Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 12 and 14 years. A balanced diet, a stable weight, regular activity and preventive veterinary check-ups help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its build is solid and its double coat offers it good protection against bad weather. Its robustness nevertheless remains average due to ocular, joint, endocrine, ear and skin predispositions that justify targeted monitoring.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular monitoring helps to detect early the disorders to which the breed may be predisposed. Any drop in energy, lameness, visual discomfort, skin irritation or ear pain should lead to consulting a veterinarian.
Otitis : Drooping, thick ears can trap moisture and debris, which requires appropriate checks and cleaning.
Progressive retinal atrophy : This hereditary retinal condition leads to a gradual loss of vision and warrants ophthalmological screening.
Hip dysplasia : Poor congruence of the joint can cause pain and osteoarthritis, with a risk to be limited through screening and controlled growth.
Addison's disease : This adrenal gland insufficiency can cause fatigue, digestive disorders and weakness, and requires a veterinary diagnosis.
Skin conditions : The dense coat can hide irritations or lesions, hence the benefit of regularly inspecting the skin during brushing.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense undercoat gives it good tolerance to cold and bad weather. It copes less well with high heat: exertion should then be limited to the cooler hours, with permanent access to shade and water. The coat must not be clipped without professional advice, as it contributes to thermal protection.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The ration must follow age, weight, body condition and activity level. Despite a low natural tendency to become overweight, a less active Bearded Collie can gain weight. Regular weighing, counted treats and daily activity help maintain an athletic silhouette.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears with a suitable product.
- Have the eyes and vision checked regularly.
- Brush down to the skin to spot knots and irritations.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints.
- Adjust exertion during growth and in high heat.
- Follow vaccinations, antiparasitics and the annual veterinary check-up.
Vaccination
Bearded Collie vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bearded Collie? Like all cats, the Bearded Collie receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bearded Collie is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bearded Collie vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Bearded Collie?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bearded Collie
Before breeding, it is prudent to check the hips and eyes, notably for hereditary retinal disorders. A complete clinical examination, the study of family history and, depending on the lines, an endocrine or genetic assessment recommended by the veterinarian and the breed club complete prevention.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
