The Bearded Collie:

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Their temperament is AMAZING.  They are textbook examples of union employees.  The boys know the contract, they stick to it and rarely question it.  The girls are the union presidents, checking every single day for loopholes that might exist, and how things may be reinterpreted ~ and when they find something, they will absolutely exploit it. 

 

They thrive in routines, and in knowing clear boundaries and expectations.

 

They bounce. A LOT.  They are hilarious (and they know it).  They have an off switch.  They are always up for an adventure, regardless of what it might be.  

 

They are adaptable.  

 

They are incredibly intelligent.  Their empathy in unreal.  They are more human than dog, and if we didn’t *create* them, Disney certainly would have.

 

Beardies will excel at pretty much everything, save maybe schutzhund (but I bet they would try if you asked them to).  They can make EXCELLENT therapy dogs; they are incredible for sport (flyball, disk) agility, obedience, rally, performance and tricks.  Skijoring (and likely bikejor) and cart pulling is absolutely in their wheelhouse as well.  Many excel in nose work and barn hunt.  Dock diving is on the table - some of them LOVE the water.  Obviously herding is their thing (although their style is pretty unique).  They really will do anything their humans want them to do ~ and they do it with talent and style.

 

They will steal the show, and every heart, everywhere they go.  People will gravitate to a beardie ~ a walk in a public place will take you a lot longer with a beardie than most dogs ~ because of the attention you will receive.

 

Most in my experience are not overly food motivated, but if it’s high value, they can be.  Toys certainly can motivate them - a good game of fetch, tug, or “find it” can last forever.  They are engaging with people, and usually very friendly (arguably too friendly) with strangers.  They can be cuddly, although some are more aloof than others.  The boys can be velcro moreso than the girls.  If they are of good temperament, and well socialized, behavioral issues shouldn’t exist.  

 

Aggression is RARE, and if it shows up, it’s usually rooted in fear that can likely be traced back to either a temperament, socialization, or training issue (lack of boundaries or clear expectations, for example). 

 

They are generally incredible with other creatures ~ be it other dogs, cats, chickens, horses, or anything else they may encounter.  Beardies tend to read the room and match the energy and style of play that the other creatures bring.  They know when to walk away, or when to encourage play.

 

They are versatile, loveable, hilarious, and up for anything.  They are eager to please, feed off of praise, and biddable.

 

They’re pretty darn near perfect, and quite frankly should be in more quality homes.