Health Testing

The following was approved by the Bearded Collie Club of Canada Board of Directors (revised: February 2023).

The Bearded Collie Club of Canada recommends breeders have the following health tests for genetic problems done on all beardies prior to breeding:

•  For Hip Dysplasia:
(To be done once, If a preliminary has been done another X-ray will be required once the dog has reached 2 years of age. )
OFA Evaluation of X-ray (OR PennHIP Evaluation – OR BVA HIPS – OR FCI HIPS.  OVC no longer evaluates X-rays for hip dysplasia).

•  For Elbow Dysplasia:
OFA evaluation of X-ray after age 2 years.

•  For Autoimmune Thyroiditis:
OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory each year until 5, thereafter every 2 years

•  Eye Examination:
ACVO Ophthalmologist evaluation done yearly until the age of 7.

•  For Collie Eye Anomaly/Choroidal Hypoplasia:
DNA testing for CEA unless clear through heritage*.
     (* Heritage: both parents of the Beardie are CEA clear through testing or parentage.)

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In addition to the above tests, veterinarians and reproductive specialists recommend that both the prospective sire and dam be tested for brucellosis two weeks prior to breeding.