Border Collie are smart dogs known for their keen eyes and have a stunning hair coat.
Yes, the Border Collie does shed. They have a double coat of medium length that is known for shedding. They shed excessively when their inner coat blows out during the spring and fall season.
Learn to accept this truth and check how to manage his shedding well.
Border Collie Specifications
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 – 22 inches (at the shoulder) |
| Weight | 30 – 45 pounds |
| Coat color | Black with white blaze and markings, brown with white blaze and markings |
| Eye color | Brown, black, amber |
| Coat type | Double-coat. Medium to Long. Smooth or rough |
| Temperament | Athletic, agile, intelligent, hardworking |
| Lifespan | 10-17 years, averaging 12 years |
How much does Border Collie shed?
Border Collie shedding is not what you would expect. A medium coat does not mean they are a shedding nightmare. Actually, they fit in the moderate shedding dog breed category.
Throughout the year minimal shedding is observed. It is during spring and fall that Border Collie sheds profusely.
After winter his thicker coat will get thinner. Then after summer towards the fall, this coat sheds again to prepare him for the winter coat.
Coat shedding could appear as balls of fluff or just loose hair strands.
This process is known as “coat blowing” and it occurs in all double-coated dog breeds. Examples are Husky, Golden Retriever, Australian Sheepdog, American Eskimo, Malamute, Akita, Shiba Inu, and other double-coat dog breeds.
Shedding this double coat could last for any duration of time. It could be weeks or even months in some cases! You will require high tolerance and patience to allow your beloved pet to complete this vital process.
The best way to come to terms with shedding is to prepare. Create a calendar schedule, gather your tools, and get it done!
Certain situations may affect the rate of shedding and the amount of fur they shed.
For indoor pooches, temperature sensitivity is lower as compared to outdoor dogs. Unfortunately, the Border Collie is an athletic nature-loving dog. For this reason, you can expect shedding as soon as the first signs of season change to occur.
Coat blowing occurs drastically in un-neutered dogs as opposed to neutered dogs. Also, female Border Collie shedding is influenced to a large extent by their hormone levels which are always fluctuating.
Why does the Border Collie shed?
Shedding is a natural process that dislodges dead and damaged hairs from the coat. They have served their purpose and must now make room for new hairs. It is part of the natural cycle of hair growth.
Another form of shedding that appears to be an adaption embedded in their gene is seasonal shedding. The coat of a dog becomes thicker or thinner depending on the seasonal requirements.
These requirements are influenced by the seasons. Thicker in winter, thinner in summer. This is why you will see a noticeable change in the coat of your canine during these times.
Border Collie Coat Layers
The Border Collie dog breed has a double-coat, but what does this mean? Double-coat simply means that the coat is made out of two layers:
Under-coat layer
Under-coats are short and persistent throughout the body. The main purpose of this coat is to keep the body warm from wind and is also water-repellent. Protection from pests and semi-sharp objects is also its purpose.
Top-coat layer
The top-coat is used to repel moisture from rain and dirt from the ground in general. This is why it is otherwise called “guard hairs” due to its protective characteristics.
Consisting of medium-length coarse hair, it protects from the weather elements.
Top-coats are usually longer than the coat beneath it. It is also more appealing since this is where all the coat colors are displayed.
Border Collie Coat Types
The Border Collie can have one of two coat types, smooth or rough. The type of coat a Border Collie puppy gets depends on the traits of both parents.
Additionally, the Border Collie breeds possess a “feathering” quality on their body. Feathering is nothing but tufts of hair protruding from the body. These tufts originate from behind the limbs, ears, chest, and the underside of the abdomen.
Let us have a closer look at these Collie coat types.
Rough coat
The rough coat is characterized by a medium length hair coat laid across the body of this dog. It appears thick to the eye and looks even thicker when felt. When this dog is in optimum health, this coat will appear thicker and glossy.
The rough coat type is famous for heavy feathering. This feathering appears on the limbs, chest, and belly. Heavy feathering can make him look bigger and a bit more intimidating.
Smooth coat
As the name suggests, this coat is smooth but keep in mind it is still a double-coat. Both the top-coat and under-coat are present. Silky to the hand, this coat is a pleasure to stroke and will feel padded!
The hair coat over the body is much shorter than the rough coat type. It has a certain coarse character that is textured. This textured feel can be likened to the feel of wool.
Coming to the feathering now, not as much feathering is present. Still, slight tufts can be seen from the upper limbs and belly, a typical Collie physical trait.
Border Collie Grooming
As you can imagine, the shedding of a double-coat dog might frighten some dog owners. The truth is there is nothing to fear. The Collie hair coat is no nightmare and is surprisingly manageable.
No need to spend money at a professional groomer as you are capable enough to handle the situation. A well-trained Collie will make your life easier by assisting you. Just being patient and standing still will greatly aid you in grooming him.
Let us look at the two main types of grooming that you should be aware:
Managing the year-round shedding
When it comes to grooming your Border Collie, brushing with a pin brush is adequate at least 1- 2 times a week. This is of course in normal conditions. Mainly damaged, dead, and loose hairs will be eliminated with this tool.
Baths are not a mandatory activity, once in a few months or when he is really dirty/smelly should suffice. The hard part is grooming a Border Collie at season change!
Managing the seasonal shedding
Seasonal shedding (blowing the coat) needs a combination of techniques. This mainly includes brushing, bathing, and drying. You will need to brush them daily, and for this, you would need to use several different brush types.
We would recommend the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Border Collies.
Many owners may not know how to tackle this situation. A tried and tested way is to get advice from another Border Collie owner. They are bound to have experience and knowledge about this situation.
Avoid Shaving – We can’t stress enough that shaving a dog of the coat is bad unless advised by a Vet. His hair coat is a vital resource that gears him up for survival, especially in brutal cold winters.
You must allow him to grow and shed his coat according to his natural clock. So, NEVER shave him. The reason is that their hair coats are protective, not just for appearance.
About Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog breed that has a distinct appearance.
The face is surrounded by hair that is medium-sized almost like a lion’s mane. The ears are at the top of his head and always upright and aware.
His coat is mostly black or brown with the presence of a white blaze muzzle that leads to the forehead. White areas are also present on the legs, chest, neck, and tail tip. A black and white coat could even have some tan points present instead of white.
His eyes are always a dark color and famous for “the stare” he gives when herding sheep. With a well-structured, sturdy frame, he is built for a job!
Described as an intelligent, active, animal who has an unlimited energy drive and high stamina, no wonder why he is chosen to herd the animals on farms.
Even at home, he loves to nudge and nip any living creature, herding anything (even children) is in his genes. He is loving but will not sit idle and wait for couch cuddling. He wants activity and playtime, outside is when he is in his element.
Just by looking at this dog breeds expressions, you will know he needs high exercise. Running, playing fetch, and chasing are among his favorite activities. Be sure to make him socialize early on in life to eliminate shy or territorial behavior.
No matter which coat type you decide to get, your Collie will serve you well for as long as he lives. Together you will both have an enjoyable 12 to 15 years of bliss!
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