Bearded Collies live an average of 12 yrs. Some have been known to live beyond the age of 15 and others succomb to accident or illness at a younger age.
Bearded Collies are an unspoiled breed for the most part but the gene pool is quite small which leaves our breed somewhat vulnerable to inheritable disease. Health problems appear from time to time and breeders must be informed and diligent when choosing a pair for mating. Even the most consciencous breeders occasionally will see a health issue occur in their lines. This does not necessarily mean the breeder was careless as problems can occur even when both the sire and dam, offspring, and relatives are free of a disease. If your Beardie develops any health related problem, you should let your breeder know. Most breeders really do care, take illnesses seriously, and want to be informed thoughout the life of your Beardie.
Not all problems are genetic. Just like in humans, the environment your Beardie lives in can also have a significant impact on health and longevity. A healthy varied diet, adequate exercise to keep your Beardie lean and fit, vaccinating only when truly needed, and grooming regularly will go a long way to contribute to your dog's health and well being. If you have health concerns, alert your breeder and consult your veterinarian.