✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Bearded Collie
Herding breed from Scotland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized herding dog from Scotland, known for its long, shaggy double coat and animated expression. Its temperament is described as intelligent, energetic, playful, affectionate, alert, confident, and outgoing. The breed has a distinctive bouncing gait and a boisterous, charismatic personality. Note that individual dogs may vary in behavior.
Quick facts
Bearded Collie at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginScotland
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight20–25 kilogram
Female weight20–25 kilogram
Male height53–56 centimetre
Female height53–56 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Bearded Collie is an ancient Scottish herding breed, developed to drive sheep and cattle in harsh Highland conditions. It was bred for hardiness, intelligence, and the ability to work independently. According to one source, the breed nearly became extinct after World War II but was revived through careful breeding programs. Recognition status varies by registry; for example, it was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1959 and the AKC in 1977, but these dates are from a single source and may not reflect all registries.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
20–25 kilogramAdult weight53–56 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesDouble, Long, ShaggyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentenergeticplayfulaffectionatealertconfidentoutgoing
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Bearded Collie-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
Bearded Collie puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight20–25 kilogramAdult female weight20–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Bearded Collie?
Based on modelled estimates, adult males and females typically weigh 20–25 kg and stand 53–56 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12–14 years. These figures are estimates and may vary.
What is the Bearded Collie's temperament like?
The breed is described as intelligent, energetic, playful, affectionate, alert, confident, and outgoing. However, not every dog will display all these traits, and individual behavior can differ.
How much exercise does a Bearded Collie need?
The breed has a high energy level (rated 5 out of 5), so it likely requires substantial daily exercise. As a herding dog, it may enjoy activities that engage both mind and body.
What are the grooming requirements?
The Bearded Collie has a long, shaggy double coat that requires regular grooming (rated 4 out of 5 for grooming effort). Shedding is moderate (rated 3 out of 5).
Is the Bearded Collie good with children and other dogs?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for dog compatibility, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs, but individual experiences may vary.
Can a Bearded Collie live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, indicating it may not be ideal for small spaces without ample exercise. A home with a yard is likely more suitable.
Where does the Bearded Collie originate from?
The breed originates from Scotland, where it was developed as a herding dog for sheep and cattle in harsh Highland conditions.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.