Bearded Collie: bathing, clipping and coat care

The Bearded Collie has a double coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeMedium
Weight18–27 kg
Height51–56 cm
CoatDouble
SheddingMedium
Bearded Collie
Photo: UniqueAndreas · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 1: Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
OriginUnited Kingdom
Weight18–27 kg
Height51–56 cm
Life expectancy12–14 years

Temperament

Cheerful, active and very sociable, it loves to play. It needs exercise and company.

History

A Scottish herding dog used to drive sheep in the Highlands.

Fun facts

The beard and the fringe over the eyes give it its name (“bearded”).

The Bearded Collie coat

A coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer layer. It sheds a lot, especially during the moult.

A long, harsh coat with a fringe over the eyes and a beard; it tangles a lot and needs frequent brushing.

What we do in the salon

We bathe with a suitable shampoo, remove the dead hair from the undercoat, then dry and brush thoroughly. We do not recommend shaving this type of coat: it protects against cold and heat and may not grow back the same.

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h

How often?

Bathevery 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult)
Cut / upkeepClipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn).

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush 2 to 3 times a week, and every day during the moult.
  2. Use a slicker or undercoat rake, always down to the skin.
  3. Do not shave: the undercoat helps regulate temperature.
  4. Dry the undercoat well after a bath to avoid damp and odour.

Frequently asked questions about the Bearded Collie

Does the Bearded Collie shed a lot?

It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.

How often should I bring my Bearded Collie to the salon?

In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult). Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Can I shave the coat in summer?

We do not recommend it: the undercoat helps regulate temperature and the coat may not grow back the same. It is better to remove dead hair with a bath and brushing.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.