“It has often been said that the coat is the crowning glory of the Sheltie. There is certainly no question that a harsh, dense, double coat that fits the dog and enhances the total picture is definitely a plus quality and a great asset.”
— Tom Coen, “The Correct Sheltie,” featured in the 2025 Sheltie Annual Magazine
A Sheltie’s coat is one of the breed’s most striking features, full, flowing, and unmistakably “Lassie-esque.” It’s also one of the first things that intimidates new owners. The good news is that grooming a Shetland Sheepdog doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right routine and a little consistency, it becomes one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of the breed.
For Sheltie Annual founder Jen Milani, that routine has been second nature for nearly three decades as a breeder, exhibitor, and photographer of the breed. She believes a well-groomed Sheltie is also a wonderful advocate for the breed. Shelties naturally draw attention wherever they go, and a clean, tangle-free coat helps show the public just how special these dogs are.
Here’s what every Sheltie owner should know about the grooming process, along with a few tips that make it easier.
What Does a Sheltie’s Coat Need to Stay Healthy?
The Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat: a long, straight, harsh outer coat and a short, dense, furry undercoat.1 That structure regulates body temperature in both hot and cold weather and helps repel moisture and dirt.2 Because of this, shaving a Sheltie is strongly discouraged. Removing the coat doesn’t cool the dog down the way people expect, and it can leave the skin more vulnerable to sunburn and irritation.3
A consistent routine keeps that coat healthy rather than something to dread. Weekly brushing with a pin brush or slicker removes dead undercoat before it mats,1 and during the breed’s twice-yearly shedding season, brushing more frequently, even daily, helps keep loose hair under control.2 Pay close attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, under the elbows, and the “pants” under the tail.1 Frequent baths aren’t necessary, since Sheltie coats are naturally oily and weather-resistant, but a thorough brush-out beforehand prevents mats from tightening once the coat is wet. Routine trimming is generally limited to the feet, ears, and hocks for a neat appearance; the body coat itself should be left alone, since it’s doing important insulating work.1 Regular nail trims and at-home teeth brushing round out a full routine, and starting both early makes them easier to maintain for life.
How Should You Bathe and Dry a Sheltie’s Coat?
Because Sheltie coats are naturally oily and weather-resistant, frequent bathing isn’t necessary, and bathing too often can actually strip those natural oils and dry out the skin and coat.4 When a bath is needed, rinse out all shampoo thoroughly, then towel off as much water as possible before finishing with a blow dryer set to a warm, gentle setting, held about a foot away from the skin, until the coat is completely dry.5 Getting the coat dry all the way down to the skin matters, since a damp double coat left to air dry can trap moisture against the skin and contribute to matting or irritation.
How Can You Make Grooming Sessions Easier?
Start young. Puppies introduced to gentle brushing, ear checks, and paw handling from day one learn that grooming is a normal, low-stress part of life.2 Training a Sheltie to lie down and roll to each side makes line brushing through the full coat far more efficient. Brushing in small sections down to the skin, rather than just over the top, is the only way to catch mats before they set in. A long-tined, pliable slicker or pin brush works best for reaching the undercoat without damaging the topcoat, and keeping sessions short, calm, and positive helps a Sheltie enjoy grooming rather than dread it.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Grooming Beyond Appearance?
A regular brushing routine gives owners a chance to check for skin irritation, parasites, lumps, or other early signs of health issues, and it strengthens the bond between dog and owner. Many Shelties genuinely come to enjoy their grooming sessions once it’s part of a familiar routine. As Jen has noted, a well-groomed Sheltie also makes a lasting impression, often drawing people to the breed for the first time.
How Does Sheltie Annual Celebrate This Coat?
That signature coat is exactly why it’s been the centerpiece of the Sheltie Calendar for more than 40 years, featuring 12 full-color images of beautifully groomed Shelties each year alongside breed reference material. For owners who want to go deeper, the Annual Magazine covers breed-specific health and grooming guidance, training methods, and Shetland Sheepdog history in every glossy issue. Tom’s full article, “The Correct Sheltie,” can be found in the 2025 issue. A few copies are still available, don’t miss your chance to grab one!
Whether you’re brushing out your first Sheltie puppy or maintaining a show coat, understanding the process behind that famous coat is part of what makes owning a Sheltie so rewarding.
Sources
1 American Kennel Club: Shetland Sheepdog
2 American Kennel Club: How to Groom a Double-Coated Dog
3 American Kennel Club: Double-Coated Dog Breeds
4 American Kennel Club: How Should You Groom a Double-Coated Dog? What to Know
