The Bearded Collie is a Scottish herding dog, developed to move sheep and cattle across rough hill country, often out of the shepherd's sight. That work gave the breed stamina, independent thinking and a shaggy double coat built for cold, wet weather. Adults usually weigh 40 to 60 pounds and stand 20 to 22 inches tall.
In a desert city, that coat is the main thing to plan around. Beardies are affectionate, outgoing and prone to bouncing and barking, and the long hair needs thorough brushing every week to stay free of mats. Dust and debris collect in it quickly. Many Beardies are friendly with strangers, but dogs differ, so judge each dog on its own behavior.