How to groom a Border Terrier
Complete step-by-step grooming guide for double coat care
Understanding your Border Terrier's double coat
- Seasonal blowout
- Undercoat management
- Heavy shedding periods
Essential Grooming Tools for double Coats
Undercoat rake
EssentialRemove loose undercoat
Slicker brush
EssentialRegular brushing
Deshedding tool
EssentialManage shedding season
Pin brush
RecommendedTop coat maintenance
Shedding blade
RecommendedRemove loose hair efficiently
High-velocity dryer
OptionalBlow out undercoat after bath
Nail clippers or grinder
EssentialRegular nail maintenance
Dog shampoo
EssentialBathing and cleaning
Dog conditioner
RecommendedKeep coat healthy and shiny
Ear cleaner
EssentialPrevent ear infections
Toothbrush and toothpaste
EssentialDental hygiene
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide
Start with undercoat rake
Use an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat, working in the direction of hair growth. Be gentle to avoid irritating skin.
Slicker brush the topcoat
Switch to a slicker brush to groom the topcoat, removing any remaining loose hair and debris.
Use deshedding tool
During heavy shedding seasons, use a deshedding tool to remove significant amounts of loose undercoat.
Final pass with pin brush
Finish with a pin brush to smooth the topcoat and check for any missed areas.
Bathing Your Border Terrier
Recommended frequency: Every 6-8 weeks
Make sure the undercoat dries all the way to the skin after a bath. Damp undercoat traps moisture and can cause hot spots and skin infections. A high-velocity dryer is the quickest way to get there.
Pre-bath brush
Always brush thoroughly before bathing to remove mats and loose hair. Water will tighten mats and make them impossible to remove.
Wet thoroughly
Use lukewarm water and wet your dog completely, starting from the neck down. Ensure water reaches the skin, especially for thick coats.
Apply shampoo
Dilute shampoo with water if needed. Lather from neck to tail, avoiding eyes and ears. Focus on dirty areas like paws and underbelly.
Rinse completely
Rinse until water runs clear with no suds. Leftover shampoo can cause skin irritation. For thick coats, this takes longer than you think!
Condition if needed
For longer or dry coats, apply conditioner and leave for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Helps prevent tangles and keeps coat healthy.
Dry properly
Towel dry first, then air dry or use a dog-safe blow dryer on low heat. For double coats, ensure undercoat dries completely to prevent hot spots.
Nail & Ear Care
Nail Trimming
Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks, or when you hear clicking on hard floors
Look for the quick, the pink area inside the nail. For dark nails, trim small amounts at a time to avoid hitting it.
Hold paw firmly but gently. Trim nails at a 45-degree angle, cutting parallel to the floor when the dog is standing.
Cut small amounts at a time. If you see a dark dot in the center of the nail, stop because you are near the quick.
Use a nail file or grinder to smooth sharp edges. This prevents scratching and makes nails less likely to snag.
Ear Cleaning
Frequency: Weekly inspection, clean as needed (typically every 1-2 weeks)
Check ears weekly for redness, odor, discharge, or excessive wax. Healthy ears should be pink and clean.
Fill ear canal with dog-safe ear cleaner. Massage base of ear for 30 seconds to break up debris.
Let your dog shake their head to bring debris to the outer ear. This is normal and helps the cleaning process.
Use cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe visible parts of the ear. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
Watch for: Floppy-eared breeds need more frequent cleaning due to reduced air circulation. Red, swollen ears or foul odor require vet attention.
Seasonal Grooming Calendar
Spring
Shedding season
- Increase brushing frequency to manage heavy shedding
- Consider professional deshedding treatment
- Bathe more frequently to remove loose undercoat
- Check for seasonal allergies and skin irritation
Summer
Heat and protection
- Trim long coats for comfort, but never shave double coats
- Check and protect paw pads from hot pavement
- Bathe regularly to prevent skin issues from swimming
- Increase ear cleaning if swimming frequently
Fall
Second shedding season
- Another heavy shedding period: brush daily
- Build winter coat with proper nutrition
- Deep clean coat before winter months
- Stock up on grooming supplies before winter
Winter
Moisture and protection
- Combat dry skin with moisturizing shampoos
- Protect paw pads from ice, salt, and chemicals
- Reduce bathing frequency to every 8-10 weeks
- Keep coat longer for natural insulation
Common Grooming Problems & Solutions
Matted fur
Symptoms
- Clumps of tangled hair
- Hair that will not brush through
- Skin irritation underneath
Causes
- Infrequent brushing
- Bathing without pre-brushing
- Neglecting high-friction areas
Solutions
- For small mats: work through with a mat splitter and detangling spray
- For large mats: professional shaving may be needed to prevent skin damage
- Never cut mats with scissors because there is a high risk of cutting skin
- Apply coconut oil and work through gently over several sessions
Prevention:Brush before bathing, focus on friction areas such as armpits, behind ears, and belly, and use detangling spray
Excessive shedding
Symptoms
- Hair everywhere in the house
- More hair loss than usual
- Thinning coat
Causes
- Seasonal changes
- Poor nutrition
- Stress or health issues
- Inadequate grooming
Solutions
- Increase brushing frequency to 5-7 times per week
- Use a deshedding tool during peak seasons
- Add omega-3 fatty acids to the diet
- Professional deshedding treatment can remove up to 80% of loose hair
- If shedding suddenly increases, consult a vet to rule out health issues
Prevention:Consistent brushing routine, high-quality diet, and regular bathing to remove loose hair
Dry, flaky skin
Symptoms
- White flakes in coat
- Itchy, scratching behavior
- Dull, brittle coat
Causes
- Low humidity
- Over-bathing
- Poor diet
- Allergies or skin conditions
Solutions
- Reduce bathing frequency to every 6-8 weeks minimum
- Switch to moisturizing or oatmeal-based shampoo
- Add an omega-3 supplement or fish oil to food
- Use a humidifier at home during dry months
- Brush more frequently to distribute natural oils
Prevention:Bathe only when necessary, use quality shampoo, and ensure proper nutrition with healthy fats
Smelly coat
Symptoms
- Persistent dog odor
- Smell returns quickly after bath
- Greasy feeling coat
Causes
- Skin infections
- Ear infections
- Dental disease
- Anal gland issues
- Trapped moisture in coat
Solutions
- Rule out medical issues: visit a vet if smell persists
- Ensure thorough drying after baths, especially the undercoat
- Clean ears regularly and check for infection
- Have anal glands expressed if needed
- Use enzyme-based deodorizing shampoo
- Brush regularly to remove dead hair and promote air circulation
Prevention:Regular grooming, proper drying, prompt care for medical issues, and daily cleaning of wrinkles or folds
DIY vs Professional Grooming
Recommendation for Border Terriers: Professional grooming is strongly recommended due to their high-maintenance double coat.
DIY grooming at home
- Saves money over time
- Strengthens bond with your dog
- Convenient schedule
- Control over products used
- Initial investment in tools
- Learning curve required
- Time-consuming
- Limited skills for complex cuts
- Short-coated breeds
- Dogs with simple grooming needs
- Regular maintenance between pro visits
- Budget-conscious owners willing to learn
Professional grooming
- Expert breed-specific cuts
- Proper equipment and technique
- Handles difficult dogs safely
- Full service: bath, trim, nails, ears, and glands
- Expensive: $50-150+ per visit
- Requires appointment scheduling
- May be stressful for some dogs
- Less frequent means less bonding time
- High-maintenance breeds
- Dogs requiring special cuts
- Difficult or anxious dogs
- Owners without time or interest