The Bearded Collie is a Scottish herding dog, developed to move sheep and cattle over rough hill country, often out of the shepherd's sight. That job gave the breed stamina, independent thinking and a shaggy, weatherproof double coat. Puppies are born black, blue, brown or fawn, and the coat usually lightens as they mature. A Beardie is medium-sized, typically 40 to 60 pounds and 20 to 22 inches tall.
Beardies are known for a clownish streak and for bouncing on their hind legs when excited. Many are affectionate with family and friendly with strangers, though they can be stubborn and often bark. In Honolulu, that dense coat has to be kept brushed and dry in warm, humid air, so a Beardie suits an adopter ready for daily exercise, patient reward-based training and weekly grooming.