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The Bearded Collie

Thanks to Dawn Sarro at Morguefile for this lovely photo.

The bearded collie is another popular breed in the UK and these fun loving dogs do well at agility. Dogs ideally  measure 21 to 22ins (53 - 56cms) at the withers and bitches measure 20 to 21 ins (51 - 53cms).  Both dogs and bitches weigh between 39.7 and 61.7lbs (18 - 28kgs).

This breed has quite a few variations in coat length and colour so that each dog tends to be more individual in its looks than in some other dog breeds.  Many beardies change their coat colour during their lifetime, and in particular they can develop paler rings around their eyes.  This "paling" can spread throughout the coat during the dog's first 18 months so that the puppy colour you started out with isn't necessarily the colour of dog you will end up with.  When the new coat starts to grow it will be darker but the paling is likely to start all over again and continue until the next new growth of darker hair. 

Thanks to Dawn Sarro at Morguefile for another lovely pic.

Beardies are very trainable as long as you are consistent and not too harsh with them.  I would describe them as fun loving, active, exuberant and enthusiastic which is just what you want for an agility dog.  Think very carefully before you take on a beardie or one of its crosses as they do need a lot of grooming and exercise and they need something to do.  I know they can charm the birds out of the trees with their looks but you have to have a great sense of humour and plenty of time for these wonderful dogs. 

Meet Tilly, a beardie cross who has done exceptionally well at agility.

If you go to agility shows you'll probably find at least one person who runs beardies and they will be glad to give you some helpful advice.  As with all breed dogs, you can't beat first hand knowledge and actually meeting the dogs in the flesh.

Respondents to the survey all said the beardie and its crosses was fairly easy to  train and recommended for agility.  More importantly they all said they would choose this type of dog again which I always think says a lot about a dog breed.

Comments from handlers of beardies and beardie crosses

Laura
His breed, us and our vet have guessed as border x beardie, but he is very unusual. Characteristics and face of a border, coat and build of a beardie! He is a mystery!!! Would love you to put a pic of him up so people could guess! Very very fast, very powerful and very enthusiastic dog.
Pat says: It would be great if you could join the forum and post a pic on there.  We could all have a go at guessing the breed.

Lynne (Beardie/poodle cross):
very obedient and loving dog. she also is very sensitive, she responds well to firm commands and is calm and wonderfully behaved in the home hence we take her when we visit family. I would like to do agility with her she is 19 months old is this too old to start? she is very fast and outruns all the dogs in the park.

Lucy:
My Beardie X is lovely to train, a really quick learner and she is VERY accurate. She's beginning to get much quicker and our placings are getting higher at fun competitions!  The most loving dog we've ever owned (almost human!)

Darryl (Beardie/border):
Very smart and extremely quick dog. She needs positive training, harsh training/handling wouldn't work well with her.

Samantha Hadingham (Bearded Collie/Rough Collie cross):
Very vocal and a bit nutty but has potential to be fast and accuarate. Calm in the home and brilliant with people. Chasing instincts been a problem also.

Gill (Beardie x Border collie):
Picks up what is asked very quickly just lacks confidence sometimes, does not bark or get over excited so far! We are only in our first year of training.

Nicky (beardie x):
Although my dog is a bit mad he LOVES agility! he is very keen, very fast and fun to work with. we're not sure what he is cross with(something big!)and the only problem i've encountered is tight turns,but that is improving all the time with practise.he is also a fantastic member of our family and a pleasure to live with.