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                                BEARDED COLLIES
                                       
Author

   Susan Holm, sholm01@mail.coin.missouri.edu
   
  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
     * L. Gail Price,
     * M.J. Tupa and
     * Kristine Toft,
       
   for editing and input.
   
  COMMENTS
  
   Please send all comments regarding these FAQ's to the author at the
   e-mail address above.
   
  COPYRIGHT
  
   Copyright 1995 by Susan Holm. This document may be distributed freely,
   provided you respect this copyright. This document may not be sold for
   profit nor incorporated into commercial documents in all or part
   without the express written permission of the author.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * An Introduction to the Bearded Collie
          + The Development of The Breed/History
     * Physical Characteristics
          + The Approved AKC Breed Standard
     * Temperament
     * General Care
     * Frequently Asked Questions about Bearded Collies
          + A Bearded Collie?! Is that Lassie with a beard?
          + Do they need a lot of grooming? Do they shed?
          + Are they good with children?
          + Do they bark alot?
          + Do they require a lot of exercise?
          + Are they easy to housetrain?
          + What about health concerns?
          + What is their average lifespan?
          + Would I be happier with a puppy or an adult?
          + What kind of activities can I do with my Beardie?
          + I'm in love!!! Where do I find my Beardie?
          + What about a rescue?
     * Resources
          + Books on Beardies
          + Periodicals
          + Clubs
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
An Introduction to the Bearded Collie

  THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BREED/HISTORY
  
   The Bearded Collie: oldest of the Scottish Herding Breeds, has been in
   basically the same form as we see today since the 1500's. Likely
   descended from a Polish breed, they won their place as true working
   dogs by proving themselves in the fields of the Highlands of Scotland.
   Long treasured by the Shepherds, the Beardie, as he is commonly known,
   is a reliable and trustworthy working dog, who has found a permenent
   place in the hearts and homes of those fortunate enough to own one.
   
   Recognized as a pure breed by The Kennel Club in the U.K. in 1959,
   they have made their way to countries all over the world. Recognized
   in the U.S. fully in 1977, they have stayed around #75 in popularity
   of all the AKC breeds, a desirable place, since breeders are always
   careful not to allow just anyone to possess a Bearded Collie. A high
   percentage of the Beardies born in the U.S. are shown in conformation
   classes. Numbers are growing in Beardies participating in obedience,
   agility and herding competitions.
   
   Today's Beardie is still the shaggy, carefree, character he's always
   been, although improved coat care has certainly put glamour into
   today's show Beardie! Most, when given the opportunity to work stock,
   are still up to the task, with some working in the classic Huntaway
   style, and others having developed the quieter style, likely developed
   in the lowlands, and may show some eye in their work. Either is
   acceptable and desirable, depending on the needs of the handler.
   
   A medium-sized dog, hardy and sturdy with few inborn health problems,
   the Beardie can be the ideal dog for today's busy families. They are
   much like children themselves, and prefer to be actively involved in
   all family activities. However, they are certainly Not for just
   anyone. The coat care, and the training to guide the Beardie towards a
   life of good citizenship, are just a part of the responsibility of
   owning a Beardie. They require a lot of love, discipline and time, and
   a bored Beardie can be quite creative in getting the owners attention
   when ignored too long!
   
   The bond between Beardie and family is incredible. These dogs truly
   know how to love, and have an unlimited amount to offer to almost
   everyone. If a Beardie doesn't like a person, its opinion is probably
   correct!
   
   Often noisy, their love of life carries through in everything they do.
   They are also creatures of habit: if dinner is served at 5:30 pm, in
   That corner of the kitchen, they may pout if it's served early or
   late, or in the other corner. It's good to vary their schedule, just
   to avoid their becoming dictators of the family routine. The males are
   especially slow to mature, and can be extremely loving and cuddly. The
   females mature earlier, and are often quite maternal, even to the
   "people-puppies" of the household. No one should hesitate regarding
   either sex as being "better", although Beardie people may have a
   personal preference.
   
   They are true empaths, reading the minds of their person, and trying
   always to make everything all right.
   
   For most people, to meet a Beardie is to love a Beardie. Sometimes
   clowns, sometimes serious working dogs, or glamorous showdogs, their
   many attributes make them a dog for true dog lovers. It is often said
   that good parents make good dog owners. This is probably true, for the
   commitment is a lifelong one, and few Beardie owners stop at just one!
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Physical Characteristics

  THE APPROVED AKC BREED STANDARD
  
   The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes
   the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
   otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat
   quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function
   for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye
   color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others.
   The Standard describes an ideal representive of the breed. No
   individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the
   breeder to strive towards.
   
   Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards
   at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not
   typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the
   publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club
   for a copy of the Standard.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Temperament

   While discussed briefly in the breed standard, most Beardies will fall
   within the normal limits of acceptable temperament. Some are naturally
   quieter, more laid-back, even "mellow", and others can go to the other
   extreme, being boisterous, brassy, pushy, and demanding. Puppy
   temperament tests are limited, as puppies will change as they go into
   a new family and find their place within it.
   
   Beardies naturally like people. They usually like other animals,
   although, if not raised around cats, for example, might decide they
   would be great fun to chase! As true herding dogs, this behavior is
   common, but can be corrected if it becomes annoying. Generally, they
   will make friends with the other animals of the household just fine.
   
   Many Beardies can become manipulative, if given too free a hand at
   first. They all know they are cute, and don't mind using that cuteness
   to get what they want. Never done with evil intent, their brightness
   is to be respected. A lesson taught --the correct way-- is a lesson
   learned. But, only a foolish dog is mindlessly obedience, and Beardies
   are Never fools.
   
   Loving and lovable, bright and curious, the Bearded Collie is sweet,
   giving, naturally funny, and a true companion. Being with their family
   is of paramount importance to them, and, once brought into the family,
   they will naturally adapt to suit the needs of that family.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
General Care

   The usual veterinary care to maintain good health in any dog is the
   beginning of a healthy and happy Beardie. Regular veterinary
   check-ups, vaccinations, wormings as needed, and annual blood-work,
   particularly in the older Beardie are the rule.
   
   Regular grooming, examining the condition of the skin, and checking
   teeth and ears, during the weekly grooming, will help keep the Beardie
   beautiful and also make the owner aware of what is normal or not on
   that dog. Parasites or foxtails can be found at this time, and any
   bumps, warts or changes in the skin can be examined.
   
   Early and consistent obedience training will help build a strong and
   healthy relationship between dog and owner. Consistency in training
   and setting rules are an important part of living with a Beardie.
   
   Sufficient exercise to maintain the good health and condition are
   necessary. While Beardies are adaptable, and are found happily living
   in apartments, townhomes, High-rises, small homes, large homes and on
   the farm, they must be given enough real exercise to stay in good
   condition and to prevent boredom.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Frequently Asked Questions about Bearded Collies

   A Bearded Collie?! Is that Lassie with a beard?
   
     Beardie owners are used to this question. Actually, the word collie
     is loosely based on the old gaelic term "Cooley" which was a
     black-faced variety of sheep common to the area. Any breed of dog
     that was used to work these sheep were called "Cooley Dogs", and the
     Bearded part was just an obvious physical characteristic.
     
     They are not related to the Lassie type collie at all.
     
     Some people ask if they are Old English Sheepdogs with the tails
     left on. This is incorrect as well. Beardies are the oldest of the
     Scottish herding breeds, with a history of around 500 years in
     basically the same form as we see today. It is likely that there is
     some Beardie ancestry in the Old English sheepdog, or Bobtail, as
     they are a much younger breed and primarily man-made. It is
     interesting that another similar breed, the Border Collie is
     commonly registered in the ISDS by coat type: smooth, rough or
     BEARDED.
     
   Do they need a lot of grooming? Do they shed?
   
     As a coated breed, they do require regular and throrough grooming to
     keep a healthy coat. However, compared to other coated breeds, this
     care isn't difficult and most owners can learn how to do it
     themselves, committing perhaps an hour a week to give the coat a
     throrough brushing and prevent mats. Puppy coat is soft and fluffy
     and very easy to brush. This is the time to start teaching the puppy
     to enjoy grooming and to lie quietly on his side as you brush
     through the coat, to the skin. Keeping the sessions short and
     enjoyable, when you really need a well-behaved Beardie to lie
     quietly as you work through the coat, he'll behave himself.
     
     In adolescence, the coat will change, and grooming needs to be
     stepped up to prevent matting, as the soft puppy coat sheds out and
     the new coat grows in. Some Beardies will have a huge coat at this
     age, and will need quite a bit of regular grooming until they grow
     into their adult coats. Some adolecents actually lose most of their
     coat at this time, shedding most of the coat on the shoulders, and
     look --less than lovely-- during this time. These coats usually grow
     into wonderful adult coats, tho, so are worth waiting out.
     
     The adult Beardie can be kept handsome and clean with less than an
     hour a week of brushing and combing. If mats are ignored, they only
     get bigger and more difficult to remove. Never brush a dry coat, use
     a light mist of water or conditioner, to cut static and prevent
     breakage. Never bath a matted dog, the water will only set the mat
     tighter. Instead, use patience and work the mat out before bathing.
     
