The dog breed border collie is, without a doubt, one of the most popular breeds in recent years. That is why it is increasingly common to find them in veterinary consultations or in dog grooming salons. One of its distinctive features is its long black and white coat
In this article on our site we are going to answer one of the questions that keepers of this type of dog ask themselves: Can you cut the hair of a border dog? collie? If you live with or know a border collie, this article is for you. Keep reading!
What is the hair of a border collie like?
To know if you can cut a border collie's hair or not, the first thing you need to know is the characteristics of its coat. And it is that this breed of dog has what is called double-layer hair, which we must know in order to give it the necessary care. Neglecting hair or treating it improperly can even lead to he alth problems.
This double layered hair is divided into topcoat and undercoatThe topcoat is going to be long or medium and will be in continuous slow growth. The undercoat or shedding hair, on the contrary, will be short and provide protection functions. Form knots more easily.
Border collie hair needs frequent brushing to keep it looking good and remove dead hair (skid). We must consult our veterinarian or canine groomer about the most suitable brush for the breed, as well as inform us of the most appropriate brushing technique to, above all, avoid breaking the hair and prevent the formation of knots.
These dogs are going to go through periods of shedding and it is at these times that handlers question whether a haircut is appropriate. To answer this question you have to know what function the hair fulfills in dogs.
Why do we cut a dog's hair? Can a border collie get a haircut?
Many handlers interpret a dog's hair as their own. Thus, in hot weather they consider that a good measure to relieve their long-haired dog is a shave. Others count on the cut ending with shedding.
You have to know that, when living with a long-haired animal, it is also accepted to offer it the necessary care and to live with the presence of hair on floors, furniture or clothing. This is the canine hair growth cycle and it cannot be stopped, it can only be mitigated with frequent brushing. The hair removed by the brush will not end up elsewhere.
Regarding the initial question about whether you can cut a border collie's hair, we must say that the shave not only won't solve the problem but may have negative consequences such as the following:
- The hair of these dogs serves as protection, so a cut will expose the skin to the sun, with the consequent danger of burns(regardless of the hair, the skin of dogs is thin). It is proven that heat stroke affects dogs with short or shaved hair more. Therefore, the cut, contrary to what is thought, will make the dog warmer. The hair also protects from cold and rain.
- The fatty layer that keeps hair he althy and shiny is lost. Dryness occurs which can cause itching, irritation and dermatitis.
- It affects communication, as the dog may lose the ability to bristle its hair.
- The natural cycle of the hair is broken and this can hinder its subsequent growth and, in no case, will it end with the shedding. Weaker hair will offer less protection. Also, the new hair will look worse.
- It favors the bites of parasites such as mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases as serious as leishmania.
- Protects against abrasions, scratches, wounds, chemical burns, etc.
Therefore, You shouldn't cut a border collie's hair and we do have to insist on shaving it, establishing, from puppy, a regular brushing routine, since an excess of undercoat and knots will increase the heat that our dog suffers.
Cases in which hair has to be cut
Yes, you can cut a border collie's hair for veterinary or hygiene reasons Thus, if our dog is sick it may be necessary to shave certain areas, such as the perianal, to facilitate cleaning and elimination of secretions, provided that this cannot be done with washing alone.
Also, for some veterinary procedures it is necessary to shave parts of the body. For example, the front leg is shaved to draw blood, or the hair on the abdomen is clipped for ultrasound or abdominal surgery.
As we can see, there will be concrete and occasional cases in specific areas that, therefore, will not have negative repercussions for the conservation of the animal's coat. On the other hand, it is also possible to trim the knots that form if it is not possible to undo them, but this must be an exceptional and punctual measure since, with a good and correct brushing routine we should avoid the formation of these knots.
