Bearded Collie

Herding Group

Height: 21-22 / 20-21 in

Weight: 45-55 lbs

Life Span: 12-14 years

Self-confidenceHardyLivelyAlert

Beauceron

Herding Group

Height: 25.5-27.5 / 24-26.5 in

Weight: 70-110 lbs

Life Span: 10-12 years

FearlessFriendlyIntelligentProtective
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Herding
Herding
Size Category
Medium
Giant
Height (in)
21-2220-21
25.5-27.524-26.5
Weight (lbs)
45-55
70-110
Life Span
12-14
10-12

Personality & Temperament

Bearded Collie

Self-confidenceHardyLivelyAlertIntelligentActive

"The Bearded Collie is a highly intelligent, energetic, and affectionate breed known for its bouncy, charismatic demeanor. They are social, playful, and thrive on interaction with both humans and other dogs, making them excellent family companions, though their herding instincts and independent streak can sometimes make them stubborn during training."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and high grooming needs due to their long, silky coat requiring frequent maintenance.

💡

This breed is best suited for an active, patient owner or family who can provide ample physical and mental stimulation, enjoys outdoor activities, and appreciates a lively, affectionate, and slightly mischievous companion.

Beauceron

FearlessFriendlyIntelligentProtectiveCalm

"The Beauceron is a highly intelligent, loyal, and devoted breed with a gentle and faithful temperament. They are known for their calm demeanor and strong protective instincts, making them excellent companions for those who can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Their exuberance and energy require consistent training and engagement to prevent boredom or unwanted behaviors."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes, and managing their high energy levels and exuberant behaviors like jumping or mouthing through consistent training.

💡

The Beauceron is best suited for an experienced, active owner or family who can provide daily physical and mental challenges, firm but fair training, and a structured environment.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Herding and droving livestock, particularly in rugged Scottish terrain
Herding, soldier, bodyguard, rescuer, competitor, and companion
Best Suited For
Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, including those who enjoy hiking, herding, or agility activities
Active families or experienced owners with ample time for exercise and training
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Moderate
Care Difficulty
High
Moderate

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Silky
Smooth
📏 Coat Length
Long
Short
🎨 Colors
BlackBlueBrownFawn
Black & TanGray Black & TanBlack & RustHarlequin
✨ Markings
White MarkingsWhite & Tan Markings

Care & Health

Bearded Collie

Care

Grooming
  • Bearded Collie grooming requires daily brushing for 5-10 minutes to prevent tangles and remove debris
  • weekly deep grooming sessions (30-60 mins) using a pin rake, brush, comb, and anti-tangle spray to remove dead hair
  • nails must be trimmed regularly to avoid pain and mobility issues
  • avoid overcomplicating the routine—focus on consistency for a healthy coat
  • messy incidents may extend daily brushing time but shouldn’t disrupt the weekly deep grooming schedule.
Exercise
  • The Bearded Collie is a high-energy breed needing significant daily exercise to thrive
  • Thrives in outdoor activities regardless of weather, from running and playing to long walks or hikes
  • Enjoys structured play in large, secure spaces, alone or with companions
  • Naturally inclined to participate in herding, agility, rally, and obedience competitions
  • Daily engagement in physical or mental activities is essential for their happiness and well-being
  • A bored Bearded Collie may become restless or destructive without proper exercise.
Training
  • Bearded Collie training requires early socialization (7 weeks–4 months) to diverse people/places
  • Puppy training classes aid socialization and teach owners to spot/correct early behavioral issues
  • Independent, stubborn herding instincts demand patience and positive reinforcement
  • Training success hinges on consistent, reward-based methods (treats encouraged)
  • Owners must counter natural self-reliance with clear, persistent guidance
  • Early intervention prevents ingrained stubbornness in adult dogs.
Nutrition
  • Bearded Collie nutrition requires a high-quality diet, commercial or home-prepared with vet supervision, tailored to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • Monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, as the breed is prone to gaining excess weight
  • Use treats for training but limit amounts to avoid obesity
  • Know safe and unsafe human foods for dogs, consulting your vet for dietary concerns
  • Ensure clean, fresh water is always available

Health

Bearded Collies are a robust breed, but responsible breeders prioritize health testing for common issues like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and eye conditions. Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent wax buildup or debris, and daily teeth brushing helps maintain their overall health.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

Beauceron

Care

Grooming
  • Beauceron grooming requires minimal effort but demands attention to shedding and coat maintenance
  • Short, dense double coat (soft undercoat + rough outer coat) needs weekly brushing, escalating to daily during heavy shedding seasons (twice yearly) using a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt, or hound glove
  • Regular brushing removes dead hair and stimulates new growth to reduce fur on furniture
  • Nails must be trimmed regularly to prevent pain, mobility issues, and complications from overly long growth
  • Rear double dewclaws also require trimming
  • Overlooking grooming leads to excessive shedding and potential discomfort for the dog.
Exercise
  • Beauceron exercise needs require high physical and mental stimulation
  • Not suited for novice owners due to demanding activity levels
  • Needs varied outdoor exercise daily, including diverse locations and activities
  • Can excel in herding, Schutzhund, agility, carting, mushing, and skijoring
  • Best for experienced, active owners who provide structured challenges
  • Avoids boredom through engaging, dynamic work rather than repetitive routines
Training
  • Beauceron training requires early focus on socialization and obedience due to their intelligence and loyalty
  • Firm, fair, and consistent methods work best, avoiding harsh or physical corrections
  • Exuberant behaviors like jumping and mouthing should be addressed in initial training sessions
  • Their high intelligence makes training relatively straightforward with the right approach
Nutrition
  • Beauceron nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • assess diet regularly for working dogs to meet high nutritional demands
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limiting treats to avoid excess
  • consult vet for concerns about diet, weight, or safe human foods
  • ensure clean, fresh water is always available

Health

Large, deep-chested breeds like the Beauceron face bloat risk, a dangerous stomach condition requiring urgent awareness and action. Reputable breeders prioritize health testing for hip dysplasia, heart issues, eye disorders, and allergies to ensure genetic soundness. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential for maintaining a Beauceron’s well-being, as with all breeds.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationCardiac ExamOphthalmologist Evaluation

Trait Comparison

46% similar
💡 Compare their traits above to see differences
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Affectionate With Family for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Bearded Collie: 5 out of 5 (Excellent with Kids)
Good With Young Children for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Bearded Collie: 5 out of 5 (Very Dog-Friendly)
Good With Other Dogs for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Bearded Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for Beauceron: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Beauceron
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Bearded Collie: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for Beauceron: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
🐾 Balanced
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Openness To Strangers for Beauceron: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Bearded Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Beauceron: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Beauceron
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Bearded Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Energy Level
Energy Level for Bearded Collie: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Beauceron: 5 out of 5 (Very High Energy)
Beauceron
Barking Level
Barking Level for Bearded Collie: 5 out of 5 (Very Vocal)
Barking Level for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bearded Collie
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Bearded Collie: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Beauceron: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Bearded Collie and Beauceron.

Bearded Collie is generally considered a better option for families with young children than Beauceron, as they tend to be more patient and tolerant.
Both breeds have average trainability. They can learn well with consistent positive reinforcement but may have moments of stubbornness.
No, Beauceron typically sheds more than Bearded Collie.
Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

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Bearded Collie vs Beauceron: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison