Do Border Collies Shed? (Find Out Now!)

Border Collies are gorgeous dogs that are hyperactive, intelligent, and extremely friendly.

They date back to the Roman Empire in Great Britain and were bred as work dogs to work with and protect livestock in Wales and Scotland.

Given their origin and thick fur coats, it’s only natural to wonder whether Border Collies even shed.

Border Collies are double-coated and therefore shed more than other breeds that have a single coat.

They shed throughout the year, but mostly during their two shedding seasons when they will lose the most hair.

Take the time to practice good grooming habits to control the hair that falls around the house.

While many aspects of having a four-legged canine companion are considered, many forget to consider the shedding factor.

Therefore, we’ll go in-depth on this topic in the article below, so you know what to expect with this specific dog breed.

Border Collie Coat

Border Collies have a coarser double coat which requires maintenance on a routine basis. They have a dense double coat, and they can be silky or coarse.

In the chilly Highlands, both layers have a thick and velvety undercoat that is weatherproof and wind-resistant to preserve his warmth.

The rougher coat is mid-length hair that is smoother with feathering on his torso, stomach, and limbs, while the short coat is precisely that, much shorter and nearer to his body and abrasive.

Both coat types shed the same volume; however, the coarser coat will be more evident given the long fur.

Border Collie Shedding Habits

The Border Collie sheds throughout the year, but it’s around shedding season that you’ll see just how much he actually loses.

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In the springtime, he will discard his winter coat in preparation for the warmer summer season, and in the fall, he will remove his lighter summer coat in preparation for his heavier winter coat.

This stage is also known as blowing his coat because he will shed both his delicate and heavy undercoats as well as his lengthier insulating overcoat.

An Indoor Dog Won’t Shed As Much

Your Border Collie will become more reactive to temperature changes the longer he stays outside. Some indoor dogs shed less.

But because the Border Collie is an outdoors dog who loves the great outdoors to becoming pent up in the heat, this is less relevant to his shedding regimen.

Although his coat is very thick, which helps control his core temperature, it is crucial not to shave or clip his coat in the summer season.

This would not only disturb his regular temperature regulation, but it will also subject him to harmful UV rays, so don’t be enticed to do so.

Managing The Shed

There are some things you may do to help with shedding.

Because the Border Collie’s intermediate to severe shedding is inescapable, you’ll have to learn how to control it as effectively as you can if you want to welcome him into your home.

Thankfully, there are a few options.

Anti-Shed Shampoos

Bathing Border collies constantly is not recommended, but using an anti-shed shampoo can be beneficial if you do shower them.

This aids in the control of fur between grooming treatments. Cleaning your dog on your own takes very little time, and we suggest it over hiring someone to wash your dog.

Also Read: Are Old English Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

The anti-Shed shampoo is a great first step in preventing excessive shedding, and it will make brushing your dog much smoother. If your Border Collie’s skin is sensitive, you may need to consider different options.

Brushing

Brushing him on a continuous basis is the best method of keeping ahead of his shedding; after all, what comes up in the brushing doesn’t get up on your furniture!

He should be groomed every day during shedding seasons and 2 to 3 times a week for the remainder of each year. Due to his heavy and rich undercoat, removing his dandruff and excessive hair will take 10 minutes each day.

This not only reduces his shedding but also enhances his coat’s biological management by increasing blood flow. When it comes to finding the best grooming equipment for your Border Collie, you have various alternatives.

Diet

Surprisingly, a dog’s food can influence how much he sheds.

All of the nutrients and vitamins that keep a dog’s coat reasonable will be included in the design of a high-quality Border Collie specialized chow, and it will replenish his fur from within.

Vitamins A, B, and E, zinc, linoleic acid, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are found in salmon oil and flaxseed. These all lead to healthier skin and overcoat, decreases the quantity he sheds.

Fleas & Ticks

Shedding can also indicate that he has bugs or parasites, so keep a close eye on him, and if he seems to be shedding much more than usual, then treat him appropriately.

You’ll be able to spot some of these as soon as they arise if you keep a consistent grooming regimen, and a slicker brush will help you find any dirt, eggs, or bugs that get stuck in the brush.

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Grooming Tips

You may make cleaning your Border Collie easier by following a few simple steps.

Begin early: Start your Collie’s new hygiene routine immediately when you get him home to get him used to you touching and cleaning him. If you need must shave your Collie because of too much matting, it’s a good idea to get them used to a calmer set of clippers earlier on.
Draw attention away from the clippers by doing the following: If your Border Collie is bored easily, provide him with a squeaky toy or a thinking exercise to keep his easily distracted brain occupied.
Create a schedule: Keep the climate in mind when brushing him, and make sure he gets the correct frequency of brushing. Keep up with his maintenance, or you risk his coat getting matted and tangled, which can be uncomfortable for your Collie if left unattended for too long.
Treat him: Make absolutely sure you reward him for being a good boy or girl after each grooming appointment. This is especially true for young Collies who are still becoming acclimated to grooming, as well as senior dogs that are adjusting to their new regimen.

Can I Stop My Border Collie From Shedding?

While there are many different supplements that are marketed towards ‘stopping’ the shedding process, they are none other than gimmicks.

Some of these can actually be dangerous, so we highly suggest that you don’t get anything to give to your dog without asking the vet.

Suppose you could stop the shedding process; you wouldn’t want to. This could result in high vet bills as chances are your dog will experience some possible health issues due to overheating or not being able to stay warm enough.

Also Read: How Many Dogs Can You Have In Utah?

If your dog can’t shed, they can’t cool off as needed, and their body won’t grow their new coat for winter. It’s best just to stick with the old methods of grooming and skincare.

Excessive Shedding

While Border Collies shed a fair amount, there is such thing as losing too much fur. If you notice any bald spots on your dog or that his fur is coming out in chunks, your dog may be shedding excessively.

Some reasons this could be happening are listed below:

Skin infection
Parasites
Allergies
Dry skin
Fleas
Underlying medical issues
Thyroid problems

While excessive shedding may be something you’re not worried about– your dog should be checked out as it can indicate a very serious problem.

When To Call The Vet

If your dog’s shedding doesn’t slow down or you start seeing bald spots on Fido, it’s time to bring him in for a checkup!

Take note of any difference you see with his fur, behavior, appetite, bowel movement, and how frequently they urinate.

The issue can very well be a medical problem that affects everything aside from their shedding habits. This way, you’re prepared when you’re heading into the vet!