Shelties are well-known for their beautiful double coat that needs constant maintencance to stay in a healthy and good condition. Everything you need to know about caring for your Sheltie's coat will be covered in this blog. We'll also include some of our best product picks, which you can easily buy by clicking on our Amazon affiliate link.
These tips and techniques will assist you in maintaining the health of your Sheltie's coat. After reading this blog, your sheltie spa days will never be the same. :)
Understanding the Double Coat of a Sheltie
Shelties have a distinctive double coat. This type of coat consists of two layers that work together to protect and insulate, but it also requires diligent care to keep it in top condition.
The Two Layers of the Double Coat
- The Undercoat: The undercoat is a soft, dense layer of fur that lies close to the skin. It serves as insulation, to keep your Sheltie warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This layer is essential for temperature regulation and provides a soft cushion that protects the skin from abrasions and insect bites. However, the undercoat is also prone to matting and tangling if not properly maintained.
- The Outer Coat: The outer coat, or guard coat, is made up of longer, coarser hairs that sit atop the undercoat. This layer gives the Sheltie his striking appearance and provides additional protection. The outer coat helps repel dirt, moisture, and debris, acting as a barrier against environmental elements. It also offers some protection against UV rays and minor injuries.
Why it's important to take care for a double coat dog?
Caring for a Sheltie's double coat is essential for a few reasons:
- Preventing Matting and Tangling: The undercoat can become matted if not regularly brushed. Mats can be uncomfortable for your Sheltie and may lead to skin infections or sores. Behind the ears is a weak spot where you will find tangles if not brushed regulary.
- Managing Shedding: Shelties shed year-round, with more intense shedding during seasonal changes. Regular grooming helps manage shedding, reducing the amount of hair left around your home and keeping your Sheltie comfortable.
- Skin Health: Regular grooming sessions allow you to check for skin issues such as dryness, hot spots, or parasites. Keeping the coat clean and free of mats promotes healthy skin and prevents problems from developing.
- Temperature Regulation: Proper care of the double coat helps maintain its insulating properties. Removing loose fur and preventing matting ensures that the coat can effectively regulate your Sheltie's body temperature.
- Brushing and massaging the skin during grooming stimulates blood circulation. Improved circulation promotes healthier skin and fur growth.
- Appearance: A well-groomed coat enhances your Sheltie’s natural beauty, making their coat shiny and smooth. It also reduces the chance of developing an unpleasant odor that can occur with neglected fur.
Daily grooming is important for maintaining the health and appearance of your Sheltie’s beautiful double coat. Regular care helps prevent matting, reduces shedding, and keeps the coat shiny and clean. Here are some daily grooming tips and recommended products to make the process easier and more effective.
Daily grooming routine
Brushing: Brushing your Sheltie’s coat daily helps remove loose fur, dirt and prevents tangles and mats from forming, especially in areas like behind the ears and under the legs.
Tools to Use: Use a slicker brush or a pin brush to gently work through your Sheltie’s coat. Start at the head and work your way down, being careful around sensitive areas.
A good brush is one of the most important tasks. If you don't use the right one chances are you break the fur and it hurts the dog. I'll put a few brushes in this blog and will explain the working of the brush.
A pin brush is for the body of your sheltie. It helps to remove the undercoat and makes the fur looking shiny. Also, this brush is designed to gently detangle and smooth the fur without causing damage to the hair or skin. The rounded tips of the pins on a pin brush are gentle on your Sheltie’s skin, preventing irritation or scratching. This makes it suitable for daily use to keep the coat in top condition.
Another brush you can't live without is a slicker brush. This brush is designed with fine, short wires close together, which are excellent for removing mats and tangles from your Sheltie's coat. This is especially important for areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.
Metal combs are excellent for detangling and removing knots. The strong, fine teeth can glide through the coat, making it easier to tackle stubborn mats and tangles, particularly in areas prone to matting such as behind the ears and under the legs.
Spraying: Spraying your Sheltie’s coat with a conditioning spray can make brushing easier and more effective. It also prevents breakage and helps keep the coat hydrated and reduces static.
Benefits: This versatile spray conditions, detangles, and adds shine to your Sheltie’s coat. It’s perfect for daily use and helps keep the coat smooth and manageable. It’s our personal favorite because we see what this product does with the fur.
When Gift, my first sheltie, came in my life I didn't know spray is important for the fur. Now I know better! It is really important to keep the fur in a good condition. That's why we use the spray from IGroom. You can shop the IGroom spray here:
Checking for Parasites: Daily checks for parasites like ticks and fleas are crucial, especially if your Sheltie spends time outdoors in the woods or grass. Early detection and removal can prevent infestations and related health issues.
This STOP! animal bodyguard is, unfortunately, only available in Europe... They have great reviews and the product is 100% natural. For my shelties I use it all the time when we go out. We use it for years and the results are still the same: It works! Shop STOP! here:
Dealing with Tangles and Mats:
Why It’s Important: Tangles and mats can form quickly, especially in areas like behind the ears. Addressing them daily prevents them from becoming painful and difficult to remove.
Benefits: Detangling spray makes it easier to work through knots and mats. It’s especially useful for areas prone to tangling and helps keep the coat smooth and tangle-free.
For tangles & mats you can use Crown Royale. We are using this for our 6 shelties and it works perfectly! We tried a few other ones but this one is our favorite. You can shop the spray here: https://amzn.to/4cjgawp
Shampooing:
While weekly shampooing is not necessary - having the right shampoo at home for when you need it is always a good idea. A good quality shampoo helps maintain the coat’s health and shine. We recommend to bathe your sheltie at least every season.
- Recommended Products:
- iGroom Shampoo: Known for its high-quality ingredients and excellent results. It’s gentle on the skin and leaves the coat looking beautiful.
- Chris Christensen Shampoo: Another top choice for Shelties, this shampoo is designed to enhance the coat’s natural beauty and strength.
- Where to Buy: You can purchase iGroom Shampoo here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ys3eRP or Chris Christensen shampoo: https://amzn.to/4fuqaG9
Conditioner:
- Benefits: Conditioner is designed to deeply moisturize and hydrate your Sheltie’s coat and skin. This is crucial for preventing dryness which can lead to breakage. A well-hydrated coat is not only healthier but also softer and more resilient.
- Where to Buy: Available https://amzn.to/3WPZ7xF
Regular grooming is an integral part of Sheltie care, offering numerous health benefits that go beyond aesthetics. By maintaining a consistent grooming routine, you can ensure that your Sheltie remains healthy, comfortable, and happy. Use high-quality grooming products and make grooming a bonding time with your Sheltie. Your furry friend will thank you for taking the best care of his fur.
If you have any questions about grooming your sheltie or about this products don't be shy to send me a message at sheltieconnect@gmail.com.
