• Height (at the shoulders): 20 – 22 inches (51 – 56 cm)
• Weight: 40 – 60 pounds (18 – 27 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Herding Group – AKC recognized in 1976
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; fairly active indoors; best with average sized yard

Personality of the Bearded Collie Dog

Bearded Collies are very playful, can be overly enthusiastic, and have high levels of energy. They are affectionate and love to be the center of attention, but tend to be quite independent. Extremely intelligent, they are great at obedience training as well as other activities such as agility competitions.

They are great family pets and just adore children. Although they may be a bit to rough for smaller kids.

History of the Bearded Collie Dog

The exact origin of the Bearded Collie, or Beardies as they are often called, is not known for certain. It is believed that the breed probably descended from one of two dog breeds – the Lowland Polish Sheepdog, or the Magyar Komondor.

As far back as the 18th Century, paintings and other artwork depicted dogs that closely resembled the Bearded Collie. However, actual evidence of the breed did not show up until sometime during the early 19th Century.

Bearded Collies were hard working dogs that were used to herd sheep and drive cattle across rough terrain. They appeared to be very tough and had high endurance during these long and hard journeys. In Scotland, they were known for being dependable and hard working for quite a long time. Then sometime after the Victorian era, they started to become more popular as a show dog.

After World War I, the Bearded Collie was once again favored for its great herding ability.  Eventually, breeders with an interest in the breed as show dogs, took them to England and America where the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1976.

The Bearded Collie Dog Care and Grooming

The Bearded Collie can live outdoors in cool weather, and it can tolerate warm weather. They can actually sleep outdoors.

Since these dogs have such high energy levels they need sufficient amounts of daily exercise. A good jog or several long brisk walks should be fine. This breed would definitely enjoy the freedom of a safe enclosed are to play and run.

Grooming their long, shaggy coat is an important part of their care. To make it a little easier, mist their coat before you begin grooming. Pay special attention to any matted fur before it becomes a problem. Give them a bath only when necessary. Check them regularly for fleas and ticks, since these can be a problem for their thick undercoat. You can use a good flea comb.

These dogs are average shedders.

Health Problems of the Bearded Collie Dog

The average life expectancy of the the Bearded Collie dog is about thirteen to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• Addison’s disease
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• pemphigus
• colonic disease
• epilepsy
• may be prone to external parasites

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

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• Height (at the shoulders): dogs 20 – 23 inches (52 – 58 cm) ; bitches 18 – 21 inches (46 – 53 cm
• Weight: dogs 50 – 65 pounds (25 – 29 kg) ; bitches 40 – 55 pounds (18 – 25 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Herding Group – recognized in 1991
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartment life; moderately active indoors; large yard recommended

Personality of Australian Shepherds

The Australian Shepherd is a courageous, loyal, loving, smart, and energetic dog belonging to the AKC Herding Group. They are medium sized with an athletic build. They have amazing agility and are capable of working hard all day without a decrease in their stamina or their speed.

Australian Shepherds were bred as guardians of livestock. Today, they still have that built in drive to herd.

Aussies thrive on human contact and are not meant for just sitting around all day. They can be very playful with members of their family, and are super with children. But they can also be an excellent watchdog.

They are usually friendly towards other dogs and pets, but they are reserved and wary of strangers.

History of Australian Shepherd Dogs

Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd is not actually an Australian breed. The exact origin of the breed is unclear, but they made their way to the United States from Australia, where they were used to herd sheep.

One theory suggests that they originated with the Basque people of Europe. These people settled in Australia and took their herding dogs with them. Somewhere along the line, they were given the name, Australian Shepherd, as a result of their new location and their type of work.

The Australian Shepherd did quite well at herding, especially considering the harsh conditions and rough terrain that they had to work in. They were crossed with various other breeds, but they remained low key. During the 1950s, these dogs gained some popularity, largely because they were seen in various trick shows, and in some movies.

Today, the Australian Shepherd dog breed is still used as a sheep herder. They can often be seen in herding trials.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1991.

Australian Shepherd Care and Grooming

Australian Shepherds can tolerate both hot and cool temperatures. Their ideal living situation is to allow the Aussies access to a safely enclosed space during the day and let them sleep indoors at night.

These dogs require physical and mental stimulation in the form of daily vigorous exercise. They need a long walk, a jog, or a run. If you like you can have them run beside you while you ride your bike. They can become restless if not given enough exercises.

Because they are very intelligent and easily trained, they are excellent candidates for advanced obedience training and competition.

The Aussie’s coat is easy to groom and does not require much attention. Use a firm bristle brush to brush their thick coats. Bathe them only when necessary.

These dogs are average shedders.

Health Problems of Australian Shepherd Dogs

The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is about twelve to fifteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CEA (Collie Eye Anomoly)
• cataracts

Minor health issues include:

• Pelger-Huet syndrome
• hypothyroidism
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• iris coloboma
• nasal solar dermatitis

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membrane)
• distichiasis
• PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)
• epilepsy
• lumbar sacral syndrome
• vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease)

Veterinarians recommend having Australian Shepherd dogs tested specifically for CEA, hip, thyroid, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

So today, let’s do something a little different. Below, is a list of dog breeds for your consideration. They are divided up into categories and listed in no particular order. They are definitely not complete, but is meant to be a fun starting point. Please feel free to share your favorite breed in each category in the comments and I will update the lists .

Here we go…

A List of Dog Breeds That Are Great With Children

If you have children in your family, you will want to make sure that you get a dog that gets along with them. These dogs are known to love children:

• Beagle
• Basset Hound
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Poodle

Dog Breeds That Require Less Grooming

All dogs need to be groomed. Their coats need to be brushed, their nails need to be trimmed, teeth brushed, and they all need an occasional bath. But in general, these dogs are considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming:

• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• Italian Greyhound
• Pug

A List of Great Lapdogs

If you are looking for a dog that loves to cuddle, and be snuggled, here are a few to consider:

• Dachshund
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

Energetic Dogs

You are an an athletic person and are looking for a dog who can join you for a hike on the trail or a long distance jog. Consider these breeds:

• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier
• English Springer Spaniel
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A List of Athletic Dogs

These dogs are considered active, agile, vigorous, and strong:

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Border Collie
• Brittany Spaniels
• German Shepherds
• Greyhound

A List of Dog Breeds Who Tend To Be Obedient Dogs

If you are looking for a dog who listens, and is willing to please, check out these breeds:

• Border Collie
• Doberman Pinscher Dogs
• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Shetland Sheepdog

So what do you think? Did I get them right?

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, New Puppy Supplies, or go back to the previous article, Raising Two Puppies.