Living With A Beardie
It is safe to say that once discovered, most owners will never be without a Beardie in their lives; their characteristics are almost human like and their intuition and uncanny. Indeed, sometimes, they really do know best! Notwithstanding this, they are not for everyone and it is advised that a prospective new owner consider the following:
Answer the following questions before you consider a Beardie:
- Am I prepared to have muddy feet through unrestricted areas of my house?
- Do I want an indoor dog that will be intergrated as a family member?
- Am I prepared to take a Beardie for basic obedience training and ensure that he is stimulated with regular exercise and play?
- Am I prepared for at least 1 hour a week of grooming, or at the very least a 10 minute a day tidy up? The breed is not low maintenance. The coat changes continually in both colour and texture up until about 3 and age determines the time needed to invest in grooming to ensure that the coat remains matt free. A Beardie should not be shaved to the skin at any age; the coat has a purpose, insulating the skin against harsh temperatures.
Buyer Guide To The Bearded Collie
Place of Origin: Scotland
Function: Sheepdog and drover of cattle
Availability: Not readily, a waiting period is generally required
Average Life Span: 13 years
Guard Dog: No, but will give a good bark
Family Dog: Yes
Other Pets: Generally very good
Grooming: High maintenance
Shedding: Minimal
Exercise: Needs exercise and stimulation or will become bored
Outside Dog: Beardies enjoy daytime exercise and play but are happiest when they are with their owners so need to sleep indoors
Townhouse Dog: Not unless there are daily walks, exercise and stimulation
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia; autoimmune diseases; Collie Eye Analomy (CEA)
Character Sketch: Clowns with big hearts
