Bearded Collies have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed at least 3-4 times a week, and daily during shedding season.
Their coat can become matted if it's not brushed regularly, which can be painful for the dog and difficult to remove. Brushing also helps to distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
The best brush for a Bearded Collie is a slicker brush or a pin brush, which are designed to remove tangles and mats without causing breakage. These brushes are also gentle on the dog's skin.
Regular grooming not only keeps their coat looking its best, but also helps to prevent health issues like skin irritation and allergies.
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Bearded Collie Grooming Basics
Bearded Collies require daily brushing to remove debris and prevent tangles, best done outside to avoid loose hair floating around the house. This process can take up to an hour and should be done once a week.
Regular nail trimming is essential, and it's best to use a grinder to minimize the risk of cutting the nails too short.
Their double coat consists of a top layer of straight and coarse fur, and a bottom layer of softer fur that provides insulation.
Bearded Collies need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling of their long shaggy coats. Brushing should be done after spraying the coat with water or conditioner to reduce static and prevent breakage.
Adult Bearded Collies experience a coat shed once a year, which lasts two to four weeks, and may require more frequent brushing during this period.
Coat Types and Cuts
A bearded collie's coat is truly one of a kind, and it requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Bearded collies have a double coat, which can be prone to matting and tangling if not properly cared for.
The puppy cut is a great option for bearded collies, as it involves keeping a 1-inch coat over the entire dog. This makes it easy to spot clean the puppy, such as wiping off dirty paws after a romp in the yard.
The teddy bear cut is another popular option for bearded collies, resulting in a coat that's fluffy and cuddly, much like the fur of a teddy bear. To achieve this look, the groomer must make a short cut that's about 1/2 inch or a bit longer.
A breed cut is used for purebred bearded collies when showing them, and it involves cutting the coat to allow it to flow in the wind as the dog moves. The facial hair is cut 4 inches below the jawline, and the ears are allowed to grow a few inches longer for a softened natural look.
The lamb clip is a good option for bearded collies with long and fast-growing coats, as it leaves the back, neck, and belly a shorter length and the head and tail hand-cut into a neat look. This makes the fur manageable without compromising the trademark look of long hair around the face.
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Here are some common coat types and cuts for bearded collies:
- Puppy Cut: 1-inch coat over the entire dog
- Teddy Bear Cut: Short cut of about 1/2 inch or a bit longer, resulting in a fluffy and cuddly coat
- Breed Cut: Coat cut to allow it to flow in the wind, with facial hair cut 4 inches below the jawline
- Lamb Clip: Shorter length on the back, neck, and belly, with the head and tail hand-cut into a neat look
Shedding and Appearance
Bearded collies have a beautiful, shaggy coat that's straight and coarse in texture. Their double coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Despite their long coats, bearded collies are average shedders. Regular brushings and baths, along with professional trims, can help contain the amount of fur they shed around your home.
Bearded collies have a distinctive appearance, with their fur often covering their eyes. Their eyes are described as inquisitive, expressive, intelligent, and gentle.
Do Bearded Collies Shed?
Bearded collies are average shedders, which means they don't shed an excessive amount of fur. Regular brushings and bathes, in addition to professional grooms with trims, will help to contain the amount of fur this breed might shed around your home.
Their long coats require consistent grooming, which includes brushing them often and having their fur trimmed regularly. This will keep their double coat in good shape.
A well-groomed bearded collie is a happy bearded collie, and regular grooming sessions can help reduce shedding and prevent matting.
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Living Requirements and Tips
Bearded Collies are highly maintained dogs that require daily care to stay well.
They need their coats blown dry every day and a bath every 6-8 weeks. You'll also need to brush them daily to clean up their shedding, which can be extensive for up to a month.
To keep their sharp little minds occupied, take them outside every day and give them lots of training. They're also adept at herding, tracking, and therapeutic work.
Bearded Collies are friendly to outsiders but have a strong guarding instinct, so be prepared for barking if necessary.
Here are some tips for grooming a Bearded Collie:
- Start with a bristle brush and pull the coat up, working from the bottom to the top in layers.
- Use a coat-restorer or conditioner to help with hair separation.
- Work with a pin brush to go over the coat and remove any mats.
- Use a good quality conditioner and a protein pH-balanced shampoo.
- Blow-dry the coat while brushing it with a pin brush, and use a lanolin lubricant to improve texture and prevent matting or cracking.
- Check the dog's nails, ears, and teeth for any signs of infection.
Remember to monitor your Bearded Collie when they're outside, as they can be escape artists. Don't leave them alone for more than six hours at a time, as they get bored and lonely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bearded collies high maintenance?
Yes, Bearded Collies are considered high maintenance due to their energetic needs and thick coats requiring regular grooming. They demand daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/about/archive/guide-collections/bearded-collie-collection/ (akc.org)
- https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-bearded-collies (webmd.com)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_Collie (wikipedia.org)
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bearded-collie?lightboxfired=true# (hillspet.com)
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Instagram (instagram.com)
- Bearded collie grooming styles (ehow.co.uk)
- “A Lifetime of Friendship… the Bearded Collie” – ... (beardedcollieclub.us)
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