Oh, the hair!

Tabitha said:
First of all Beau is so handsome! Can't wait to see more pix as his coat fills out.:biggrin2:

His shedding don't sound unusual other than the age. Most sheltie's don't shed much until they'er about a year old. Now shedding in clumps like you previous shelties does sound unusual. From the sound of things I'm assuming you were a child when you had them? What amount of grooming did they get? I have a friend that has some kind of collie, border collie, or sheltie mix (it's just a heinz 57) that sheds like that. My friend is elderly and dosn't groom the dog, just takes him to the groomer every 6 months to a year. It drives me crazy. Because he doesn't groom him his undercoat comes out in clumps. Because Beau's fur is coming out the way it is shows that you take care of his hygiene.

Just to let you know, I try to groom all my dogs every day or every other day, and even I sometimes get a clump now and then.:o
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Actually shedding in clumps is exactly how my dogs have always shed. They tend to blow coats twice per year, and normally in clumps. In between, they I'll have hair around the place but nothing major that can't be captured with a 2 time per week vacuum.

The dog is still young though, so constant shedding it not uncommon. Once they build up their full coat of guard and undercoat, you are correct that the rest just flies around. Once they reach maturity, I think you will find the shedding will be less, but the dematting will be MORE!!! :gaah
 
To me, when I hear "shedding in clumps" I automatically thing of a tanged mess. So if I misunderstood, I'm sorry.
 
I think there are several things at play here. I think that 8 1/2 months seems a little early for the big shed that typically happens around 1 year. However, it is possible.

The second thing is that I looked at your pictures of Beau--he is very handsome! However, he (at least now) doesn't seem to have the typical sheltie coat. His coat seems a bit smoother. I think these types of coats are more likely to shed like other dogs (labs, etc.) versus the rougher, thicker type. He is still young, though, and he could grow the coat as he ages (sometimes it takes up to 3 years!)
 
Oh, yes by clumps... I mean more like "tufts"? It definitely wasn't tangled, the only place my old Sheltie would tangle was behind his ears.

As for the food, I'm not an expert by far but every single one of the dogs I've had (& there have been a fair few) have been on Performatrin. My old Sheltie lived to almost 16. I only mentioned it because when I was reading comments on a review, one poster mentioned that when they switched to Performatrin their dogs started shedding heavier than normal.

I've definitely noticed that Beau does have more of a smoother coat than your typical Sheltie. He has never been very fluffy, from what I saw of his mother, her coat was more like this (although she had just had a litter, and as far as I know females tend to drop a lot of their coats after giving birth?)
When it's raining and Beau goes outside, I do notice that his hair turns to more of the texture of the hair on his tail and pants area (the rough, wire-y type) and he is much fluffier until he dries off. Also, bathing him, despite his smooth hair the water does just run off and I really have to soak him to get his coat to stay wet and hold the water.

As much as I love him as a puppy, I'm super excited for his coat to mature (even if it takes 3 years :P )
 
First of all, your title had me in stitches!

Your Beau looks a lot like my Kirby! Kirby is on the tall side, he towers over his brothers and sisters. He has a long shelie coat but it is not long and beautiful like I have seen in some of the pictures posted. Kirby also sheds like you mentioned (I have never had a sheltie before now so I figured his shedding was normal).

I bit the bullet and forked out the funds to purchase a furminator and it was the best investment I have made, after his first brushing, I swear I had a new dog, the one I brushed out of him and Kirby himself! He took off with the zoomies and strutted around like he was the most gorgeous dog ever!

I will post pics as soon as I can figure how to...suggestions?

Kelly
 
Kelly, you want to be careful about brushing with the furminator. It can rip and damage the fur badly. I have one but haven't used it since last spring, even then I only used it on very rare occasions. A soft wire slick brush is best for removing undercoat (my favorite is the Chris Christensen).

As for posting pix you can either become a premium member or post a link to other photo sharing sites.:smile2:
 
Thanks for the advice! I only use it about once a month or so or to tackle a random mat. I did seem kind of harsh but it really cut down on the shedding...on the kitties too and they love it (sickos!). I have a comb/brush that has like 8-10 long metal pins and works well then follow up with a slicker brush twice a week.

Kelly
 
shelties&shoes said:
Thanks for the advice! I only use it about once a month or so or to tackle a random mat.
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A tip for those pesky mats. If you can't get them out with the slicker or fulminator without ripping the fur, try thinning shears (40+ teeth). Just cut into the mat to loosen it up then brush it out. It's healthier for the fur and more comfortable for the dogs than ripping it out.:wink2:
 
Thanks! He seems to only get mats behind his right ear....I have a small pair of scissors that I have used but only as a last resort.

Guess I need to visit the pet store and get a few more grooming products for my boys!
 
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