Bearded Collie
Lively, affectionate, and always ready for fun, this energetic herding breed thrives in active homes. Shaggy coats and playful personalities make every day more joyful.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
53–56 cm (male)
51–53 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
18–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Bearded Collie: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bearded Collie isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bearded Collie's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Bearded Collie is generally friendly, lively, and affectionate, making it a well-mannered companion for families and children. This breed is known for its sociable nature and adaptability.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing with people and other dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, needs daily exercise
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts fairly well to new situations

Strengths
- Highly social and people-oriented
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Strong herding instincts and intelligence
- Generally good with children and pets
- Resilient and energetic outdoor companion
Challenges
- Requires extensive daily exercise and activity
- Prone to matting and coat maintenance needs
- Can become bored without mental stimulation
- May bark excessively if under-stimulated
- Sensitive to harsh training methods

Protect your Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bearded Collies are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Bearded Collies are highly intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods. They can be independent thinkers, so consistent, patient training works best for them.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy and requires substantial daily exercise, including both physical activity and mental stimulation. Regular walks, play, and interactive tasks help prevent boredom and encourage good behavior.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bearded Collies are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bearded Collie would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs consistent training and grooming, can be a handful for beginners
Apartment Living
Needs ample space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and daily exercise
Kids
Patient and playful, generally gentle with young children in the household
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable, adapts well to homes with other dogs and pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods, can develop separation stress
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bearded Collies compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bearded Collie
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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