Border Collie Grooming Guide: How to Groom
Border Collies are Scotland’s iconic working and family dogs—brilliant, agile, and ever-ready for outdoor adventures. Their double coat (rough or smooth variety) protects them from wind and rain but requires regular care to stay healthy, tangle-free, and comfortable.
We’ve perfected the Border Collie grooming routine at Kinga's Dog Grooming in Edinburgh. Follow our guide for home maintenance, professional tips, and the best Amazon UK tools to tackle Scotland’s wet and wild conditions.
How Often Should You Groom a Border Collie?
Brushing & combing:
Rough coat: 3–4× per week
Smooth coat: 1–2× per week
Daily during heavy seasonal moult (spring & autumn)
Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or after muddy fieldwork
Professional Groom: Every 8–12 weeks for de-shedding treatments and tidy trims
A consistent schedule prevents mats, controls shedding, and helps spot skin issues early, especially important in Scotland’s damp climate.
De-Shedding Routine
Prep Your Space
Lay a towel or grooming mat in a calm, well-lit area.
Gather all tools within arm’s reach.
Slicker Brush Pass
Work in sections: shoulders → back → sides → belly → hindquarters → tail.
Brush with the coat’s grain to lift surface debris and loose hairs.
Undercoat Raking
Hold fur at the roots to reduce tugging.
Gently rake through thicker areas (flanks, chest, behind ears) to remove dead undercoat.
FURminator Treatment
Glide lightly in the direction of hair growth—avoid over-pressing.
Use weekly during moult to minimise shed hair around the home.
Comb Check
Run the stainless-steel comb over the entire coat to catch any fine mats or tangles.
Pay special attention behind ears, under the armpits, and at the tail base.
Dematting (If Needed)
For small tangles, use the dematting tool—tease gently from tips inward.
Never cut mats with scissors; book a professional dematting at Kinga’s for stubborn knots.
Final Slicker Brush & Reward
Smooth the coat with a final slicker pass, rewarding your Collie with praise and a treat.
🛁 Bathing Your Border Collie
Frequency: Every 6–8 weeks or after particularly dirty outings.
Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly, apply Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo, and massage into undercoat and guard hairs.
Conditioner: Apply mid-coat to tips; leave 2–3 minutes to soften and detangle.
Rinse: Rinse until water runs clear—residue can irritate skin.
Drying:
Towel-dry first to remove excess water.
Use the dryer on low heat and medium airflow while brushing to prevent mats.
Scottish Tip: Finish drying indoors—Collies’ dense coats trap moisture, which can lead to hotspots in our damp climate.
Trimming & Coat Maintenance Tasks
Feathered Legs: Trim uneven ends to maintain tidy outline (Every 8–12 weeks)
Tail Feathers: Neaten stray hairs to reduce dirt build-up (Every 8–12 weeks)
Paws & Pads: Clip hair between toes for traction and hygiene (Every 6–8 weeks)
Sanitary Trim: Tidy around rear and belly to maintain cleanliness (Every 6–8 weeks)
Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming
Brushing & De-shedding:
Home Care: 3–4× weekly (daily in moult)
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in every full groom
Bathing:
Home Care: 6–8 weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Luxury bath + professional dry
Feather & Coat Trims:
Home Care: DIY with curved scissors
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert scissor styling
Nail Trimming:
Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine trim
Ear Cleaning:
Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough professional clean
Dematting:
Home Care: Small knots only
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Gentle full-coat dematting
Learn about grooming tools
FAQ Section
Q: My Border Collie has mats in the undercoat—what now?
A: Gently tease small mats with the dematting tool; for large mats, book a professional dematting at Kinga’s to avoid discomfort.
Q: Should I clip a rough-coated Collie?
A: No—clipping interferes with natural weatherproofing. Stick to trimming ends and professional shaping only.
Q: How do I handle seasonal moults?
A: Increase brushing to daily, use the FURminator weekly, and consider a professional de-shedding treatment.
Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips
Bramble & Burr Patrol: After countryside walks, check and remove debris—Collies love hedgerows.
Mud Management: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick wipe-downs of legs and belly.
Autumn Prep: A shorter trim before winter reduces ice-ball formation in feathers.
Indoor Drying Station: Designate a spot with towels and the Andis dryer to avoid wet-floor accidents.
Ready to Book Your Border Collie’s Next Groom?
At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Border Collie coat care—from professional de-shedding to precision trimming.
Keep your Collie comfortable, mat-free, and adventure-ready—rain or shine.
