Bearded Collie – one of the Scottish family Shepherd dogs that were once used for shepherd’s work. Living in fairly harsh climates and hard work made these dogs strong, hardy, hardworking and very smart – because often the pet had to take on their own solutions. Birdie or “bearded men,” as the owners affectionately call them, not the most common type of collie, however they deserve attention, since they have a lot of positive qualities.
Content
- 1. The origin of the breed
- 2. Description of the bearded collie breed
- 2.1. Coat and possible colors
- 3. The nature and disposition of “bearded”
- 4. Training and education of birdies
- 5. How to care for a bearded collie
- 6. Breed diseases
- 7. How and what to feed a pet
- 8. Features of the content of birdies
- 9. Photo of a bearded collie
- 10. Video about a bearded collie
- 11. Where can I get a bearded collie puppy
Origin of breed
Around the history of the collie, including the bearded, a mass hovers legends and myths. First of all, this is due to the fact that these dogs appeared a very long time ago, and to establish exactly how this happened, very difficult. Despite a decent age, official recognition Dogs received the English club only in 1944, and the American – only in 1977. 
Disputes between dog handlers do not subside, but the most likely two versions are considered. According to one, representatives of the breed are the result of crossing a collie with long hair and a bobtail. it confirms the appearance of “birdie”, it really resembles short-tailed groats.
According to another theory, in the 16th century they brought into Scotland lowland shepherd dogs, from the assimilation of which turned out to be bearded collie. As a separate, recognized breed, “birdies” have existed since 1891 of the year. Around the same time, Edinburgh lovers of these dogs created your community.
The first purebred individuals came to Russia only in the early 90s, but never received wide distribution.
Bearded collie breed description
“Birdie” – a very impressive representative of the species, an abundance the coat resembles a lap-dog, but larger. When evaluating expert standard is more interested in proportionality physique than size – excessively large dimensions in this The breed is not welcome.
The weight of dogs, regardless of gender, varies from 18 to 27.5 cm, the height at the withers of males is 53-56 cm, in females – 51-53 cm. The standard “birdie” describes in the following way:
- Head – proportional, wide, flat forehead, flat nose, stop pronounced, in the form of a smooth line, without sharpness.
- Muzzle – covered with dry, well-developed muscles, with full lips, covering the dentition, completely covered pigment.
- Jaws strong, with a full set of teeth, bite more often scissor-shaped, but the standard allows straight if there are no others disadvantages of the exterior.
- The nose is square, the nostrils are round, well open, black is preferable, but in dogs with light coat, it can be clarified.
- Eyes – eyelid pigmentation in the same tone as in the lobe, brown iris, the shade should be in harmony with coat color. Arranged wide, looking dog straight, look smart, attentive, the dog never stops looking after surrounding. Above the eye sockets there is a decorating hair in the form of gorgeous eyebrows falling down over the eyes.
- Ears – fall on the sides of the muzzle. When the dog excited, they rise and turn forward.
- The body is rectangular, moderately elongated, because of the thick, long coat, “birdie” looks squat, stocky.
- Neck – low rise, medium length, scruff is pronounced moderately.
- Back – proportional, well muscled, turning into croup with moderate slope.
- Chest – decent width and depth, ribs allotted back. The inguinal line is moderately selected.
- Limbs – straight, stand straight, with strong joints laid back by shoulders, strong limbs and pronounced angles of articulation. The hocks fall down. The hands are oval, but the fingers have a vault, the pads are fleshy, covered with strong, thick skin.
- Tail – should have a natural length, with the movement of the dog does not rise above the line of the back.
Coat and possible colors
These Scottish Shepherd dogs got their name precisely because of the quality of the coat. They have a long, straight coat, which on the face forms a rich mustache, beard and eyebrows.
In texture, the remaining hair is soft, dense, the undercoat is warm, volume. Slight undulation of the upper layer is allowed. Individuals with curly, shaggy wool is discarded. But also too thick a fur coat that hides the natural contours of the animal’s body is also not allowed.
Bearded collies have one feature – during the first three years of life, the color of the pet’s coat is gradually changing. To the light the babies appear dark, and after they are highlighted, moreover, some individuals acquire the final color only to 5 years.
In puppies up to a month of age, the color cannot be precisely determined – the dog will be black or gray. In red and brown representatives the matter is simpler – the color of the coat will remain, only with age will it become somewhat lighter.
The following colors for bearded collies are allowed by the standard:
- Gray;
- the black;
- reddish brown;
- brown;
- beige.
The presence of white wool is allowed on the limbs, often internal sides and paws, around the neck, chest, peritoneum and tip tail. Also, individuals of this breed may have a white hole in area of the forehead or muzzle.
The character and disposition of the “bearded man”
Birdie is a friendly, charming dog that is very attached to family members. He has a positive attitude towards to strangers. The pet’s voice is loud, sonorous, but more often it barks welcome than precautionary.
Dogs of this breed adore children if the puppy grows with as a child, usually their relationship develops into a strong, indestructible friendship. Some collies are overly playful and agile, which is not very good for young children, but more often they treat them softly and warningly. Beards keep their playfulness practically on all his life, even a 12-year-old dog can run and jump like a little puppy.
These dogs cannot do without communicating with the person they need family attention. And long loneliness makes doggies sad and suffer. If you often leave the dog for a long time one, then the risks are high to face the results of his destructive behavior. Experts do not recommend to people for days disappearing at work, start a collie, and this applies to all varieties.
Bearded collies get along well with other dogs, because once upon a time they very successfully worked in packs, confidently managing huge herds. Of course, modern dogs need early socialization. Owners note that most often birdies do not show territoriality and do not try to dominate brothers. Some individuals can still be quite sharp, but this, rather an exception than the norm.
