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Bearded Collie

Loved by 83% of pet parents

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

Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Playfulness
Adaptability
Bearded Collie dog breed

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

Bearded Collie

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

Friendliness

Outgoing with people and other dogs

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Very active, needs daily exercise

Playfulness

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability

Adjusts fairly well to new situations

Bearded Collie playing

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
Bearded Collie with family

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:

Herding livestock commands
Agility course navigation
Scent detection games
Search and rescue basics
Advanced recall training
Heelwork routines

🏃 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:

Sheepdog trials participation
Agility competitions
Daily off-leash runs
Obedience training sessions
Trick training workshops
Canine freestyle dancing

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

Good with guidance

Needs consistent training and grooming, can be a handful for beginners

Apartment Living

Not ideal

Needs ample space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments

Active Lifestyle

Perfect fit

Thrives with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and daily exercise

Kids

Very friendly

Patient and playful, generally gentle with young children in the household

Multiple Pets

Highly suitable

Usually sociable, adapts well to homes with other dogs and pets

Being Left Alone

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for long periods, can develop separation stress

Frequently Asked Questions about Bearded Collie

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed

Interactive Tools

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