Do Collies Shed A Lot?

So you’ve found your perfect medium-sized dog, the collie.

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Collies are intelligent and elegant, plus they don’t drool.

However, before bringing the dog home, you may be wondering whether collies shed for fear of finding hair all over your furniture.

So, do collies shed a lot?

Yes, collies shed a lot throughout the year.

The shedding may be heavy during fall and spring as collies prepare to grow coats that can sustain them in winter and summer.

Living with a Border Collie can be challenging due to their excessive shedding.

This article will be looking at the factors that affect shedding in collies and how to minimize it.

Border Collie Coat

There are two types of collies based on their coats:

Rough-coated collies
Smooth-coated collies

The two types of collies have double-layered coats with an undercoat and topcoat.

Undercoats in collies are soft, dense, and waterproof.

They protect the dog from cold weather and insulate them in summer.

On the other hand, the topcoat is harsher and made of longer hairs.

The coat is a barrier against UV rays, dirt, and debris.

Rough-coated collies have longer hairs on their lower legs, neck, back, and tail.

Meanwhile, smooth-coated collies have a short, dense coat all over their bodies.

The length of the hair is not the only difference between the two coats.

These coats also differ in texture and density. Rough-coated collies have a harsh topcoat made of long, coarse hairs.

On the other hand, smooth-coated collies have a softer topcoat made of short, dense hairs.

The coat type doesn’t affect how much collies shed. All collies, regardless of their coat type, shed a lot.

However, shedding is more noticeable in rough-coated collies due to their long hair.

Factors that Affect Shedding in Collies

As a collie parent, you’ll notice variations in the amount of hair shed by your furry friend.

In most cases, shedding in these dogs is affected by:

Seasons

Shedding dogs shed more in spring and fall as they blow their coats.

In spring, collies shed their winter coats to make way for lighter skin that can protect them in summer.

On the other hand, they shed their summer coats in fall to prepare for a thicker coat that will keep them warm in winter.

Due to more shedding, you should be prepared to clean your house frequently in summer and winter.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays an essential role in how much your dog sheds.

Poor nutrition lacking vitamins, proteins, and mineral salts can lead to excessive shedding.

A well-nourished dog is less likely to shed excessively.

Ensure you’re feeding your collie a high-quality diet that meets his nutritional needs.

Illnesses

Excessive shedding can also be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If you notice your collie shedding more than usual, take it to the vet for a check-up.

Common health conditions that may cause excessive shedding include:

Allergies
Parasites
Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmune skin diseases
Skin infections

Fleas and Ticks

If your collie has fleas or ticks, they’ll likely scratch their skin frequently.

The scratching can lead to hair loss and, as a result, excessive shedding.

It’s essential to protect your collie from fleas and ticks year-round.

The best way to do this is by using a quality tick and flea prevention medication recommended by your vet.

How to Reduce Shedding in Collies

Shedding is a natural process that you can’t entirely stop.

Brush Them Regularly

Brushing your collie’s coat removes loose hair before it has a chance to fall out and end up on your furniture or clothing.

You can brush your dog two to three times a week, but daily brushing is even better.

Choose the Right Brush

Not all brushes are created equal.

When choosing a brush for your collie, make sure you choose one specifically designed for double-coated dogs.

A slicker brush is a good option for both smooth and rough-coated collies.

These brushes have fine wire bristles that penetrate deep into the coat to remove dead hair and debris.

Feed Them a High-Quality Diet

What you feed your dog impacts how much he sheds.

A high-quality diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals will promote a healthy coat and reduce shedding.

Omega fatty acids are essential in creating healthy skin and a coat that sheds less in dogs.

Thus, give your pup foods high in omega fatty acids like salmon.

You can also add skincare supplements to your dog’s diet.

How to Keep Your House Clean

Living with a border collie means you’ll have to accept a certain amount of hair in your house.

Here are some tips to keep your house and furniture clean:

Vacuum Regularly

A vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove pet hair from your floors and furniture.

Vacuum at least once a week, but daily vacuuming is even better.

Use a Pet Hair Roller

A pet hair roller is a tool that picks up hair from fabric surfaces like furniture and clothing.

These rollers have sticky sheets that grab onto pet hair so you can easily remove them.

Wash Your Beddings Frequently

Your beddings will likely be covered in pet hair, so it’s essential to wash them frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do collies shed badly?

Yes, collies shed badly.

These dogs shed a lot throughout the year, with heavy shedding in spring and fall.

Are Border Collies good with kids?

Yes, border collies are good with kids.
These dogs are intelligent and wise to know how to relate with kids.

Final Thoughts

Collies shed a lot because of their dense and double-layered coats.

However, they shed heavily in spring and fall as they blow their coats in readiness for winter and spring.

Collies blow their coats to grow one that can sustain extreme weather conditions in winter and summer.

You can minimize shedding in your collie by brushing his coat regularly and feeding him a high-quality and balanced diet.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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