Collie Grooming

The Collie breed has two very distinct coats. By far the most common is the longer, thick and fluffy luxurious coat of the rough Collie.

Grooming this type of coat takes considerable more owner effort than for the smooth Collie.

Managing the smooth coat is a very quick activity that usually needs to be done only once a week or once every other week.

With that being said the Collie is a very clean dog and even the rough coated variety with the long outer coat and the soft fluffy inner coat doesn’t need daily brushing.

Most breeders recommended a good grooming once a week, however this is a very pleasurable activity for the dog and they won’t mind at all if you want to groom every day.

During the heavier shedding times of the spring and fall the rough coated variety needs daily or every other day shedding to prevent heavy matts from developing in the coat.

Tips For Easy Collie Grooming

Start your Collie grooming routine when the puppy first comes to the house. Use a soft bristle brush to allow the puppy to get used to the sensation.

Be careful not to brush against the direction of the hair growth which is slightly back and down from the spine to the belly.

As with any double coated breed it is essential to carefully brush and comb the areas of the coat that are particularly prone to matting because of movement.

These include the dog’s armpits or where the front legs rub against the ribcage and chest, on the neck, under the ears and around the tail.

The feathering on the hind legs and the ruff under the chin also need special attention.

The more frequently the Collie grooming routine happens the shorter the time it will take. Use a medium to stiff bristle brush or a grooming rake to groom the coat of the body.

A soft natural bristle brush should be used for the shorter hair on the head and legs. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the area around the eyes, mouth and nose.

A grooming comb can be used for small matts and snarls. Always hold the coat firmly when grooming out a matt and avoid pulling extensively on the hair and irritating the skin.

Collie grooming can be made much easier with a dog coat detangling solution kept handy that can be spritzed on any matts to help solve the problem.

Dry shampoo and grooming powders can be used as necessary. Use these with caution as some dogs may have an allergic reaction.

Always use non-scented hypoallergenic types of dog care products to eliminate any possible problems. Wet bathe this dogs only as needed to avoid stripping the natural oils from the coat.

Include A Health Check

Another essential component of a Collie grooming routine includes an overall health check.

Run your fingers over the entire dog’s body looking for rough patches of skin, any signs of skin infections or abrasions or any hotspots. Patches of missing hair should also be monitored and examined more closely.

Fleas, flea dirt or ticks should be carefully removed, treated and watched the next grooming cycle.

Always check the dog’s teeth and get started with an oral hygiene program as part of your Collie grooming routine.

Doggy toothpaste and a finger sleeve or soft baby toothbrush can be used to help remove any tartar off the teeth. Check for cracked or chipped teeth or any signs of gum irritation or bleeding.

Finally, check the eyes and nose for any signs of irritation or damage. Collies are particularly sensitive to sunburns on the top of the nose and it is important to check routinely and apply sunscreen as necessary.

From the head move down to the feet and check each pad, between the pads and the bottoms for any abrasions, cuts or irritated areas. Remove excess hair between the toes and make sure the nails are clipped and short.