Border Collies are among the most energetic dog breeds with high stamina.
You want to own such an active dog as an exercising companion, especially in the evening after work.
However, you’re unsure whether a Border Collie will scatter hair everywhere in your house due to excessive shedding.
So, do Border Collie shed?
Yes, Border Collies shed moderately throughout the year.
Shedding in Border Collies is intense during the spring and fall seasons.
Since you obviously want to stay with your energetic Collie, what can you do to minimize his shedding?
You may also be asking yourself about the factors that affect shedding in Collies.
Stay tuned to get updated on these and more concerns about living with Border Collies.
Border Collie Coat
There are two types of Border Collies according to their coats:
- Smooth coat Collies
- Rough coat Collies
The two varieties of Border Collies have double coats that shed moderately throughout the year.
Border Collies have a dense undercoat that is waterproof and wind-resistant.
The undercoat protects them from cold weather and extreme heat.
The outer coat, which is hard and coarse, repels dirt and debris.
Smooth coats are shorter and coarse in texture.
These coats are also close to a dog’s body.
On the other hand, rough coats may appear wavy or straight with a softer feel.
In most cases, you’ll notice a feathery appearance on your rough-coated Collie’s chest, legs, and belly.
Factors that Affect Shedding in Border Collies
Your Border Collie will not shed the same amount of hair throughout the year.
As a result, you’ll be wondering what determines the amount of hair these dogs shed.
These factors are:
Changing Seasons
Spring and fall are the seasons when dogs shed the most, and Collies are no exception.
The amount of daylight and temperature changes stimulate the growth of new hair.
When the days become shorter in fall, the old coat is shed to make way for a thicker one that will protect your Collie from cold weather.
During spring, warmer weather signals the body to get rid of the thick coat, which results in more shedding.
The process reverses in fall, which explains why you’ll find more hair on your furniture and clothes during these two seasons.
Nutrition
A well-nourished Border Collie will have a healthy coat that doesn’t shed excessively.
A poor diet can lead to excessive shedding, dry skin, and dandruff.
Feed your Border Collie a diet with essential nutrients, including omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to promote a healthy coat.
You can also supplement his diet with fish oil and other products rich in omega fatty acids.
These nutrients promote a healthy coat by keeping the skin moisturized and preventing shedding.
Health Problems
Some health problems can also cause your Border Collie to shed excessively.
These include:
Parasites
- Allergies: They cause irritation that forces the dog to scratch more, which leads to shedding.
- Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease may increase hormones like testosterone that can cause more shedding.
- Autoimmune skin disease: It causes the dog to lose skin pigmentation, which contributes to shedding.
Parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks can cause your Collie to scratch excessively due to itchiness.
The constant scratching will damage the coat and lead to excessive shedding.
To prevent parasites from infesting your Collie, use tick and flea collars or spot-on products that contain insecticides.
These products kill fleas, mites, and ticks on a dog’s skin.
Stress levels
Anxiety and stress increase shedding in dogs.
These two conditions cause dogs to secrete a hormone called cortisol which leads to shedding.
In most cases, you may have noticed your furry friend blowing his coat when in the vet’s office due to anxiety.
You can reduce your Collie’s stress levels by providing him with a quiet and comfortable place to rest.
Furthermore, avoid putting him in situations that make him anxious such as loud noises and crowded places.
How to Minimize Shedding in Border Collies
The fact that Border Collies shed should not discourage you from owning one.
You can minimize the shedding in the following ways:
Regular Brushing
Brushing your pup two to three times a week helps remove dead hair before falling off.
It also helps to distribute the natural oil on your fidos coat, ensuring moisturized and healthy skin that sheds less.
Your brush will determine how much hair you remove from the dog.
For instance, a slicker brush is best for removing loose hair and mats, while a bristle brush is perfect for short-coated dogs.
Use Anti-shed Shampoos
Use an anti-shed shampoo for bathing your Collie.
Such shampoos contain ingredients that help to reduce shedding.
Apart from controlling shedding, anti-shed shampoos make grooming easy.
These shampoos loosen the hair making it easy to brush off.
Some of the ingredients you should look for in an anti-shed shampoo include:
- Oatmeal: Soothes dry and itchy skin.
- Aloe Vera: Promotes healthy skin and coat.
- Lemon verbena: Reduces excess shedding.
- Eucalyptus: Removes dander and loose hair.
Is It Safe to Shave a Border Collie?
Shaving dog breeds with double-layered coats like Border Collies is unsafe.
The undercoats protect these dogs from weather extremities such as cold and hot temperatures.
Shaving a Border Collie’s coat will make him susceptible to skin problems such as sunburns, rashes, and infections.
The coat also provides insulation against fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Your vet may suggest shaving your Collie’s coat for various reasons.
For instance, you may have your fido shaved while preparing for a procedure.
In such a scenario, shaving your canine is unavoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a non-shedding Border Collie?
No, there is no non-shedding Border Collie. All Collies shed to lose their dead hair.
Does a Border Collie shed a lot?
No, a Border Collie sheds moderately throughout the year. However, the shedding increases during the spring and fall seasons.
The Bottom Line
Border Collies are a moderate shedding dog breed.
However, these dogs shed more during the spring and fall seasons.
Dogs shed during these seasons to develop a coat that suits either summer or winter.
You can minimize shedding in your Border Collie by brushing, bathing, and feeding him a balanced diet.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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