Well where do I start? I have questioned myself in the past whether I really made the right choice of breed for me. Then when I weigh up all the pros and cons (as I did before my first puppy) the pros still come out way on top . . .
I bought a book called "You & Your Dog" by David Taylor BVMS FRCVS (which had a good description of all the breeds) and a pad of little Post-It notes to mark the pages. I looked through the pictures first and marked at least 30 breeds I liked the look of. Then I thought about size, coat, temperament etc until I narrowed it down to about five. The Beardie stood out a mile!!
Beardie Facts
Group
Origin
Work
Height
Weight
Coat
Trimming
Temperament
Exercise
Pastoral
Scotland with European influence
Sheepdog & cattle drover
(B) 20-21 inch (D) 21-22 inch
25-28 Kilos
Long, harsh outercoat, soft undercoat
None
Excellent
Lots (physical and mental)
They get on fabulously with children as they like to play too! As long as the kids are trained not to pull hair as it can really hurt a Beardie's feelings. If they do something wrong they admit their guilt and the heartbroken look is so hard to ignore. They hug you to say sorry, and cuddle you as often as they can. If you go out for even five minutes you get the welcome to top all. They jump up and nuzzle into you, tongues licking and tails wagging every single time.
They love to sit on the sofa watching TV with you. If there is no room on the chairs, a lap is just as good, even better to stretch out across two! (That's the time you wish they were the size of a Jack Russell). If they settle on the floor, they are usually touching you somehow, like sitting on feet or leaning against legs. They love their creature comforts and will share your bed quite willingly if you let them! However, they also tolerate the cold and so are not a breed for fair weather walkers!
I am sure they are capable of being telepathic, if you think something, they know! They are very sensitive to their environment, especially during adolescence, and need constant nurturing during their early years, but get it right and you have a confident, friendly and happy dog that is at ease with its surroundings anywhere.
Beardies are not easy to run free, as they are likely to cross a road without a thought or get stuck in a bramble bush trying to herd the rabbits! They are also not easy to train. If you are heavy handed or verbally harsh with them, they will not co-operate, but if you are kind and rewarding they really enjoy it and they'll go the extra mile for you. Beardies have a Scottish herding/droving origin and the stamina to work all day if required. They love to get involved with whatever is going on and can get quickly depressed if shut away from the action. They can get easily upset and will come to you for comfort; a reassuring hug is usually all they need to get the smile back on their face.
Beardies have the most amazing personalities and fit in as part of the family rather as an addition to it. They are friendly to all, even strangers and are very good at reading body language and moods and will tell you all about your friends, family and even you. They are far from being guard dogs but will let you know when someone turns up.
The house became 'dog friendly' with anything breakable, tip-able or treasured placed at least 4ft off the floor. Throws were bought for the furniture and bed and the bath was in constant use (well they do have a lot of hair for mud to stick to!). Beardies are a bouncy, hairy breed and are not for the house-proud or the designer suit wearers.
Beardies take a long time to mature (bodily 2-3 years, coat 3-4 years, mentally - never!). They don't really have an annual moult like some breeds. They have a steady shed all year round and you become quite expert at unblocking Hoovers and plugholes. They need regular grooming and washing, not a full bath but feet, face and 'fiddly bits' once or twice a week. This becomes an almost daily job when they are a junior as their coats are abundant. They also collect a lot of debris on their walks such as mud, leaves, twigs, prickly things and slugs! All of which, end up in the house.
When you play with them in the garden, they skip and bounce, spin and prance and boy can they smile . . . and bark!! Being of a sheepdog variety, they can be quite vocal. They are very quick on their feet and surefooted (as long as they look where they're going). I do question their intelligence sometimes when they turn too quickly and bump head first into a door or wall and look at you as if you had just put it there !!!
Nevertheless, I know I have chosen the perfect breed for me. On the 'pros' side they are charming, charismatic, loving, clever, interesting, cheeky, intriguing, playful, tireless, and full of fun. On the 'con' side they are hairy muck magnets! Oh yes and a bit stupid at times!!
Barking revitalises - look!!
A thoughtful (rare) moment relaxing in front of the fire.
We've been rumbled! Oh Noooooooo!
