Bearded Collie
In Scotland, the Bearded Collie or Beardie or Highland Collie or Mountain Collie or Hairy Mou'ed Collie dog breed was bred to herd sheep and cattle in any climate or setting. Today, they make wonderful family pets, working sheepdogs, show dogs, or perhaps all three.
Breed Profile
Height
20-22
Inches
Weight
40-60
Pounds
Life Span
12 – 14
Years
Health
health
Hypothyroidism
What is it?:
The tiny yet potent thyroid glands are situated next to the trachea. They create many hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which control a dog's metabolism. The term metabolism refers to how the body uses energy.
Bearded Collie’s body will be impacted in both significant and minute ways if something goes wrong, and the thyroid glands cease generating and releasing enough hormones.
Clinical signs
Gaining weight, regardless of appetite
Excessive shedding on the snout, neck, and tail, among other places.
Dislike of the cold.
Dull, dry coat.
Intolerance to exercise.
Lethargy.
Treatment
This thyroid disease is not curable and requires lifelong treatment. The disease is best managed with an oral thyroid hormone supplement to increase thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
The most commonly used oral thyroid replacement hormone in dogs is levothyroxine. Initially, your vet will calculate the levothyroxine dosage according to your dog's weight. After about one month, your vet will measure your dog's T4 levels. Your vet will adjust the dose if the T4 levels are not yet back in the normal range.
Eligible vet bill
$1,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
What is it?:
Blindness in canines is brought on by a genetic eye disorder termed progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Night vision loss typically precedes the gradual progression of PRA, a non-painful condition, over time.
While a late onset version is typically found in adult dogs between the ages of 3 and 9 years, an early onset or inherited variety of PRA, also known as retinal dysplasia, is frequently found in puppies between the ages of 2-3 months.
The late onset variant is commonly referred to as PRA, whereas the early onset variety is frequently referred to as retinal dysplasia.
Clinical signs
Terrified of the shadowy corners.
Blindness at night.
A personality shift.
Running into objects.
The list of symptoms is strikingly similar to cataracts, as both the conditions affects the eyes of dogs.
Treatment
Treatments may include surgery and prescription medication.
Eligible vet bill
$4,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Smart
Owning to their intrinsic nature Bearded Collies have always been intelligent compared to other dog breeds.
Stubborn
Mountain Collies can quite stubborn at times and some hard love is needed to train them well.
Independent
Bearded Collies can be quite independent and are very well-equipped to take care of themselves.
Lifetime Care
Coat & Colors
The undercoat of Mountain Collie is velvety, and the long, flowing coat is straight, harsh, and thick. A Highland Collie should have a thick coat, but because they are working sheepdogs, it shouldn't reach the ground or droop.
Numerous hues of brown, black, blue, or grey are used to create the coat, which frequently has white patterns on the chest, head, and feet. Tan spots are also discernible. Since many bearded collies carry the fading gene, they are also known as "dogs of changing hues."
Hypoallergenic
No.
Grooming
There are two steps in the grooming process of Hairy Mou'ed Collie. The first is a daily brushing to remove tangles and foreign objects, which, providing the dog hasn't gotten into anything messy, shouldn't take more than five or ten minutes. A weekly session with a pin rake, brush, comb, and potentially anti-tangle spray to remove dead hair and restore the coat to immaculate condition makes up the second phase.
Training
Early socialization and puppy training sessions are advised for Beardie. Between the ages of seven weeks and four months, the Mountain Collie should be gently introduced to a wide range of people, places, and situations to help him grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult.
Bearded Collie Nutrition and Diet
Feed your Bearded Collie at least twice daily with premium dog food. These energetic dogs benefit most from meals rich in protein, although their precise nutrient requirements can change based on their age, amount of activity, and metabolism.
Highland Collies, like many dog breeds, are susceptible to weight gain or obesity if they are overfed and under-exercised. Consult your veterinarian to come up with a balanced meal plan if you're unsure of how much to feed your Bearded Collie or which food is ideal. Dogs who are really active can have a few additional treats, but usually, treats should be given sparingly.
Bearded Collie Exercise
Hairy Mou'ed Collie is a loud, active breed that needs some outdoor activity. Beardies are content to run and play outside in any weather, unlike many of their owners. Every day, they require some form of exercise, whether it is playing ball, going for a long walk, run, or trek, or simply playing in a big, fenced-in yard or other space with a friend, either human or canine. Beardies also enjoy competing in sports like herding, rallying, agility, and obedience because they were bred to herd sheep. A cheerful Beardie is one who is busy.
Conclusion
It's surprising that such active dogs as bearded collies may be picky eaters. Even in these active dogs, obesity can develop from eating too many treats, even with a healthy, balanced diet. The dogs need to be exercised frequently. They should ideally take many daily strolls in addition to solid jogging, playing, or training sessions. Beardies are reasonably resilient and frequently live to be 14 or 15 years old.
The Bearded Collie thrives on human company and having a job to complete, like the majority of herding breeds do. They do need instruction and care. The tasks might range from obedience to agility to working sheep. They will bark in panic before leaping joyously on the visitor. Some people have a tendency to be timid, therefore early socialization and training with a soft but firm touch is essential.
Here, grooming is a regular task. Dogs with the proper rough coat only require a fast once-over every day, with the exception of when they shed. You will spend a lot more time untangling mats and clearing dirt from your bearded collie's thick coat if it is soft. Pet owners will occasionally shave their Highland Collies, although they appear somewhat foolish without their coats!
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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