Updates on the beardie borders

Moobli

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It’s chucking it down outside so procrastinating about going out in it again. Time for a beardie border update.


Archie is one of the main dogs now and is very useful. He proved himself last lambing time and is such a fun character to have around. He is actually more like a person in a furry suit than a dog ?. He recently sired his second litter who are 4 weeks old. We are going to meet them next week. He also had a “Lassie” moment when my OH caught a wooled ewe that needed clipping down a steep bracken filled banking, he dropped his hand shears in the struggle of capturing her but couldn’t climb back up to find them as she’d have escaped. I was further up the hill in the Landrover looking for any others. He sent Archie back to get my attention, which he did so I was able to find the shears so he could finish the job.

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The “pups” Bill and Beti are now 14 months old. Bill especially is proving himself to be as good, if not better, than Archie. He’s full of power and totally focused on his work. He’s a very exciting prospect. Beti isn’t just as mature as Bill yet (quite unusual for a bitch I think) and her seasons put her back a little bit as, on the one hand, she gets more sensitive when she’s on heat but on the other she’s much hotter on sheep and wants to peel one off for a grip. We’ve no doubt she’ll settle though and be as useful as her brother. All their siblings are working and everyone seems very happy. So much so that there is a long list of working homes for any repeat mating.

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Fabulous dog I love the working Beardie or Beardie/Border but couldn't cope with all the hair. Hairy dogs were ok when we were full time farming as we had buildings they could dry off in but now in a tiny bungalow we have to be practical and go for smooth haired collies. Such a shame as I would love one of these. However I wouldn't have enough work for it anyway.
 
Fabulous dog I love the working Beardie or Beardie/Border but couldn't cope with all the hair. Hairy dogs were ok when we were full time farming as we had buildings they could dry off in but now in a tiny bungalow we have to be practical and go for smooth haired collies. Such a shame as I would love one of these. However I wouldn't have enough work for it anyway.

I totally agree! I’m smitten with these dogs but am a little bit relieved they all live in kennels because there’s nothing quite like a very shaggy dog shaking a day’s worth of sheep poop and mucky water all over your carpets, floors, walls etc etc ?.
I think some people are fooled by their rather comedic looks and super friendly personality and think they would make great pets. I’m sure some would but I can honestly say they have been much harder work than the border collie and GSD pups put together - sooo much energy and with super high prey/chase drive.
 
They are all ridiculously good looking, aren’t they? Nice to see ‘other breeds’
Working too!

Thanks! Yes they are gorgeous. I personally prefer the border x beardie because they tend to have a little less hair and longer legs. I was surprised when OH suggested getting one because a beardie trial was held here years ago with members from the Bearded Collie Club of Scotland I think it was showcasing their working beardies skills in a sheepdog trial. It was the first time I’d seen any work and it was a bit of a shambles ?. I’ve since seen some very good workers though so they’re definitely out there.
 
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