Bearded Collie vs Yorkshire Terrier
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy 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.
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Yorkshire Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require less grooming attention compared to Yorkshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Yorkshire Terriers.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 11-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | England |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Yorkshire Terrier, 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yorkshire Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Yorkshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.