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A Border Collie’s coat is built for work on windy hillsides: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a weather-resistant outer coat. That double layer keeps the dog comfortable in rain and cold, but it also sheds. A lot. Many Border Collies shed moderately year round and “blow” their undercoat once or twice a year, releasing clumps of fur. Rough-coated dogs also mat behind the ears, under the legs, and around the britches. Using the right brushes makes grooming faster and keeps the coat healthy. This guide explains the tools that work best and how to use them.
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Understanding the two coat types
Rough coat
Medium-length hair with feathering on the legs, chest, and tail, plus a full ruff. Prone to mats in friction areas. Needs brushing several times a week.
Maxpower Planet Hair Brush - Double Sided Shedding, Dematting Undercoat Rake for Dogs and Cats, Extra Wide Dog Grooming Brush, Reduce Shedding by 95%, Black
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Border Collie' because the listing specifies Double Sided Shedding and Dematting Undercoat Rake for Dogs and Cats, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Dog Brushes for Grooming Large Dogs, Undercoat Dog Rake Long Hair Pet Comb Pet Grooming Brush with Anti-Slip Handle, Steel Comb for Golden Retriever Husky German Shepherd
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Border Collie' because the listing specifies Steel Comb for Golden Retriever Husky German Shepherd, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Self-cleaning Undercoat Rake for Dogs Double Coated Long Hair Grooming Tool
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Border Collie' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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FURminator Grooming Rake Tool for Dogs & Cats With Thick Coats
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Border Collie' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
View on AmazonSmooth coat
Short hair with a lighter undercoat. Sheds but rarely mats. A weekly brushing plus extra attention during seasonal sheds is usually enough.
Essential brushes for a Border Collie
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| Tool | Typical price range | Main use | Coat type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Check on Amazon | Removing loose hair, working out small tangles | Rough and smooth |
| Undercoat rake | Check on Amazon | Pulling out dead undercoat during sheds | Rough mainly |
| Metal greyhound comb | Check on Amazon | Checking for mats, finishing | Rough |
| Pin brush | Check on Amazon | Gentle brushing of long feathering | Rough |
| Rubber curry mitt | Check on Amazon | Loose hair on short coats | Smooth |
How to brush a rough-coated Border Collie
Line brushing
Work in small sections, lifting the coat with one hand and brushing the hair beneath it down in layers. This reaches the undercoat instead of just smoothing the top. Use a slicker brush with light pressure; the pins should not scratch the skin.
Undercoat rake during shedding
During a coat blow, use an undercoat rake in the direction of hair growth to pull out dead undercoat. Daily sessions for a week or two make a big difference.
Combing friction areas
Finish with a metal comb behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and on the britches. If the comb catches, you have found a mat. Work small mats out gently with your fingers and the end of the comb; cut out large, tight mats carefully with blunt-tipped scissors or have a groomer remove them.
Brushing a smooth-coated Border Collie
Use a rubber curry mitt to loosen dead hair, then a slicker brush to remove it. An undercoat rake with shorter teeth helps during seasonal sheds.
Avoid shaving
Shaving a double-coated breed is not recommended. The coat helps regulate temperature and protects against sunburn, and a shaved double coat may grow back patchy or uneven. Regular brushing is a better way to manage heat and shedding.
A weekly grooming schedule
Rough-coated Border Collies benefit from brushing three to four times a week, with daily sessions during heavy sheds. Smooth-coated dogs need a weekly session. Trim nails every three to four weeks, trim fur between the pads, and check ears weekly for dirt and odor.
Using grooming as a health check
Regular brushing is a chance to spot lumps, skin irritation, grass seeds, ticks, and fleas. Border Collies that work in fields can pick up grass awns in their feathering, especially in the ears and between toes, so check carefully after outdoor work. Excessive shedding outside normal seasons, patchy hair loss, or itchy skin can signal allergies, parasites, or thyroid issues, which your veterinarian can evaluate.
Making grooming pleasant
Border Collies can be sensitive to handling. Keep early sessions short, reward calm behavior, and work around tricky areas like the tail and britches gradually. A grooming table or non-slip mat helps the dog stay still.
FAQ
What is the best brush for a Border Collie?
A slicker brush combined with an undercoat rake handles most rough-coated Border Collies. A metal comb helps find mats, and a curry mitt suits smooth-coated dogs.
How often should I brush my Border Collie?
Brush rough-coated dogs three to four times a week and daily during shedding seasons. Smooth-coated dogs usually need a weekly brushing.
Bottom line
For a Border Collie, the essentials are a slicker brush, an undercoat rake, and a metal comb, with a curry mitt for smooth coats. Line brush in sections, rake out dead undercoat during sheds, comb friction areas for mats, and never shave the double coat.
