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There are nearly 100 FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
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Bearded Collies

Author

Chris Walkowicz, [email protected]

Comments

Please send all comments regarding these FAQs to the author at the
e-mail address above.

Copyright

Copyright 1997 by Chris Walkowicz. This document may be distributed
with attached copyright. It may not be sold nor incorporated into
commercial documents, in whole or in part, without the express written
permission of the author.
_________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

* Table of Contents
* What is a Beardie?
* HISTORY
* Appearance
* Temperament
* Care
* Frequently Asked Questions
+ Why is it called a Collie? It doesn't look like a Collie!
+ Are they good family dogs?
+ Are they barkers?
+ Do they shed?
+ How often do I have to groom?
+ Are they smart?
+ Are they playful?
+ Do they need a lot of exercise?
+ How about health problems?
+ How long do they live?
+ Is one color better than another?
+ What is the difference between show and pet quality?
+ What is showing all about?
+ Should I get a puppy or an adult?
+ Which is better -- male or female?
+ What about spaying or neutering?
+ Where can I get a rescue Beardie?
+ Where do I find breeders?
+ What is the Number One warning about the breed?
* More Information
+ Books
+ Periodicals
+ Clubs
+ Mailing List

_________________________________________________________________

What is a Beardie?

A Beardie is a winsome, funny, loving, sometimes silly, sometimes
pouty, adorable, curious, persistent creature, in short, close to
human. As puppies, they're much like two-year-old children. They try
out their independence, test their "parents," and are so cute they're
difficult to correct. This is the time good parents must force down
the chuckle, give firm, but gentle discipline and then go in the other
room to laugh til they cry.

Beardies aren't for everybody. No breed is. You have to be willing to
tolerate -- if not enjoy -- brushing long hair, wet beards in your
lap, and muddy pawprints in the wrong places at the wrong time. And
you HAVE to like bounce. If you don't, please continue looking.
_________________________________________________________________

HISTORY

The Bearded Collie, affectionately called the Beardie, was developed
in Scotland as a herding dog. Its ancestors likely included herding
dogs from the European continent, such as the Poland Lowland Sheepdog
(Polski Owzcarek Nizinny) and the Komondor, blended with the sheep
herding dogs of the British Isles. It was developed as an independent
worker, able to make decisions concerning the welfare and safety of
their charges without depending on the shepherd who might be miles
away. Flocks in Scotland intermingled freely, yet one Beardie never
brought home a wrong sheep during his many years of work. The Beardie
is still used as a shepherd's helpmate in Scotland, and now in the
U.S.

G.O. Willison brought the breed to recognition by The Kennel Club of
Great Britain in 1959. Since then, they've wended their way into
hearts and homes world-wide. Following recognition by AKC in 1977,
they have remained about midway in AKC registration statistics.
Beardies are rarely half-way about anything, but breeders are happy
the breed is middle-of-the-road when it comes to popularity. Most
Beardie breeders take great care in breeding, raising and placing
their puppies. Although a well-kept secret from the general
population, they're popular with those who know, with owners often
loving two or three or ten!
_________________________________________________________________

Appearance

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog with long, shaggy hair. Its
body is longer than tall, starting with a kissy tongue and ending with
a constantly wagging tail. As an adult, Beardies may be black (from
black to slate), blue (from steel blue, to silver), brown (from dark
or milk chocolate to gingery red), or fawn (cinnamon to champagne),
usually with white markings to a greater or lesser degree.

AKC Breed Standard for Bearded Collies

Every breed has a Standard, a word picture of the perfect dog. The
Breed Standard depicts the characteristics that make this breed
different from every other, in other words, the breed type. For
instance, a Beardie should not be confused with the Border Collie or
the Old English Sheepdog.

The Standard for the Bearded Collie covers the ideal size, coat,
color, gait, temperament and structure, right down to the shape of the
feet and the tail carriage! To obtain a copy, contact the AKC or the
Beardie Parent Club, the Bearded Collie Club of America, noted at the
end of this article.
_________________________________________________________________

Temperament

Beardies are usually active, outgoing, bouncy, affectionate creatures.
Within the normal range of temperament, they range from low-key, sweet
and laid back to rowdy and bold. Each owner should decide what will
fit best with their lifestyle and inform the breeder prior to
purchase, so the Perfect Pup can be matched with their family.

