HEALTH
Breed Club and Joint Breed Liaison Committee Releases
Health Survey Archive
Access Historical & Current Breed Data
Current & Recent Reports
Historical Data (2018–2023)
TRACKING OUR BREED'S HEALTH OVER THE YEARS
JBLC Update
Autumn 2019 Information Bulletin
The Joint Breed Liaison Committee has been working hard over the past twelve months on several vital initiatives for our breed.
Research into Addison's Disease
We have recently received some exciting news from Prof. Catchpole regarding this research. Previous research by his team found that Bearded Collies, unlike many other breeds, were not auto-antibody positive to the adrenal autoantigen used in the initial project to determine if an early diagnostic test could be developed for Addison's. Over the past year, Dominika Majorova has conducted further work on the project, demonstrating that most affected Bearded Collies have autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase in their blood. In addition to this research, she has also been looking at the genome of Addisonian Bearded Collies and has demonstrated that there is a genetic variant in the AIRE (autoimmune regulator) gene, which might go some way to explaining increased susceptibility to Addison's in the breed.
Obviously, we are at an early stage, but it is exciting news and Prof. Catchpole has agreed to come and talk to us about the work and where it might go next, so watch out for more information in due course! We are so grateful to all the fundraisers.
Fundraising Hero: Special thanks to Sharon Jenkinson for her heroic parachute jump, raising over £1000!
Collie Eye Anomaly
We are running a CEA clinic in December at the BCC Championship Show using 'Pet Genetics. The KC has recently announced that from January 2022, they will limit the assignment of ‘hereditary clear’ status of registered dogs to two generations, i.e. the third generation will need to be re-tested. This change will be put in place to safeguard against the impact that dogs with an incorrect ‘hereditary clear’ status could have on health issues within a breed. Therefore, it will be important to continue running testing clinics for CEA.
There is also a new project being run in conjunction with the AHT that aims to identify, investigate, and eliminate hereditary eye disease in dogs. Samples are required from any dog diagnosed with an inherited eye disease (i.e., affected). These can be diagnosed by any vet, not necessarily a BVA panel vet. Details available on the JBLC Facebook page and Club websites.
DNA Databank
Please submit DNA swabs to the AHT. Swabs are available at subsidized costs.
Important: Update the AHT if your dog’s health status changes or if they pass away (including cause of death).
BeaCon & Breed Strategy
Please update BeaCon annually with health info (hip scores, eye tests, etc.). Volunteers with IT skills are needed to help Sarah Ritchie maintain this resource.
- The Buddy System is receiving positive feedback.
- Recommendation: Sires should have no more than two litters per year.
- Lists of UK Sperm Banks and Stud Handlers are being compiled for the Resource Page.
2019 Health Survey
Results are consistent with last year; no new concerns or increased frequencies were found. Full summary on the Resource Page.
KC JCF Scheme
The KC is reassessing the JCF following JBLC feedback. A successful Breed Assessment Day (BAD) was recently held by the clubs.
Embark DNA Testing
While Embark screens for 170+ traits, there are no DNA tests for conditions like Addison's or SLO. Tests must be validated for Beardies specifically before they are considered accurate for the breed.
Annual Health Survey
February 2018 Update
To safeguard the future of our breed, we are collecting ongoing health data on all Kennel Club-registered Bearded Collies in the UK. Whether your dog is a show dog, breeding dog, activity dog, or beloved pet, we need to hear from you.
We need to know about the healthy dogs, too!
The survey is short, anonymous, and takes approximately 2 minutes to complete. Results will be published on the club websites later this year.
Click Here to Take Part
Reminder: DNA Databank
This is also a vital time to contribute to the DNA data bank for future research. If you already have an animal in the databank, please update their health details via email: canine.genetics@aht.org.uk
SECURING THE FUTURE OF OUR BEARDED COLLIES
Breed Strategy Proposals
6 April 2017 | Joint Breed Liaison Committee
Strategy Follow-Up Day
These proposals result from the evaluation of suggestions made at our Breed Workshops. We invite you to review these initiatives and form your own opinions ahead of our follow-up meeting.
Date: Saturday 13th May 2017 (re-scheduled from 8th April)
Venue: The Canine Academy, Tollerton
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Tom Lewis (KC Geneticist) and Dr. Katy Evans (KC Breed Health and Conservation) will attend to help us plan for the future of our breed.
