The Bearded Collie has evolved during hundreds of years to perform specialised tasks in the service of man and was first bred by sheep farmers to work the rugged ranges of the Scottish Highlands. As its working ability was all that mattered, there was no concern for accurately recording their history. It is possible that the very early origins of the Bearded Collie may be found in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, although this connection is not documented.

A Bearded Collie will normally live to 15 years of age.

Bearded Collies are happy, lively, energetic and affectionate family dogs. Visit a Beardie at home and you may well find it curled up on a couch or helping out in the kitchen. These dogs love to be where the action is and adapt easily to almost any situation. Most of all, Beardies love company and are not happy if locked outside and ignored. The breed is extremely affectionate and expects a lot of loving attention. These are sensitive dogs and do not respond well to harsh treatment. Generally speaking, do not expect a Bearded Collie to be much of a guard dog. They may bark at the doorbell, but will probably welcome burglars as if they were your best friends.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Excellent.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Its beautiful coat does require some work to keep it looking glamorous. Compared with a smooth coated dog, a Beardie does need consistent and frequent grooming, however, unlike some long coated breeds, a thorough brush and comb through once a week will keep an adult Beardie in pretty good condition. Make sure that you keep your dog flea free, groom it regularly, keep it happy and in good health and your Beardie will thrive.

Please take note:
Unless your dog is to be a member of your family, the Bearded Collie is probably not the dog for you.

IDEAL OWNERS

Many dogs demonstrate the combination of beauty and brains for which this breed is so renowned by competing successfully in obedience and agility competitions. This is an enjoyable option for owners who don't necessarily want to show their dogs, but would like to be actively involved in some other way.

IN CONCLUSION

To find out more about the Bearded Collie you can contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Michelle Cooper	Edinglen	TAS	Contact
Lynn Nielsen	Stylyn	QLD	Contact
Jessica Buckley	Styelwise	ACT	Contact
Janice Cousins	Helmsdale	WA	Contact
Lyndall & Jim Black	Briarmist	VIC	Contact
Jessica Buckley	Stylwise	ACT	Contact
Karin Finlayson	Bonibraes	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)