The Bearded Collie, affectionately called the Beardie, was developed in Scotland as a herding dog. Its ancestors are thought to have included herding dogs from the European continent, such as the Poland Lowland Sheepdog (Polski Owzcarek Nizinny) and the Komondor, blended with the sheep herding dogs of the British Isles. It was developed as an independent worker, able to make decisions concerning the welfare and safety of their charges without depending on the shepherd who might be miles away. Flocks in Scotland intermingled freely, yet one Beardie never brought home a wrong sheep during his many years of work. The Beardie is still used as a shepherd's helpmate in Scotland, and now in the U.S.

Beardies are active, outgoing, bouncy, loving animals. They tend to interact well with other animals, particularly if raised with them. Some tend to be a mite bossy about possessions and hoard all the toys in their den. Beardies are people-oriented dogs. They NEED to be with their family. If left alone for long periods, they are liable to become frustrated and provide their own entertainment -- not always one that makes the owner happy.

Beardies are vigorous, bouncy dogs, and like to jump up to look you in the eyes or kiss your nose. This fits in well with many families. Some Beardies have a high herding instinct and nip at ankles or whatever else maybe at their eye-level, trying to bunch their "flock." Like kids, some beardies are more rowdy than others.