The only real difference in grooming rough and smooth-haired Border Collie is that rough-haired dogs have longer guard hairs and “feathers” on the back of their legs and chest. The fine undercoat present in smooth-haired dogs is also present in their rougher-haired siblings.

The longer guard hairs require that the fur be groomed in layers. Longer hair will also mat more readily than smooth hair. Mat removal becomes more important if you own a rough-haired Border Collie.

Using a Pin Brush

Start with the pin brush. Brush from the side of the head to the base of the tail. Work from the side of the head where you originally started, around the head, back to the place you started.

Using a Metal Comb

When you have successfully brushed the entire surface area of the dog with the grain, use a metal comb. Be cautious while combing and brushing. If you encounter tangles or mats, move around them to come back later.

Use the same techniques to remove mats as for smooth-haired dogs. You will find the mat rake even more useful with the rough-haired dogs.

Every effort should be made to make grooming pleasant. Incorporate basic grooming while petting your dog. A pin brush may be used to scratch behind a dog’s ear as effectively as fingers.

Using Professional Groomer

Finally, if you are not confidant in your ability to groom your Collie well, consider a professional groomer. Search for a groomer with a good reputation, an easy manner with the dogs, and a clean shop.

Check with local interest groups, Obedience clubs, and acquaintances for references; go door-to-door if need be. Professionals do not have to be expensive, just enthusiastic and clean.

Grooming Smooth-Haired Border Collie

Smooth-haired dogs have some advantage over their longer-haired brothers and sisters. The absence of “feathers” below the body and around the chest and legs reduces the likelihood that the smooth-haired dog will have mats.

Grooming three or four times a week will reduce the probability to near zero.

Pin Brush

Begin grooming the smooth-haired Collie with a pin brush. Start at the side of the dog’s head and brush gently toward the tail. Except in cases where the coat is matted you should be able to cover the entire body with the pin brush without stopping.

If you do hit a mat, work around it. It does not do either of you any good to teach the dog that grooming is painful.

Steel Comb

When you have completed grooming your Border Collie, use a steel comb to brush the coat against the grain. On a smooth-haired Border Collie this will not have the impact that it will on the longer-haired variety, but it will remove any hair missed while brushing with the grain.

Try to divide the grooming process into segments. Make brushing separate and distinct from combing. Combing should also be distinguishable from removing mats and tangles. It might help the process if you give your Collie a treat between stages.

Removing Mats and Tangles

The least stressful way to remove mats is to split them with your fingers first.

• Grab the mat as close to the skin as possible and pull apart gently. If the mat is especially large or compacted, or if it has sticks or briars in the center, it may not split easily.
• Hold the mat close to the skin with a comb or mat rake and try to pull it apart. Take special care not to hurt your dog.
• If the dog becomes edgy or tense, move on to another mat or take a short break.
• Take your time, move slowly, and try to make the experience as positive as possible for your dog.
• If the mat proves resistant to fingers and the mat rake, use grooming scissors to split it—here, again, investing in a good pair of scissors is important. Do not use household scissors. Household scissors are too long. The tips of household scissors can wind up in a dog’s eye or an ear may be shortened by accident. Use the scissors as a last resort.

Learn more how to remove mats from a dog’s hair.