The Bearded Collie is a shaggy-coated dog that evolved in the Scottish Highlands as a working sheepdog. They are lively and affectionate dogs, who are happiest when fully involved in family life.
They relish long walks and playtime and will thrive on lots of interaction and attention. They also get on well with other pets. They can be friendly to a fault, and will welcome strangers, as such they are not the best choice as guard dogs! They are sensitive and intelligent and respond well to firm but gentle training. They also make an excellent choice for obedience and agility competitions due to their speed and willingness to be trained. As with most intelligent and active breeds, if they dont receive enough attention and exercise they can develop bad habits, such as nuisance barking or chewing. Bearded Collies require daily grooming to keep their glamorous coat in top condition.
History
One of the oldest herding breeds, the Bearded Collie was developed in the Borders and Highlands of Scotland, where they were prized by shepherds for their ability to do a hard days work in Scotlands often harsh and hilly terrain. They were used to herd sheep and cattle and drive the herd to market. It is believed that they originated from Polish Sheepdogs which were brought to Scotland in the 1500s. They can also be seen in the paintings of Reynolds and Gainsborough in the 1700s, suggesting that they were also prized and fashionable dogs around this time.
