The Art of Herding with your Beardie

Herding is a natural instinct in the Bearded Collie. Historically Scottish Herding Beardies were of two distinct groups: the smaller, lighter-boned brown Highland Beardie was used to gather sheep from rugged hillsides and had the ability to work independently from the herder. These Beardies were also used as “huntaways,” where both dog and shepherd stayed behind the sheep, with the Beardie working back and forth down the hill, barking all the way to flush out hidden sheep. The larger, black Beardie of the Lowlands was often used as a drover’s dog, helping to move the sheep or cattle to market. Our Beardies of today are a blend of both old varieties, and prove to be a very versatile herding dog. Without a doubt, herding is a sport enjoyed by many members in the Bearded Collie Club of Southern California. Opportunities for classes are offered throughout the area, and many members currently compete at advanced levels. At many of our Herding Fun Days, BCCA instinct testing is offered to Bearded Collies, 6 months or older. We all have such fun sharing the excitement of watching a dog’s instinct ignite for the first time when exposed to sheep in the ring. Our Beardies are never happier than when they have the chance to herd. Exhausted, but oh, so happy.

Other Herding Instructors and places to herd

Please make suggestions to us to be added to the list, so that our members and friends can find other places to go to and learn the art of herding.