There is mention of a breed resembling the Bearded Collie in Scottish records dating back to around the sixteenth century. He has long been known in Scotland and Northern England where he was bred for herding sheep.

Some 500 years ago, dogs that were also said to be the forerunners of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog were abandoned on the shores of Scotland and these bred with native herding dogs. A look at the Polish Lowland will show similarities. But the Bearded Collie as we know it today owes most of what we have to G. Olive Willison who, in the 1940s, came into possession of a Beardie puppy called Jeannie. After searching, she found a mate for Jeannie, a dog called Bailey, and her Bothkennar kennels set the mould for today’s Bearded Collies.

The ‘Beardie’, as he is affectionately known, is a hardy dog with a lovable temperament. His handy size and adaptability, combined with workmanlike qualities, have given him a following far outside the farming community. Ideally suited to life in the country, with a double weather-resistant coat and active nature, he is a happy dog, neither timid nor aggressive. Ready to join in any activity, he has an enquiring expression that seems to ask‘ Well, what shall we do now?’ Gentle, and good with children and adults, he makes an ideal member of a fun-loving family.