How to Groom a Border Collie?

Border collies are sheepdogs initially bred in the Anglo-Scottish border region. They’re working dogs used today for herding sheep and other livestock. Border collies are popular companion dogs known for their intelligence, obedience, and loyalty. They have a thick, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Read further to learn how to groom a border collie. 

How Often Should You Groom a Border Collie?

Border collies are active dogs with thick coats. Collies require constant grooming to look presentable. It’s worth grooming a border collie approximately three times a week to avoid knots and mats. If you start grooming them as a puppy, it’ll be easier to take care of them when they get older.

Border Collie Grooming Step-by-Step

How to groom a border collie? Below you can find everything you need to know.

• Brushing - start with a slicker brush to remove any knots and tangles. Be careful not to pull on the coat too hard, as it might hurt your border collie. If you come across any mats, use a comb to loosen them. Choose a quality pet brush tailored to your dog’s coat. In the shedding season, go for a special deshedding dog comb that will allow you to get rid of excess dead hair from your pet’s undercoat, leaving your house clean and hair-free.
• Bathing - bathe your border collie when necessary. Avoid frequent baths to avoid washing out protective oils naturally produced by the dog’s skin. When your border collie requires good daily hygiene, choose special pet glove wipes ideal for sensitive skin. It’s a great alternative to time-consuming baths that could be unhealthy for your dog when done too often. Such wipes will allow you to remove harmful substances from the skin folds on the border collie’s face and body. They can kill 99.99% of germs and are 100% safe to lick.

• Ear cleaning - check your border collie’s ears regularly for any dirt, redness, or discharge. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet. Use a cotton ball soaked in a mild ear-cleaning solution to clean their ears. Never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal to prevent pain or ear damage. 
• Nail trimming - it’s an essential part of grooming a border collie. If the nails are clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. Use special dog nail clippers or nail grinders. Be careful not to cut the nails too short to avoid hurting your pet. If you’re unsure how to do it, benefit from the services of a professional border collie groomer.
• Teeth brushing - just like humans, dogs can develop tartar and plaque. Brushing your border collie’s teeth often will help prevent gum disease and other dental problems. Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dog hates this part of daily hygiene, go for pet teeth cleaning wipes with a veterinarian-recommended formula to promote healthy teeth in your border collie.

The Takeaway

A border collie is a working dog that needs regular grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Introducing grooming activities from puppyhood and choosing products made of high-quality natural ingredients will help ensure that daily hygiene is enjoyable for your pet.

Remember that a proper border collie grooming routine will keep your dog neat, tidy, and healthy.