Championing Bearded Collie Health Since 1999

Dedicated to the well-being of Bearded Collies through education, research, and open health registry initiatives.

About BeaCon

The Bearded Collie Foundation for Health (BeaCon) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the health and longevity of Bearded Collies.

Through comprehensive resources, an open health registry, and funding critical research, we strive to support owners, breeders, and enthusiasts in promoting the well-being of this beloved breed.

New in August:  Return of owner memorials & cumulative donor list, post about new directors (August 10).

Our Missions

Educational Resources

Providing the “Lighting The Way” educational newsletter and a wealth of online information.


Health Problem Identification

Maintaining an open health registry and publishing annual reports to track and address health issues.

Research Funding

Supporting studies on identified health problems and assisting in subject recruitment.


Open Health Registry

Our Open Health Registry, established in 2000, has gathered data on over 3,550 Bearded Collies from 979 owners and breeders worldwide. This invaluable resource aids in understanding health trends and fostering informed breeding decisions.

Research Initiatives

Addison's Disease

Investigating contributing genetic factors.

Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy

Exploring effective management strategies.

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Study just started; about advanced diagnostic tools to predict course and categorize different forms of the disease.  U Minnesota.  Morris Animal Foundation Grant. 

Latest News

New Directors

As a result of the spring 2026 survey on long term planning and an option to volunteer, five new Beardie Collie enthusiasts have joined the board. They are from Sweden, the UK, USA, and Australia....

Breaking News May 20

A new study at the University of Florida with support from the AKC Canine Health Foundation is testing a therapeutic cancer vaccine in hemangiosarcoma. It targets a molecule called GD3 which is already showing success in treating other canine cancers like melanoma and osteosarcoma. ...

BeaCon’s 25-Year Milestone

Key achievements include establishing an open health registry, educational resources (newsletter and website), and funding and subject recruitment support for research. Funding resources currently are individual or club donations, online auctions, and beneficiary of wills or trusts....