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Bearded Collies belong to the Scottish Sheepdogs, which were previously used as shepherds. For a long time these dogs lived in a harsh climate, they worked a lot. Therefore, the representatives of the breed are distinguished by hard work and endurance. This type of collie is not very popular, but it has a lot of advantages, so it deserves special attention. Sometimes bearded collie are called "bearded" or birdie.
Breed history
The history of these dogs is overgrown with many myths, as they appeared long ago, and there is no exact data on the origin. Although this breed is old, it was officially recognized only in 1944 by the English club. And in 1977, the breed recognized the American club.
Researchers argue a lot about the origin, but two main versions are considered the most likely.According to the first, these dogs appeared from the crossing of a bobtail and a long-haired collie. To such a conclusion, scientists came from the appearance of the dog. Another version suggests that lowland shepherd dogs were brought to Scotland in the 16th century, and the Birdies were the result of their assimilation. A separate breed of bearded collie became in 1891.
In Russia, they appeared in the 90s, but still are not very popular among dog lovers.
Description
In appearance, the Birdies resemble a large lap dog, as they have a lot of wool. They weigh 18-27 kg, height 51-56 cm. Bitches slightly below males.
- The head of the bearded collie is wide, the back of the nose is straight.
- The muzzle is muscular, the lips are tightened and pigmented.
- The jaw is strong. More common scissor bite.
- The nose is square. Most often it is black, but it may be lighter if the dog's coat is light.
- Eyes should be in harmony in color with color. Looking at a dog is always intelligent and attentive.
- Ears in a quiet state are lowered to the sides, and in the excited state, they rise and turn forward.
- Birdies have a rectangular body.Due to the nature of the coat, the dog looks squat.
- The back is muscular, moderately sloping, the chest is wide.
- Limbs straight and smooth, strong joints. Paws are oval, have fleshy pads and thick skin.
Color and wool
Dogs have a long and even coat. On the face there are eyebrows, pronounced beard and mustache.
The coat is soft and dense, and the undercoat is rather voluminous. The top coat may be slightly wavy. If it is shaggy and curly, then it is considered a lack of breed. It is also not allowed to have too thick hair, behind which the outline of the dog is not visible.
The peculiarity of the breed is that the fur can change its color until the dog is three years old. A puppy can be born dark, and then gradually brighten. In some dogs, this change in coat color can last up to 5 years. Therefore, the puppy is difficult to determine even an approximate color. Until he is one month old, it is impossible to predict whether the dog will be gray or black. If the puppy is brown or red - the color is easier to predict. It will be the same, only with time brightens.
Bearded collie may have a gray, black, brown color.There are also beige or tan dogs. There may be white spots on the limbs, neck or chest.
The nature of dogs
These are very sociable and cute dogs. They are strongly attached to the owner and his family. To strangers, they also do not show aggression. Birdies have a ringing voice that sounds in a welcoming tone.
Bearded Collies are very good for children. If a dog grew up in a family with a baby, then they will have a very strong and warm relationship. Many representatives of the breed are very fond of activity and games. For babies, they are treated with care and gentleness. Throughout a lifetime, Birdies retain their playfulness. Therefore, even at a respectful age, the dog will still have fun running around, as if she is not even one year old.
Communication with people is very important for them. They require attention from the host and all households. If you leave the dog alone, it becomes sad and bored very quickly. Do not buy a dog of this breed to those who often have to leave him alone. This can significantly affect the behavior and character of the animal. This applies to all types of collie.
With other dogs, bearded collies can also find a common language, as it has historically developed that they worked in a flock, managing large herds of cattle. A modern dog will find it easier to get used to another animal if it knows it from childhood. The owners of bearded collies noticed that they are not trying to take the lead over other dogs. Sometimes they can show sharpness, but this is quite rare.
They will find a common language not only with dogs, but also with other pets. Even if you bring a puppy to where adult cats live, they will soon become friends. These dogs may show signs of hunting instinct, running after animals in the yard. But there will be no dog.
Herd's abilities are more pronounced. They tend to follow and control the behavior of other animals. Cats do not always respond well to such control, but a bearded collie will be impossible to re-educate.
