Bearded Collie
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Bearded Collie. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Standard herding-breed risk; request OFA scores. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Frequent in the breed; diagnosed on routine bloodwork. |
| Addison's disease | moderate | Adrenal deficiency is overrepresented; manageable with lifelong medication. |
| Autoimmune disease | moderate | Immune-mediated conditions, including colitis, appear at elevated rates. |
| Persistent pupillary membranes | low | Congenital eye strands are usually benign; screening eye exams catch them. |
Pet insurance for a Bearded Collie
Insurers price a Bearded Collie from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Bearded Collie is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 45–55 lbs and a grooming score of 5/5, the Bearded Collie sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a Scottish drover's dog that moved sheep and cattle for centuries before becoming a show and family favorite. It is exuberant, boisterous, and famously bouncy — Beardies leap to greet and stay playful into old age — while remaining gentle with children and other animals. Daily vigorous exercise is required, and the long double coat is a serious commitment: thorough brushing several times a week, more during coat change. Suits active families who want a happy, social dog and accept the grooming workload.
Origin: Scotland
Temperament
Related reading for Bearded Collie owners
Bearded Collie FAQ
How long do Bearded Collies live?
The typical Bearded Collie lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Bearded Collie?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Bearded Collie carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Bearded Collie a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Bearded Collie can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Bearded Collies prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Addison's disease. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.