They bounce across the field like living tumbleweed, ears flapping, coat flying, and eyes full of promise. The Bearded Collie looks like it belongs in a pastoral painting — yet inside it’s wired for action and companionship.
Think you can handle long walks, coat drama, and that boundless spirit? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to see if you’re match-made.
Great Names for a Bearded Collie
Let’s pick something that marries elegance and mischief. Four themed lists for you:
Soft & flowing: Mist, Willow, Cloud, Breeze, Velvet, Whisper
Classic & noble: Arthur, Eleanor, Matilda, Alfred, Charlotte, Rupert
Quirky & playful: Flapjack, Jigsaw, Whirl, Zippy, Tumble, Squiggle
Heritage & Scottish nods: Skye, Alba, Loch, Fife, Lorn, MacKenzie
Stuck? Try the Dog Name Generator at CrazyDogs.club for more inspiration.
Exercise
If there’s one thing a Beardie demands, it’s movement. They weren’t bred to lie still. They want to run, roam, chase, herd — and when they don’t, they invent “fun” (usually your slippers or the garden fence).
What works best:
- 1½ to 2 hours of activity daily
- Off-lead running in safe areas
- Herding games, fetch, frisbee, scent work
- Varied walks so the brain and body get an equal workout
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll act like a tumbleweed until a ball appears — then you’ll see poetry in motion.
Working Dog / High Energy Warning
Understimulation is their kryptonite. Without purpose or play, they’ll get restless, destructive or moody.
Temperament
Behind the fluff is a dog that thinks deeply, bonds hard, and sometimes sulks if ignored. Beardies are people-oriented, alert, responsive — but also sensitive.
Common traits:
- Deeply loyal, often to one person or family
- Cheerful, expressive, enthusiastic
- Sensitive to tone, consistency, and attention
- Sometimes reserved with strangers till trust builds
“I have a beardie! He’s 6 … my husband had one as a child … he is extremely noise sensitive … coat can be high maintenance.”
Balance is key: praise over punishment, firmness with warmth.
Training
Training a Bearded Collie is like coaching a spirited, elegant athlete — they want challenge, variety, and clarity. If you bore them, they’ll find better things.
How to train well:
- Begin early with socialisation and exposure
- Use reward, games, praise, novelty
- Keep sessions short but dynamic
- Emphasise recall, “leave it,” impulse control
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll pretend to ignore you — until the treat arrives.
Need help? Use the World’s First AI Dog Trainer to structure breed-sensitive sessions that keep pace with their mind.
Stubborn Streak Warning
When they hit a repetitive drill, they understand, and they’ll refuse if bored—plan variation and reward.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Beardies are rarely jumpy alarm dogs. They’ll alert, greet, and assess. Usually warm up to new people, though patience may be needed at first.
- Likely to bark at unexpected visitors or noises
- Generally friendly once introductions are smooth
- Socialisation helps avoid fear or overreactive responses
Other Animals
Many Beardies live happily with dogs, cats, and other household pets, especially when introduced early. But given their herding ancestry, small animals may spark interest.
- Introduce neutrally and calmly
- Supervise early interactions
- Teach “leave it” and respect boundaries
One forum member noted: “The working Beardies also have great personalities (and have shorter, easier to look after coats).”
Grooming
This coat is a double-edged sword: stunning when well cared for, chaos when neglected. The “beard” and mane demand your devotion.
Grooming needs:
- Brushing/combing 3–4 times weekly
- Professional clipping/trimming every 6–8 weeks
- Regular cleaning of beard, coat, ears
- Bathing when needed, careful drying
- Attention to mats, tangles, debris
Pickles’ Aside: For every inch of fluff, I’ll demand a wipe — your sofa, your shoes, your coffee table.
Grooming Commitment Warning
If you let one session slip, mats take root. Commitment is non-negotiable.
Health
Beardies are generally hardy, but breed-specific vulnerabilities exist. Good breeders will screen.
Watch for:
- Hip dysplasia, elbow issues
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Autoimmune disease (some lines)
- Skin allergies, sensitivities
- Deafness in rare cases
“We used to have a puppy farm … their pups were all nervous/nasty whereas the well bred ones were sweeties.”
Ask breeders for health tests and consult our Best in Breeder Guide when vetting.
Cost of Ownership
This dog is beautiful — and it costs to keep it beautiful. In the UK:
- Puppy price: ~ £1,500–£2,500 (health-tested lines)
- Insurance: ~ £50–£100/month
- Food: ~ £40–£80/month
- Grooming & trimming: ~ £30–£100/month
- Vet & health: ~ £200–£600/year
Famous Owners & Moments
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Beardies have been show favourites and herding breeders for centuries.
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They often appear in Scottish and pastoral art, adored for their flowing coat and presence.
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In modern culture, they’re less flashy than Border Collies, but beloved for warmth and loyalty.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re too much coat, too little sense.” | They’re intelligent, agile, and adaptable when trained. |
| “They don’t get along with strangers.” | Many warm up quickly with calm introductions and socialisation. |
| “Long coat means heavy shedding.” | They shed moderately — upkeep matters, but it’s manageable. |
FAQs
Are Bearded Collies good with children?
Yes, often very gentle — but teach children to treat coat and face delicately.
Do they shed a lot?
Not excessively — though loose hairs happen; grooming reduces that.
Are they easy to train?
They’re bright and eager when engaged — but resist monotonous drills.
How much exercise do they need?
1½–2 hours daily, plus mental variety and sniffing.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Inviting a Bearded Collie into your life means welcoming a dog that spins drama into joy. You’ll share walks where tails wag, coats swirl, and eyes sparkle. You’ll gain loyalty, intelligence, humour, and a presence that feels like home.
But there’s no hiding the caveats. Their coat needs constant care. Skip a week and you’ll wage war with mats. Recall may fail when scent or excitement hits. Some lines carry autoimmune or health risks.
They crave companionship — left too long, they may worry or bark. But if you’re ready for the work, grooming tools, vets, training, patience, and love, then they’ll reward you with endless charm, heart, and beauty.
Kick off the journey with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and freeze their majestic brilliance forever in a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Medium
- Weight: ~20–30 kg
- Height: ~51–56 cm at shoulder
- Lifespan: ~12–14 years
- Best Trait: Spirited, affectionate, intelligent companion
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, health vigilance, strong instincts