How to Identify a Bearded Collie

Bearded Collies originated in Scotland and are members of the herding group. [1] They share a few characteristics with other breeds, but they also have several distinguishing ones. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Bearded Collie.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Body Structure

  1. Male Bearded Collies are generally 21–22 inches (53–56 cm) in height, while females are slightly smaller and anywhere from 20–21 inches (51–53 cm) in height. Both male and female Bearded Collies usually weigh anywhere from 45–55 pounds (20–25 kg). [2]
  2. Bearded Collies have hanging, medium-sized ears that are set level with dog's eyes and covered with long hair. When the dog is alert, the ears should have a slight lift at their base. [3]
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  3. Bearded Collies should have eyes that are set widely apart from each other and appear affectionate, soft, and expressive, yet neither protruding nor round. Their eye color will generally match with what their coat color is (with the exception of a blue or fawn Bearded Collies, which may have noticeably lighter eyes). [4]
  4. Bearded Collies typically have a squarish-shaped nose that is of a large size. [5]
  5. The tail of a Bearded Collie is typically set low on the dog, covered with a lot of hair, and is long enough for the end of the bone on the tail to reach at least to the point of dog's hocks. When the dog is standing, the tail is usually carried low, with an upward swirl at its tip. The curve is usually accentuated when the dog is in motion and/or excited, and the tail may also be raised (though the tail should not be carried beyond a vertical line). [6]
  6. When a Bearded Collie moves, it should have a level, firm back, and its movement should overall appear powerful, free, and supple. Its feet are lifted just enough to clear the ground, thus giving the impression that the dog is "gliding". [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. Bearded Collies are born either blue, brown, fawn, or black. As they get older, their coat color may lighten slightly (for example, a brown Bearded Collie may become a chocolate or sandy color as they get older). [8]
    • Occasionally, the dog may have white markings. If this is the case, these markings will appear around the neck, on the chest, on the legs, on the skull, on the tip of the dog's tail, and on the dog's head as a "blaze". [9]
  2. Bearded Collies should have a shaggy, strong, flat, and harsh outercoat that does not have any curl nor wooliness. The undercoat should appear close, furry, and soft. [10]
  3. Bearded Collies have hair of varying lengths on their body. The bridge of the dog's nose is covered sparsely with hair that is slightly longer on the sides and covering the dog's cheeks. The coat should then increase in length towards the dog's chest, thus forming the "beard" look. [11]
    • Although the coat density and length should be enough to enhance the dog's shape and provide a protective coat, it should not obscure the natural lines of the dog's body. [12]
  4. Bearded Collies will need weekly brushing. This will need to be done more often between the ages of 9-18 months, when the dog's soft puppy coat comes out, and when the dog heavily sheds once a year for 2-4 weeks. [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing Temperament

  1. Bearded Collies are lively, playful dogs and need regular, adequate exercise such as games of fetch or walks/jogs. [14]
  2. Bearded Collies are known to be intelligent dogs who love to use their brains, and they are usually good in both obedience trials and agility competitions. [15]
  3. Bearded Collies are affectionate dogs who love to be around their humans and thrive on human interaction. [16]
  4. As long as they are introduced properly, Bearded Collies are generally easy to socialize, and they can usually live with other dogs and even cats. [17]
  5. Bearded Collies are very alert dogs overall that will bark if someone has arrived. They may also bark if they're happy, excited, or want attention. [18]
  6. Because Bearded Collies have a heritage that required them to make decisions on their own while they were herding sheep, some Bearded Collies may be independent and/or stubborn. [19]
  7. Bearded Collies are confident, outgoing dogs that enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people. [20]
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      Tips

      • If you're wondering what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. This will help confirm what breed your dog is.
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      • Occasionally, you may hear Bearded Collies be referred to as "Beardies".
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bearded-collie/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bearded-collie/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BeardedCollie.pdf
      4. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bearded-collie
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bearded-collie-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bearded-collie-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bearded-collie-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bearded-collie-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bearded-collie/
      10. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bearded-collie/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bearded-collie-temperament/

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