     Some pet Beardies are shaved. It doesn't hurt the coat, but they do
     lose that Beardie look that we all love so well.
     
     SHEDDING: Beardies shed some hair, usually small amounts year
     'round, if raised in the house. Hair that is shed out and not
     removed with regular grooming causes matting. A good brushing will
     solve the problem in most cases. 
     
   Are they good with children?
   
     Beardies and children are natural companions. Some people compare
     Beardies to five year old children; naturally curious, energetic,
     and enthusiastic about life. Beardies usually form a real bond to
     all members of their family, including the little ones.
     
     "Beardie Bounce" needs to be watched around small children! Beardies
     can be overwhelming to the younger child, and adult supervision must
     be given when the Beardie and child are playing together. A Beardie
     can usually gauge their play to their playmate, but need to be
     taught just like all kids.
     
     A common problem with Beardies a small children is that a running
     child may well stimulate the dogs herding instincts, causing the
     Beardie to run after the child, and, perhaps, nip at the heels or
     bottom of that "wayward sheep". A game can be taught, to be "a good
     sheep" and the child stops or turns when the Beardie tries to head
     them. Again, adult supervision and training the Beardie to obey the
     rules are necessary.
     
     Smaller children need to learn, also, that the Beardie is a living
     entity and has feelings too. If the Beardie is crate-trained, he'll
     learn that he has a place to go when the play gets to be too much,
     and the child needs to learn to respect that privacy. Common sense
     dictates that a child learn not to bother a dog while eating or
     resting.
     
     The bond between Beardie and child is incredible. Many Beardies
     cannot rest until they haave tucked all their charges in for the
     night, or will sleep in the hallway, ready to answer the slightest
     murmur in the night.
     
     Most Beardies and children are perfect for each other.
     
   Do they bark alot?
   
     Beardies, as a breed, should not be considered a quiet breed. Early
     and consistent training is necessary to prevent a Beardie from
     becoming annoying barkers.
     
     The behavior begins with the small puppy. While playing, the puppy
     becomes stimulated and barks, for joy or out of frustration. And,
     your yelling sounds like barking back to him! To handle barking in
     the youngster, after a woof or two, firmly command, "Enough!" When
     the pup stops, usually in surprise! offer quiet praise for the
     silence. He'll soon understand that you control how much barking is
     tolerated.
     
     Barking at the doorbell, squirrels, and strangers walking down the
     street can be handled in the same manner. It's important to be firm
     and consistent to prevent creating a chronic barker.
     
     Boredom and lack of exercise can aggravate the problem. Almost
     always, it is the owner to blame for ignoring the behavior until it
     becomes a bad habit.
     
   Do they require a lot of exercise?
   
     A healthy Beardie is an active dog, and requires regular exercise to
     stay in good health and condition, and to prevent boredom. The
     backyard is NOT sufficient exercise for a Beardie. Regular scheduled
     activities will help the dog get enough exercise, and is a great
     time to train and bond to your Beardie. Chasing a ball, frisbee, or
     a daily long walk is needed.
     
     Beardies are adaptable and can be equally happy in an apartment,
     townhome, small suburban house, farm or estate. But they must be
     given enough exercise on a daily basis for their physical and mental
     well-being.
     
     A bored Beardie can be quite creative in making their own fun!
     
     Of course, many people have found the solution to providing
     additional exercise for the Beardie, in getting a second Beardie for
     their dog! They will romp and chase and play and keep each other in
     condition.
     
   Are they easy to housetrain?
   
     Beardies are a naturally clean animal and can be housetrained
     relatively quickly. A young pup cannot be given free run of the
     whole house and be expected to learn to be reliably housetrained.
     Keeping them confined to a small area, and a crate when the owner
     cannot be there to watch, will speed up the process and leave you
     with a well housetrained Beardie.
     
     Puppies cannot hold their urine reliably until 11-12 weeks, and then
     only for a few hours. They need to go out upon awakening, after
     playing and after eating. Puppies should be confined to one room and
     supervised, so that they can be taken out when they start showing
     signs of needing to go out. (Most will stiffen or get a certain
     "look" that an observent owner will soon recognize.)
     
     Accidents need to be cleaned up promptly and throroughly. After
     soaking up as much of the urine as possible, try club soda, or
     diluted vinegar then blot it up again, to remove the smell that, if
     left, will attract the dog to return and mark again.
     
   What about health concerns?
   
     Beardies are a remarkably health breed, and careful breeding will
     help keep them that way.
   
