Description:
Ok, I may have NEVER seen as adorable dog as Bernie! He looks like a Walt Disney cartoon dog!!! Kinda like Tramp, but short and squat. I told Judy, "I know he is a breed. I just don't know what it is...." Having spent a ridiculous amount of time looking at breeds, I think he is a Rough Faced Bearded Collie. But what ever his heritage, he in one cute dog!!!
He was picked up as a stray by animal control. When we pulled him out, a note across his paperwork says, "No Children." We don't know why that is. I am fostering this little guy and haven't seen any signs of aggression, but he does get upset if you pull him by his collar. Hmmmm, maybe a child was too rough with him? I don't know. He's a little guy but he has a big bark. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't bark a lot, but when he does, we all turn around and say, "Did that come from you?" It's so deep! My poor mailman got barked at when I introduced them. I think Bernie didn't like the hat..... Anyway, he's a cute thing, very happy, not hyper, and not really a licker, but he'll come and sit at the feet, trot around the house looking for you if you've "disappeared" on him, really a sweet dog.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Bearded Collie is a descendant of the Polish Sheepdog (the Polski Owczarek Nizinny or PON) which was first introduced into Scotland in 1514 by a Polish sea captain who traded three of his dogs to a Scottish shepherd for a valuable ram and ewe. The dogs were bred with local herding stock and this formed the foundation for the Bearded Collie breed. For Centuries, the Beardie was used in Scotland as a herder of both sheep and cattle, and was known variously as the "Highland Sheepdog," the "Highland Collie," and the "Hairy Moved Collie." Collie is the Scottish word for herding dog, derived from the "colley" or "coaley" black-faced sheep. The name Bearded Collie comes from the long hair under the Beardie's chin which flows into the chest, forming a "beard." The Beardie's lovable personality and appearance makes him an ideal companion and family dog. The breed almost disappeared in the early part of the twentieth century, but was rescued through mating a pair in 1944. It is still not very widespread. Still fairly rare in the United States, the first US litter of Beardies was whelped in 1967. The Bearded Collie is in all likelihood related to the bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). It is very similar although the Beardie is smaller, leaner and has an undocked tail. Some of the Beardie's talents are tracking, herding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
Known for his "bounce," the exuberant Beardie will charm you with his joyous, affectionate, happy-go-lucky ways. He is playful and lively with an always wagging tail. The perfect companion for children. Enthusiastic, stable and self-confident. Males tend to be more bold and outgoing, while females tend to be calmer and more submissive. The Beardie needs to be with people and not left alone without anything to do. They are humorous and high-energy dogs. Very trainable for many activities. Obedience training is a must as Beardies think a lot and can be headstrong at times. The Beardie is a natural herder of people and animals. They are noisy barkers, but are not watch dogs. They should not be shy or aggressive.