Bearded Collie vs Pointer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Pointer
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Pointer Overview
Pointers exhibit a noble and athletic build with a distinctive stance when tracking prey. Their muscular bodies feature a deep chest, clean-cut head, and alert expression. The short coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange, often with white markings. Known for their graceful movement and intense focus while working, these dogs demonstrate remarkable agility and endurance in the field.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pointers.
- Trainability: Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pointers adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Loyal, Hardworking, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pointer Temperament
The Pointer is characterized by being loyal, hardworking, even-tempered, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Pointer, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pointers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Athletic and agile
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Not suited for apartment living
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.