How to Cut the Hair of a Sheltie Puppy

The Sheltie or Shetland sheepdog is a classic-looking dog with a thick double coat. The undercoat keeps the Sheltie warm while the longer, coarser outer hair protects the dog from heat or harsh weather. It's important to start grooming your puppy when it is young, especially if you intend to do it a lot. However, because a puppy doesn't quite yet have the final coat it will have, it's important to go slowly. It's better to cut a puppy's hair more often than to try to give it one long grooming session.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Sharp scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your sheltie puppy's coat out thoroughly before cutting it. Shelties shed a lot; it's possible that the dog doesn't need a haircut, just a good brushing to keep its coat shiny and clean.

    • 2

      Use a pair of sharp scissors to remove any matted areas of fur on your puppy's coat. It's better to just cut and remove it than to try to brush it out.

    • 3

      Hold your puppy's paw and look to see if a lot of hair is growing from between the pads that would impede its ability to walk. You can lightly trim this hair with scissors if it looks like it's making it difficult to walk. If it's not, then leave it alone until the dog is older.

    • 4

      Trim lightly any areas where fur appears to be irritating or bothering your pup. If your pup has hair growing around its eyes or has excess in or around its ears that may encourage ear mites, a light trimming may be warranted. Pups under 6 months old do not have their undercoat completely in yet and should not need more grooming or trimming than this.