Our Core Aims
A transparent, inclusive strategy based on the best current genetic advice.
1. Health & Diversity: Maintain and improve breed health, type, and temperament to provide a resilient, fit-for-function Bearded Collie.
2. Information: Provide appropriate breed and health guidance to meet the needs of everyone committed to the long-term future.
3. Culture: Promote a community that puts the interests of the breed first, led by those in positions of influence.
4. Education: Enhance the knowledge and experience of breeders and stud dog owners.
5. Sustainability: Bring new owners, enthusiasts, and breeders into the breed to maintain numbers sufficient for a sustainable future.
Strategic Objectives
Immediate Short-Term Priorities
- Breed Survival: Work to increase the number of owners, litters, and available stud dogs to remove the short-term risk to breed survival in the UK.
- Open Communication: Help breeders evaluate inherited health risks by removing barriers to honest, open communication.
Longer-Term Initiatives
Health: Use evidence-based approaches (surveys/screening) to prioritize health improvements while minimizing loss of genetic diversity from popular sires.
Mentorship: Build strong relationships with new people entering the breed across a wider range of interests.
Judging: Ensure judges are informed of breed priorities (type, character, and temperament) to guide their decisions.
Resources: Develop centralized breed and health information to meet the needs of all contributors.
Summary of Action Plans
Breed Health & Sustainability
• Sire Usage: We recommend sires produce no more than two litters per year (including personal use). This is based on genetic advice following 2015 puppy birth rates.
• Genetic Services: We will promote KC Mate Select and investigate a more complete database to enhance Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) data.
• Reproduction: Plans include investigating sperm banking and organizing a Canine Reproduction Seminar.
Promotion & Community Development
• Buddy Scheme: A mentoring system will be developed to support the next generation of owners and breeders.
• Health Framework: We will introduce a communication framework to guide the exchange of health information between breeders and stud owners when planning matings.
Information Resources
• Dedicated Site: Easy access to educational resources via a centralized platform.
• BeaCon: We will continue promoting and modifying BeaCon to make it more relevant to the UK population, encouraging puppy registration and ongoing health data collection.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BREED
Research Update
14 February 2016 | Joint Breed Liaison Committee
Give a Dog a Genome (GDG)
The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust has launched a radical project to map the genomes of 50 breeds. This will enhance our understanding of DNA sequences, helping to identify mutations that cause inherited diseases and speeding up the development of new DNA tests for breeders.
UPDATE: Bearded Collies Accepted!
Elizabeth Ayrton registered our breed’s interest, and the AHT has now officially offered us a place!
Funding: Sequencing costs £2,000 per genome. The JBLC and Breed Clubs are working to raise our £1,000 contribution (to be matched by the KC Charitable Trust) by early March 2016.
Addison's Serology Project
Prof. Brian Catchpole is developing a serology test for autoantibodies for Addison's Disease.
Beyond diagnosis, this test could pick up autoantibodies before the disease develops, acting as a vital screening tool for breeders. We are currently seeking funds and suggestions to support this essential work.
Can you help?
If you have suggestions or wish to contribute to these funds, please get in touch with your Breed Club or the JBLC.
Contact Your Breed Club
INVESTING IN OUR BREED'S HEALTH
Health Press Releases
Official Kennel Club Updates & Health Initiatives
Below you will find a collection of Press Releases from the Kennel Club regarding current health issues and breed research. Staying informed is the first step toward a healthier future for our Bearded Collies.
Further Information
Extensive details on breed health, DNA testing, and genetic diversity can be found directly on the Kennel Club website. Use the tools below to access the general health section or the specialized breeding services.
KNOWLEDGE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE BREED
Health Alert: PFK Deficiency
Posted: 25 July 2015 | Joint Breed Liaison Committee
The Joint Breed Liaison Committee (JBLC) has been made aware of a Bearded Collie diagnosed with Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency. While previously known in breeds like English Springer Spaniels and Whippets, this is a newly identified concern for our breed.
Crucial Distinction: PFK vs. AIHA
PFK deficiency is an inherited enzyme deficiency, not an autoimmune condition. However, it shares many characteristics with Regenerative Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA). It is possible that some Beardies previously treated for AIHA may, in fact, have had PFK.
