SKALLYWAGZ (CKC reg.)
ABOUT THE BEARDED COLLIE
"Beardies"
Similar in nature to the Border Collie, Bearded Collies are also herding dogs. Originating from the Scottish highlands, and one of the oldest British breeds, they can be traced in history as far back as A.D 1540. These incredible and fascinating dogs were, like the Border Collie, used as working dogs, for herding and droving.
Today they are a rare breed; to own a Beardie is indeed a true pleasure. Beardies are generally 'pets' as opposed to 'working dogs', but still display the natural herding instinct when outside. They are highly intelligent and trainable, active, happy and friendly, bubbly and funny - even when not intending to be! Charismatic and playful, the Beardie gives endless hours of amusement; he can easily amuse himself if you dont want to play any more. Life is a big adventure when you're shaggy!
Beardies love to be with you, but don't like to be neglected or kennelled for any length of time, as they get bored quickly. They are well mannered, and like personal contact and mental stimulation, but if left alone for long periods can get unintentionally destructive.
One of my previous Beardies would munch away at the toilet roll in the bathroom if left for longer than a few hours. I would arrive home to be met with a Hansel & Gretel scene - no breadcrumbs here though, instead, a trail of the white roll festooned across floors and around furniture, with soggy chewed bits deposited here and there. When I asked "who did this?" he would peer out at me through his long shaggy bangs with a "Did what?" look on his face. Alas for him, the tell-tale soggy white bits stuck in his beard spoke a thousand words!
My first Beardie, Lacey, (aged 7 ) came to stay with me for a week while her owner was in hospital. That week turned into 8 years! Lacey's first night with me was unforgettable. This was when I discovered how afraid of thunderstorms she was. She slept under my bed the whole night! Loyal and loving, Lacey was happy running around the field, hair blowing in the wind as if in a tv advert: or curled up on my lap or at my feet gently snoring away, paws twitching as she dreamed of doggy days! Lacey passed on at a grand old age of 15. Always remembered with a smile, occasionally with a tender tear or two, but never forgotten. She was the beginning of my fascination with Beardies.
Ya just gotta love em!
Their personalities flourish when they become part of a family. Exuberant and lively outside, they quickly settle down in the house. Socialisation is an enjoyable requirement for a Beardie, being naturally friendly, and eager to please.
But .........Be Warned !! Beardies are not guard dogs, it is against their nature to be aggressive - it is more likely they will welcome any intruders with 'open paws' and a bouncy greeting of "wuff" rather than growl at the unwelcome visitor.
Beardies need grooming. Being a cute shaggy dog is good, but shaggy dogs need to be groomed regularly. There are a variety of products available on the market to help keep the coat in top condition, as well as numerous types of brushes, combs and rakes. Don't be fooled! Grooming takes time and patience, but with practice and care it will become an enjoyable one-on-one session for you and your hairy pooch. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can become quite adept at detangling even the stickiest and most stubborn burr!
A Beardie is certainly something special! He thrives on loving you and being loved in return. He needs exercise, a good healthy diet and lots of care and attention. But if you have the time to invest in one of these amazing animals, and you want to become a proud owner of a big shaggy dog too, then rest assured your efforts will be rewarded many-fold.
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