as an example tbh.

Anyone got any experience of beardies/know if they're good family dogs?

They are working dogs really. Will you be giving it a job to do? If not then it is unlikely to be an ideal family pet. They need a good deal of mental stimulation as well as exercise.

Weirdly hers is quite lazy - its off a long line of show dogs though. Wondering if the working lines might be more lively 🤔🤔

What’s your set up? Collies need to be busy with tasks

@Lamont77

Weirdly hers is quite lazy - its off a long line of show dogs though. Wondering if the working lines might be more lively 🤔🤔

Yes, show and working lines can be poles apart. Why are you thinking of a bearded collie particularly? What are your requirements for a dog?

So, we both work from home (have done for years, so wouldn't be changing with return to offices or anything).

My parents are retired and happy to take dog if we go away.

I like long walks and partner runs marathons, wants a dog that can keep up with that. We sometimes hike too.

Just to clarify, he would be taking the dog running with him, not on full marathons

The bearded collies I know are fabulous. Very, very high energy. Lots of crazy leaping, chasing anything that moves. Very loving and loyal.

They are lovely dogs, but I've never known one that wasn't a chronic barker.

I walk a bearded collie mix.

She's lovely - aloof with other dogs but very friendly with people. She loves her ball and will easily become absolutely obsessed with it so her owners do need to limit the amount of time she has it.

Her recall is excellent but she is very high energy (she's nine now) and you can walk her all day and she's still up for more be prepared for long walks and to do lots of brain games to keep them busy.

Love beardies. I had one when a teen back when they were fairly rare. Lovely dogs. Bouncy and like all collies (including my rough) very pack orientated so look after their herd. Always on protective watch. Very cuddley. Noise reactive so easily scared. Can go for big walks or sit on settee. Double coat but matt easily so regular grooming essential however they shed in clumps rather than single hairs. My rough collie coat is easier to keep than the beardies was. She was the lovliest dog and I heartily recommend them. My rough collie is more chilled, I would say.

Thanks for the replies everyone. They sound good natured, active, friendly dogs.

Yes, my friend's beardie is terrified of loud noises. Whereas my family dog growing up was a ratting terrier, who would literally bark at the sky on fireworks night asking for a fight 🤣

I've noted interest with a KC Reg breeder. I think I would want a bitch, seems to be quite a big jump in size from the dogs and bitches.

@LostArcher what is the hair shedding like with your rough collie? Is it similar to the beardie's?

@Lamont77 Not nearly as bad. I find if we just slicker brush for ten mins a day or every other day then it is fine. She is still only 11 months so we haven't had a coat blow out yet but we send her to the groomers every eight to ten weeks for a deshed. Back in the day, there wasn't the dog groomers around to send our beardie so perhaps that's why it feels worse. Our Rough is deffo more chilled than the beardie and less herdy.

@LostArcher omg your dog is just gorgeous!! Thanks for the info and sounds like a breed I should research. I was initially put off thinking the shedding was heavy, whereas when I've watched my friend's beardie, I've noticed it is like human hair and doesn't fall out the way a lab or golden retriever's does. So, its good to know a bit more about the coat and that the shedding isn't as crazy as I thought!