Yesterday, while we were at the dog park, I saw a Border Collie whose coat had been closely shaved and looked to be growing back unevenly. It reminded me of a previous post Can Australian Cattle Dogs Be Shaved? about how shaving an ACD could create fur regrowth issues. Show
It got me thinking if Border Collies are shaved could they have similar issues? I discovered that shaving a Border Collie could have similar results to shaving an ACD. Border Collies have a thick double coat that should not be shaved. Shaving a Border Collie may damage the coat and expose the dog’s skin to the outside elements. There are ways to groom a Border Collie that will not damage and can even benefit their fur and skin. First, let’s examine the double coat, and then we can explore the best ways to groom a Border Collie. Why does a Border Collie have a double coat?Border Collies inherited their thick double coat from their Scottish herding dog ancestry. A double-coat helped protect them from the cold, cool them off in warm weather, and also repel rain, which was common in the Scottish countryside where they herded livestock. The Border Collie’s double coat has a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat. There are two types of double coats, either rough or smooth. Rough coats are usually medium to long outer coats with wispy hairs on the legs, chest, belly, and ears. The undercoat is wooly and dense. The smooth-coated Border Collie has shorter hair with little or no feathering and may not have much of an undercoat. Border Collie’s shed their coats in the spring and autumn. During these times, it’s important to brush daily to keep up with shedding. Why a Border Collie shouldn’t be shavedLet’s start by asking, why shave a Border Collie? If’s to stop them from shedding, shaving a Border Collie will not stop them from shedding. If it’s to keep them cooler in warm weather, shaving will actually reduce their coat’s natural ability to regulate body temperature. There really isn’t a good reason to shave a Border Collie’s coat off, but there are several reasons their coats should not be shaved, including the following.
Rather than shaving, consider giving your Border Collie a light trim on their paws, hindquarters, or to remove stubborn mats. What are the best grooming methods for a Border Collie?It’s important to groom your Border Collie regularly to keep their coats from matting, control shedding, and distribute the coat’s natural oils. Below are some Border Collie grooming best practices.
If home grooming isn’t possible, there are professional groomers ready to take on heavy grooming duties. Veterinarians can be helpful with nail trims, ear cleanings and some provide bathing services. Which grooming tools are the best for a Border Collie?
Final ThoughtsShaving a Border Collie is not recommended for all of the reasons listed above. Instead, it’s best to brush your Border Collie daily or as often as possible to reduce mats, collect loose fur and help the coat look shiny. It’s also a great way to bond with your Border Collie! Related PostsDo all Border Collies have double coats?Coat Color And Grooming
The Border Collie breed boasts two varieties of coat: rough and smooth. Both are double coats, with a coarser outer coat and soft undercoat. The rough variety is medium length with feathering on the legs, chest, and belly.
Is Border Collie single or doubleThe border collie breed has two coat types: rough and smooth. The smooth coat is shorter in length and usually coarser in texture than the rough-coated variety. Both coat types possess what is called a 'double coat', which consists of a soft, thick undercoat and longer, water-resistant fur on top.
Do collies have two coats?Grooming. Smooth Collies, while they won't mat, require regular grooming, as they have a double coat, and the undercoat needs brushing out during shedding periods. Rough Collies need attention to avoid matting, especially in certain areas such as behind the ears and elbows, and to remove loose undercoat.
Why do Border Collies have a double coat?The Border Collie has a thick double coat which can either be smooth or rough. Both varieties of coat have a dense and soft undercoat, which is waterproof and wind resistant to keep him feeling warm in the cold Highlands.
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