Representatives of this breed get along well with other animals. If you take a puppy to a house where cats are already there, then, as a rule, they in a week they will be great comrades. Hunting instinct there’s a birdie, a dog can enthusiastically run after domestic animals, but things will not go beyond running around.
But the shepherd cannot be corroded from the collie – the dog will closely monitor everyone, pulling those who behave inappropriate. Cats may not like this attitude, but they will have to come to terms with such behavior.
Beards are not the loudest dogs, but they give voice if something attracts them, or they call the owner to the game. Also bored, lonely shepherd dogs barking loudly to the owner.
Birdie training and education
Almost all shepherd dogs have an independent character, and a bearded collie is no exception. In some cases, the dog may make decisions by himself, bypassing the wishes of the owner. It is necessary you need to consider and engage in raising a pet with a puppy age. If the dog is trained properly, then he must understand the owner will be a half-word.
From a collie, you should not expect lightning-fast execution of commands. Not, the dog is by no means stupid, on the contrary, he will initially think over the situation, and only then gets down to business. From the owner in this case patience, friendly attitude and understanding are required. Collie will work more actively if encouraged in a timely manner.
If you treat your pet rudely, use physical force, he begins to stubborn and then it is useless to demand anything from him. FROM puppy is recommended to play as often as possible, and already from 3 months the baby ready to master the basic program. Collies make great guide, of course, in this case the passage is required special courses.
Bearders are good athletes, they love to learn new things and show good results in many disciplines, especially in agility and frisbee. Collie is a working dog, so she needs regular exercise. Without her, a dog can become destroyer for the apartment. In addition, there have been cases when the “unemployed” birdies nibbled heavily on their limbs.
How to care for a bearded collie
Wool is one of the main advantages of dogs of this breed, and she requires mandatory, regular care. It is needed every three days to comb using a suitable brush. During heavy Links will have to do this daily. If the dog did appear koltuny, then it is recommended to carefully disassemble them by hand.
Birdies are washed no more than once a month, but if the pet is clean, You can skip the procedure. For bathing the dog should be used special hygiene products. Combed wool many housewives are allowed into the business – it is suitable for spinning and knitting various products. Dog socks, mittens and other things wool is warm and comfortable. In addition, for a long time confirmed the healing properties of such yarn. 
Look after not only the coat of a birdie, but also for his a beard. If pieces of food remain on it, then it will be useful wipe the pet’s face with a damp cloth.
Auricles, teeth and eyes should also be examined. four-legged friend, cleaning them as necessary. Similar events will prevent the occurrence and further spread infectious processes and inflammations.
Dressing hair near the eyes should not be excessively long. Some owners put it in a ponytail or braid it. With good nutrition and care, pets of this breed often live to 15-16 years, remaining active and efficient.
Breed diseases
Bearded collies have strong immunity, in most cases of illness they develop are age-related or hereditary:
- dysplasia of large joints;
- Addison’s disease (endocrine disruption systems);
- hypothyroidism (malfunction of the thyroid glands);
- allergic reactions – in birdies occur quite rarely;
- pemphigus – skin pathology of unexplained etiology;
- eye diseases – cataracts develop more often, atrophic changes in the retina.
Most of the listed pathologies are inherent in all varieties. collie. With timely vaccination, regular preventive inspections and appropriate care of most of the above diseases can be avoided.
How and what to feed a pet
If the owner decides to feed the pet with natural food, then the food should be balanced – contain the required amount proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamin and mineral components.
1/3 of the pet’s diet is lean meat, you can give the dog beef, veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit meat. One or two in week a dog can be given fish, eggs, cottage cheese. In the daily menu the dog should include cereals, in which, in addition to meat, vegetables are added, vegetable oil. Natural feeding implies mandatory presence of vitamin supplements. 
A bearded collie can be fed industrial diets, but they should be selected carefully. It is desirable that these be premium or super premium products suitable for representatives of large or medium breeds, leading an active image of life.
Features content birdie
Against the backdrop of universal urbanization, more often shepherd dogs turn out to be inhabitants of apartments. But in the case of bearded collies it is important to consider that twice a year they are very strong molting. Partially resolve the issue using daily combing, however, it will not help to completely rid the housing of shreds of wool.
If it is understood that the dog will live on the street, then his should provide a comfortable contour. Representatives of this breed perfectly tolerate cold, but in severe frosts the dog still prefers take refuge in your own “house”.
Experts believe that shepherd dogs feel uncomfortable in four walls, preferably a dog free move. But many collies adjust well to life. family rhythm and limited space. The main thing is that the pet regularly received a load – running, playing, practicing on the site. On weekends, it is advisable to take the dog out of town, where the dog could scampering, feeling freedom.
Photo of a bearded collie 
Bearded Collie Video
Where can I get a bearded collie puppy
Not so long ago in Russia there were a lot of collies – red, in rich fur coat, but the rest of the species did not enjoy such popularity, and meeting Birdie on the street was a great success. Unfortunately on today the number of Scottish shepherd dogs is steadily declining, and the bearded collie remained a rarity.
But still in the country there are nurseries that support the breed, professionally breeding “bearded”. If family decided to get this original dog, it’s worth it carefully consider the choice of the seller, especially if you need a baby for subsequent show career.
Before buying, you should talk with experts on this breed and clarify all the nuances, because Birdie is not a decorative sofa dog. IN Due to the rarity, you may have to book your puppy in advance. The cost of offspring with a pedigree and without any defects, varies from 35,000 to 60,000 rubles, depending on gender and standard data.
Bearded Collie – Dog with Steel Nerves, Custom appearance and indefatigable energy. He will not let the owner get bored at home and always make up the company in any activity.
