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Pet Insurance for Bearded Collies

Find out all about Bearded Collies and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$3,000

Height

51cm - 56cm

Weight

18kg - 27kg

Personality

Boisterous, graceful, energetic

Coat length

Long, thick

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

14 - 16 years

Bearded Collie

Overview

The Bearded Collie, known otherwise as a ‘Beardie,’ originated as a droving dog in Scotland, and is closely related to the larger Old English Sheepdog. It is a large, sturdy breed that requires a lot of coat maintenance for their distinctive thick, shaggy double coats. They come in various colours, including black, blue, brown, or fawn, often with white markings. They have a distinctive beard and expressive, dark eyes that convey intelligence and curiosity. They have a comical expression and a very good nature, which makes them idea as pets for active families with a large backyard and plenty of time for grooming and coat brushing. 

Bearded Collies are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and boundless energy, which makes them exceptional working dogs in herding and agility trials. Despite their working heritage, Bearded Collies also make wonderful pets due to their friendly and affectionate nature. They are often described as ‘bouncing Tigger’ dogs due to their exuberance and love for play. They often retain their puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood. Bearded Collies have a strong herding instinct, which may be exhibited by their tendency to try herding people, other pets, or even objects.  

Common diseases and conditions of Bearded Collies

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.  
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Collie Eye Anomaly is a very common congenital hereditary eye condition in Rough Collies. It is caused by a genetic mutation in chromosome 37, and this mutation is thought to be present in more than 70% of the world's Collie population. It can result in vision impairment or in the worst scenario, blindness. Responsible breeding practices and screening aim to reduce the risk of CEA in the breed. 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect all types of Collies. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition. 
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health. 

Breed-specific issues:

These delightful dogs are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm. They may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours if not provided with activities and tasks. They can be known to be destructive and dig if not given sufficient mental and physical stimulation. They need to be protected from extreme heat and kept cool on hot days.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Bearded Collie?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Bearded Collie, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Bearded Collies

Are Bearded Collies good for first-time dog owners?

No, Bearded Collies are best suited for experienced dog owners due to their high energy and high coat maintenance and grooming needs. First-time dog owners may find them challenging, as Bearded Collies are very large bouncy dogs that require a lot of training to curb their natural exuberance.  

Do Border Collies get along with other pets?

Yes, Bearded Collies can get along with other breeds of large dogs, but their strong herding instinct may lead them to chase smaller animals, which may not be appreciated by your cat, rabbit or guinea pig. 

 
 
Are Bearded Collies suitable for families with young children?

Bearded Collies are generally suitable in nature for families with children, but their large size may make them intimidating to smaller children. These dogs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them good companions for older kids. They are playful and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with children. However, as with any dog breed, it's essential to teach children how to interact with the dog safely, especially a dog as big and bouncy as a Bearded Collie.  

Are Bearded Collies suitable for apartment living?

No. Bearded Collies are large active dogs that thrive in lots of space where they can exercise and run. They are happiest in homes with access to a very large backyard, or a farm where they can be given a job to do. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Bearded Collie

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