What is the temperament of a Bearded Collie?

Bearded Collies are known to be self-confidence, hardy, lively, alert, intelligent, active, affectionate, couch, curious, dignified, playful, loyal, gentle, funny, friendly. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

How much exercise does a Bearded Collie need?

Bearded Collies are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Bearded Collie?

Bearded Collies require intensive grooming with daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

How do I train a Bearded Collie?

Bearded Collies have moderate trainability and benefit from consistent, positive training approaches.

Are Bearded Collies good with children?

Bearded Collies are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Bearded Collie unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Bearded Collie stands out from other breeds due to its dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Schotland, specialized abilities for sheep herding. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Bearded Collie?

Before bringing a Bearded Collie into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (4/5) and need an active owner. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Bearded Collie. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Bearded Collies originally bred for?

Bearded Collies were originally bred for sheep herding. This herding heritage explains their intelligence, focus, and sometimes tendency to herd family members, particularly children. As part of the Herding group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Bearded Collie's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Bearded Collies are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Bearded Collies typically live?

The average lifespan of a Bearded Collie is 12 - 14 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Bearded Collies may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

← Back to Breeds

Advertisement space

Bearded CollieImage not available

More Bearded Collie Photos

Sidebar advertisement

Bearded Collie

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: February 3, 2026

Temperament

Self-confidence, Hardy, Lively, Alert, Intelligent, Active, Affectionate, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Playful, Loyal, Gentle, Funny, Friendly

Weight

45 - 55 lbs

Height

20 - 22 inches

Life Span

12 - 14 years

Breed Group

Herding

Bred For

Sheep herding

Origin

Schotland

In-content advertisement

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability3/5

Energy Level4/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs4/5

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability3/5

Moderately trainable with consistent methods

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕 Bearded Collie Guide

📚 Explore comprehensive information about this breed

Overview

About the Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics.

Breed Purpose

Sheep herding

Temperament

Self-confidence, Hardy, Lively, Alert, Intelligent, Active, Affectionate, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Playful, Loyal, Gentle, Funny, Friendly

How We Find Similar Breeds

We analyze breed characteristics including temperament, size, appearance, and care needs to identify the most similar dog breeds. This helps you discover alternatives that might be a good match for your lifestyle and preferences.

More Bearded Collie Photos

Bearded Collie

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Span

Breed Group

Bred For

Origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Characteristics

Care Requirements

About the Bearded Collie

Breed Purpose

Temperament

Breeds Similar to Bearded CollieSimilar to Bearded Collie

How We Find Similar Breeds