Breed · Double-coated shedders
Shetland Sheepdog grooming: mats, shedding and no shaving
AKC's Sheltie coat facts: weekly brushing, more in shedding season, the three spots where mats form and why AKC says not to shave the coat.
Also listed as Sheltie
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Short answer
The Sheltie has a long, profuse double coat, long harsh outer hair over a short, dense undercoat, that sheds considerably; AKC rates shedding 3 of 5. Brush weekly and more often in shedding season, and check for mats behind the ears, under the elbows and in the pants under the tail (AKC). Core tools: long-pin slicker, comb, nail clippers. Don't shave: AKC says the coat protects against sunburn and heat as well as cold.
Key facts
- Coat type (AKC)
- Double[1]Long, straight, harsh outer coat; short, dense undercoat (AKC).
- Coat length (AKC)
- Long[1]
- Shedding (AKC, 1-5)
- 3 of 5[1]AKC's text says the coat sheds considerably.
- Brushing (AKC guidance)
- Weekly; more often in shedding season[1]Check behind the ears, under the elbows and the pants for mats.
- Seasonal shedding
- Sheds considerably; more brushing in shedding season[1]
- Clipping and shaving
- Not recommended: the coat protects against sunburn and heat as well as cold (AKC)[1]
- Professional grooming
- Not called for in AKC's breed advice[1]AKC says a Sheltie needs a bath only occasionally.
Watch out for
- Mats hide in three places AKC names: behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the pants under the tail.
- Don't shave: AKC says the Sheltie's coat protects against sunburn and heat as well as cold.
- Grinders can tangle in the long leg feathering; VCA advises caution with long-haired dogs.
- Brush down to the skin in sections. AAHA says most loose fur collects in the undercoat, which a surface brush-out leaves behind.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Long-pin slicker
Extra-long-pin slicker brush for curly and doodle coatsChoose the single brush; any color.
Longer pins for working a long, dense coat in sections; the seller lists it for long coats.
Sold by Stone's Store
Nail clipper
Scissor-style pet nail clipper with LED lightChoose the gray clipper.
A clipper avoids the hair-snagging risk VCA notes for grinders on long-haired dogs.
Sold by Shop1105233629 Store
Weekly: work through the coat in sections with a long-pin slicker, then comb behind the ears, under the elbows and through the pants. In shedding season: brush more often to lift loose undercoat before it drifts around the house (AKC).
No catalog pick yet for a metal comb, an undercoat rake or a dog dryer. See how to line brush a dog for working a long coat in sections.
Questions
How often should a Sheltie be brushed?
AKC says owners should be prepared to brush the coat weekly, and more often during shedding season, to remove at least some of the loose hair before it drifts around the house.[1]
Can I shave my Sheltie for summer?
AKC says shaving a Sheltie is not recommended, because the coat protects against sunburn and heat as well as cold.[1]
Where do Shelties get mats?
AKC names three spots to check: behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the pants under the tail.[1]