The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog with a medium length coat that follows the
natural lines of the body and allows plenty of daylight under the body. The body is
long and lean, and, though strongly made, does not appear heavy. A bright inquiring
expression is a distinctive feature of the breed. The Bearded Collie should be shown in
a natural stance.
Characteristics
The Bearded Collie is hardy and active, with an aura of strength and agility
characteristic of a real working dog. Bred for centuries as a companion and servant of
man, the Bearded Collie is a devoted and intelligent member of the family. He is stable
and self-confident, showing no signs of shyness or aggression. This is a natural and
unspoiled breed. The breed stems from true working stock and all characteristics
associated with such dogs should be perpetuated in the Bearded Collie.
They are an active, agile and intelligent dog, which can demonstrate a
degree of stubbornness and independence.
This is one of the few breeds that demonstrate a dominant fading gene.
Puppies that are born black begin graying at approximately eight weeks of
age. The same is true of blues, which turn silver; browns, which lighten to
a cinnamon or milky chocolate; and fawns, which lighten to a champagne
hue. The coat colors fade until the dogs reach approximately one year of
age. Then the process reverses and they begin to darken, but do not
become as dark as their birth color.
Temperament
The temperament should be that of a steady intelligent working
dog, with no signs of nervousness or aggression.
History
The origin of the Bearded Collie is said to stem from the breeding of Polski
Owczarek Nizinnys (Polish Lowland Sheepdogs), left in Scotland in the
1500's, to local herding dogs. The Bearded Collie was a common breed in
Scotland, used extensively as a sheep herding dog and cattle drover.
They became familiar to the rest of the world in the 1940's and have
become very popular since that time.
Origin
Scotland
Utilization
Sheepdog
Classification
Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Size
Medium
Height
21-22 inches for adult dogs and 20-21 inches for adult bitches
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