The breed interacts well with other animals, particularly if raised
with them. Breeders often receive pictures of Beardies playing with
tiny Chihuahuas or BIG Wolfhounds...or even enjoying a "cat" nap with
a kitten. Some tend to be a mite bossy about possessions and hoard all
the toys in their den. Being herding dogs, they will yield to a chase
if tempted.
_________________________________________________________________

Care

All dogs need grooming, training, exercise, nutritious food, access to
water and shelter, veterinary care and LOVE. If you plan to skimp on
any of these, please don't get a Beardie. In fact, please don't get a
dog! To bond with your Beardie and have it become a valued member of
the family, the Beardie needs to live in your home with you.

Some dogs need to have their nails trimmed weekly; others do fine with
once a month clips. Beardies are long-coated dogs, and to keep their
charming, winsome appearance, need regular grooming. Once the puppy
vaccinations are completed, schedule an annual examination with the
veterinarian. Be attuned to your Beardie's body and behavior to note
anything unusual that calls for medical treatment. Some Beardies have
reactions to monthly heartworm preventative. Because of this, many
breeders advise giving a daily pill. Discuss this with your dog's
veterinarian.
_________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Collie? It doesn't look like a Collie!

"Collie" is a Scottish word for dogs that herd sheep, hence the Border
Collie, the Rough (Lassie-type) or Smooth Collie and the Bearded
Collie. This may have come from the Coaley or black-faced sheep in
Scotland.

Are they good family dogs?

Beardies are people-oriented dogs. They NEED to be with their family.
If left alone for long periods, they are liable to become frustrated
and provide their own entertainment -- not always one that makes the
owner happy.

Beardies are vigorous, bouncy dogs, and like to jump up to look you in
the eyes or kiss your nose. This fits in well with many families.
Others, particularly those with toddlers, non-doggy visitors, elderly
or physically challenged people, prefer to train their Beardie to sit
and shake instead of jumping on people to greet them. Some Beardies
have a high herding instinct and nip at ankles or eye-level bottoms,
trying to bunch their "flock." Like kids, some are more rowdy than
others. When you talk to a breeder, express your wishes for activity
level. Undesirable traits should be "nipped" in the bud and the baby
Beardie trained from infancy, with its energies channeled into proper
behavior.

Because they love people, Beardies make good therapy dogs, comforting,
entertaining and snuggling up to patients and residents. Owners take
pride in their dogs making a good impression by being clean, spiffy
and well-behaved during therapy visits.

Are they barkers?

Although they are not yappy nor continuous barkers, certain things
will set off their "alarm" system. They're great doorbells, announcing
all visitors with joy. They bark when excited: when you first rise in
the morning, when family returns home, while playing. Like any dog,
they may bark when bored.

Do they shed?

Groomed properly, they shed minimally. Most of the dead hair will be
removed by the comb and brush. The worst shed is when they lose their
puppy coat, usually between nine months and eighteen months. This
lasts for approximately two to three months. During this period, they
often lose their cuddly appearance and look scraggly and ragged,
losing hair from the top to the bottom, or from the front to the rear.

How often do I have to groom?

Start early to introduce your Beardie to his life-time hair care. Baby
Beardies can be groomed in one minute. The idea is to acclimate the
pup to be still for longer periods of time until they can spend an
hour quietly accepting brushing and combing.

Most owners do a thorough grooming at least once a week. (During the
puppy shed, it's wise to increase to two or three times a week.) Lay
the Beardie on its side and mist with water or anti-tangle spray.
Brush the hair up with a bristle or pin brush. Then brush the hair
back down a few inches at a time (called line brushing). Any mats that
develop can be worked out with anti-tangle spray and your fingers or a
mat rake. A comb should go easily through the hair when finished. Ask
the breeder for a demonstration on an adult. When mature, Beardies
usually require about one-half to one hour for grooming.

Are they smart?

Yes, but Beardies were bred to be independent thinkers. Sometimes
they'll decide what THEY want is better than what you want. For
instance, staying in the back yard is more interesting than coming
inside. Or playing in a mud puddle is more fun than staying on dry
ground. The trick in training Beardies is to convince them it's
something THEY want to do. And that takes an owner that's smarter than
they are -- not always easy!

When it comes to housebreaking, they're individuals, just like
children. Some train easily; others take longer. Bladder capacity, not
brains, is what determines this. If the owners are well-trained to be
aware of signals and to watch the clock, the Beardie is more easily
housebroken!

Are they playful?

