Start by using a professional slicker brush to remove surface debris. For the thickest areas around the neck and hindquarters, use the Line Brushing technique:
1. Part the hair with one hand to see the skin.
2. Brush small sections from the root outward.
3. Doing this ensures you are reaching the dense undercoat where mats usually form.

Do Border Collies shed a lot of hair?
Yes. Border Collies are heavy shedders, especially during ‘coat blowing’ seasons in Spring and Autumn. During these times, an undercoat rake is your best friend. It penetrates deep into the coat to pull out dead hair before it ends up on your carpet. If the coat feels impacted (thick and hard to brush through), a de-matting spray can help provide slip to the hair.

Only bathe your Collie when necessary (usually every 8–12 weeks). Over-bathing can strip the natural oils that make their coat weather-resistant.
1. Shampoo: Use a professional-grade pH-balanced shampoo. Never use human shampoo, as a dog’s skin pH is significantly different, and human products can cause severe irritation.
2. Drying: Use a high-velocity dryer if possible. Using this helps blow out any remaining loose undercoat. If your Collie is nervous about the noise, start on the lowest setting and move from the tail toward the head.

While you should never shave the body, a light trim keeps the dog comfortable:
1. Paws: Trim the long interdigital fur between the pads. Long hair here acts like skis on hardwood floors, causing the dog to slip.
2. Hocks & Ears: Neaten the long wispy hairs around the feet and the base of the ears to prevent burrs and seeds from sticking.