Do Border Collies Shed? Find Out Right Now!If you are asking, “Do Border Collies shed?” because you have allergies, don't want to deal with hair or have no desire to fuss over grooming then this is not the right breed for you. Regardless if you have a short-haired Border Collie or one with stunning long hair, these dogs shed all year round. Coat Variations If you are asking, “Do Border Collies shed?”, you should also be aware that although both coat varieties do, grooming is different for each. These dogs can have either rough or smooth coats with smooth being dominant. Therefore, if two rough coats are bred, there is no chance that a smooth-haired puppy will result. Both coat varieties come in different lengths and textures. Many people asking, “Do Border Collies shed?”, assume rough means short hair for whatever reason but this is certainly not the case. • Rough Coat – These Border Collies will have long guard hairs on top with a wooly, dense undercoat which they will blow twice per year. Some of the coats are actually thicker then they look so grooming can get challenging if you don't stay on top of it. If you ask any owner who has a dog with a rough coat, “Do Border Collies shed?”, they'll be more than happy to fill you in on the mass amounts of hair a season change can bring. These coats tend to mat under armpits, under the tail and around the ears if not groomed regularly. • Smooth Coat – While you may think a smooth coat Border Collie wouldn't have a thick undercoat, surprisingly, some do. Some have straight and short guard hairs, others are long and wavy. Although a smooth coat is thinner than a rough one, they are still designed to weather just about any environmental condition so those residing in northern areas will often grow a thicker coat naturally. The answer to, “Do Border Collies shed?” is absolutely yes for both coat varieties however, smooth coats are significantly easier to care for. Rough coats tend to pick up and hold dirt and water while smooth-haired Border Collies dry very promptly after a bath or when they get done swimming. They also do not hold onto clumps of snow or mud on their bellies the way those with rough coats do. Smooth coats are often a preferred choice for herding because they don't pick up burrs either, making them very popular in southern regions. Grooming Both of these coats should be brushed often, especially the rough coat so it isn't allowed the opportunity to mat. If you are wondering, “Do Border Collies shed?” because you are concerned with hair being all over your couch and bed, you should know you can reduce this through frequent brushing. When you use a quality grooming brush and get right down to the undercoat, you can pull away a lot of loose hair before your dog shakes it off all over the house. When you do come across matted areas, comb them out carefully. Sometimes spraying a gentle conditioner formulated for dogs on the area will help. If all else fails, you will need to get a pair of blunt nose scissors and snip it away. Never just leave a mat, it will only get worse and it can trap dirt, water and debris close to the dog's skin. Although the answer to your, “Do Border Collies shed?” question may not thrill you, you will be happy to know that these dogs don't have a doggy smell. Therefore, you really only need to bathe as needed but not too frequently or it can dry their hair and skin out. Smooth coats rarely need a conditioner unless you feel like using one but rough coats should definitely be provided with a quality canine shampoo and conditioner. Investing in a good product can go a long way in reducing tangles which ultimately makes your job much easier. Related Articles: Tips For Border Collie Training Border Collie Temperament – Are These the Right Dogs for You? Border Collie Information – Everything You Want to Know
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