The Border Collie
A Shepherd's Choice
Wonderfully smart, eager to work and a handsome
fellow as well, the Border Collie is not only a willing and able
worker, he cuts a fabulous figure in the show ring. The envy of
those of us who have obstinate and wilful breeds, the Border Collie
always appears to be easy to work with and almost an extension of
his handler. Not only mans best friend, this valuable assistant
to the flock is a great all round dog for obedience, agility, etc
and the conformation ring.
The trick to it all is to be able to separate the
duties and needs for this breed and ensure that the necessary
approach is taken to his presentation for all events. Just as one
works hard with training for fly ball, agility and obedience, one
needs to learn to groom and present for the show ring.
The standard calls for a weather resistant, double
coated breed with an abundant coat to form a mane, breeches and
brush. The AKC standard allows some trimming on the feet, hocks and
pasterns and mentions the short and rough coated varieties. The
texture is medium topcoat with a soft undercoat.
The Border Collie has various stages with his coat
due to seasonal shedding and care must be exercised to ascertain at
which stage the coat is in order to manage the best outcome.
Starting with the full coat stage, the main aim is for shine,
condition and prevention of sunburn and dehydration. I recommend the
Plush
Puppy All Purpose Shampoo which I call the shine shampoo at a
ration of 5:1 (i.e. 5 parts water to one part shampoo). Only use a
conditioner if the coat is too full and needs some flattening. I
prefer to lightly oil this coat with the Plush
Puppy Seabreeze Oil used at a ratio of 1 Tbspn to 1 gal/4litres
water. Sluice thoroughly through the coat to the skin and leave in -
do not rinse. This gives that extra sheen and keeps the coat from
getting brittle. It also helps to keep the featherings from
tangling. This is after all, an outdoors dog who is a busy fellow.
For sunburn prevention, use the Plush
Puppy Sunshade cream. Just a light amount onto the hand and
spread over the topline every couple of days. When the coat is
starting to get that look that tells you it is thinking about
shedding, switch to the Plush
Puppy Conditioning Shampoo used also at 5:1. When out of coat
and you need more oomph, use the Plush
Puppy Body Building Shampoo at the same ratio. You can use some Plush
Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner when the coat is about to shed as
the coat sometimes can appear boofy and bulky at this point. Still
continue to use the oil.
For that pearly white effect or to minimise unwanted
warm tones to the coat, use the Plush
Puppy Whitening Shampoo which does not bleach or lighten but
tones any reddening or rusty tinges plus giving that lovely pearl
white to the whites. This is effective on all colors of Border
Collies though I prefer to use the Plush
Puppy Deep Cleansing Shampoo on the white areas of any of the
red dogs as I dislike a pearl white finish with a warm colored/red
dog, preferring the creamy white look instead.
For show day grooming, this dog ought to be blow
dried. I blow dry any time I bath a dog as it rids the coat of
unwanted loose hair and keeps the coat rolling over and in good
shape for a nice outline. There are various things one can do at
this point to ensure a great coat presentation. If the coat is too
skimpy, use Plush
Puppy Volumising Cream at a mix of 1 tbspn to 1 cup of water in
a water spray - the Plush
Puppy Spray Bottle has measurements on the side. Spray
thoroughly through the coat Plush
Puppy Blow Dry Cream at the same mix to reduce bulk or soften
and flatten if needed, especially when the coat is old and dry.
For the featherings,furnishings, wavy areas that may
look better smoother, use the Plush
Puppy Swishy Coat varying your mix according to the texture of
the coat as this can vary but a good starting base is 1 tbspn to 3
-4 cups of water. Work well through the areas that are to be
smoothed and if on the topline, blow dry against the growth with an
oval pin cushion brush till > dry and then switch to an oval =
bristle = plastic cushion brush (without knobs) such as the Plush
Puppy Porcupine Brush this will smooth and straighten. For the
featherings, use the pin brush again till > dry and switch to the
Porcupine Brush till smooth and dry. Now you have the basic shape
ready for final titivating and brushing on show day.
To give depth to the whites and diminish any stains,
use Plush
Puppy Coverup Cream dabbed lightly onto a barely damp or dry
piece of sponge. Lightly rub through the areas needed, adding more
layers till desired effect is achieved and add a brush full of chalk
to dry. Leave and then brush through.
To get extra lift to the mane in order to frame the
head, use the Plush
Puppy Quick Fix which has a light hold factor from the milk fats
in the formula. Brush forwards and spray allowing the spray to dry.
Now if you prefer a lighter feel to the spray, dilute it. Give the
coat a light blow dry if possible to access power and you should
have by now a great shape happening. Try to avoid using a bristle
brush on show day tin order to minimise static in the coat but if
one of those, hot and windy days, use a light touch of Plush
Puppy Coat Balm onto the featherings. This is non greasy and can
be applied many times throughout the day if needed. It will kill the
static and keep the fringing hanging neatly.
I like to use a light dusting of Plush
Puppy Pixie Dust onto the oval cushion Porcupine Brush and fluff
through the bib, pants and topline for a subtle sparkle and hints of
glamour. Just work against the growth of the coat to allow the
powder to settle below the surface and leave the shimmer on top.
Great on blacks too!
Finish with a spritz of Plush
Puppy Odour Muncher for that wonderful fragrance to the coat and
a good all over spray of Plush
Puppy Shine & Comb for final glam finish. Keep the pin
cushion brush handy for neatening the fringings and fluffing up the
mane etc and get out in that ring and show the rest of them how good
a Border Collie can look. This breed does need lots of attention to
his coat but frankly, on the other hand, you do get it easy with a
dog that is easy to train. Nothing worthwhile is easy and I just
love the beautiful outline this dog has when he moves with his
stealth like gait and looks a million dollars! It just takes a bit
of effort and knowledge and one you have that, you can do anything.
Go for it!
CHERYL LECOURT
