Trainability

These stunning dogs are a delight to train and excel in all types of training and dog sports. They make enthusiastic students and simply love to please. This attitude makes they super easy to train, in the right hands. Like with all breeds they will not take well to harsh training methods. They can be headstrong due to their herding ancestry, however with persistence and rewards your pup will be eager to learn and please. It’s important you start your training early, and ensure you correctly socialised your Beardie with plenty of sights, sounds and experiences. Puppy preschool classes are a wonderful way to encourage socialisation and also basic training. Beardies best learn in an enthusiastic and positive environment, so think plenty of praise treats and fun activities. This breed does like to bark, it is an inherited trait as it served them well as masters of herding. However, this behaviour may not be so well liked by your neighbours. Training is a must to teach your pup how to control their barking and when they are allowed to bark and, when they need to hush.

Grooming

If you do not like grooming, then a Beardie is not the breed for you. This sensationally shaggy dog needs a good dose of weekly grooming. The long double coat will need a good brush with a pin brush to remove tangles at least twice a week and more during extra activity and shedding times. Many groomers and breeders will advise using a de-tangle spray to help with tough patches and to reduce hair breakage. Your young pup will need to learn to love a good groom that can take up to an hour on occasion. The more you groom the better and remember to make this an enjoyable experience so plenty of praise and treats. The breed will shed heavily once a year. Many owners call in the professionals during this time to help cope with the mass of hair. Having your puppy desensitised to touch and grooming will help immensely when they are older. Teach them that paw touches, mouth touches, ears and face are all OK and nothing to be afraid of. Nail clipping is also advised at an early age. Ask your local veterinarian on how to best clip your young dog’s nails.

Exercise Requirements

This dog loves to explore, run, play and bounce! Super enthusiastic and energetic the breed needs a good dose of daily exercise to ensure this zest for life does not produce destructive behaviours (cue ‘I’m BORED MUM). A good off leash run daily alongside a brisk walk will keep your Beardie happy and very entertained. Making up an hour per day of decent and vigorous activity is advised for your grown dog.

Intelligence

This breed is very smart and is known for being headstrong and independent – a required trait when herding sheep. For this reason; it is very important to consider enriching your dog’s environment when you are not at home, and ensuring you adequately exercise your dog. If not, your adorable beardie will certainly find some wonderful entertainment that may not be so suitable – such as constant barking, destructive chewing and escaping.

Family Friendly

The Beared Collie makes a wonderful family companion. When socialised, trained and bred correctly they are a great addition to any active household. Their sheer enjoyment and keenness for life makes they a great playmate to an older child. Like with all dogs, supervision is advised as too, teaching your child how to correctly play with a dog, and train your dog how to correctly interact with a child. The Beardie gets along with other pets very well, especially if introduced in puppyhood.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The Beardie thrives being with their pack or flock. They do not take well to long endless hours alone and will take to barking or other bad behaviours when bored. They need to feel a part of all the action and love a household can offer. Like with all breeds ample shade in the summer and warmth in the winter is paramount. Some owners clip their dogs during blistering Australian summers to help with cooling their pets. This breed is known for escaping so double-checking fences regularly is important.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.