These dogs bark quietly. They can give a voice if something attracts their attention, or if they want to play. Representatives of the breed may also bark from boredom and longing when they are left alone.
Upbringing and training
Birdie, like the rest of the Shepherd Dog, shows independence and independence. Sometimes the dog itself makes the decision to perform an action, not paying attention to the owner. Therefore, to educate and train the dog should be from childhood. If properly educate a dog, then it will listen to its owner without question.
After the command, the dog may not respond immediately. But this does not mean that she did not understand her. Birdie will first think about and evaluate the situation well, and only then will she begin to act. The owner in this case must be patient and understanding. It is important to encourage the dog to obey better.
It is impossible to show impatience and rudeness in upbringing. The dog will become stubborn and naughty. Puppies of this breed are very fond of the game. Basic teams can begin to learn when the puppy is 3 months old. A bearded collie can be a good guide if it is properly taught this.
These dogs love sports and active games. Since they are working dogs, they must be provided with physical activity.If you do not do this, then the dog will show excessive activity at home, which may damage property in your apartment. Sometimes it happens that bored dogs that have nothing to do, gnaw their paws.
Care
Since the bearded men have a luxurious coat, it must be properly maintained. Combing dogs preferably twice a week. For these purposes, you must buy a special brush. When an animal sheds, wool should be combed every day. If she goes astray, it is better to carefully disassemble them manually.
Bearded men need to be bathed every month. But, if there is no urgent need for this, then it can be done less often. Means at the same time should buy special. Many use dog hair for practical purposes. Of them knit or spin products. Things from such wool are very warm. Proved that wearing them is good for health.
It is also important to care for the pet's beard. If food remains on it, it must be removed.
Regularly inspect the ears and eyes of the dog. If necessary, they should be cleaned. If you follow these rules, you can avoid possible inflammation and infection.Wool near the eyes can be collected in the tail, so that its length does not cause discomfort in an animal.
If you properly care for your dog and feed well, then your pet will live with you for about 15 years. Until this age, he will be quite active and healthy.
Health
Bearded Collies have good immunity. If the dog is sick with something, then most likely the disease is hereditary or occurred due to the advanced age of the dog.
Bearded men can suffer from dysplasia of the joints. Sometimes they have Addison's disease. It manifests itself as a malfunction of the glands.
In addition, dogs may suffer from hypothyroidism or allergies, although the latter are quite rare.
Among the diseases of the eye can be noted cataract and atrophy of the retina.
Most of these possible diseases are inherent in every species of collie. If you take care of a dog, get vaccinated and take it for inspection, then these diseases can be avoided.
Nutrition
If you are not a supporter of the finished feed, and will prepare food for the dog on your own, it is important to bear in mind that the diet should contain all the important components in the required quantity.
A third of the total diet should be meat. It should not be fat. This can be a rabbit, chicken or beef. Sometimes it is necessary to introduce dairy products and fish into the diet. The dog should eat these foods at least once a week. Every day, except for meat, there should be cereals and vegetables in the diet. It is necessary that the dog received not only proteins, but also vitamins and carbohydrates. You also need to add vitamins in the form of supplements.
If you feed the dog with ready-made feeds, you should be very careful about their choice. They must be of the highest quality. Choose food for large or medium dogs that love activity.
Content
If you plan to keep such a dog on the street, then you need to provide her with a comfortable booth. Bearded men tolerate frosts well, but they need a comfortable refuge.
Dog breeders are convinced that the ability to move is extremely important for these dogs, they need space.But the owners of small apartments still often get berdy, who eventually get used to the limitation of space and the rhythm of their family life. If the dog lives in an apartment, it is important to take it out to the yard more often, where it can run and play. If there is no possibility to let the dog out in the yard, then at least once a week it should be taken out of town.
Buying a puppy
Recently, red collies were very popular in Russia, and a bearded representative could be found very rarely. Today things are exactly the same with birdie. In addition, Russians began to breed red dogs less and less.
But in the country there are nurseries involved in this breed. You can buy a puppy for 35-60 thousand rubles. Cost depends on gender and compliance with standards.
Video: breed of dogs bearded collie
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