       
    1. All breeding animals must be completely healthy prior to being
       bred. This would include hip and eye checks, and any additional
       tests to find other congenital or inheritable disease to eliminate
       these dogs from the gene pool.
       
    2. Hips can be x-rayed for hip dysplasia, with a permenent rating
       given from the OFA after age 2 years. The incidence of hip
       dysplasia is approx. 7% breed-wide, according to figures from the
       OFA. This is low compared to other breeds of similar size, but it
       does occur.
       
    3. Eyes can be checked for congenital or inheritable defects at any
       age, and CERF requires annual re-checks as soon defects do not
       occur until later years. All collie breeds have an incidence of
       eye defects, but Beardies do not have a widespread problem, with
       the current figures of less than 8%. Continued attention to
       testing all Beardies will help a great deal in keeping that figure
       low.
       
    4. Many breeds of dogs, including some Beardies, are experiencing
       auto-immune disease. There seems to be an increase in auto-immune
       related disease that researchers are trying to find a cause as
       quickly as possible. Some common auto-immune diseases include
       low-thyroid, Addisons Disease (a failure of the adrenal glands),
       Lupus and allergies.
       
       In most cases, there is no apparent inheritability, but it can be
       familial, (running in families), so genetics may play a role.
       There are tests that can help determine if a dog is likely to
       develop a problem, such as the Free T3 T4, for thyroid,
       sodium-potassium levels and ACTH for Addisons' Disease.
       
       If your Beardie develops a problem, contact your breeder and your
       vet, and working together, you may be able to find a treatment
       that allows your Beardie to live a quality life.
       
    5. All dogs can be bothered by parasites, such as fleas, ticks, worms
       and heartworm. Dog owners are responsible for keeping the
       environment free of these parasites, and regular vet checks
       including stool samples for worms should be expected. Heartworm
       has become a national problem, and testing and preventative is
       necessary for nearly all Beardies. Discuss this with your vet.
       (Note: some Beardies have had problems with the Heartgard
       preventative. Discuss this with your vet before using it.)
       
    6. An unspayed bitch is prone to pyometra, a serious uterine
       infection. There is also the risk of breast cancer, ovarian or
       uterine cancer and mammary cancers, along with the possibility of
       an unplanned pregnancy, since Beardie bitches are anything but
       modest when in heat!
       
       An unneutered dog is prone to prostate cancer, and the risk
       increases with age. They are also more likely to mark their
       territory, and take to visiting the neighborhood ladies, so
       neutering should be strongly considered for all dogs that are not
       to be shown or are not of breeding quality. It increases their
       lifespan, and also probably prevents other health problems from
       occurring. There is no change of personality, although they
       usually grow a bigger coat after the surgery. The surgery can be
       safely done before they reach sexual maturity. Discuss this with
       your breeder and your vet. 
       
   What is their average lifespan?
   
     Beardies are a long-lived breed, with much of our foundation stock
     reaching easily into their 15th-16th year. On average, 13 years in
     todays' Beardie; they often don't show their age at all, and are as
     happy and wonderful as they were as a youngster.
     
     Long-lived ancestors are one of the keys to having your Beardie live
     well into his teens. Of course, nutrition, environment and a healthy
     lifestyle can also contribute to increased longevity.
     
   Would I be happier with a puppy or an adult?
   
     Raising a puppy is a wonderful experience, if you have the time and
     energy. However, one should never hesitate to introduce an adult
     Beardie into your household, particularly if your time home is
     limited, or you aren't prepared to do all the training required of a
     puppy.
     
     Beardies are adaptable, and young or old, it usually only takes a
     few weeks for everyone to settle down and enjoy life together.
     
   What kind of activities can I do with my Beardie?
   
     There are a lot of things to do with your Beardie, depending on what
     you choose.
     
     If you're interested in conformation showing, or have bought a "show
     prospect puppy", there is a lot of preparation getting ready for
     your debut in the show ring.
     
     The show ring is where Champions are made. Special training and
     grooming are necessary, and it's a lot of work, but fun, and worth
     the effort, when your Beardie earns that title!
     
     These beauty contests compare your Beardie with other Beardies. Open
     to puppies over the age of 6 mos. seek the advice of your breeder or
     trainer to learn more about what you need to do to prepare your
     Beardie for the showring.
     
     There is Obedience training and competition. All Beardies and their
     owners will benefit from attending a good obedience school, and
     there are levels of competition and titles to be earned up to OTCH,
     the highest honor. The is fun, challenging and a good experience as
     you will improve your Beardies behavior, making him a better
     companion and canine citizen.
     
