Rough Collie is one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds, mainly thanks to its presence in literature and movies.
Their popularity also has a lot to do with their main distinctive characteristic, a majestic, lush coat.
Nevertheless, a coat this abundant is also a reason of concern for many potential owners.
Even though they don’t have high grooming requirements, they still do shed and need regular attention.
In addition, many Rough Collie owners are worried that their thick and long hair may be an issue during hot summer days and that their dogs could suffer and feel too warm when the temperature is too high.
This is why many of them consider shaving their Collie to ease its troubles. However, this isn’t necessarily a good idea.
Below, you’ll find out can you shave a Rough Collie and whether it can have consequences for a dog’s health and well-being.
So, let’s dive in!
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Can You Shave A Rough Collie?
While it could be tempting as you may think it will help cool off your dog, most experts agree that you shouldn’t shave a Rough Collie.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from still going forward with shaving, but you should be aware that it will likely do more damage than good.
Dogs cool off differently than humans and, while it may be counterintuitive, shaving your dog will make them feel hotter.
Still, there are a few situations when shaving a Rough Collie is recommended.
A dog often needs to be shaved if it suffers from one of the skin diseases or infections. Also, if your dog needs surgery, it’s very likely it’ll have to be shaved in preparation.
Finally, Rough Collies need a shave if they’ve been taken care of and groomed so poorly that the hair is so severely matted and tangled that brushing is not an option anymore.
Why You Shouldn’t Shave A Rough Collie
Shaving Rough Collie is a bad idea for several reasons.
First of all, it will hinder their ability to cool themselves off during hot days. The double coat protects dogs not only from freezing temperatures but also when the weather is very hot.
The air is trapped between two layers of the double coat, providing insulation and cooling dogs off.
So, by shaving them, you’ll deny your dog this natural protection.
Also, the skin of shaved dogs is directly exposed to the sun, especially since the darker shade of the undercoat absorbs extra heat.
This makes them very susceptible to heatstroke and sunburns which can be rather painful and initiate more serious infections.
In more severe cases, sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Finally, there’s a matter of aesthetics. Rough Collies are beautiful dogs and their lush and colorful coat is a big part of their appeal.
Does Rough Collies’ Hair Grow Back?
A part of the reasoning behind shaving a Rough Collie is that whatever happens their hair will grow back.
However, while Collie’s hair does indeed grow back, you may be unpleasantly surprised with how it looks.
When a double-coated dog, such as Rough Collie, is shaved the undercoat hair will start to grow first and it will continue to grow faster than the topcoat.
Because of different growth rates, the undercoat will often overcrowd topcoat hair.
This will change the texture of the dog’s hair and make the once beautiful coat look patchy and unattractive.
It will also, more than likely, become matted and tangled. Hair in this state becomes sticky, almost like Velcro, and all kinds of dirt, debris, plants, and twigs will stick to it.
How Long Does It Take For Rough Collies Hair To Grow Back?
How long you’ll have to wait for your Rough Collie’s hair to become fully grown again mostly depend on an individual dog and its shedding cycle.
Still, it’s very likely that it will take a better part of the year before the hair fully grows back.
After the shave, it takes up to six months for the dog’s hair to reach a decent length and regain its fluffy looks, and probably twice as long before the coat is fully redeveloped.
As most owners who shave their dogs do it before the summer, this means that the hair will probably not grow fully back before winter.
How To Make Your Rough Collies Hair Grow Back Faster
While you can wait for your dog’s hair to grow back naturally, there are a couple of things you can do to speed up the process.
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Introducing foods that are good for hair and skin helps the hair grow faster.
This means that the dog’s diet should include fish oil and foods rich in Vitamin E and Omega fats.
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Also, certain kinds of shampoo are known to encourage hair growth. The oatmeal shampoo helps with bacteria and dirt that often prevent successful hair growth.
Furthermore, you should brush your Rough Collie more frequently while its coat recovers.
This spreads natural oils along their body and removes dead hair and dirt hindering the growth process.
Rough Collie Grooming Needs
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The abundant and long coat of Rough Collies surely looks beautiful but it also requires regular care.
Frequent brushing, at least once a week, is important as their hair does have a tendency to become matted and tangled.
Removing the loose undercoat is important especially in the areas that often get overlooked: under the belly, behind ears, and on the legs.
For tangled areas, it’s best to use a slicker brush, while elsewhere stiff-bristle brush should do the job.
Rough Collies can keep themselves pretty clean, so frequent baths are not necessary.
One bath in a few months is more than enough. Remember to also pay attention to their nails.
Trimming them regularly will save your dog from a lot of discomfort.
Furthermore, brushing their teeth on regular basis will keep them healthy and prevent bad-smelling breath.
Conclusion
The magnificent double coat is what gives Rough Collies their distinctive looks and if possible, it should never be shaved.
Even though you may feel that you’re helping your dog by shaving it, you will actually cause much more problems that way.
Dogs have their own ways of cooling off, different from humans, and the double coat is a big part of it.
If you think that your Rough Collie is having a tough time dealing with heat, you should look at other ways like swimming to helping it cool off.
Regular brushing and clean coat, extra water, and proper air conditioning will help them feel better during hot summer days while staying safe and healthy.
