Sheltie Hair

Question
We had our sheltie (6 years old male) shaved this summer,
and it seems a if his hair is having a hard time growing back. He looks much like he did when he was a pup getting his first coat. What can I do to help his hair grow?

Answer
Hi Shanalda,

It takes until a Sheltie is 2 years old for the fur to grow out.  When you shave them be prepared for it to take a long time to grow back.  This is one of many reasons why I don't recommend shaving Shelties.

I can definitely see a need to shave if your Sheltie has super fine fur that is prone to matting and you cannot brush it daily to keep dangerous matting out (I have seen dogs with mats so tight that the skin is ripped open, so dangerous is a very real description).  Even then I do not advise a short coat shearing rather a trim of the problem zones like the hindquarters.

Be patient.  I hope this advice and experience help you for next year.

Dave