The Bearded Collie, or Beardie, is a herding breed of dog that has been around since at least 1707. It was used by Scottish shepherds to drive cattle from North and West Highlands to market. The exact origin of the Beardie is unknown, but it is believed to date back to 2000 BC when shaggy or long-haired working and herding dogs existed in Scotland.
In 1976, the Bearded Collie was officially recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in Great Britain. For centuries, these dogs were prized for their ability to herd sheep and drive cattle to market. They were popular among farmers and even upper classes who owned them as pets.
The Bearded Collie is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature. It has a double coat with a thick undercoat and long outer coat that can be wavy or straight. This breed comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, brown, fawn, gray, red and white. The average height of an adult Beardie is 20-22 inches tall and they typically weigh between 40-60 pounds.
Beardies are active dogs that need plenty of exercise each day. They are happiest when they have something to do such as herding sheep or playing fetch with their owners. They also enjoy participating in agility competitions and other activities that challenge their minds and bodies.
Beardies make great family pets because they are loyal companions who love spending time with their people. They are also very social animals who get along well with other animals as well as children if properly socialized from an early age.
Overall, the Bearded Collie is an intelligent breed that loves being active and spending time with its family members. With proper care and training this breed can be a wonderful addition to any home!