The Bearded Collie, Beardies!

I have never owned a Beardie but I am surprised at how many are on the agility circuit!  I used to think they were "rare" but just in my area there's 4 I see competing regularly!!
 
I have to agree about them being clowns!  They seem to be very vocal when excited and/or frustrated. I personally think they are highly trainable but because they have so much energy and smarts, they often try to take control of the situation and do things "their way"[].... So long as you stay a few steps ahead of them and keep them motivated, they can be obedient companions. 
The other thing I have noticed is that they are very bouncy!  Even on the agility course they sorta bounce instead of run - very springy!  I think they have a hard time containing themselves when they are stimulated so its something you may want to keep in mind (although if you are matched or choose a "laid back" beardie it may not be an issue!)
 
Will the breeder be matching you or will you be able to interact/observe the litter and and choose yourself?  It's so exciting - I don't know how you are waiting so patiently!!! 

ORIGINAL: jetty

Will the breeder be matching you or will you be able to interact/observe the litter and and choose yourself?  It's so exciting - I don't know how you are waiting so patiently!!! 

I have stayed in close contact with the breeder and have asked a million questions. The breeder has really explained a lot to me and what to exspect from her pups. I have been so tempted to just go out and find any beardie but I know I must waite for one from a good breeder. I was surprized when I started my serch how many BYB and puppy mills I found that breed them This will be my first dog that is not a rescue and my first show dog. I really want to do agility with him or her but I'll do whatever fits the dogs personaity the best, maybe even flyball or hearding if the pup is willing. I just love the beardie bounc!

My mom has a beardie, but you've already told me that you don't need any advice from me about how they are.
If you change your mind, let me know.
I lived with one for three years.

I dont have any expierence with any but I was wondering how long your expected to wait on the list.  with a good breeder I would wait to. Like does the breeder have a long list or is he just responsible and has a couple of litters a year.

 

ORIGINAL: chewbecca

My mom has a beardie, but you've already told me that you don't need any advice from me about how they are.
If you change your mind, let me know.
I lived with one for three years.

Any advice is always welcome.  Sorry If I made you feel that way at anytime.  I've read all the books but thats nothing comparied to real experence living with one.
 

  how long your expected to wait on the list.

 
I've been waiting since July, so it would be almost a year from when I started looking till I get my beardie.  The breeder is extremely responsible, down to the vaccination and overall health of the pup which is #1 on my list of what I'm looking for in a good puppy.  The time really depends on when the bitch will go into heat next year so it's all just a guess, but I still like to count down.

My mom got Sammy (Sampson I always called him) when he was probably about 5 years old. He was a stray. How lucky was she to find a stray purebred bearded collie????
I do think Sammy has some anxiety issues, but I don't think that's a breed specific thing, just a Sammy thing[]
I love him to pieces, but he is a handful. He's a sweetbug. He's a shadow, but he's VERY smart. And VERY loyal. Wicked loyal. He freaks out if my mom leaves the house without him. He LOVES car rides. He's an ANGEL whenever she takes him anywhere (and he hasn't had an ounce of official training) and he's SOOOO cute to play with. He could never be a show quality dog because he has an all white head. Oh, he's got a blue coat. I don't know if the color of the coat is something that you're going for, but I think blue (kind of gray) is GORGEOUS. He has bad teeth, but he had them when my mom got him and because of his anxiety, he has broken some of them trying to break out of his crate. When his coat actually gets a chance to grow long, it's beautiful. But it's a handful to groom. But, I'm positive you know about the pretty coats that come with a beardie and all of the grooming entailed. I was brushing him daily during his shedding season and it seemed like I was brushing him for hours everyday. He's got one ear that perks up differently than his other which just adds to his CUTE, fun-like personality. He can get smelly if he isn't bathed regularly (if he were my beardie, I'd bathe him once a week) but my mom keeps his coat short because she's not medically well enough to brush him the way he needs to be brushed.
He loves playing tug, and he loves people food and he's quite spoiled. I wish I had pics of him. My mom is so in love with him that despite my father's wishes, she won't part with him.

Oh,and yes, I would have to say from living with Sammy, if he is any inclination of what the breed is like, then they are VERY independent minded dogs. I've read that to get a beardie to do what you want them to do, you have to convince them that what you want them to do is what THEY want to do. It's challenging but fun because they're SO smart.

I don't know if that's help or not.[]