The Bearded Collie, often referred to as the “Beardie,” is a medium-sized herding dog known for its shaggy coat, lively personality, and intelligence. Originating from Scotland, this breed has been used for centuries to herd sheep and cattle. If you’re a fan of the Bearded Collie, you might be curious about other breeds that share similar traits, whether in appearance, temperament, or working ability. In this article, we’ll explore several breeds that are similar to the Bearded Collie, providing a detailed introduction to each.
Old English Sheepdog
Appearance
The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is one of the most visually similar breeds to the Bearded Collie. Both dogs have long, shaggy coats that require regular grooming. The OES is slightly larger, with a sturdy build and a distinctive bear-like gait. Their coats are often gray and white, giving them a fluffy, cloud-like appearance.
Temperament
Like the Bearded Collie, the Old English Sheepdog is known for its friendly and playful nature. They are highly social dogs that thrive in family environments. Both breeds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, the OES can be a bit more independent compared to the Beardie.
Working Ability
The Old English Sheepdog was originally bred for herding livestock, much like the Bearded Collie. They are hardworking and have a strong instinct to herd, though they are also popular as companion animals today.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Appearance
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or PON (Polski Owczarek Nizinny), is another breed that resembles the Bearded Collie. They have a similar shaggy coat, though their fur is often denser and can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and gray.
Temperament
PONs are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are highly trainable and form strong bonds with their families. Like the Bearded Collie, they are energetic and require regular mental and physical stimulation to stay happy.
Working Ability
This breed was developed in Poland for herding sheep and cattle. They are agile and quick, making them excellent working dogs. Their herding instincts are strong, and they excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Briard
Appearance
The Briard is a French herding dog with a long, wavy coat that can be black, gray, or tawny. While their coat texture is slightly different from the Bearded Collie’s, they share a similar shaggy appearance. Briards are larger and more muscular, with a distinctive beard and eyebrows.
Temperament
Briards are loyal and protective, making them excellent family guardians. They are intelligent and have a strong work ethic, much like the Bearded Collie. However, they can be more reserved with strangers, whereas Beardies are typically more outgoing.
Working Ability
Briards have a long history as herding and guard dogs. They are versatile workers, capable of herding livestock and protecting their families. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various dog sports and tasks.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Appearance
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an Italian breed known for its unique coat, which forms mats or “flocks.” While their coat texture is different from the Bearded Collie’s, both breeds have a shaggy, unkempt appearance. Bergamascos are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build.
Temperament
Bergamascos are calm and patient, making them excellent companions for families. They are intelligent and independent, with a strong herding instinct. Unlike the Bearded Collie, they tend to be more reserved and less energetic.
Working Ability
This breed was developed to herd sheep in the Italian Alps. Their unique coat protects them from harsh weather, and they are known for their endurance and ability to work in challenging terrain.
Australian Shepherd
Appearance
The Australian Shepherd, or “Aussie,” is a medium-sized dog with a dense, medium-length coat. While their coat is not as shaggy as the Bearded Collie’s, they share a similar range of colors, including merle, black, and red. Aussies are known for their striking eyes, which can be blue, brown, or heterochromatic.
Temperament
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic and intelligent, much like the Bearded Collie. They are affectionate and thrive in active households. Aussies are also known for their strong herding instincts and can be protective of their families.
Working Ability
Aussies are versatile working dogs, excelling in herding, agility, and obedience. They are often used on farms and ranches, as well as in dog sports. Their intelligence and drive make them one of the most popular herding breeds.
Border Collie
Appearance
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a sleek, athletic build. While their coat is shorter and less shaggy than the Bearded Collie’s, they share a similar range of colors, including black and white, red, and merle. Border Collies are known for their intense gaze, often referred to as the “herding eye.”
Temperament
Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic, often considered one of the smartest dog breeds. They are affectionate and loyal but require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Unlike the Bearded Collie, they can be more intense and focused, especially when working.
Working Ability
Border Collies are legendary herding dogs, known for their ability to control livestock with precision. They excel in dog sports, including agility, flyball, and obedience. Their work ethic and intelligence make them a favorite among farmers and dog enthusiasts.
Shetland Sheepdog
Appearance
The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” is a small to medium-sized dog with a long, luxurious coat. While they are smaller than the Bearded Collie, they share a similar coat texture and range of colors, including sable, black, and blue merle. Shelties have a fox-like appearance, with a pointed muzzle and erect ears.
Temperament
Shelties are gentle and affectionate, making them excellent family pets. They are intelligent and eager to please, much like the Bearded Collie. However, they can be more reserved with strangers and are known for their alertness.
Working Ability
Originally bred to herd sheep in the Shetland Islands, Shelties are agile and quick. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, and their herding instincts are still strong despite their popularity as companion animals.
Rough Collie
Appearance
The Rough Collie, made famous by the Lassie movies, is a medium to large-sized dog with a long, flowing coat. They share a similar coat texture with the Bearded Collie, though their colors are typically sable, tri-color, or blue merle. Rough Collies have a distinctive narrow muzzle and expressive eyes.
Temperament
Rough Collies are gentle and loyal, making them excellent family dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train, much like the Bearded Collie. However, they can be more sensitive and may require a calmer environment.
Working Ability
Rough Collies were originally bred for herding, and they retain a strong instinct to work. They are versatile dogs, excelling in obedience, therapy work, and search and rescue. Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for various roles.
Conclusion
While the Bearded Collie is a unique and beloved breed, there are several other dogs that share similar traits in appearance, temperament, or working ability. Whether you’re drawn to the shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog, the intelligence of the Border Collie, or the gentle nature of the Shetland Sheepdog, there’s a breed out there that might capture your heart just as much as the Beardie. Each of these breeds brings its own charm and qualities, making them excellent companions for the right family. If you’re considering adding a herding dog to your life, take the time to research and meet these breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Related topics:
What Is the Ancestry of a Bearded Collie?
Bearded Collie: Breed Traits, Breeding Considerations, and More
Border Collie vs Bearded Collie: What‘s the Difference
