Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie ranks 104 out of 155 breeds in popularity in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club's yearly publishing of breed rankings.A Bearded Collie is best obtained from a reputable dog breeder or a dog rescue[citation needed]. Bearded Collies make excellent pets for those who are willing to accommodate their high energy level and grooming requirements. Weekly brushing is mandatory for keeping their long hair mat-free. Some Bearded Collie owners opt to keep their pets in a "puppy cut" haircut, which does reduce the need for brushing, but does not eliminate it. Bearded Collies are a very high energy breed, originally bred to work in the Scottish Highlands herding sheep. Beardies also excel at dog agility trials. A loyal and family friendly canine, the beardie can add years of pet ownership enjoyment to the home. They have keen problem solving abilities, and are a source of amusement to watch. Females are often more outgoing and headstrong than male beardies. When being trained, males are more likely to follow your instructions, whereas females don't like to be told what to do as much. Females often become the dominant dog if there is a boy and a girl beardie in the household. Regardless of the dog's sex, beardies are high energy. One of the most common problems for new beardie owners is the breed's high ages of maturity, so that standard puppy issues last longer and beardies frequently fail "puppy school" if entered at the same age as other breeds.

Adopting: Adopting a Beardie should be done through authorized breeders. (6) Parents of pup should have pedigree papers. There are Beardie rescue associations such as Beardie Collie Rescue and 'Rescue Me'. These organizations attempt to place unwanted puppies and dogs into appropriate and loving homes.

The Bearded Collie was used to herd both sheep and cattle. As such it is essentially a working dog, at one time bred to be hardy and reliable, able to stand up to the harshest conditions, and the toughest sheep. The "working bearded collie" became less common in the last few decades and might have died out, but thanks to the efforts of relatively few shepherds such as Tom Muirhead and Peter Wood and breeders like Brian Plummer the "working beardie" has survived and is becoming more popular. It has been exported to Australia and the United States, and finds favour among those looking for an independent and intelligent sheep dog. The purpose of the Working Bearded Collie Society is to preserve the working abilities of the non-registered working dogs from 'bearded' ancestors. The web site Shepherds with beardies contains a lot of valuable information on the few remaining working beardies.

Bearded Collie Dog Club Directory

• Bearded Collie Club of America (BCCA)

- A large site with several important reference sections about the Bearded Collie dog breed. Also contains information about joining the club, pictures and articles.

• Bearded Collie Club of Canada

- Information on Bearded Collies, the club, and rescue.

• Bearded Collie Club of Gauteng, The

- Formed in 1997, the club now has official recognition from the Kennel Union of Southern Africa. Activity and information on joining.

• Bearded Collie Club of NSW Inc

- Includes photos, show results, membership information and event listings. Australia.

• Bearded Collie Club, The

- Information on the breed and club activities. United Kingdom.

• Chicagoland Bearded Collie Club

- Includes club information, litter listings and helpful information on the breed.

• Garden State Bearded Collie Clan

- Information on the club and club activities, in Central and Northern New Jersey.

• Great Lakes Bearded Collie Club

- Located in Michigan and serving members in the Great Lakes area. Club Events, boutique, photographs and information on Bearded Collies.

• Just for the Fun of Beardies

- A group of owners in New England that get together to have fun with their dogs. Photographs, mailing list, and links.

• National Capital Bearded Collie Club

- Includes list of breeders in Maryland and Virginia, tips on finding a reputable breeder, and show and trial information.

• Northern California Bearded Collie Fanciers

- Events, club information and special areas for Herding and Agility. This club is over 20 years old and shares its history.

• Northwest Bearded Collie Club

- Sections on all areas of activities from obedience to herding. Rescue and breed information.

• We're BAD - Beardie Agility Diehards

- For those interested in agility. Features information and results from competitions, photographs, events and articles.