Oh, yes! Name it, they'll do it -- jog, swim, wrestle, do tricks, join
in football games, play catch or Frisbee.

Do they need a lot of exercise?

Beardies like their owners, stay physically fit with exercise. This
can be accomplished by playing ball, taking brisk walks, free run in a
fenced area (with interaction, not alone) or a training session.
Beardies are not "hyper" dogs, but are happy to join their owners in
any activity. They're more content when they are able to run and play.

How about health problems?

Overall, Beardies are a sturdy breed that enjoys good health. The BCCA
health survey has shown, however, problems do occur within the breed,
although not in high percentages.. These include allergies, hip
dysplasia, hypothyroidism, auto-immune disease and some eye problems.
Our dogs can suffer the same problems most breeds -- and their masters
-- do. Ask the breeder about health certifications. Parents should be
healthy and OFA certified free of hip dysplasia.

How long do they live?

The life expectancy ranges from 12-14 years on an average. It is not
unusual, however, for a Beardie to extend that lifespan. Beardies
often seem to stay young until their very elder years, many still
being active at the age of twelve. Longevity of lines should be one of
the questions to ask breeders.

Is one color better than another?

Nope! Black is the dominant color and, thus, more Beardies are black.
Browns, blues and fawns are just as attractive and boast the same
Beardie personality. Noses and eyes blend with the coat. Most Beardies
carry the fading factor and turn lighter as adults. During their
teenage months (about 9-20 months), they usually become very light,
darkening again as they mature. Judges should not prefer one color
over another. Almost all Beardies have some white, usually on the
muzzle, a blaze, forechest, front legs, rear feet and hocks, and tip
of tail.

Although they cannot be shown, mostly white Beardies (in a Pinto
pattern) are beautiful and do not have the health problems associated
with some other white breeds. One of the appealing aspects of the
breed is its rainbow of coats and its ever-changing colors. The
personality is much more important than the color!

What is the difference between show and pet quality?

The differences are often so subtle that it takes an expert to tell. A
pet might have too much white, a crooked tooth or carry its tail too
high. He or she could have less than ideal angulation. Pets might lack
the charisma or attitude desired of a show dog. Or it could just be
that the breeder had four show puppies, with only three show homes. As
long as your Beardie has a tongue to kiss with, a tail to wag and four
feet to bounce on, show faults are of little consequence to the pet
buyer. Like a rose is always a flower, but a flower is not always a
rose...a show dog should always be a pet, but not every pet should be
a show dog.

What is showing all about?

If you intend to show, buy the best you can. Make sure the pedigree
boasts many Champions (Ch), particularly the parents and grandparents.
A show guarantee should cover serious faults as well as health
defects. Most Beardies are shown by their owners, although some people
prefer to hire a professional handler. Seek advice from your puppy's
breeder.

Puppies that are classified as pets or companions can compete in
obedience, herding, tracking or agility. And all Beardies and their
owners reap benefits from attending training classes. Obedience can
produce good house manners or be the foundation of an obedience career
from Companion Dog (CD) to Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh).

Many Beardies show natural herding instinct. Others need to be
introduced to stock several times before the light gleams. When the
Beardie turns on, they are fascinating to watch...doing naturally what
their ancestors were bred to do generations before. If an owner wishes
to continue in competition, titles from HT (Herding Tested) to H.Ch.
(Herding Champion) can be earned

A few owners track with their Beardies, although it can be hard on
long coats since tracks might be laid through the brush. This can be
more than competition from Tracking Dog (TD) to Champion Tracker (CT);
it can actually save a person's life through Search and Rescue in
disasters or when people are lost.

Agility is the newest AKC performance event. Beardies were made for
agility and easily compete for titles from Novice Agility (NA) to
Master Agility Excellent (MX).

All of these start with training class. If you decide not to compete
when you've graduated, you'll still have enjoyed bonding with your
Beardie, as well as having a trained dog.

Should I get a puppy or an adult?

Both have their advantages. All puppies are cute -- and Beardies are
particularly adorable. Pups can be trained in the manner owners wish.
Nevertheless, adults are often housebroken, done with teething and
have good house manners. If you have a demanding schedule, an adult
may fit into the household more quickly than an infant puppy.

Which is better -- male or female?

Rather than picking a sex (or a color), choose the personality to suit
you. Males are just as affectionate as females, and bitches are just
as playful as dogs. If neutered or spayed, as pets should be, neither
shows the annoying hormonal surges of an intact dog.

