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

Genetic Diversity Research

Inbreeding was measured with pedigree data and DNA based methods with the latter being more accurate. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) COI’s are based upon stretches of homozygous DNA in what is referred to as runs of homozygosity (ROH). Existing measures of diversity need better accuracy and definition of functional diversity before practical use. ...

Open Health Registry Report – 2025

Information about disease incidence and behavioral issues (including age of onset and sex distribution for some); reproductive outcome; and mortality causes in the Beardie Collie comes to you via the generosity of 985 owners with 3513 dogs from 25 countries. Disease incidence has been relatively stable and may be representative of the larger population given the geographic diversity. ...