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Bearded collie

Bearded collie puppies and dogs, health, personality and grooming

The bearded collie is a herding dog that used to be extremely common among shepherds in Scotland.



Today however, like most other breeds of working dogs, it is more popular as a family pet than as a herder. Of course, due to their physical characteristics, energy levels, exercise needs and their temperament, bearded collies are not always suitable house pets.

Bearded collie weight is typically around 50lbs on average, and most of them are between 20 and 22 inches in height.



The head is broad, the muzzle is rather short, and the eyes are wide-set. At birth, the fur is usually dark; it then fades till the dog is a year old, after which it darkens considerably till the dog is mature. The fur is extremely long (even under the chin, which is what gives the breed its name), and has a tendency to get matted, due to which frequent grooming is essential.



Even if the dog's hair is regularly trimmed, it still needs to be brushed regularly, and sheds considerably. Bearded collie grooming is one factor to consider before you get such a dog home. Due to the purpose for which they have been traditionally bred, bearded collies are also very high energy dogs, and they require a lot of exercise in order to stay both healthy and happy. However, many modern bearded collies have been bred primarily for their looks and not their herding abilities, which is why the dog is less popular among Scottish herders today.

In spite of this, due to their energy levels and intelligence, bearded collies must be kept engaged both physically and mentally. You must be willing to meet your dog's needs, and this may include long walks in any weather, as well as training in competitive obedience and agility. As with any dog, the earlier training begins, the better – bearded collie puppies should start basic training by the time they are three months old.

The bearded collie personality is extremely outgoing and gregarious, which makes it a great family dog as long as the points mentioned before are taken care of. Due to its friendliness, the bearded collie is however not a particularly good watchdog.
Bearded collies tend to live long, generally between 10 and 13 years. Common health problems among these dogs include arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, hypothyroidism, and cancer. Addison's disease is particularly common among bearded collies, and should be watched out for. It typically causes lethargy and chronic gastric problems.

 
  Submitted on October 7, 2009  
 
 
 

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