Shetland sheepdogs, commonly referred to as shelties, are intelligent, cheerful dogs. Often called “little collies” due to their physical similarities, shelties require frequent grooming. Your grooming routine doesn't have to be complex, but it does have to be consistent to keep your sheltie looking her best.

How should Shelties be cut?

The important thing is your Sheltie is comfortable and pain-free. When the mat is close to the skin, snip very carefully. And avoid pulling the fur taught as this pulls the delicate skin into the path of the scissors. Instead, hold the fur back loosely and cut in small, gentle snips until the entire mat is free.

Should I cut my shelties hair in the summer?

In the summer time the inner coat is shed, leaving mostly the outer coat which helps to insulate them from the heat and protect their skin from the sun. If you completely shave your Sheltie, you will give them sunburn. ... Thanks to Judy, Scott & their Sheltie Shiraz for the great grooming shot!

When should a Sheltie be groomed?

The Sheltie has a double coat with the guard coat longer than the undercoat and needs to be groomed every 4 – 8 weeks, with more frequent grooming during the shedding seasons of spring and fall when they change coats. As long as the undercoat is removed the outer guard coat will provide shade for your dog.

What is a Sheltidoodle?

The Sheltidoodle, also known at the Sheltipoo, is one of many designer dogs that have been developed in the past several decades, a deliberate hybrid of the Shetland Sheepdog, a small but sturdy herding dog developed on the Shetland islands off of the coast of Scotland, and a versatile German duck hunting dog that we ...

Dog Show Grooming: How to Groom a Shetland Sheepdog

How often should you bathe Sheltie?

You can bathe a sheltie once every two months, particularly when he's shedding, to release excess fur from his undercoat. Use a gentle pin brush to groom the dense undercoat as well as the long topcoat.

Is it OK to shave a Shetland sheepdog?

What this means is: do not shave your Sheltie! It's a mistake to think you're helping your dog stay cool, particularly in summer, when evolution has provided them exactly what they need to survive. By stripping them of their natural ability to heat and cool themselves, you could be doing them harm.

How do I keep my Sheltie cool in the summer?

Shelties have a double coat that asks as insultation for them. It does keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Just make sure to have lots of cold water, ice cubes, shade available for them, and if possible when in the house, AC or fans.

What's a slicker brush?

Slicker brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. Slicker brushes are used on a variety of longer-haired breeds that are more prone to developing mats.

Does Sheltie shed a lot?

Shelties have a long, dense, furry coat and shed heavily. Lots of people don't realize just how much loose fur they're letting themselves in for, and many Shelties are given up to rescue groups every year because they shed. Be sure that you and your vacuum cleaner can handle that much hair.

Can you use human scissors on dogs?

It's important not to use your run-of-the-mill human scissors on a dog. ... Be sure to take care when trimming around sensitive areas of your dog's body, such as ears, paws, and face.

What is an undercoat rake for dogs?

Undercoat rakes for dogs have specially designed teeth that strip the dead hair and the shedding undercoat while leaving the top coat undisturbed. Using an undercoat rake prior to or during bathing usually helps reduce shedding so you can keep those fur piles contained.

Should you remove a dog's undercoat?

Their undercoat helps protect them from the elements. By shaving them down you destroy all natural protective properties their coats offer them. You also increase the chances of bug bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations. Removing dead undercoat will help keep them cooler.

Why you don't shave double coated dogs?

Shaving a double-coated dog can actually make it harder for him to cool off. Coats shouldn't be cut to less than one inch to protect from sunburn and bug bites. Regular brushing improves air circulation and cooling.

Do all dogs have undercoats?

Not all breeds have an undercoat; many only have one coat of hair that is the same inside and out. Breeds with an undercoat include the German shepherd, Pomeranian, chow, husky, Malamute and Samoyed. Breeds native to areas that have a chilly winter tend to have undercoats.

Are Shelties double coated?

The Sheltie has a profuse double coat that sheds considerably. The outer coat consists of long, straight, harsh hair, while the undercoat is short, furry, and very dense.

Can a border collie be shaved?

One big thing: don't shave your border collie. Not only is it unnecessary (thanks to their spring shedding, this dog has no problem staying cool in the summer!), but shaving your border collie can actually cause irregularities in the way their coat grows—and when it grows back in, it might be patchy and uneven.

How much do sheltie puppies sleep?

Although puppies are little bundles of energy, they usually sleep 18-20 hours a day.

How do I keep my sheltie busy?

Shelties are smart dogs, so they will need plenty of mental stimulation. Make sure that your sheltie always has some fun toys to keep her entertained.
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Provide your sheltie with stimulating toys.

1. puzzle toys.
2. chew toys.
3. squeaky toys.
4. rope toys.

How much exercise does a Shetland sheepdog need?

Exercise your Sheltie for at least 30-60 minutes per day. This is the standard minimum for any dog breed. Take them on all outdoor activities where dogs are allowed to prevent boredom and stimulate their active brains.

Is Baby Shampoo OK for dogs?

In fact, many experts agree that baby shampoo is okay for dogs as long as it's cleared by your dog-tor, is unscented, and is clear. It's made for sensitive skin, so it can be a good choice for pet owners that are concerned about the harshness of many soaps and dog products.