Bearded Collies Pups Facts and Health Problems Information

For a happy-go-lucky, agreeable pet, look into the Bearded Collie. These dogs have a wonderful personality and can be independent, cheerful dogs.

Bearded Collies History
As far back as 1514, there have been Bearded Collies and these dogs are a direct descendant of the Polish Sheepdog. They also look similar to the Old English sheepdog, so they are probably related to that breed as well.

The Bearded Collie is known for its tracking and hunting skills, but they are excellent at performing tricks as well. They have been used in Scotland as a herder of sheep and cattle. In fact, the word for “herding” in the Scottish language is “collie.” This breed is rare in the United States, although it is registered in the AKC as a member of the Herding Group, appropriately enough.

Bearded Collies Appearance
Weighing between 40 to 60 pounds and standing 20 to 22 inches tall, the Bearded Collie or “Beardie” is a medium to large-sized dog. They have plenty of energy and are robust creatures. They have shaggy hair all over, including their chins, which can look like a beard – giving them the name Bearded Collies.

Bearded Collies Characteristics
These dogs have a lot of energy and do great with a fenced yard and long walks. They need a lot of exercise, preferably while running around free. They do not like to be confined and should have a place to run off its leash. They are not great in apartments for this reason.

Beardies are very smart, but they are also headstrong. They were bred to be independent thinkers, so obedience training is very important for them. They might resist training at first. They can be noisy barkers, but not necessarily great watchdogs. They are a natural herder of people and other animals.

Bearded Collies Grooming and Health Problems
You should brush your Beardie at least once a day due to its large coat. If you do not frequently brush the Bearded Collie’s coat, it will become matted and the dog will eventually need to be shaved. A fine mist of water will help to tease out any knots and a spray-on hair conditioner will help. When the dog is shedding, you will need to increase grooming as this will help prevent the hair from gathering all over the ground and making a mess in your home.

Most Beardie owners have their dogs professionally groomed every few months to help with coat maintenance. You should keep their nails short and keep an eye on their ears to make sure they are clean and healthy. Ticks can hide in their thick coats, so be sure to check for these animals after a trip outside.

Bearded Collies enjoy good health, but they can experience allergies, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, auto-immune disease and the occasional eye problem. Nevertheless, these dogs make excellent additions to any family.

         

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