In this post we’ll go through some details about grooming long haired dogs: different tips for bathing and drying, brushing and finishing. But first, let’s get more familiar with these breeds.

What Is The Coat Like?

• These breeds grow a long, drop-type coat over their entire body.
• If groomed to breed profile, the coats are left naturally long with just a little trimming around the feet, the anus and perhaps where the hair grows in front of the eyes.
• The vast majority of owners choose a shorter, more manageable trim for which you should seek professional assistance.
• The coat will certainly mat and tangle unless it is brushed regularly, ideally three times a week or more.
• If not properly maintained, the coat will inevitably become very matted and may even need to be shaved off entirely to remedy the situation.

Bathing And Drying

Frequency

• Bathe from once a week to once every eight weeks.

Pre-Bath

• Collect all items that you will need: cotton balls for blocking ears; shampoo and conditioner; jug for mixing shampoo; jug for rinsing the dog clean; towels.
• Place dog on an anti-slip mat in the bath.
• Put a cotton ball gently in each ear to prevent water from getting into the ear canal.
• Before you start bathing, make sure that you brush over the entire body to remove any serious mats and tangles.

Bathing

• Check the water for the right temperature (cool to luke warm)
• Thoroughly wet the dog all over except for the head
• Use a quality, regular, all-purpose shampoo and massage the lather thoroughly into all parts of the body.
• Rinse out most of the lather.
• Apply a second lather, then rinse the shampoo out.
• Now wash the dog’s head with tear-free shampoo.
• Apply a suitable conditioner and leave for 10 minutes to gain maximum benefit.
• Rinse whole dog thoroughly until coat is squeaky clean.

Drying

• Start by toweling dry as much as possible. Don’t rub too hard or you risk tangling the hair.
• Then use a hand dryer over the body. The temperature of the airflow should be warm, not hot, and set to high speed.
• Blow the hair away from the body using a moderately firm pin or slicker brush and working on sections of the coat in the same way as drying human hair.
• Work methodically to make sure all areas of the dog are reached until the coat is completely dry.

Body Checks

1. Teeth: Check teeth and gums.
2. Eyes: Check the eyes and clean out any sticky deposits.
3. Ears: Pendulous ears should be folded back and cleaned carefully.
4. Feet: Check the length of nails and condition of pads, and clear any dirt from between the claws.

Brushing Sequence

1. Anti-static spray makes grooming long-haired dogs easier as it coats the hair shafts with lubrication.
2. A pin brush is gentler than a slicker, particularly when working around the eyes and ears. On a dog like a Bearded Collie, the fringing around the face and neck needs careful brushing.
3. Then move onto the legs. Use your spare hand to support the leg. It also helps to control the dog.
4. Work from the bottom of the leg upwards. Brush the lower hair thoroughly, and when that section is completed, move further up the leg.
5. Hold the hair above the section you are grooming out of the way, and proceed layer by layer along the body once the leg is done.

Finishing Sequence

1. If the dog is prepared to stand patiently, you can turn him around and proceed in the same way with the legs and along the other side of the body.
2. If you can train your dog to lie down, so much the better as this is more comfortable, particularly for a big dog. Use a slicker brush on friction areas under the legs.
3. Use the same line by line layering technique to brush the hair on the lower abdomen. In this position you can also access the stomach and chest areas.
4. Finally, work all over the coat with the wide toothed comb. Comb the back line while the dog is standing up and then carefully comb the head.
5. Long haired dogs do need a lot of maintenance grooming – at least three times a week – but with regular attention, they will look impressive.

Required Grooming Kit

1. Anti-Static Spray. Coats the hair shafts with lubrication.
2. Pin Brush. Gentler than a slicker, but you must be very thorough.
3. Slicker Brush. Use on prolific coats. Good for friction areas.
4. Wide Toothed Comb. Finish by combing all over the body.