Bearded Collie characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bearded Collie right for you?
The Bearded Collie is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Bearded Collie needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bearded Collie needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bearded Collie to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bearded Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Bearded Collie is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and barks a fair amount, usually for a reason. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bearded Collie
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bearded Collie genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: High — the Bearded Collie sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Bearded Collie needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Bearded Collie is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bearded Collie actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Bearded Collie fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | High energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Active families
- Grooming enthusiasts
- Herding sports
- Show competitors
Things to consider
- Extensive grooming needs
- High energy
- Can be mouthy
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bearded Collie good with children?
- Yes — the Bearded Collie is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bearded Collie shed a lot?
- The Bearded Collie has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bearded Collie need?
- With high energy, the Bearded Collie needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Bearded Collie live?
- The Bearded Collie typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Bearded Collie live in an apartment?
- The Bearded Collie can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Bearded Collie easy to train?
- The Bearded Collie is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bearded Collie be left alone during the day?
- The Bearded Collie copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.