11 Best Shampoos for Border Collies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Border Collies are excellent sheepherders and a highly intelligent dog breed known for their high energy, stamina, and gorgeous appearance. The Border Collie’s coat plays a huge part in the breed’s beauty, but it can be a force to be reckoned with.

The breed has two coat types. Border Collies with “rough” coats have medium-length and feathered fur, while those with “smooth” coats have shorter and coarser fur. Both are double-coated, dense, and weather resistant. While Border Collies don’t need baths often, as an owner, you must give it good shampoo every few months.

Finding the right shampoo for your dog can be tough, but we can help. Keep reading to discover our reviews of the best shampoos for your Border Collie’s unique coat.

 

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The 11 Best Dog Shampoos for Border Collies

1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall

Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo has a refreshing, long-lasting aloe and cucumber scent that will make your Border Collie smell like he just came from the groomer! It’s pH-balanced formula will not strip the natural oils from your Collie’s coat and ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and aloe will keep them hydrated and nourished. Both aid in relieving itchy skin and post-bath scratching. Made from all-natural ingredients, this shampoo works particularly well for a Border Collie’s thick coat, and it’s free from soaps, dea, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes.

It comes with an induction seal to prevent messy spills and a disk top cap to allow you to dispense only the amount you need.

This shampoo may be a touch more money than some of its competitors but with the all-natural ingredients, refreshing aloe and cucumber scent, and its ability to soothe and moisturize itchy skin, this product is one of the best pet shampoos on the market.

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2. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey – Budget Buy

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs is available at a very affordable price point, providing the best shampoo for Border Collies for the money. This gentle cleansing formula has colloidal oat flour and honey to help moisturize your Border Collie’s dry skin. The oat flour can address itchiness stemming from skin irritations, while the honey can retain the moisture in your dog’s coat. The formula also contains green tea extract, which is supposed to strengthen the hair follicles and promote healthier coat growth. The formula is pH-balanced to prevent redness and flakiness and is 97% natural. It contains no sulfates or colorants so it’s safe for your Border Collie’s sensitive skin.

The formula does not get sudsy as much as other shampoos, so it feels like you need to use a lot to get your dog clean. It’s on the watery side, and because it doesn’t lather, you don’t know where you have applied to soap.

• Read more: Burt’s Bees Dog Shampoo Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict

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3. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Honeysuckle Shampoo & Conditioner

Skout’s Honor Probiotic Honeysuckle Pet Shampoo & Conditioner is our Premium Choice as it may have a higher price tag. Still, its high-quality formulation makes it more than worth the cost. This 2-in-1 formula is made using avocado oil and conditioning omega-3s to condition your pup’s fur and give it a noticeable and healthy shine. In addition, it can support a healthy microbiome to help defend against common skin issues your Border Collie might face, such as itchiness and dryness. The lovely honeysuckle scent is mild and pleasant, though it doesn’t last as long as one might hope.

This shampoo and conditioner combo doesn’t lather much. Unfortunately, this can lead to product waste as you may accidentally use more shampoo than necessary.

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4. TropiClean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo

When it comes to keeping your Border Collie puppy clean and fresh smelling, you want the best money can buy. The TropiClean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo is a gentle, non-irritating cleanser designed specifically for young pets. The formula contains coconut, oat, and aloe extracts, making your pup’s coat feel silky and soft. The refreshing coconut scent is lovely, but it doesn’t last as long as one might hope. This shampoo provides a soap-free clean, so you don’t have to worry about washing away any topical treatments you may have applied to your pet. It’s free of parabens and dyes but contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which may not make it the best option for Border Collie puppies with extra sensitive skin.

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5. FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo

Your Border Collie’s double coat can make shedding a bit of an inconvenience. If your pup seems to be shedding excessively, you might consider a shampoo to address that issue. The FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo is a great pick as it was designed specifically to reduce shedding. It contains moisturizing omega fatty acids and multiple conditioning agents to help promote healthy skin and coat. The formula is made without parabens, artificial colors, or chemical dyes. It lathers nicely and features OdorCapture 360™ to remove the wet dog smell.

Though a scent is not explicitly stated, the manufacturer says the shampoo has a “light fragrance” due in part to the plant extracts in the ingredient list. The scent does not last long, though it’s not as strong as other options we are reviewing today.

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6. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo

Another great dog shampoo for Border Collies is the Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo. This soap-free formula is made with oatmeal and organic aloe vera to address skin issues your Border Collie may be prone to, such as itchiness, dryness, and allergies. The shampoo will re-moisturize your dog’s coat to heal and soothe the skin while removing any of those strong odors that may accumulate. It has a vanilla and almond scent that most people find subtle and not overpowering. In addition, the formula is 100% biodegradable and free of any parabens or phosphates.

The shampoo has a thin consistency which may mean you need to use more to get your dog entirely clean.

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7. Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

The Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is an all-natural plant-based formula chock full of nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, organic almond oil, and oatmeal. The aloe and almond oil work together to relieve skin issues and address dry skin. It’s formulated with a special vitamin blend to be safe for dogs with sensitive skin. This product is great if your Border Collie is prone to tangles, as it doubles as a detangler. It is free of parabens, sulfates, soaps, and alcohol. If you have other pets in your home, be it cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets, you can also use this shampoo on them.

This product lathers well but has an artificially sweet and slightly overpowering scent.

