I have set my heart on a bearded Collie, this is a perfect dog for our family except for one thing, barking. I have read elsewhere that these dogs like to express them-selves vocally. This would mean that we couldn't really have a beardie, so could anybody put the barking problem into perspective, is it really so bad, or is it only a problem if the dog is left alone, (we would be in a position where the dog would very rarely be on it's own), i need a honest opinion as i don't want a dog that i might end up having to part with, it wouldn't be fair on the dog, thanks for any help.

Hi, well i dont have Bearded collies but my friend has and she breeds some times, at home she has 4 one male and 3 females and i have trained her and her dogs over the last 10 years and i can say that they are no worse than any other collie, you must have them trained and be in control as they do like to be busy so if you dont have time to do some work with it then i would say dont have one, but they do make great famliy pets. jackie

I've got a beadie pup - 6mths old now - and she's fairly vocal. She doesn't bark that much but she does like to yowl at me and grumble. If I tell her off she usually ends up having the last word by grumbling at me as she's sulking :D

It's really difficult to describe but it's not a problem with the neighbours at all - in fact one set thinks it's really funny that she's so chatty and is always putting her point of view across :D

HTH,

Fiona
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