Do Border Collies Shed?

Pet Care

petvblog

March 15, 2023
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Border collies are adorable, loyal, and train quite well. They can make for the perfect family dog for any number of reasons. But like any other breed, there can be questions about whether they shed and how much.

So do border collies shed? They do, thanks to their double-coated long hair. The question then becomes just how much they shed and what can be done about it. Consider this your guide to handling border collie fur more effectively.

Do Border Collies Shed?

The question of “Do border collies shed?” is a simple one to answer: yes, they do. They have a thick double coat, and depending on how often you brush them, it can be rough or smooth to the touch. That said, both varieties of coats are soft and dense on the undercoat.

The short coat is shorter and closer to the body than the rest of their fur. The rough coat is more of a medium length, though it produces feathering on the legs, belly, and chest. Both of the coats shade about the same, though the longer, rough coat will produce more noticeable results.

It is also worth noting that they shed all year round. They have a pair of shedding seasons—spring and autumn—when they really start to shed. Border collies will lose their winter coats, getting ready for the hotter months ahead. They also lose their lighter summer coats, getting in their thicker coats to stay warm throughout the winter.

Caring for Your Collie’s Coat

After you determine the answer to “Do border collies shed?” is a resounding yes, it is time to figure out how to handle it. Though you cannot stop these dogs from shedding entirely, there are steps that can be taken to help you cut down on the amount of fur that you see. After all, no one enjoys those fur tumbleweeds that can wind up blowing around your home.

Thankfully, there are a few things that can be done to help moderate that shedding. Here are a few of the most helpful tips to keep things from getting unreasonable.

Anti-Shed Shampoos

It is important to note that having too many baths is not good for your border collie. That said, if you do bathe these dogs, use some anti-shed shampoo. It can help to keep their fur under control so that you can make grooming sessions a little more bearable.

Not only do you give them a much-needed wash, but you can manage their fur a lot better. That said, it is just one step in grooming them and keeping their shedding manageable. Just make sure to be aware if your dog has sensitive skin, there may be better alternatives to choose from.

Regular Brushing

The surest way to groom your border collie is through regular brushing. Think about it like this: whatever you brush out won’t end up all over your home. During their shedding seasons, you may need to brush them every single day to keep the shedding manageable. Otherwise, a couple of times per week may be suitable.

Spend roughly 10 minutes each day brushing out their coat. The undercoat should get your attention as well, allowing you to remove not only excess hair but dander as well. The brushing keeps their shedding under control and actually improves their blood circulation, which gives their coat a natural regulation.

Finding the right brush can be key. There are more than a few to choose from, and the brush does make a difference. But as long as you give your border collie the time and attention it deserves, you can be certain that its shedding will be kept in check.

Grooming Tips

When grooming your border collie, a few helpful tricks can go a long way. For starters, make sure that you start early. If you have just brought your border collie home for the first time, establishing trust and touch is crucial. Your dog needs to get used to the idea of being brushed.

If you need to shave them due to excessive matting, that is normal as well. Just make sure that you get your dog used to a set of clippers (quiet ones) so that it doesn’t freak out while being shaved.

Keeping the dog distracted can help as well. Some border collies are easily distractable. Before you start, hand the dog a chew toy or some kind of brain game. This will ensure that its attention is occupied as you take care of the coat.

A routine is beneficial as well. Keep on top of it, too, because a border collie’s fur can tangle and mat easily. If you let it go too long, it can be quite painful to try to brush it out. Finally, make sure that you give your dog treats and praise it after each session. This will ease any tension and make life easier for both of you.

Conclusion

Like many other breeds, the border collie does indeed shed. It has to do with the fact that the breed has double-coated long hair. They also go through molting stages, autumn and spring, where they shed some of their coat in preparation for the hotter/colder months.

With a little bit of care, you can keep the shedding in check. That’s not to say that you can get rid of all of the fur, but at least it will be more manageable. Both you and your pup will be appreciative of the additional care.

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