Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is said to be a direct descendant
or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, when dogs of this breed
were shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland. Others believe
that the dog is descended from the Hungarian Magyar
Komondor. Judging from the coat and the herding abilities
of the "Beardie" it is most likely that he has a good
deal of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog characteristics
in his makeup.
As early as the sixteenth century this dog was represented
in art of the day, being pictured as a companion of
the Duke of Buccleigh by Gainsborough. The Beardie certainly
is very similar in looks to the Polish sheepdog, being
tousled and unkempt in appearance and gray and white
in color.
Although the Bearded Collie is only about 22 inches
at the withers and weight of about 60 pounds, he appears
much larger and more powerful because of his heavy coat.
A correctly balanced Beardie possesses great agility
and speed as he is a herding dog and should exhibit
the essential ability to turn and quarter quickly and
the desire to "cut" and herd the sheep.
Furthermore there should be strong "reach" and drive
from the hindquarters and the entire structure of the
Bearded Collie should allow this dog to perform tight
turns and long straight runs with equal alacrity and
great speed.
As for his droving instincts he has lost none of the
qualities that make a great drover...having the endurance
to drive the herds of cattle across the moorlands of
Scotland and the persistence to protect the animals
from attacks by predators. Though he became nearly extinct
during World War II the breed has made a remarkable
comeback.
Responsible and caring breeders have made an effort
to selectively breed from the finest representatives
of the genetic pool and now the breed shows increasing
numbers being registered in both the United States and
Canada.
The coat of the Bearded Collie should be regularly brushed
or it will mat rather quickly. It is a double coat,
with long hair that should be fairly straight when combed
out. Colors are usually white and gray or fawn and gray
although blacks and blues mixed with white markings
are also common.
The health of the dog is generally good, except for
the necessity of hip and elbow x-rays to make sure there
is no dysplasia. Also many breeders recommend CERF testing
for the eye afflictions which are common with many of
the herding breeds.
The Bearded Collie in the show ring nearly always seems
to present a character of a sort... a happy go lucky
nature, he is vivacious with the crowd and loves the
applause. Usually the Beardie is a "barker" and delights
in showing off to the judge and the onlookers.
Often he is a favorite with the crowd not only because
of his beautiful coat which floats with him as he moves,
but because he is such an outstanding character. The
Beardie is often even a bit rambunctious and it has
become part of the reputation that he presents to the
Dog Show world.
His nature should be inquisitive and alert, obedient
but with a certain independence as befits a dog that
is a helper to a shepherd but must also work "solo"
as a flock guard. The owner of a Beardie needs to be
the alpha figure from the beginning for the dog will
quickly take over that position if he has a chance.
About the Author
For more information on the Bearded
Collie
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