Border Collie Grooming: Feathers, Burrs and Shedding

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Border Collies are working dogs first, and their coat reflects it: weatherproof, practical and dense. It is manageable, but active dogs collect a lot of the countryside. See also the Border Collie breed profile.

Coat types

• Smooth coat: short and flat, with a dense undercoat. Similar in care to other short double coats. See short-coat grooming.
• Rough coat: medium length, with feathering on the ears, legs, chest and tail.

Both are double coats and both shed. See double-coat grooming.

Brushing

• Once or twice a week with a slicker brush and a comb.
• Daily during shedding, with an undercoat rake. See how to use an undercoat rake.
• Check the feathering behind the ears and on the legs, where mats start.

See how to brush a dog properly.

Shedding

Border Collies shed lightly through the year and heavily in spring and autumn. See dog blowing coat and how to reduce dog shedding at home.

Burrs and debris

Active collies pick up burrs, seeds and mud, especially on rough coats. Check after walks. See how to remove burrs and sticky debris from dog fur.

Bathing

Bathe every two to three months, or after muddy outings. Dry thoroughly, including the undercoat. See how to bathe a dog at home and how to dry a dog after a bath.

Trimming

Tidy the feet, the hocks, the back of the legs and the feathering. Do not cut the main coat. See how to use grooming scissors on a dog and how to trim hair between dog paw pads.

Do not shave

See should you shave a double-coated dog.

Paws and nails

Working dogs wear pads and nails. Check pads for cuts and keep nails trimmed. See dog paw pad care guide and how to trim dog nails safely.

Ears and eyes

Check ears for debris and grass seeds. See how to clean a dog's ears.

Skin

Collies can develop hot spots when wet or itchy. Check the skin regularly. See dog hot spots.

Exercise and grooming

A well-exercised dog is calmer for grooming. Brush after a walk.

A weekly Border Collie routine

• Once or twice a week: brush and comb, with extra attention to the feathering.
• After walks: check feet, ears and legs for burrs and seeds.
• Every three to four weeks: trim nails.
• Every two to three months: bath and dry.

Grooming a working dog

Working and farm Border Collies get dirty, wet and scratched. Check for cuts, ticks and sore pads after work, and keep the coat clean so skin problems do not develop. Have first aid supplies to hand, and see your vet for wounds that look deep or infected.

Keeping an energetic dog still

Border Collies are intelligent and busy, so teach a settle cue and reward standing still for short periods. Brushing after a long walk helps. Give them a job, such as holding a toy or a lick mat, and keep sessions short. A mentally tired collie is a more cooperative one.

The takeaway

Brush regularly, check feathering and feet and leave the coat intact. A tidy collie is a happy collie.