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Records dating to the 16th century show that Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were brought into Scotland and crossed with local farm collies to create the Bearded Collie. Consider a Beardie if you're looking for a fun-loving dog that fits well into family life and enjoys plenty of outdoor exercise; this breed has been described as having the hang time of a Michael Jordan. Beardies are lean, active, shaggy whirlwinds with lots of stamina and intelligence. For centuries, the bouncing Beardie worked as the Highland shepherd's able assistant, hunting and gathering free-ranging sheep in the rugged countryside. Known as a worker rather than a show dog, it wasn't until 1959 that a Beardie earned a show championship in Britain. A completely natural dog, its shaggy double coat comes in shades of black, brown, blue, gray or fawn, with or without white markings. The Beardie sheds heavily, and daily grooming is required to keep the coat in condition and free of mats. A Beardie will be comfortable in a large house with a yard and people who can walk or play with it several times a day. It's smart and trainable and enjoys obedience work, herding and other canine sports.

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