Are Bearded Collies hypoallergenic?

No. Their heavier shedding and dense double coat make them one of the less suitable breeds for anyone with allergies, since they shed real volumes of hair and dander, particularly during seasonal coat changes.

How often should I brush a Bearded Collie?

Most days is genuinely realistic for this breed, or at minimum several times a week, to stop the undercoat matting beneath the longer top coat. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing makes a real difference to how much fur ends up around the house.

Do Bearded Collies need clipping?

Most owners keep the coat long and brushed rather than clipped short, since clipping changes the coat's texture and doesn't suit the breed's traditional look. A professional groomer can advise on trimming feet, ears and any problem mats without a full clip.

Why does my Bearded Collie shed so much more in spring?

This is the seasonal undercoat shedding, sometimes called blowing coat, when the dog clears out a large amount of old undercoat as daylight and temperature change. Increasing brushing frequency during this period helps manage it.

Do Bearded Collies shed?

Yes, Bearded Collies shed a genuinely noticeable amount. They carry a long, double coat with a dense undercoat, and that undercoat sheds fairly steadily year-round with heavier bursts in spring and autumn, so this isn't a low-maintenance breed when it comes to loose fur.

Why the coat sheds the way it does

The double coat, a coarse, long outer layer over a softer, denser undercoat, is built for weather protection rather than for looking after itself. That undercoat is what drives the heavier seasonal shedding, when a Bearded Collie effectively clears out a large amount of old undercoat over a couple of weeks as the seasons change.

Outside of those seasonal peaks, there's still a steady lower level of shedding going on, more than you'd see from a single-coated breed, simply because there's more hair in total and more of it being replaced continuously.

What this means for grooming

Regular, thorough brushing, ideally most days rather than once a week, is what keeps a Bearded Collie's coat from matting under the surface, since a coat this long and dense can look fine on top while tangling badly underneath if it's neglected.

During the heavier seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing helps remove the loose undercoat before it ends up around the house, and can genuinely make the whole process quicker and less messy than letting it shed out on its own.

Managing the shedding well

A slicker brush or undercoat rake, used properly and regularly, does more for a Bearded Collie's coat than an occasional deep groom ever will. Working through the coat in layers, right down to the skin, is what actually gets the loose undercoat out rather than just tidying the surface.

Bathing occasionally, and drying the coat thoroughly afterwards, also helps loosen dead undercoat, though a coat this dense takes real time to dry properly, which is worth planning for rather than rushing.

Who this breed suits

A Bearded Collie suits an owner genuinely willing to commit to frequent brushing as part of the routine, not an occasional chore. It's not the right choice for someone hoping for a low-shedding dog simply because the coat is long rather than short.

For the right owner, that grooming time is often part of the appeal, and a well-maintained Beardie coat is a genuine point of pride. For anyone expecting a wash-and-go dog, it's worth being realistic about the time this breed actually needs, both for the coat itself and for the hair that ends up on floors, furniture and clothing in between grooming sessions.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Microfibre Pet Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.

From£10.99

Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.

From£13.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

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Common questions

Are Bearded Collies hypoallergenic?: No. Their heavier shedding and dense double coat make them one of the less suitable breeds for anyone with allergies, since they shed real volumes of hair and dander, particularly during seasonal coat changes.
How often should I brush a Bearded Collie?: Most days is genuinely realistic for this breed, or at minimum several times a week, to stop the undercoat matting beneath the longer top coat. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing makes a real difference to how much fur ends up around the house.
Do Bearded Collies need clipping?: Most owners keep the coat long and brushed rather than clipped short, since clipping changes the coat's texture and doesn't suit the breed's traditional look. A professional groomer can advise on trimming feet, ears and any problem mats without a full clip.
Why does my Bearded Collie shed so much more in spring?: This is the seasonal undercoat shedding, sometimes called blowing coat, when the dog clears out a large amount of old undercoat as daylight and temperature change. Increasing brushing frequency during this period helps manage it.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.