Clinical Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms often manifest after periods of stress (hard exercise, heat, excessive barking/panting):
• Weakness & Lethargy
• Exercise Intolerance
• Pale Gums (Anaemia)
• Jaundice
• Dark/Blood in Urine
• Raised Body Temp
Inheritance & DNA Testing
PFK is an autosomal recessive condition, meaning two carriers are required to produce an affected dog. We are working with the AHT to validate the DNA test and identify the specific gene mutation involved.
Organized Testing Clinic
A discount is available for group testing (20+ dogs). If you are interested in testing or have had a dog with regenerative AIHA, please contact our Health Co-ordinator:
Elizabeth Ayrton
elizabeth.ayrton@btinternet.com
Tel: 01539 444872 (Weekends Only)
Selective breeding can remove this condition from the gene pool. We urge members to contribute samples to the DNA Databank to assist in tracking involved lines.
PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF THE BEARDED COLLIE
Resources & Technical Information
PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF THE BEARDED COLLIE
UK Breed Health Survey Report
Findings from the 2007–2012 Period
At the instigation of the joint Bearded Collie Breed Clubs, a collaboration with the University of Southampton (Kershaw, E., Wilkins, A., and McBride, E. Anne) resulted in this ambitious health survey. Analyzing data from 700 dogs (511 living, 188 deceased), the report provides a vital snapshot of the breed's health in the UK.
Longevity
13y 2m
Average age of death recorded
Living Age Range
Up to 17y+
Oldest living respondent: 17y 2m
Detailed Health Findings
Autoimmune Disease: 72 dogs were reported with autoimmune issues. Levels remain a concern, requiring careful breeding selections to avoid hereditary recurrence.
Sensory: 40 dogs reported as deaf. Cataracts were noted, though many may be age-related nuclear sclerosis rather than true cataracts.
Endocrine: Reports included Hypothyroidism (18 cases) and Cushing's Disease (7 cases).
Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis was the most frequent report, common in a breed with significant longevity.
Breeding Recommendations
- Hip Scoring: All breeding stock must be hip scored before mating.
- Autoimmune Safety: Matings that produce puppies with AI should not be repeated, and affected dogs should not be bred from.
- Genetic Diversity: Avoid close inbreeding and the over-use of popular sires.
- Health Surveillance: Continuous monitoring via the Vetcompass project and regular eye testing is strongly recommended.
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
March 2014 | Kennel Club News Release
The Kennel Club has launched a cutting-edge resource within the Mate Select service, designed to help breeders significantly reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. These Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) provide a more accurate indicator of genetic predisposition than individual scores alone.
Why EBVs Matter
Complex inherited disorders like dysplasia are influenced by environmental factors (diet, exercise, etc.). EBVs "strip away" these external influences to estimate only the genetic component of the condition.
By using pedigree data to link scores of an individual dog with all its relatives, EBVs create a more robust "risk factor" for inheritance.
"EBVs allow for more accurate selection since only the genetics is inherited across generations. The more breeders continue to hip and elbow score, the more accurate these estimations become."
— Dr. Tom Lewis, AHT Quantitative Geneticist
Participating Breeds
EBVs currently exist for fifteen key breeds, including:
🐾 Bearded Collie
Border Collie
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
...and 10 others.
Utilize this data to make informed breeding choices and protect the future of the pedigree dog.
Visit Mate Select
SECURING THE FUTURE THROUGH GENETIC INSIGHT
Urgent Breeding Advice: Elbows
March 2014 | Official Kennel Club News Release
Revised Protocol: Score Zero Only
The Kennel Club and the BVA now strongly advise that breeders only breed from dogs with an elbow score of 0.
Previously, Grade 1 elbows were considered acceptable. However, because Elbow Dysplasia (ED) is progressive, many Grade 1 dogs develop severe osteoarthritis (Grade 2 or 3) later in life.
BVA Procedure Notes
Grades 2 & 3
Indicate marked osteoarthritis likely caused by ED, regardless of a visible primary lesion.
Grade 1
Indicates mild or early osteoarthritis, also likely due to ED, and should no longer be used for breeding stock.
"This will help to minimize the risk of elbow dysplasia and fall in line with the Kennel Club's dedication to improving the health of pedigree dogs across the board."
— Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary
Midshires Bearded Collie Club Notice
Date: 5 March 2014
The Midshires Bearded Collie Club wishes to state that the content of the letter signed "Elizabeth Kershaw, Breed Health Co-Ordinator," which appeared in the 28 February 2014 edition of Dog World, had not been approved by the Midshires Bearded Collie Club.
PROTECTING BREED HEALTH THROUGH RESPONSIBLE BREEDING
FEBRUARY 2014 KC PRESS RELEASE RE CEA
New DNA Testing Scheme: CEA
February 2014 | Official Kennel Club Announcement
The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA/CH) in Bearded Collies. This initiative is the result of direct consultation with breed clubs to improve the long-term health of our pedigree dogs.
Official Testing Provider: Optigen
Visit www.optigen.com for further details and to order tests.
Publication of Results
- Automatic Sync: Future results from Optigen will be sent directly to the Kennel Club.
- Official Records: Results will appear in the Breed Records Supplement and on the dog’s registration certificate.
- Health Finder: Results will be listed on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder online.
- Progeny: Test status will be visible on the registration certificates of all future offspring.
Already Tested?
Owners of dogs tested prior to this scheme must forward a copy of the DNA certificate to the Kennel Club manually to have the record updated.
How to Update Your Certificate
If you include your original registration certificate (not a copy), the Kennel Club will issue a new certificate featuring the DNA result free of charge.
Email: hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk
Address: Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, 1–5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB
ERADICATING CEA THROUGH SCIENTIFIC TESTING
Click here to email Midshires rep
CEA Investigation & Findings
December 2013 | Joint Breed Liaison Committee Statement
What is Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)?
CEA is an inherited condition causing abnormalities at the back of the eye. While often mild—with little effect on vision—severe cases can lead to retinal detachment and blindness, usually within the first two years of life.
The Diagnostic Challenge:
Puppies can only be reliably examined clinically between 6 to 10 weeks of age. After this, normal eye development can "hide" the symptoms. Consequently, a clinically "clear" adult may still be genetically affected or a carrier. DNA testing is the only reliable method for adults.
The AHT Prevalence Study
Following the identification of the first affected UK Bearded Collie in 2012, the JBLC partnered with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to test a diverse sample of 59 dogs.
88.5% Estimated Clear
11.2% Estimated Carriers
0.35% Estimated Affected
Estimated prevalence: Approximately 3–4 affected dogs per 1,000.
Proposed Actions & Next Steps
- Targeted Testing: Contact owners of immediate relatives to the known affected dog to recommend genetic testing.
- Official Recognition: Request the Kennel Club to officially list Bearded Collies as a breed affected by CEA.
- Breeding Vigilance: Ensure two carriers are never inadvertently mated. Even if a carrier is mated to a clear dog, 50% of the litter may be carriers.
- Proactive Screening: Consider DNA testing if you have lines where dogs have gone blind at an age earlier than expected.
How to Test
While several labs offer testing, the patent is held by OptiGen.
The JBLC is exploring a "20/20" clinic to provide 20% discounts for group testing.
IDENTIFYING THE CARRIERS TO PROTECT THE LITTER
Bearded Collie DNA Databank
Joint Breed Liaison Committee & Animal Health Trust
A DNA Archive or Databank is a collection of DNA samples stored indefinitely to be used for future research purposes, such as identifying mutations responsible for inherited diseases and monitoring breed genetic diversity.
🐕 Which Dogs?
We welcome samples from every dog in the breed. Our priority is breeding stock and dogs with known health conditions or their close relatives.
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🧪 Collection
Usually collected via buccal (cheek) swab. Alternatively, a small extra blood sample can be drawn if your dog is already undergoing a veterinary blood test.
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Information Required
• Registered Name & Breed
• KC Registration Number
• Date of Birth |
• Coat Colour
• 5-Generation Pedigree Copy
• Clinical Health Information |
Confidentiality & Updates
Owner and dog information is kept in strictest confidence. Please keep the AHT updated on any changes to your dog's health status. "Good news" (lifelong health) is just as valuable as "bad news" for research.
How to Participate
A one-off donation of £5.00 per sample is requested to cover administrative costs.
Contact: canine.genetics@aht.org.uk
REQUEST SWAB KIT
🐾 PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF THE BEARDED COLLIE 🐾
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