Border Collies are not just one of the smartest, but ‘The smartest dog breed!’ in the world. They are simply over-achievers. Be it herding, learning tricks, memorizing commands, and more. A Border Collie named ‘Chaser’ even holds the record for the largest tested memory of any non-human animal – 1022 objects! (3)
If this was not enough, Border Collies Wish and Halo performed 28 tricks in one minute, setting a Guinness World Record. Another one of them balanced a can on her head and walked 100 meters in 2 minutes and 55 seconds. We should simply start calling these dogs ‘super-dogs’. (3)
There’s one more thing they are great at – shedding.
Border Collies come in two different types of coats – rough and smooth. The smooth one is shorter in length and usually coarser in texture. The rough one is medium-length and feathered. Irrespective of the type, all Border Collies come with a thick double coat that is prone to shedding.
There is a dense undercoat, and on top of it, there is an overcoat with longer guard hairs. The double layer helps them insulate their bodies during the cold. The overcoat keeps growing and falling as they reach a particular length. The undercoat starts shedding heavily during spring and fall. This process is the preparation for the new season and is called ‘blowing the coat’. It is nature’s way of helping them stay cool during the hot months.
This is the time when you’ll see the hairs raining everywhere all the time. This makes grooming a Border Collie extremely important.
Border Collie Grooming Tips
Here are some grooming tips for your Border Collie that will help maintain a healthy and shiny coat – (2)
Brush the dog 2-3 times a week throughout the year. You may have to increase the frequency to every day during the shedding season. This will help remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake. Whatever you use, do not switch the brush too often as your dog will probably get used to the feeling of one and will not like change.
You may need to bathe these dogs very often. Once every 2-3 months should be fine. Bathing too frequently can irritate their skin.
Always brush before bathing to avoid hairs all over your bathtub.
Make sure you use tepid to warm water. Do not go for hot water ever as it can lead to skin irritation and itching for them.
Always use pet-safe and vet-recommended, high-quality grooming products like shampoo, conditioners, and other cleansing products.
Do not ever use a human product on your dog.
These dogs do not need haircuts. Just a basic trim around the feet and the back of the legs is enough for a tidier look.
Do not ever shave your Border Collie! It is not at all necessary and the re-growth can be very patchy and uneven.
Are Border Collies High Maintenance?
Looking at the grooming tips we’ve mentioned above, you may think that Border Collies are very high maintenance. You’re probably right. They can be high maintenance for the following reasons –
Border Collies are extremely intelligent and energetic and hence need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy. You don’t want a bored Collie, as they tend to get aggressive and even destructive in some cases.
They are shedders and hence need regular brushing.
They are known to be quite affectionate but can sometimes develop a behavioral issue in the form of excessive barking.
They can also have a hard time socialising with strangers and children.
Maintenance is not just the money but also the time you spend on your dog to take care of them. However, there’s something about them where you may also end up spending a lot of money to take care of them – health.
Border Collies are prone to certain medical issues during their lifetime. They include – (1)
Collie eye anomaly
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
Hepatic neoplasia
Mutation in the MDR1 gene
Apart from these, they are also prone to other conditions that other dogs are prone to. They include allergies, infections, injuries, etc. The cost of treatment for some of these conditions can easily reach up to 4-digit thousand dollars.
You can save up to 90% with insurance. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save that and many more other costs.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
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With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 5). Border Collie. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie
deBara, D. (2024, August 5). Border collie grooming. The Dog People by Rover.com. https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/border-collie-grooming/
Ripley, K. (2024, February 6). Border collie facts you may not know. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-border-collie/
