The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small, agile dog with a big personality. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
To keep your Sheltie's coat in top condition, you'll need to brush them regularly, ideally 2-3 times a week. This will help prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog.
Additional reading: Sheltie vs Shetland Sheepdog
Coat Trimming Techniques
Trimming around the ears is a must for Shelties. This involves using a pair of thinning shears to carefully remove excess fur and give your Sheltie a clean look.
To trim your Sheltie's ears, hold the shears with the tips pointing toward the center of their head, and clip once or twice. Regular trimming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.
Trimming the feet, hocks, and tail is also necessary. This will help prevent matting and keep your Sheltie's coat looking its best.
Expand your knowledge: Shetland Sheepdog Ears
Precision Comb Wispy Fur
Precision combing is essential for removing mats and tangles from sensitive areas.
Use a fine-toothed comb for precision combing of thinner fur, which is ideal for areas like behind the ears, under the armpits, legs, and underbelly.
Your dog will likely be lying on their back during this stage, paws in the air, looking at you lovingly or like you're insane.
Tight mats near the skin can be painful for your dog, so take it easy and be gentle when teasing out mats.
Pinch the fur at the base, take the tension in your fingers, and tease out the mat gently and repetitively to avoid causing discomfort.
Coat Trimming
Trimming is a necessary part of coat care for Shelties. You'll want to focus on areas such as the ears, feet, hocks, and tail.
Shelties don't require regular haircuts like other breeds, but trimming is still necessary to keep their coat looking its best. If you're unsure, consider having a professional groomer do the first trim.
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To keep your Sheltie's coat healthy and prevent mats, regular brushing is essential. A slicker brush and a long-toothed comb are the best tools for the job.
Trimming is also important to prevent matting and tangling in the coat. Regular brushing can help prevent mats, but if they do form, they can be carefully worked out with a comb.
If the mat is too tight, it might need to be carefully cut out by a professional groomer.
Trimming Options
Trimming is a crucial part of a Shetland Sheepdog's haircut. You should focus on areas such as the ears, feet, hocks, and tail.
Trimming can be done by you, but if you're unsure, consider having a professional groomer do the first trim. A professional can help you get it right and make the experience less stressful for both you and your dog.
Trimming your Sheltie's nails should be done every 3-4 weeks, depending on how fast your dog's nails grow. Clipping a dog's nails is a delicate procedure that can easily result in injury if not done correctly, so it's best to take your Sheltie to a professional for this task.
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Sheltie Brushes
Shelties have a double coat that requires specialized dog brushes, ideally a deep de-shedding comb.
A fine-toothed comb is also essential for detangling their thick fur.
A slicker brush is perfect for smoothing out their coat and preventing matting.
Trimming
Trimming your Sheltie's coat is a must, especially in areas like the ears, feet, hocks, and tail. Trimming these areas will keep your Sheltie looking neat and tidy.
A slicker brush and a long-toothed comb are great tools for removing loose fur and preventing tangles and mats. Regular brushing can also help prevent mats from forming.
Trimming your Sheltie's nails is essential, and it's recommended to do it every 3-4 weeks, depending on how fast their nails grow. Be careful not to cut the quick, as it can be painful for your dog.
If you're unsure about trimming your Sheltie's coat or nails, consider taking them to a professional groomer. They can help you learn the ropes and ensure your dog is groomed safely and effectively.
Trimming your Sheltie's head can give them a clean, refined look, and it's best to use a pair of thinning shears for this task. Hold the shears with the tips pointing toward the center of the dog's head and clip once or twice.
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