The Bearded Collie is a humorist, comical, affectionate, entrancingly sweet, extremely intelligent and inquisitive breed.
One who will fit in the comfort of a home or appreciate life in the out doors.
These dogs are quite a companion and will bond with their owners on a deep level.
There is however a warning that comes with the Beardie... One will never do!
They have a magical presence about them when you bond with one of your own, you may feel you have reached another world,
the wondrous world of the beautiful Bearded Collie!

To own a Bearded Collie you must be one who enjoys grooming and brushing of their coats,
wet and sometimes muddy paws during the winter months and a friend who is always excited to see you!
Bearded Collies are not a breed that work well in situations where they are left in the back yard as a simple guard dog.
Even though they will always be protective over their home and let you know if something is not right,
they must be a part of your home and family life or they will demand it.

A puppy Bearded Collie is much like a young child, testing their new owners and pushing the boundaries.
Being quite stubborn, this is when it most important to set the rules with firm yet gentle and consistent discipline.
Being the most adorable and cute puppies, this is not always easy.



On the arrival of your puppy, be sure to have it set up with a sleeping place with it's 'own' bed,
at this age we advise a place secure and away from any harm during the night eg: a closed off area or large dog create.
Easy access water and biscuits that can not be tipped, there are bowl stands or bowl holders for creates you can buy.
Make sure to have the same food the breeder supplied at the beginning so the puppy is familiar with the food and wont get an upset stomach.
If you choose to change the diet, be sure it is healthy for the breed and mix it gradually with the food over time so the puppy can adjust.

It is a good idea to have the puppy visit their new vet within the first week of arriving in a new home to be introduced.
Once all puppy vaccinations are completed schedule an annual examination with the veterinarian.
Be attuned to your Beardie's body and behaviour and note anything that is different that calls for a visit to the vet or possible medical treatment.
You can protect your Beardie from ticks, fleas, worms, and ear mites 
by using Advocate for medium breeds even if you think your area is free from infestation,
every 2-3 months is enough unless in a highly prone area. 

Have a range of brushes you will need and get your puppy used to a grooming routine at a young age. 
It is quick at this age taking only around 5-10 minutes and it prepares them to enjoy the routine in the future. 

Our grooming routine begins by laying the puppy gently on its side up on the grooming table saying the words 'lay down'  in a calm voice.
 Mist the coat with water or a conditioning spray. Brush the up with a bristle or pin brush then
carefully brush the hair back down an inch or two at a section at a time, this is called line brushing.
It is important to brush their coat including feet, between the toes, under the arm pits, along the tummy, around the bottom,
under the back legs, around the ears, around the eyes, under the jaw, their chest, tail
and lightly pluck out the hair within the ear canal to keep the ear free from build up. 

As your Beardie's coat grows, grooming should only take around 30 - 60 minutes depending on how often a Beardie is groomed.
It can be an enjoyable bonding time with the owner if a routine of grooming is kept to once a week,
left any longer can be a difficult and uncomfortable time for you and the dog.
Baby Beardies may struggle although do not insist or force the puppy, concentrate on getting the puppy used to the brush,
making it an enjoyable experience keeping to the 10-15 minute time frame at a young age.

Most owners do their grooming at least once a week however, 
as the puppy shed its puppy coat between 9 months to 2 years it is a good idea to up your grooming routine to 2-3 times a week.
They say shedding of the puppy coat usually takes around three months although some take longer,
this can also depend on how often the coat is groomed as the more grooming the more dead hair will be removed.
During this time they can look scraggly and ragged often changing from their 'cuddly puppy' appearance,
loosing their hair from top to bottom. Groomed properly they shed minimally as most of the hair is removed by the comb or brush.

It takes great care to get a Bearded Collie to the type of coats you see exhibiting at the Shows.
A Bearded Collie will not reach their full adult coats often until
they are 3-4 years of age with much attention and care from their owner. 
If a Beardie is left too long without grooming, their coats will matt,
and if a clipped Beardie isn't what the owner desires then grooming is important.


 (Puppies will come to know and enjoy the routine as a part of their bonding time with the owner.)

When buying a Bearded Collie it is good to decided how you will keep their coat from the beginning,
will you have it attended to by a professional groomer on a regular basis, 
will you attended to and maintain the routine of grooming from an early age,
or will you have the dog clipped on a regular basis.
Most families who buy a Bearded Collie as a pet keep them regularly clipped in a 'puppy clip' 
and this is best if you feel you do not have time to groom a Bearded Collie at least once a week.

Please do not let any one tell you you should not be buying a Bearded Collie if you can't keep their coat in full.
Most people choose a Bearded Collie for their most amazing loving temperament and unique quality of loyalty and love,
 it is best to choose a Bearded Collie for this before anything else.

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