8 Fun Facts About Bearded Collies Most People Don’t Know

Did you know that the Bearded Collie you’re admiring at the park might not have the same shaggy coat color next year? They can look different thanks to their unique fading gene that changes in hues as they grow older.1 

Bearded Collies, also known as Beardies or Highland Collies, are a fun-loving, furry breed with a unique history and personality. But there’s a lot more to these Collies than meets the eye. 

If you’re curious about this breed, here are eight fun facts about Bearded Collies you may not have known.

1. Heritage of Herding

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Bearded Collies are one of the oldest British breeds, with origins dating back to the 1500s in Scotland. They were originally bred as herding dogs to work with sheep and cattle in harsh weather and terrain.

2. Furry Charm

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The breed’s name comes from the long, shaggy hair that hangs down from their chin, forming a distinctive beard. This beard is part of their double coat, which consists of a coarse, straight outercoat and a soft undercoat. 

3. Bouncy Demeanor Origins

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Bearded Collies are known for their bouncy, energetic personality. It’s believed this “bouncy” behavior originated from the dogs bouncing up to see where the sheep were while working in thick undergrowth in Scotland.

4. Small Package but High Energy

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Despite their small to medium size, Bearded Collies are highly athletic and muscular. They require at least one to two hours of exercise per day, such as running, hiking, agility training, and interactive games.

5. Coat Palettes

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The breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, and fawn. As they age, their coats often fade to white or silver markings. The Kennel Club recognizes over 20 different color combinations in the breed standard (ref). 

6. Smart & Independent Streak

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Bearded Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for obedience training, agility competitions, and other dog sports. However, their independent streak requires patient, positive reinforcement training from an early age.

7. Flock Guardians

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While friendly and affectionate with their families, Bearded Collies can be reserved with strangers at first. They make good watchdogs, alerting their owners to the arrival of visitors with their tendency to bark.

8. Pop Culture

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A Bearded Collie named Shaggy was the star of the 2006 movie “The Shaggy Dog”. The breed’s distinctive appearance and lively personality have made them popular on screen and in the show ring (ref).

Based on these eight facts, it’s clear why Bearded Collies have captured the hearts of so many people around the world. Their unique appearance, energetic personality, and intelligence make them a breed that continues to charm and delight.

Source:

  1. https://www.google.com.ph/books/edition/Bearded_Collie/47sKBgAAQBAJ?hl
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.