Did you know that in Scotland, they jokingly call Bearded Collies, “bouncing beardies”? True story! It’s all because these dogs are known for being extremely energetic and hilarious, bounding here and there with a smile that never seems to leave their face. That’s just one of the many reasons that Bearded Collies can make a fantastic first dog, especially if you’re ready to keep up with their energy levels.
First things first, let’s travel back in time and unearth the rich history of our furry friends. Bearded Collies or ‘Beardies’ as they are affectionately known, have been around for centuries, even dating back to the time of Shakespeare. Originating from Scotland, they are believed to have been brought over by Polish traders. These traders in exchange for Scottish sheepdogs, traded their sturdy Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. These Polish dogs are the ancestors of our modern-day Beardies.
Now, onto their general character and temperament. The question is not whether the Bearded Collie is a good first dog, it’s whether you are a good first dog owner for a Bearded Collie. These dogs love to run, play and have a good time. They’re always game for an adventure and they absolutely love engaging with their family members. If you’re someone who loves to stay active and outdoors, a Beardie may just be the perfect choice for you. They thrive in homes where they are treated as part of the family and given regular exercise.
One thing you need to consider, however, these dogs are super intelligent. Which means, yes, they can learn commands and tricks quite quickly, but it also means they can get into some mischief if they aren’t provided enough mental stimulation. It’s vital to remember that bored Beardies can easily turn your house into their own personal dog park if they are left with nothing to do. It implies that you need to keep them busy with toys, puzzles, and regular exercise.
Building on that point, Bearded Collies are working dogs bred to herd sheep in the harsh Scottish weather, so they absolutely love tasks. They’re not content just lazing around – they want to learn, they want to explore and they want to work. Training them can be so much fun because they’re quick learners. A word of caution though; Beardies, by nature, are independent thinkers and may not always follow commands to the T. This is not out of stubbornness but their ancestral trait to make decisions on their own when herding sheep.
To give your Bearded Collie a happy home, you need to be prepared to put in time for grooming. Their beautiful, long, flowing hair, that comes in shades of black, blue, brown, or fawn, graced with a white blaze on their face, a white tail tip, and white feet, doesn’t stay gorgeous on its own. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat free from mats and tangles, and you might even want to consider bringing them for professional grooming once in a while.
Another trait people love about them is their sheer friendliness. These dogs are social animals, and they don’t discriminate between humans and other dogs. They love just about everyone! However, this also means they might get lonely if left alone, so you’ll want to ensure that your Beardie is never alone for extended periods.
Now, you may wonder, how do they fare with kids around? Well, Beardies and children can become the best of friends. Their affectionate, friendly, and playful nature aligns well with children’s energy, making them an excellent addition to any family. Of course, interactions between dogs and little kids should always be supervised to ensure the safety of both parties.
So, circling back to our original question: “Is a Bearded Collie a good first dog?” With their friendly nature, bustling energy, and lovable personality, the answer is a resounding yes! However, remember every Beardie needs adequate exercise, mental stimulation, grooming, and above all, lots of love. If you can offer these, then welcome to the beautiful journey of Beardie ownership – you’re in for an affectionate, hilarious, and a ‘bearded’ beautiful time!
