The Bearded Collie, or “Beardie” as he is known to his fanciers, is a medium-sized, agile, herding dog with a shagggy coat and an ever wagging tail. Beardies are affectionate, and a happy-go-lucky type of dog. Playful and lively, they are enthusiastic, stable and self-confidant. The Beardie needs to be with people and not left alone with nothing to do. Obedience training is a must as these dogs think a lot, and are known to be headstrong at times. They are noisy barkers, but not watch dogs. They are also not shy or aggressive. The Bearded Collie is not recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors, and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise, preferably running free. Beardies also require daily brushing of their long shaggy coat. Their average life expentancy is about 14-15 years.