Grooming and care for a Border Collie: brush, bath, health
Border Collie : Brush once or twice a week, more when shedding; its medium-length coat easily picks up twigs and mud on outings. Keep an eye on paw-pad wear in very sporty individuals.
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In short: Medium dog, 46-56 cm at the withers (14-22 kg), medium or short coat with undercoat, extreme energy level. A hypersensitive athlete often cited as the smartest breed, living to work. Its famous herding stare ("the eye") can tip into obsession with balls or moving objects: varying activities and teaching it to switch off is essential.
Coat care, brush by brush
Plan, for a Border Collie, on a slicker brush and a metal comb, two to three sessions a week; note that its shedding stays moderate, with two seasonal peaks in spring and autumn. Start young, with short rewarded sessions: a dog that links the brush to a pleasant moment accepts grooming for life.
Baths, claws, ears, teeth
A bath every two to three months, or when genuinely dirty, with a dog-pH shampoo — never a human product. Check claws monthly — natural wear often does the job on such an active dog, inspect ears at the same time, and brush teeth two or three times a week.
Health watch-points for the Border Collie
The breed is notably monitored for: collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia and idiopathic epilepsy. These predispositions are not a fate, but they shape preventive care — and any unusual sign belongs at the vet’s, not in a shop aisle. Life expectancy sits around 12 to 15 years.
Frequently asked questions
Which brush for a Border Collie?
For its coat, plan on a slicker brush and a metal comb, two to three sessions a week.
How often should a Border Collie be bathed?
Every two to three months is plenty, or as needed when dirty, always with a dog-formulated shampoo.
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