     The Beardie is still a fully functional working dog, and very
     capable as working stockdogs.
     
     Herding is certainly nothing new to the breed, but there are now
     levels of training and competition for your Beardie to do. From the
     first introduction to livestock, perhaps at an "instinct Test", up
     to and including herding trials, competing against other herding
     dogs. If you have the time and opportunity, most Beardies love
     herding, and excel in the training. It's also great exercise for you
     both!
     
     Agility in one of the newest activities for dogs and owners. The
     agility course is a series of jumps and obstacles the dog must
     achieve in this timed activity. The owner plays a very active role
     in the training and competition. Beardies seem to really get into
     agility and, again, it's great fun and a healthy activity for all.
     
     Some Beardies find their niche as registered therapy dogs.
     Well-behaved Beardies visiting hospitals, nursing homes, re-hab.
     centers and schools, the Beardie is often ideally suited for this
     work, with their sensitive natures and all that love they have to
     give, going to work miracles with their patients. It is a special
     dog that does this work.
     
   I'm in love!!! Where do I find my Beardie?
   
     If you have found that a Beardie is the breed for you, expect to
     spend some time searching for just the right puppy or adult for you.
     
     
     Breeders work very hard to keep the breed out of pet shops; never
     buy a Beardie puppy in a pet shop, there are breeders all over the
     world who are more than willing to provide you with the advice and
     support to make certain that you can enjoy your Beardie for a
     lifetime.
     
     Going to a local dog show may be your first introduction to some
     Beardie owners. Talk to everybody, find out who may be expecting
     puppies or who has a retired show dog looking for a new home. Ask
     about a local Beardie club and attend a meeting if you can, to let
     people know that you are a future Beardie owner.
     
     The national parent Club offers a breeders' list, with current
     litter availability. (Address below)
     
     Don't be afraid if you have to purchase a puppy from out of state.
     If you have taken a good amount of time to get to know the breeder,
     they can select a puppy that will best suit your needs.
     
     Expect to sign a sales contract that guarantees certain rights for
     both seller and buyer. A serious breeder works very hard to protect
     their puppies for life. Take your new Beardie to the vet as soon as
     you get him, and ascertain that all is well. Stay in touch with your
     breeder. They can be a great friend to have, and help you along the
     way.
     
   What about a rescue?
   
     The BCCA has had an active rescue program for years, to try and help
     the Beardies that, for whatever reason, cannot stay in their
     original homes. Sadly, death, divorce, or other factors can leave a
     Beardie homeless and in great need of your love and friendship. They
     will reward you with a lifetime of love in return.
     
     Some rescue Beardies may be in poor condition when you first get
     them. Take them to the vet to eliminate parasites and take care of
     any health problems that may be the product of neglect.
     
     They are often shaved, and you can re-build the coat with gentle
     care. They are sometimes shy, or frightened, but that usually goes
     away very quickly when they realize that they are home to stay!
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Resources

  BOOKS ON BEARDIES
     * The Bearded Collie by Chris Walkowicz
     * Beardie Basics (out of print) by Reiseberg and McKenna
     * Talking About Beardies by Suzanne Moorehouse
     * The Bearded Collie Source Book by Kristine Toft
       (this is a comprehensive pedigree and stud book, that lists all
       the pedigrees of all the Beardies that have been bred in the US.
       It also lists all Champions of record, Obedience titles, Herding
       titles, and OFA status.) It is available by contacting the author)
       
       e-mail address: ktoft01@mail.coin.missouri.edu
       
  PERIODICALS
  
   The Beardie Bulletin, the official magazine of the BCCA. See address
   below for information about membership and subscribing to the
   Bulletin.
   
  CLUBS
  
   The AKC Parent Club in the U.S. is The Bearded Collie Club of
   America. For information about the rescue program, breeder's list, or
   membership, contact the current BCCA corresponding secretary:
   
     Diana Siebert
     1116 Carpenter's Trace
     Villa Hills, KY 41017
     
   For additional information about Beardies, the Beardie List and E-mail
   resources, contact:
   
     beardie-admin@snake.srv.net
     
   or the author of this FAQ.
   
  ONLINE RESOURCES
  
   An email list for beardies exists. Send email to
   majordomo@snake.srv.net, with no/any subject line and the two words
   subscribe BEARDIES-L in the body of the message.
   
   Web pages include:
     * http://www.duke.edu/~hendrix/beardie.html
       Bearded Collie Homepage, kept by Amy Hendrix,
       hendrix@acpub.duke.edu.
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
    Bearded Collie FAQ
    Susan Holm, sholm01@mail.coin.missouri.edu
