How to Groom a Border Collie?

Border Collies were originally bred to help gather and control sheep in the hilly countryside in Scotland and England. They're a dog with plenty of energy and stamina, but all that running about can easily give Border Collies that unkempt look! To keep them looking neat and tidy, you'll need to establish a grooming routine that works for your Border Collie.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD BORDER COLLIES BE GROOMED?

Border collies often have rather thick coats and the breed is generally very active but to ensure you keep your pooch looking presentable, you will need to keep on top of your grooming regime. So how many times should you be grooming your Border Collie? We suggest that you should be taking the brush to your pet’s coat around three times per week to ensure that your Border Collie’s coat doesn’t become matted or knotty. If you introduce your dog to grooming as a puppy, you should encounter fewer problems when grooming them older, particularly with Border Collies who are active and energetic dogs.

DO BORDER COLLIES SHED A LOT OF HAIR?

For most Border Collies, they do indeed shed hair. Due to the breeds’ double-coated long hair, it is inevitable that you will see some shedding. Border Collies seem to have two seasons in which they moult the most, Spring and Autumn. The shedding of their hair is a way of rejuvenating the coat and is nature’s way of helping your collie to remain cool. During moulting season, it’s important to regularly brush and groom your pet to avoid the matting of hair. It can often be seen as a full-time job to groom your shedding Border Collie, but luckily if you manage your pet’s coat regularly then you should be able to keep on top of the moulting issue.

SHOULD BORDER COLLIES GET HAIRCUTS?

Generally speaking, no. If you decide to clip your border collie, the hair won’t grow back in the same way and could cause problems. This means that you could impact their coat during the winter months and impact on their warmth and protection. It may be tempting to shave your dog’s coat in the summer to try and keep them cool but we would recommend a light trim to keep them looking smart and to avoid knots.

HOW DO I TRIM MY BORDER COLLIE?

Trimming your Border Collie is simple once you get the hang of it. You want to be careful not to cut too much hair from your dog but think of it as a tidy up. You will want to focus on the obvious knots and mats that are on your dog’s coat, trimming them off. Often, the knotted hair gathers around sensitive areas so be sure to explore where you will be trimming before cutting. Cut the excess hair off your Border Collie’s feet and around the back of their ears, this is a common place for hair to get a little too long.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BATHE MY COLLIE?

You can bathe your Border Collie as and when you feel fit, especially after a particularly muddy walk! However, it is recommended that you do not over wash your dog, if you feel the need to bathe your collie, dry shampoo makes a good alternative. This is to ensure the protective and rejuvenating oils aren’t washed out of your pet’s coat.