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Border Collies come in two coat types, rough and smooth, and both are double-coated dogs that shed year-round and blow their undercoat seasonally. This intelligent, high-energy herding breed spends plenty of time outdoors, so its grooming routine is part coat care and part cleanup. Here is how to groom a Border Collie of either coat type without letting shedding take over your home.
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Rough Coat vs Smooth Coat
| Feature | Rough coat | Smooth coat |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Medium-long, with feathering, mane and britches | Short, close-lying |
| Undercoat | Dense | Present but thinner |
| Mat risk | Behind ears, britches, armpits | Low |
| Brushing | 2-3x per week | Weekly |
| Typical US groom cost | $65-$100 | $50-$75 |
Shedding
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Both coat types shed moderately year-round and blow their undercoat once or twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. Intact females often shed after a heat cycle. During a blow, loose undercoat comes out in soft tufts, especially from the hindquarters and neck.
Brushing a Rough-Coat Border Collie
- Pin brush over the body to remove surface debris.
- Undercoat rake through the mane, back and britches to remove loose undercoat.
- Slicker brush on the feathering of legs, chest and tail.
- Metal comb behind the ears and through the britches.
Two or three sessions a week of 15 minutes each keep things manageable. During a blow, brush daily.
Brushing a Smooth-Coat Border Collie
A rubber curry brush or grooming mitt followed by a bristle brush once a week is usually enough. During a blow, add an undercoat rake or deshedding comb and brush every few days.
Do Not Shave
Border Collies should not be shaved. The double coat provides insulation against heat and cold and protects the skin from sun and brush. Shaving can cause patchy regrowth or changes in coat texture. Trimming feet, hocks and the sanitary area is fine.
Post-Work and Post-Play Checks
Working and active Border Collies run through fields, brush and water. After outings:
- Comb out burrs from feathering, ears and britches.
- Check between toes and pads for thorns, cuts and grass seeds.
- Look for ticks around ears, neck and armpits.
- Check ears if the dog shakes its head after running through tall grass.
Bathing and Drying
Bathe every six to eight weeks, and at the start of a coat blow. Brush out tangles first. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, especially rough coats; a damp undercoat can lead to hot spots. A high-velocity dryer on a cool setting speeds drying and removes loose undercoat.
Nails, Ears and Teeth
Active Border Collies may wear nails down on hard surfaces, but most still need trims every three to four weeks, including dewclaws. Check ears weekly for wax, redness or debris. Brush teeth several times a week.
Grooming a Busy Brain
Border Collies can be impatient during grooming. Short sessions after exercise, when the dog is tired, work best. Using grooming time for simple training, such as “stand,” “lie down” and “paw,” turns it into mental enrichment and makes handling easier.
Tidy Trims That Help a Working Dog
Rough-coated Border Collies benefit from a few practical trims every six to eight weeks. Cut the hair between the paw pads flush so the dog grips better on smooth floors and collects less mud and snow. Round off the feet, neaten the hocks, and keep the sanitary area short. Some owners lightly thin the soft hair behind the ears, the first place a rough coat mats. None of these trims affect the coat’s insulation, and all of them reduce cleanup after muddy days on the farm or trail.
Skin and Coat Health
A healthy Border Collie coat is shiny and dense. Dullness, excessive shedding outside of normal cycles, bald patches or itching may indicate allergies, parasites or other health issues. Discuss any changes with your vet.
FAQ
How much do Border Collies shed?
Moderately year-round, with heavy shedding during spring and autumn blows. Rough coats leave more visible hair around the house.
Do smooth-coat Border Collies shed less?
They shed shorter hairs and have less undercoat, so shedding is often less noticeable, but they still shed year-round and during seasonal blows.
Bottom Line
Border Collies of both coat types need regular brushing, with rough coats requiring two or three sessions a week and daily brushing during blows. Never shave, dry thoroughly after baths, and do a quick check for burrs, ticks and grass seeds after outdoor work. Short, training-focused grooming sessions keep this clever breed cooperative.
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