Collie Grooming & Shedding

There are two types of collies: rough and smooth. The rough collie has long and coarse fur all over the body, except the head and legs; while the smooth collie has a short, thick and flat coat. In the United States, both types of collies are regarded as members of the same family, and owners can interbreed them. To maintain your collie's fur, spend some time grooming it on a regular basis. This is necessary, especially when the collie is shedding.

  1. Coat Care

    • A collie requires brushing twice a week to prevent tangles and keep the fur free of mats. Rough collies require more brushing and coat maintenance compared to smooth collies due to their long fur. Never brush a dry coat, as it will cause the hair to break. Mist the coat lightly before brushing. In summer, your collie will require less grooming compared to winter. This is because in winter, the dog has a full winter coat, whereas it sheds its undercoat in summer.

    Shedding

    • Shedding is part and parcel of owning a collie. Typically, male collies shed once every year during summer. On the other hand, females tend to shed twice a year, four months after completion of each heat cycle.

    Undercoat Care

    • Do not cut your collie's fur when it begins shedding. Instead remove the undercoat using an undercoat rake. Concentrate on the neck region, rear, behind the front legs and in front of the hind legs. Brush your collie every day while it is shedding. This will help to ease the discomfort your dog is experiencing and also prevent hair from sticking to your clothes and furniture.

    Brushing

    • Begin brushing the fur at the rear and lower hind legs. Use a pin brush to remove dead and loose hair, then use a slicker brush to remove mats and knots. Move to the front and begin brushing the fur to remove loose and dead hair. Concentrate on the armpits and the neck region, as the fur can mat quite easily. Always brush in layers to ensure that you reach the undercoat instead of just brushing the outer coat. Use a fine toothed comb to comb the hair on the head. Use the same comb on the hair behind the ears. If you encounter stubborn mats while brushing, use a mat breaker to get rid of them.

    Foot Care

    • Trim the nails using a dog nail clipper. Do not cut the nails too short, as it can result in bleeding. Keep an eye out for a vein, which is visible through white nails. If the nail bleeds, hold the end of the nail for a few seconds and then apply some corn starch on the nail to stem the bleeding. Remove burrs stuck between the pads and trim the fur. Just trim the edges after brushing the hair.

    Bathing

    • Wet your dog well to soak the fur completely using a dog shampoo with conditioner. Work the shampoo into the coat using a pin brush. Leave the shampoo on for some time and thereafter rinse thoroughly. Make sure that there is no shampoo left in the coat, as it will result in skin irritation. Dry your collie with a towel and then blow dry the fur.