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One of Britain’s oldest breeds, the shaggy coated Bearded Collie is thought to have descended from the Magyar Komondor of central Europe. According to Hutchinsons’ Encyclopaedia, red and white Collies were the highland strain, the border strain being grey and white. It is an affable breed that people more easily identify as a family rather than a working dog. Its origin, though, is that of a humble herdsman’s dog.

ORIGIN
On the surface it is hard to link the Bearded Collie with Scotland’s other more fleet- footed collies. The earliest known pictures of the breed date back to the eighteenth century — in a 1771 Gainsborough portrait of the Duke of Buccleigh and a 1 772 Reynolds portrait of the Duke’s wife and daughter, accompanied by two dogs. However, it was not until 1912 that i Russell Greig founded the Bearded Collie Society in Edinburgh. The breed is still highly valued as a sheepdog, due to its ability to turn in a good day’s work in south Scotland’s misty, rainy and cold climate. Records show modern Bearded Collies arrived in Australia in 1970.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
It is a lean, active breed and despite a long, thick coat, should not be heavy or cumbersome. Bearded Collies have a bright, inquiring expression that is a distinctive feature of the breed. Its low set tail is never carried over the back. The beard is formed by hair growing over the cheeks, lower lips and under the chin. It has a shaggy coat, with a flat, harsh top coat covering a soft, furry and close undercoat. The coat has sufficient length and density to be weather-proof but never hides the natural lines of the body.

There are a number of coat colours: slate grey, reddish fawn, black, blue and all shades of grey, brown and sandy, with or without white markings.

SIZE
Ideal size for males is 53 — 56cm at shoulder, bitches 51 — 53cm. Weighing between 21 and 25kg.

TEMPERAMENT
A steady, intelligent working dog, Bearded Collies are light hearted and sometimes rambunctious. A joy in the home, they are affectionate and responsive. This nature has made them popular as a companion for nursing home residents and hospital patients. They are strong willed and sensitive also, making them a challenge to train.

CARE AND GROOMING
The coat provides excellent weather protection and must not be trimmed for the show ring. A weekly brushing is needed to remove tangles.

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