Bearded Collie Mix: Total Care
The dense, silky coat that flows beautifully around the Bearded Collie’s body is its main attraction. The Bearded Collie mix can have the same qualities. It is also the pet-parents most dynamic challenge. In fact, caring for this breed’s coat can easily become a fulltime job. Luckily there are some methods that will improve the grooming experience for everyone. Stay tuned to learn some tricks of the trade from pet salon experts.
Breed Standard
This is a herding breed used by Scottish shepherds. That coat that was so effective at maintaining their body temperature against harsh weather is effective in everyday households at collecting dirt and debris out of the backyard and food from notoriously messy eating behaviors.
Mixing it Up
There are other versions of this breed with similar care needs. These include the Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou’ed Collie, Argle Bargle, and Beardie.
Quick Step-by-Step Overview
- Trim the nails
- Brush the hair and remove all mats
- Comb
- Health check
- Rinse thoroughly
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Complete rinse
- Clean ears
- Brush teeth
- Towel dry
- Blow dry
- Brush
- Praise and optional fragrance and accessory
Tools You Need
- Nail clippers and/or grinder
- Pin brush
- Bristle brush
- Grooming spray
- Slicker brush
- V-rake
- Mat breaker
- Something to stop bleeding such as quick stop, benzocaine, stypic powder, nail cauterizer, cornstarch, sugar or even baking soda. Note: only use powdery food products to stop bleeding if you happen to cut the tongue.
- Canine ear solution
- Ear powder
- Cotton swabs
- Trimmers with various blade lengths and comb attachments
- Scissors including thinners (AKA blenders or chunkers), straights and curved shears
- Dog toothpaste and toothbrush
- Bath suited for your dog
- Grooming table
- Leash attachment
- Canine shampoo and conditioner
- Towel appropriate for the size of the dog
- Force dryer
- Fragrance (optional)
- Bandana or bow (optional)
Prep
When you brush, use a conditioning mist to moisten the coat. Progress through each leg, then the belly, then the rear end, and then the body from front to back. Use the bristle brush to brush downwards and then reverse directions. Whenever you reverse, as you are brushing, you should be lifting the hair upwards away from the body of the dog. Additionally, make sure that you get all the way to the skin before you consider yourself finished with this step.
Then, if you think it is needed, you can apply some more grooming spray and line brush with a pin brush by parting the hair and brushing downwards and upwards. Afterwards, move the part down vertically until you’ve reached the bottom of that section. When you line brush the body, move from front to back using a vertical part.
Next, use the greyhound comb to test the brush-out. If it snags, then you know it needs to be brushed more. If you’re still having trouble with a mat, then you can use a v-rake, mat breaker or thinning shears to remove the mat. When tackling a mat, be sure to secure the base of the hair in place with your other hand so you aren’t pulling on the skin.
Prep Continued…
You can use the slicker brush on the feet and face if you are careful.
Don’t forget the tail and the armpits and any other hard-to-reach places. It’s important to brush everything because after the bath, anything that was tangled before will become much worse.
After you’ve completed the legs, belly, rear, and body, line-brush the chest from bottom to top using a horizontal line. Then, brush the face and ears. Take your time because these are sensitive areas.
Pluck hair from the ears using ear powder.
Clip the toenails with clippers or a grinder. If you grind them, hair can easily get caught, so be mindful to tuck the dog’s hair out of the way and your own hair as well. If you cut the quick, it’s best to have some powder handy to stop the bleeding.
Bath
Rinse the dog completely, and then use a clarifying shampoo. Do not rub with much pressure. Just run your hands with the direction of the hair to clean any dirt or debris.
Depending on the level of dirtiness, clean one or two times. Next, rinse completely. Then, apply a conditioner.
Rinse well.
Next, brush the teeth with dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush.
Finally, clean the ears.
Dry
Use a towel to dry very gently. Don’t rub at all.
Blow dry with a force dryer in the direction of the hair growth. Use a pin brush as you dry.
Groom
Importantly, perform a trim on the sanitary areas. If the pet-parent has requested a specific trim, complete the style as requested.
Styles For a Bearded Collie Mix
Some pet-parents prefer the coat au natural, but there are some styles available. The full cut involves minimal trimming, only to keep the coat looking neat and to provide a clear form. Overall, this appearance is achieved using hand scissoring techniques.
The summer style removes about one third of the coat, focusing on the body. Instead, the face, tail and legs are kept longer. Many pet-parents choose to get the summer cut during summertime and let it grow longer during winter.
The puppy cut is intended to make the dog look like an enormous puppy. It is the lowest maintenance cut, with the same length all over. In fact, it would remove about two thirds of the natural coat. Additionally, the puppy cut permits creativity and variety and the pet-parent is free to choose if they would like extra length is specific places. This cut still requires weekly brushing.
Maintenance For Bearded Collie Mix
Above all, this breed should be brushed at least three times every week. Additionally, remember to apply water and conditioner each time prior to beginning.
In any case, baths should happen every 6 to 8 weeks.
Clean sanitary areas daily with a warm washcloth. Also clean the eyes daily to avoid staining.
Finally, it is ideal to brush the teeth regularly and not only during professional grooming.
Bearded Collie Mix
To learn more about the breed and how it is best cared for, as well as other breeds that it might be mixed with, refer to the AKC. If you would like to know more about grooming, then refer to the other posts on this website.
Overall, caring for a bearded collie mix is similar to most other dogs. In truth, they need love, nurturing and consistency.