Bearded Collie Breed Profile
Because of its humble origins, favored by Scottish shepherds but not by the nobility, the Bearded Collie faced near-extinction more than once, but the breed's abilities as a herder and drover kept it alive. The first litter of Beardies was not born in the United States until 1967, and the Beardie was accepted into the AKC Stud Book in 1976, and into the Herding Group in 1983. Because of its profuse coat, which requires great amounts of maintenance, it is hard to imagine this breed as it exists today as a working dog, but its intelligence, devotion, hardiness and stamina made it a valuable dog to shepherds, so much so that breeders in Scotland were reluctant to sell their puppies until they determined the dogs' working abilities. The breed should be slightly longer than it is high (a 4-5 ratio is ideal), and it should not be short-legged, showing plenty of light under its legs, and it should be free of nervousness or aggressiveness.