Bearded Collie
- Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs ( without Swiss Cattle Dogs)
- Section 1: Sheepdogs
- Without working trial
Great Britain
Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou ed Collie
Ideal males 53-56 cm Bitches 51-53 cm
FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC ( UK), NZKC, UKC
The Bearded Collie is one of the FCI recognized British breed (FCI Group 1, Section 1, Standard No. 271).
Origin and History
Like all Collies he is a herding dog, whose origins lie in the Scottish Highlands, which is why he is even today still referred to by Scottish farmers as Highland collie. For the prevailing weather conditions in Scotland a hardy dog was used with dense fur and bred. Thus, the Bearded emerged ( bearded ) Collies, which are closely related to those from the lower-lying areas of Scotland.
In contrast to the similar name Border Collie, which was used as a normal German Shepherd Bearded Collie was used for complex hats tasks, such as independent driving herds of cattle from the mountain and the finding and returning of stray animals. Today, it is grown mainly as a family dog.
Description
The height at withers in males 53-56 cm, 51-53 cm in the bitch, with a weight of 18-22 kg ( female ) and 23-28 kg ( male ). The coat is of medium length, harsh, smooth, with soft fur, even on the head. The typical colors are blue (gray), fawn ( beige ), brown, black, with white markings ( on the feet, the face in blaze, round the collar, to the tip of the tail ). The eyes should be in the color of the coat, not too bright and not too dark, far apart and large, gentle and loving, but not prominent. Eyebrows arched top and standing to the front, not so long that the eyes would be obscured. The ears are medium sized and drooping. When alert, lift at base up to the level of the skull, but not beyond, thus, allow the skull appear wider. The tail, covered with abundant hair is set low and so long that the last vertebrae of the tail reaches at least to the hock.
The Bearded Collie is a happy, balanced, easily trained dog. The attentive enterprising expression is a characteristic feature of the breed.
Nature
In the FCI breed standard of the Bearded Collie is described as alert, lively, confident and active. The ideal Bearded Collie is according to the standard reliable and intelligent working dog, with no signs of nervousness or aggression.