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8. Nature’s Miracle Natural Shed Control Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Nature’s Miracle Natural Shed Control Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is formulated to control your Border Collie’s shedding. It’s made without any dyes or parabens and is soap-free, so it’s safe to use concurrently with flea and tick products. This 2-in-1 formula combines the benefits of shampooing and conditioning to neutralize odors and cleanse and condition the coat. This is a cocoa surfactant shampoo, so it provides great cleaning power while also ensuring your Border Collie’s coat stays soft and static electricity-free.

The plum hibiscus scent is nice, but it’s not long-lasting. In addition, the formula is runny, so it may take more product than it should to clean the fur thoroughly.

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9. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

The Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 2-in-1 formula is a soap-free product that can leave your Border Collie’s coat silky and shiny. It’s made with natural ingredients like botanical extracts to cleanse and moisturize your dog’s fur and skin. The coconut base and aloe vera work together to nourish the skin and leave coats soft, while wheat protein deodorizes your pup. In addition, the lavender and mint scent provides a soothing bath time experience.

Though this is a 2-in-1 formula, it has more of a conditioner consistency to it. As a result, it’s quite thick, and there isn’t much lather.

• Read more: Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo Review: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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10. Healthy Breeds Border Collie Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe

The Healthy Breeds Border Collie Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe is designed specifically with Border Collies in mind. This product can provide relief for itchy and scaly skin, thanks to its oatmeal and aloe vera formulation. This pH-balanced shampoo is gentle and soap-free. It’s formulated to restore the natural moisture in your Border Collie’s skin and coat. In addition, the hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with topical flea and tick treatments.

The pina colada scent is strong and may be irritating to some dogs and humans with scent sensitivities.

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11. 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo

The 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo is an eco-friendly and non-toxic formula made with sustainably sourced ingredients. The shampoo is made in small batches to ensure high quality. This formula features an essential oil blend to moisturize and clean the skin without removing its natural oils. In addition, it contains lemongrass, an ingredient known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, to provide relief from conditions caused by yeast and bacteria.

The shampoo’s consistency is very thin and can cause tangles to occur. Some people found that it dried out their dog’s skin, so if your Border Collie already has dry skin, we recommend skipping over this one.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Shampoo for Border Collies

If only choosing a shampoo was as easy as picking a nice smelling one off the shelves. Unfortunately, there are many things to consider before you choose a shampoo for your Border Collie, and it goes much deeper than you might think.

Consider Your Dog’s Health Status

Do you need shampoo for your Border Collie specifically to address any coat or health issues? Does your dog have itchy or dry skin? How about allergies? Is your pup a big-time shedder?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you should consider a shampoo that’s been formulated to address those health concerns. Look for ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey, as they’re the best for addressing such issues.

Ingredients to Avoid

We groom our dogs because we want them to look and smell good, but also to address any issues your dog might be facing with its skin and coat. The right shampoo can keep your Border Collie’s skin moisturized and clean and its fur soft and silky. But shampoo made with poor ingredients can do more harm than good.

We always recommend reading the ingredient list on any product you buy for your pet. It’s important to know what is in the products you’re using for your dog, but all those big words can just look like mumbo jumbo.

Here are some ingredients in dog shampoos you should avoid and why.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives often used in dog shampoos because they’re cheap. Unfortunately, they are endocrine disruptors and have adverse effects on all living organisms. Research shows that endocrine-disrupting compounds, like parabens, can interfere with hormones and harm many bodily systems.

Phthalates

Phthalates are sometimes found in plastic to give it the flexibility and durability plastic is known for. They’re often used in dog shampoos to help bond the fragrance to the remaining ingredients. Unfortunately, the Canadian Cancer Society has listed certain phthalates as carcinogenic, so it’s best to avoid any products that contain them. Like parabens, phthalates can be hormone disruptors and cause many health issues.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS)

SLS is a known skin irritant sometimes added to pet shampoos to make them bubbly. However, they’re also great for stripping your dog’s skin and coat of its natural oils, causing irritation, dryness, and itchiness.

Artificial Coloring & Fragrances

Synthetic coloring and fragrances can come from many different ingredients that don’t need to be listed on your dog’s shampoo bottle. These artificial ingredients can cause allergic reactions and may cause itchiness and dry skin for your pup. Opting for shampoos that get their scent from essential oils is best.

Cocamide DEA

This ingredient comes from coconuts, which can be great for your dog’s skin and coat. Unfortunately, cocamide DEA has been chemically altered and can cause skin or eye irritation. Companies sometimes use it in their formulas as they provide a good lather. Some experiments suggest that exposure to these chemicals in high doses can cause liver cancers.

How Often Does My Border Collie Need a Bath?

Your Border Collie will need regular brushing to look its best, but its bathing needs are much less frequent.

Most people find bathing their Border Collie once every two or four months sufficient. If your pup often finds itself a bit of a muddy mess, you can increase the frequency, but try to not overdo it. Too frequent bathing can irritate and dry out its skin.

Most breeds with double coats will take care of their hygiene needs themselves.

 

Conclusion

For the best dog shampoo for Border Collies, the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is our top pick for it’s natural, yet effective ingredient list that leaves your dog’s coat skin hydrated and coat smelling fresh. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is our pick for Border Collie owners on a budget for its fair price and hair follicle-strengthening abilities. Finally, our third pick is the 2-in-1 Skout’s Honor Honeysuckle Shampoo & Conditioner, which provides itch relief while ensuring your pup’s coat stays shiny and healthy.

Hopefully, our reviews have helped you make a more informed buying decision so your Border Collie’s next bath can get your pup clean and address any issues it may have with its coat and skin.

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Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock