The Beardie should be well-muscled which can be checked with a quick feel of the thigh. The double coat consists of a soft undercoat, with a thick, harsh outercoat, which makes a whispery sound when rubbed between the fingers. Far too frequently, we see long, glamorous coats which do not have the proper texture. Silkiness is a serious fault. Whether they have been softened artificially through conditioners or, worse, through genetics, this is not correct.
Teens often lose their coats in bizarre fashion, from top to bottom, or front to rear.
All these variations are acceptable. Length is less important than texture. During certain awkward coat stages, the back may seen to roll or bounce when it is actually the hair which is not yet long enough to lie flat. A fully coated dog may hide back faults, so use your hands to feel through the coat to the real topline. Even the pups exhibit the trademark wee beard.