Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is described by the AKC as smart, bouncy, charismatic, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Scotland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
| Height | 21-22 inches (male), 20-21 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45-55 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Smart / Bouncy / Charismatic [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 140 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Bearded Collie is an energetic, boisterous breed that requires a fair amount of outdoor exercise. Unlike many of their owners, Beardies are happy to run and play outside no matter what the weather. They need some sort of activity every day, whether playing ball; a long walk, run, or hike; or just playing in a large, fenced-in yard or other area with a companion, human or canine. [1]
Grooming
The Beardie grooming regimen consists of two parts. The first is a daily brushing to remove tangles and foreign matter, which shouldn't take more than five or ten minutes, assuming the dog hasn't gotten into something messy. The second part is a weekly session with a pin rake, brush, comb, and possibly anti-tangle spray to remove dead hair and return the coat to pristine condition. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Beardie is a sturdy breed, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and eye problems. As with all breeds, a Beardie's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and the teeth brushed daily. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Bearded Collie in 1976. [1]
- It ranked No. 140 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 119 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Beardie.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Bearded Collies live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Bearded Collie get?
AKC breed information lists height 21-22 inches (male), 20-21 inches (female) and weight 45-55 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Bearded Collie?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Bearded Collie, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.