The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Herding

Bearded Collie

Shaggy herder with bouncy friendliness

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Exercise
High
Mental stimulation
High
Trainability
High
Vocality
High
Health sensitivity
High
Grooming
High
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
High

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–14 years
Body weight
35–55 lb
Height
20–22 in
Apartment suitability
Can Adapt

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Enjoy an upbeat herder and can provide daily outlets and interactive play
  • Are comfortable with coat upkeep and brushing as part of the weekly rhythm

Not ideal

  • Want a tidy home with minimal coat work and hair management
  • Prefer a lower-energy dog that stays calm even when the house is lively

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Bouncy and friendly, often turning excitement into movement. Loves active days and can get “silly busy” when overstimulated.

Handling & social style

Typically social and tolerant, but easily distracted. Thrives with steady training and calm greeting habits.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

A high-energy herding dog with a big coat—daily mental outlets matter as much as exercise, and grooming needs to be routine, not occasional.

Environment & space

Does best with room to move and a predictable schedule; smaller homes can work if you reliably meet activity and enrichment needs.

Daily routine

Plan a solid daily walk/play block plus short training or scent games. Quick coat checks after outings prevent small tangles from turning into mats.

Health sensitivities

Keep an eye on coat-to-skin comfort and overall conditioning; choose lines with clear long-term health history and a steady, resilient temperament.

Grooming / coat

Long double coat that benefits from thorough brushing several times a week, with extra attention behind ears, legs, and friction spots.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Scotland

Background

From Scotland, the Bearded Collie has a long droving and herding history, then became more formally organized in the 1900s. The work favored endurance and a bouncy, resilient style. Today, many Beardies are lively and upbeat, typically doing best with owners who enjoy an active routine.