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Border Collie Fur

19 17:06:07

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 month old Border Collie, when will her fur grown longer?
Jessica

ANSWER: Hi Jessica,
Your puppy will be going through the stage "blowing of the coat". The exact time this will happen will depend upon things like the dog food your pup is getting (does the food have the omega fatty acids and nutrients necessary to promote healthy skin and hair growth), the temperature, genetics (your pups family history) as some dogs may normally go through the "blowing " process sooner than others due to family traits and overall health of the pup.
Puppies grow/shed their puppy coat from ages 4 months to 1 year, it depends on the puppy. They lose puppy hairs as the new hairs grow, and that can start at about 4 months, but the "blowing of coat" that most pet owners talk about comes at around 8 or 9 months when it builds up so much, and then there's a lot of matting and regular brushing everyday is needed.
Thanks for your question Jessica.  If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.

Here is a great website that will help you with your puppy:   http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/misc.htm#ezines



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick response.  My border collie pup's fur is short and somewhat thin now.  
I have seen pics on the Internet; while most border collies' have longer fur, I have seen a few with short fur.  Since my pup's fur is short now, do you think it will continue to be short??  (I really like the longer fur).
Either way, she is beautiful, I just wanted to know what you think.
Jessica

Answer
Are you sure the pup is exactly 3 months old.  The fur will probably grow quite differently once the pup goes from puppy fur to adult fur.  Believe me, you will know it when your pup does a full coat blowing (shedding).  The length of coat can be best guessed from looking at the coat length of both parents of your pup.  If that is not possible, then you can help your pups skin and coat by daily brushing, exercise, and seeing that your pup has the proper nutrients to promote healthy skin and coat growth.
This webpage will give you some good information about dog nutrition: http://www.dogomania.com/category/Care/.  

Another thing to look at would be the health and worming of the pup.  If the body has to fight off internal parasites (worms) then things like the skin and coat will begin to look dry, brittle, and thin.  So if your pup is going for its series of puppy shots, you can ask the vet the same question you asked me.  Actually seeing the pup, your vet will be able to tell whether it is time to worm the pup, if the pup needs a change of food or just added nutrients, etc. I know you will love your pup just the way she is!  Enjoy watching your "baby" grow!

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