Information about Bearded Collies
BEARDED COLLIE - THE HISTORY OF THE BEARDED COLLIE
DOG
The bearded collie is a breed which has evolved naturally
over the centuries, not one that has been created in
the relatively recent years, like those such as the
Golden Retriever and the Doberman.
The origin of the bearded collie can be traced back
to more than 400 years ago.
They were most probably developed at the end of the
15th century and during the 16th century by mating Polish
lowland sheepdogs with Scottish sheepdogs. There is
in actual fact very little information on this breed
from that period until the 20th century.
The first bearded collie club was established in Edinburgh
in 1912.
After that date, the number of dogs largely decreased
and during the Second World War, the breed was close
to extinction. In 1944 and only by pure chance, a lady
from Great Britain by the name of Mrs. G. O. Willison
resurrected the breed, when she obtained a brown female
Jeannie of Bothkennar.
She then successfully acquired a male Bailie of Bothkennar
in 1949, and proceeded to use this couple to completely
renew the breeding. It was in 1959 that Jeannie’s
granddaughter Beauty Queen of Bothkennar became the
first Bearded Collie to ever win the English champion
title.
In 1964, a new standard was established, and Bearded
Collies became increasingly popular when a female Potterdale
Classic of Moonhill won the Best in Show at Cruft’s.
It is thought however, that the Bearded Collie was used
in cattle drives from as early as 1707 through to the
1880s.
They would be used to drive cattle from North and West
highlands to market. From as early as 1771, the Bearded
Collie was evident in art, when Gainsborough painted
the Duke of Buccleuch with his dog, which greatly resembles
a Bearded Collie. It was several years later, when the
same dog appeared with the Duchess in a painting by
Reynolds.
The Bearded Collie reappeared in art through the years
in Reinagles 1804 painting of The Shepherd’s Dog and
in the Herrings Bearded Collie and Hound in 1855.
The Bearded Collie was also bred in Croatia. The first
was a male called Extra Light de la Fontaine Aux Elfes,
who was born in 1989 and had no offspring. He was owned
by Drazenka Matkovic. It was a year later that Vilma
Polz-Zivkovic imported a dog from Germany, Black Imperial
v. Karthauser Hain at home called Timo.
This particular dog marked the beginning of the breeding
of Bearded Collies in the region. Timo won several championships
and he will always be remembered in Croatia as the father
of the first ever litter of Bearded Collie on June 15th
1994. The mother was Neuma z Brda and she was imported
from Slovenia.
From the very beginning right up to today, there have
been approximately twenty Bearded Collies imported to
Croatia resulting in over a hundred puppies being bred.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Bearded
Collie ranks 104 out of 155 breeds in popularity.
It is better to obtain a Bearded Collie from a reputable
dog breeder or a dog rescue, rather than from a pet
store, that are only interested in breeding for profit.
A Bearded Collie makes an excellent pet for those individuals
who are able to accommodate their level of energy, which
is always high, along with the grooming requirements.
They are a breed that are full of intelligence along
with being active working dogs. They are an ideal family
pet when they are included in family activities. By
leaving a Bearded Collie to its own devices, you are
simply asking for destruction, as they get bored very
quickly.
They are always keen to please their owners and excel
at obedience and agility. They generally have an excellent
temperament and are very affectionate.
It is essential to show a Bearded Collie exactly who
is the boss of the household so that they do not become
confused and unhappy about their status.
About the Author
Copyright John Adams Dog Breeds Explained. The Bearded
Collie is a gracious, smart, hard working dog. Is the
Bearded collie the perfect dog for you? Bearded
Collie Dog.
|
Dog Pound