What about spaying or neutering?

All responsible breeders require their pets to be spayed or neutered.
We feel no one should breed Beardies unless they are serious students
of the breed, willing to do genetic testing, and to stand behind their
guarantees. They should be willing to prove the quality of the dog in
the show ring under expert evaluation -- because only the very best
should be bred. Research has shown that an altered animal is also
healthier, eliminating reproductive infections and tumors,
particularly in old age.

Juvenile alteration can be performed as young as eight weeks of age.
Many veterinarians, however, perform the surgery when the dog is
between six and nine months of age.

Where can I get a rescue Beardie?

The BCCA was one of the first breed clubs to organize a rescue
service. The National Coordinator may be contracted through the BCCA,
address below. Rescues might be strays, abandoned Beardies, shelter
surrenders or those rescued from neglect or abuse. Beardies are
evaluated as to mental and physical soundness. BCCA Rescue takes the
Beardie to a veterinarian, where the dog is thoroughly examined,
spayed or neutered, and treated if necessary. BCCA Rescue is funded by
the BCCA and private donations.

Almost all needy Beardies adapt to their new homes as soon as they
realize love, shelter and food are theirs for the asking! Sometimes
people are concerned about past history having an adverse effect on
temperament. While being evaluated, individual idiosyncracies are
noted so that the Beardie can be matched to the perfect home. Not all
rescues are victims of abuse. Some are the sad result of divorce,
death or incapacitated owners.

Where do I find breeders?

Most Beardie breeders are responsible people who want to find good
homes for them. Several are online with the Beardie list. They may
also be contacted through the Bearded Collie Club of America's
Corresponding Secretary. Both contacts are listed under More
Information.

Dog shows are a good place to meet breeders. If exhibitors don't have
litters, they'll be likely to put you in contact with someone who
does. No responsible breeder will sell to a pet shop or a broker. A
breeder will give you lifetime support and knowledgeable advice. The
pet shop only wants to sell you supplies!

Good breeders are concerned about the future welfare of their puppies.
Ask to see the dam (mother) of the litter. Would you take her home? If
so, the puppy will probably be a good pet. Breeders extensively
interview prospective buyers, asking questions about fencing,
training, prior pets and more. They'll supply a pedigree, registration
application, guarantee and medical records, as well as information
about the breed and their dogs. A sales contract will protect the
rights of buyer(s), seller(s) and the Beardie.

What is the Number One warning about the breed?

They're like peanuts. You can't stop with just one.
_________________________________________________________________

More Information

Books

ALL ABOUT THE BEARDED COLLIE, by Joyce Collis, Pelham Books

THE BEARDED COLLIE, by G.O. Willison, a Foyles Handbook

THE BEARDED COLLIE, by Chris Walkowicz, publisher Alpine/Denlinger

BEARDED COLLIES, by Carol Gold, publisher TFH

BEARDIE BASICS, by Barbara Rieseberg and B.J. McKinney, publisher
Alpine

BEARDIE BASICS AND BEYOND, by by Barbara Rieseberg and B.J. McKinney,
revised by Jo Parker, publisher Alpine

THE COMPLETE BEARDED COLLIE, by Joyce Collis and Pat Jones, publisher
Howell Book House

TALKING ABOUT BEARDIES, by Suzanne Moorhouse, self-published

Periodicals

Beardie Bulletin, published by the Bearded Collie Club of America $12
per issue, Editor Cynthia Mahigian Moorhead, 2639 Windermer e Woods
Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401

Bearded Collie Annual, Hoflin Publishers

Clubs

_Bearded Collie Club of America_

Litter listing
List of local clubs
Amber Carpenter
Corresponding Secretary
509 Pope Dr.
Pelham, AL 35124

Membership
Kathy Flanagan
2552 Greenbriar Ln.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

BCCA Rescue
Paul Glatzer
10 Eden Dr.
Smithtown, NY 11787
516-724-0871

Mailing List

Subscribe to Beardies-L by sending an e-mail message to
[email protected]. In the message area type:

subscribe BEARDIES-L

For more information and a list of individual homepages, go to
http://www.cris.com/~Gshort/beardie.htm or
http://www.cris.com/~Gshort/bd-l/beardies-l.shtml For information on
Beardies and general dog books, go to
http://home.revealed.net/walkoway/.
_________________________________________________________________

Bearded Collie FAQ
Chris Walkowicz, [email protected]