Shetland Sheepdogs, better known as Shelties, look like a miniature Collie and pack a huge amount of coat into a small, apartment-friendly body. They are smart, sensitive, and devoted, and they shed a lot more than most people expect. If your Brooklyn apartment is covered in fluffy tufts this fall, you are not alone. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a Sheltie groomer’s bath starts at $68. This guide covers the Sheltie coat, shedding seasons, brushing, why you should not shave a Sheltie, and what to expect at the groomer.
Understanding the Sheltie Coat
A Sheltie has a true double coat. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh, and it sheds water and dirt. Underneath is a short, very dense, soft undercoat that insulates the dog against cold and heat. The breed was developed in the Shetland Islands, where weather is wet and windy, and the coat still reflects that.
The heaviest coat is in the mane and frill around the neck and chest, the “pants” on the back of the hind legs, and the full tail. The hair behind the ears is extremely fine and soft, and it is the number one place Shelties mat.
Do Shelties Shed a Lot?
Yes. Shelties shed steadily all year, and then “blow” their undercoat once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall. During a coat blow, the undercoat comes out in large clumps over a few weeks. Unspayed females often have an additional heavy shed linked to their heat cycle, and many dogs shed heavily after having puppies.
Quick answer: Shelties are heavy seasonal shedders. Brushing at least once or twice a week, and daily during a coat blow, plus a professional bath and blow-out during peak shedding, keeps the hair under control.
How to Brush a Sheltie
The key to brushing a Sheltie is getting through the undercoat, not just smoothing the top. A quick surface brush can leave the outer coat looking fine while the undercoat packs down and mats underneath.
Tools You Need
- Pin brush for the long outer coat.
- Slicker brush for the pants, feathering, and behind the ears.
- Undercoat rake to lift loose undercoat, especially during shedding season.
- Metal comb to check your work and handle the fine hair behind the ears.
- Spray bottle with water or a light conditioning spray. Brushing a completely dry coat can break the hair.
Not sure which brushes to buy? Our guide to the best pet brushes for every coat type explains what each tool does.
Line Brushing, Step by Step
- Lightly mist a section of the coat.
- Hold the hair up with one hand so you can see a line of skin.
- Brush the hair below that line down and out, from the skin to the tips.
- Move the line up a little and repeat until you have covered the whole section.
- Finish by combing behind the ears, under the front legs, through the pants, and along the tail.
Brush once or twice a week most of the year, and every day during a coat blow. A full line brush on a Sheltie can take 20 to 30 minutes, so many owners split it across a few evenings.
Why You Should Not Shave a Sheltie
When the apartment is full of hair, shaving can feel like the obvious fix. It is not. A Sheltie’s double coat helps regulate body temperature in both summer and winter and protects the skin from sunburn and insects. Shaving it:
- Does not stop shedding. The dog still sheds, just shorter hairs.
- Can cause the coat to grow back patchy, fuzzy, or uneven, and in some dogs the guard hairs are slow to return.
- Removes the coat’s protection against heat and sun.
The better approach is to remove the loose undercoat and tidy the outline. Neat trims of the feet, hocks, ears, and sanitary area keep a Sheltie clean and comfortable without damaging the coat. Our Corgi grooming guide covers shaving myths for another double-coated herding breed.
Bathing and Drying a Sheltie
Most Shelties need a bath every four to eight weeks. Brush thoroughly before the bath, because water tightens any tangles. Use a dog shampoo and conditioner, and rinse until the water runs completely clear. Leftover product in a thick coat can irritate the skin.
Drying is the hard part. A Sheltie’s undercoat holds water for a long time, and a damp undercoat can lead to hot spots and a musty smell. Towels and a home hair dryer rarely get all the way to the skin. This is where professional grooming helps most. A high-velocity dryer pushes water and loose undercoat out together, which is why a bath and blow-out at the groomer removes so much more hair than a bath at home.
Ears, Feet, Nails, and Teeth
Ears: Comb behind the ears every few days. The fine hair there mats very quickly. Check inside the ears weekly for redness, odor, or wax.
Feet: Trim the hair between the pads and around the edge of the foot for a neat, tight look. It also keeps ice, road salt, and fall leaves from collecting during Brooklyn winters and autumn walks.
Nails: Trim every three to four weeks. Do not forget the dewclaws, which never touch the ground.
Teeth: Small herding breeds are prone to tartar. Regular tooth brushing at home helps between vet cleanings.
Sheltie Shedding in a Brooklyn Apartment
Steam heat in winter, air conditioning in summer, and limited outdoor time can make shedding seasons feel unpredictable in the city. A few habits help:
- Brush on a balcony, stoop, or in the bathroom to keep hair contained.
- Run a vacuum or lint roller on furniture a few times a week during a coat blow.
- Book a professional bath and blow-out at the start of a heavy shed, not after weeks of hair build-up.
- Keep up with brushing in winter. Dry indoor heat can make the coat static and more prone to tangles.
During peak shedding, a professional de-shedding treatment can be added to a bath to lift out loose undercoat with special shampoo, high-velocity drying, and undercoat raking.
When to See a Professional Groomer
Book a professional appointment when:
- Your Sheltie is blowing coat and hair is coming out in clumps.
- You feel thick, packed-down undercoat or mats behind the ears or in the pants.
- The coat smells musty or the skin looks red or irritated.
- The feet look shaggy or nails are clicking on the floor.
- You want a full bath and blow-out you cannot do at home.
Shelties are sensitive dogs, and many are nervous about loud noises. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, our salon is cage-free, and if a dog does not like the blow dryer, we keep it at a distance so the visit stays calm. Most Shelties do well with a professional bath every six to eight weeks, and more often during shedding season.
Sheltie Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
These are Brooklyn Pet Spa starting prices from our dog grooming breed rates page. Final pricing depends on size, coat condition, matting, and temperament.
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Groomer’s bath | $68+ |
| Wash N Go | $53+ |
If you would like a tidy trim of the feet, ears, and pants, or a de-shedding add-on, mention it when you book and we will confirm pricing for your dog’s coat. A grooming visit typically takes 2 to 4 hours, because thorough drying of a double coat takes time.
At-Home Sheltie Grooming Checklist
- Line brush once or twice a week, and daily during a coat blow.
- Use an undercoat rake during shedding season.
- Comb behind the ears every few days.
- Dry the coat fully after baths and rainy walks.
- Never shave the coat. Trim feet, hocks, and sanitary area instead.
- Book a professional bath and blow-out every six to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Sheltie?
Once or twice a week most of the year, and every day when your Sheltie is blowing coat in spring or fall.
Should I shave my Sheltie in summer?
No. The double coat helps regulate temperature and protects the skin. Shaving does not stop shedding and can damage how the coat grows back.
Why does my Sheltie mat behind the ears?
The hair behind the ears is very fine and soft, and it rubs against the collar and the dog’s own scratching. Combing that area every few days prevents most mats.
How often does a Sheltie need a professional groom?
Every six to eight weeks for most dogs, and more often during heavy shedding seasons.
Do Shelties need haircuts?
Not full haircuts. Shelties are kept in a natural coat with neat trims of the feet, hocks, ears, and sanitary area.
How much does Sheltie grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a Sheltie groomer’s bath starts at $68 and a Wash N Go at $53. Matted coats or add-ons may cost more.
Ready to get the shedding under control? Book a grooming appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa or call us at +1 (718) 768-0293. We have been caring for Brooklyn dogs since 2008.
