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Shetland Sheepdogs look like a miniature Rough Collie, and they carry a coat to match: a long, harsh outer coat over an undercoat so dense it holds the outer hair standing away from the body. Shelties shed heavily, especially during seasonal blows, and they mat in a few predictable spots. But a Sheltie coat is surprisingly dirt-resistant and, with a steady routine, not difficult to keep beautiful. This guide explains how.
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The Sheltie Coat
The outer coat is long, straight and harsh to the touch. The undercoat is short, furry and very dense. Together they create the mane and frill around the neck, feathering on the forelegs, “skirts” or pants on the hind legs and a full tail. The texture sheds dirt well; dried mud often brushes out easily.
Shedding cycle
Shelties shed moderately year-round and blow their undercoat once or twice a year. Intact females often blow coat after a heat cycle or litter, and spayed females and neutered males can develop a thicker, softer coat that needs more brushing.
Where Shelties Mat
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- Behind the ears: the finest, softest hair on the dog, and the first to knot.
- Armpits and elbows: friction points where undercoat compacts.
- Pants/skirts: dense hair that felts if left damp.
- Under the collar: constant rubbing tangles the mane.
Brushing Routine
Brush thoroughly once or twice a week, 20 to 30 minutes, and daily during a blow.
- Mist the coat lightly with water or a diluted conditioner spray. Brushing a dry Sheltie coat breaks the hair and creates static.
- Line-brush with a pin brush: part the coat from the skin and brush a small section at a time, starting at the rear.
- Use an undercoat rake on the thick areas during shedding.
- Comb behind the ears and through the pants with a fine metal comb.
| Grooming task | Normal coat | During coat blow | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line brushing | 1-2x per week | Daily | Pin brush with mist spray |
| Undercoat removal | Every 1-2 weeks | Daily | Undercoat rake |
| Ear-area combing | 2-3x per week | Daily | Fine metal comb |
| Bath | Every 6-8 weeks | Once, early in blow | Mild shampoo; thorough rinse |
| Foot and hock tidy | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks | Thinning shears |
Do Not Shave a Sheltie
A Sheltie’s double coat protects against both cold and heat and shields the skin from the sun. Shaving it does not reduce shedding and can lead to slow, patchy regrowth or a woolly coat that tangles more easily. Tidy trims of the feet, hocks and sanitary area are fine; the body coat should stay intact.
Bathing and Drying
The Sheltie coat repels dirt, so baths every six to eight weeks are usually enough, plus one at the start of a coat blow to release undercoat. Brush out any tangles before the bath. Rinse very thoroughly; leftover shampoo in the undercoat causes itching. Towel off and use a high-velocity dryer on a cool setting, which pushes out water and loose undercoat. A Sheltie that air-dries slowly can develop hot spots under the dense coat.
Trimming Details
- Trim hair under the paws flush with the pads.
- Shape the feet into a neat oval.
- Tidy the hocks for a clean line.
- Some owners thin the fine hair behind the ears to reduce matting.
Nails, Teeth and Ears
Trim nails every three to four weeks, including dewclaws. Shelties are prone to dental disease, so regular brushing is important. Their semi-erect ears should be checked weekly for wax and redness.
Professional Grooming Costs
A professional Sheltie groom with bath, blow-out, deshed and tidy trim typically costs $70 to $110 in the US, and more during a full coat blow or for a heavily matted coat.
FAQ
How much do Shetland Sheepdogs shed?
Heavily. Expect steady shedding year-round and dramatic undercoat loss during seasonal blows.
Why is my Sheltie’s coat matting behind the ears?
The hair behind the ears is very fine and soft and tangles quickly. Comb it several times a week, and ask a groomer to thin it lightly if it mats often.
Bottom Line
Shelties shed heavily but their harsh, dirt-resistant coat is manageable with thorough line brushing once or twice a week, daily during coat blows. Keep the coat unshaved, dry it completely after baths, comb behind the ears often and tidy the feet and hocks. Your Sheltie will look like a show dog with surprisingly little drama.
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