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    Herding Group

    Bearded Collie

    The 'bouncing Beardie' — a Scottish herding breed with shaggy charm and tireless enthusiasm. Beardies are exuberant, affectionate, and need 90+ minutes of daily exercise plus serious grooming. Best for active families who love a clownish, vocal companion.

    Bearded Collie with long flowing gray-and-white coat on a misty highland meadow

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Scottish Highlands, 1500s
    Height (M / F)
    21–22 / 20–21 in
    Weight (M / F)
    45–55 / 45–55 lb
    Lifespan
    12–14 years
    Coat
    Long, flat, shaggy double coat
    Shedding
    medium
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Better with space
    Daily exercise
    90–120 min

    History & Origin

    Used for centuries to drive sheep across Scottish hills. Nearly extinct after WWII; revived by breeder Olive Willison in the 1940s. AKC recognition in 1976.

    Temperament & Personality

    Outgoing, lively, vocal. The 'bounce' is real — Beardies hop with joy. Sensitive to harsh tones.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hip dysplasia

    ~7% (OFA)

    Joint malformation.

    Screening: OFA hips

    Addison's disease

    Breed-overrepresented (~3.4%)

    Adrenal insufficiency causing weakness, GI signs.

    Screening: ACTH stim if symptomatic

    Hypothyroidism

    Common

    Low thyroid.

    Screening: Annual T4/TSH

    Autoimmune diseases

    Notable

    Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and others.

    Screening: Vet awareness

    Cataracts

    Occasional

    Lens opacity.

    Screening: Annual CERF

    Exercise Needs

    90–120 minutes daily — running, herding, agility, hiking.

    • Off-leash hikes
    • Herding lessons
    • Agility, flyball
    • Trick training
    • Long fetch sessions
    Puppies: Apply 5-min/month rule. Avoid hot weather.
    Seniors: Maintain daily walks; switch to swimming if joints stiffen.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 1,000–1,500 kcal.

    Two meals daily. Watch for weight changes hidden by coat.

    Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Wheat.

    ⚠ Lean BCS by feel through coat.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    Need both physical and mental engagement.

    • Herding sport
    • Agility
    • Trick training
    • Puzzle toys
    • Doggy sports clubs

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush daily 10–15 minutes; full grooming 1 hour weekly. Bathe every 4–6 weeks. Many pet owners opt for a 'puppy clip' to ease maintenance.

    Training

    Eager and bright but independent. Positive reinforcement only. Channel bouncy energy into structured work.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Bearded Collie: high.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Bearded Collie

    These three costs move together. The Bearded Collie’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    High

    Common hereditary conditions raise claim odds

    Vet service load

    High

    High activity raises orthopedic & injury visits

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Double coat sheds seasonally — frequent brushing

    Triple-cost breed: budget for premium insurance, frequent vet visits, and professional grooming.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $85

    Routine vet

    $60

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$205/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Rural or suburban with secure yard. Apartment life only with serious commitment to exercise.

    Choosing a Puppy

    OFA hips, eye CERF, thyroid panel, DNA tests where available. Meet parents to gauge temperament.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Bearded Collies hypoallergenic?

    No — they shed moderately year-round and produce typical dog dander. The long coat sheds less visibly than short coats but still triggers allergies.

    Are Bearded Collies easy to train?

    They're intelligent and willing but independent. Positive reinforcement with short, varied sessions works best. They can be slow to mature.

    How much exercise does a Bearded Collie need?

    At least 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise plus mental work. Under-exercised Beardies become destructive and vocal.

    Related breeds

    Old English Sheepdog with shaggy gray-and-white coat sitting on a green pasture

    Old English Sheepdog

    The shaggy 'bobtail' of British countryside fame — a large, gentle herding dog famous for that mop-like double coat. OES are affectionate, playful and patient with children, but the grooming commitment is enormous (3–4 hours per week minimum) and they need 60+ minutes of daily exercise to stay sound.

    Sable-and-white Rough Collie with elegant long muzzle in a sunlit grassy field

    Collie (Rough)

    'Lassie's' breed — the elegant, intelligent and devoted Rough Collie is one of the gentlest large herding breeds. Collies form profound bonds with family, are excellent with children, and need only moderate exercise (45–60 minutes). The downside: heavy seasonal shedding and a tendency to bark.

    Black and white Border Collie running through a green field

    Border Collie

    The smartest dog breed, period — and that's both gift and curse. Border Collies live to work; under-stimulated they invent jobs (typically destructive ones). They're the ultimate sport, agility and farm partner for committed owners with hours daily for physical and mental work. Not a casual pet.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.