There are no exact records of the origin of the bearded collies. At the beginning of the 1700s, the first dogs appeared in Scotland that were similar in appearance and mentality to the bearded we know today. With line breeding, the Scottish farmers were able to stabilize the essential qualities of the breed that they needed when herding sheep and cattle: a reliable, independent, but still controllable dog with external features that protect it from harsh weather conditions. Contrary to its name, it is not related to the border collie.

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There are several theories as to why the breed was given this epithet: one theory holds that the beardie developed of the Magyar Komondor of Central Europe. But the most likely assumption is that those black-faced Scottish sheep were called "collies" by the farmers, which were herded and guarded by the bearded collie. This is how this name sticks to the breed.

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The current era of the bearded collie started thanks to an accident. In 1944, Mrs. Gwendoline Olive Willison wanted to buy a Shetland Sheepdog puppy from a Scottish breeder. However, to her surprise, the breeder sent her a bearded collie. Mrs Willison was charmed by the dog's temperament, intelligence and work ethic. The puppy was the now famous Jeannie. However, a male dog was also needed to revive the breed. According to the story, during a walk on the beach in Brighton, Mrs. Willison met a man who, because of his plans to emigrate, was looking for a new owner for his beardie dog. Mrs. Willison immediately took the dog in and registered it as the Bailie of Bothkennar. This is where the today-known and documented history of the bearded collie began.

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In terms of its appearance, it can be found in four different colors: black, brown, blue and cinnamon with white ones on the legs, chest, around the neck and at the end of the tail. The color of the fur is still uniform when it is a puppy, but it changes over time: it becomes lighter or takes on a silvery hue. The dog reaches its final color around the age of 3. The best feedback about the final color is given by the color of the tip of the ear, because it changes the least.

(Source: https://beardedcollieclub.us/about-beardies/history /)

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Characteristic, training and care of the breed

 

The bearded collie is an extremely intelligent dog, which is why it can easily be taught obedience tasks or tricks. Stable and self-confident, does not show signs of shyness or aggression. Fast results can be achieved with consistent education and training. However, it is important to always only give tasks appropriate to the dog's age, otherwise failure will have a negative effect on the enthusiasm of both the owner and the dog. Never try physical punishment! With a stronger, louder prohibition word, we will reach our aim much sooner. The beardie requires human company, which does not necessarily mean constant play, it is enough to be near the owner.

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The bearded collie's fur requires care from the time it is a puppy. It is advisable to gradually get used to the comb and standing on the table, and later also to lying down. With this, we can make our own and the dog groomer's job easier. It is recommended to comb the fur once a week in order to untangle the knots and check whether there are any injuries or ticks on the dog's skin. Bathing is recommended every 2 weeks, but at least once a month. It is recommended to comb the fur before bathing, and dry it with a hair dryer after bathing. In the heat of summer, the fur can be left to dry by itself, but don't forget to comb it (even the next day), because knots form very quickly in neglected fur. If we can't solve the bathing problem at home, we should visit a groomer, who can give useful advice on grooming. After one of these treatments, it will be easier for us to maintain the coat.

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Breed standard: the FCI breed standard defines the main points that are the most typical and the most important features to keep in a bearded collie. The bearded collie is alert, lively, self-confident and active. Steady, intelligent working dog, with no signs of nervousness or aggression. It has a straight body, with undercoat and topcoat, the topcoat is slightly rough to the touch, in which a slight wave is allowed. Longer than it is high in an approximate proportion of 5 to 4. Square body proportions are not acceptable. The height of males is 53-56 cm, the height of bitches is accepted between 51-53 cm. It is available in 4 colors: black, brown, blue and cinnamon. The color of the nose and eyes matches the color of the coat. Its movement is supple, smooth and long-reaching, covering ground with minimum of effort. Males must have two testicles fully descended into the scrotum.