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Australian Shepherds are stunning dogs, with merle patterns, feathered legs and a flowing mane. That coat comes with work. Aussies have a medium-length double coat that sheds steadily, blows seasonally and mats in a few predictable places if you let it. The good news is that a solid weekly routine, the right three tools and a professional tidy-up a few times a year keep an Aussie looking great. Here is how.
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The Aussie Coat
An Aussie’s outer coat is medium length and can be straight or wavy, weather-resistant and moderately coarse. Beneath it lies a soft undercoat whose thickness depends on climate. The coat is shorter and smoother on the head, the outside of the ears, the front of the forelegs and below the hocks. The back of the forelegs and the “britches” on the hindquarters carry moderate feathering, and males in particular grow a noticeable mane and frill around the neck and chest.
Shedding pattern
Aussies shed moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal blows, generally spring and autumn. Intact females may also drop coat after a heat cycle. During a blow, the undercoat comes out in soft tufts that float across floors like tumbleweeds.
Where Aussies Mat
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- Behind the ears: the fine, soft hair here tangles fastest.
- The britches: dense feathering on the back of the thighs collects burrs and felts.
- Under the collar and armpits: friction from harnesses and movement.
- Tail base on dogs with natural tails, and the sanitary area.
Brushing Routine
Plan on two or three thorough sessions a week, 15 to 20 minutes each, and daily sessions during a blow.
- Start with a pin brush over the whole body to remove surface debris.
- Use an undercoat rake on the thick areas: neck, mane, back, britches.
- Line-brush the feathering with a slicker brush, lifting sections so you reach the skin.
- Finish with a metal comb behind the ears and through the britches. If the comb catches, you have found a tangle to work out before it becomes a mat.
| Tool | Main use on an Aussie | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Pin brush | General body brushing, long outer coat | Every session |
| Undercoat rake | Removing loose undercoat from mane, back, britches | 2-3x per week; daily in a blow |
| Slicker brush | Feathering on legs, tail, chest | 2-3x per week |
| Metal comb | Checking behind ears and britches for knots | Every session |
| Thinning shears | Tidying feet, hocks and around ears | Every 6-8 weeks |
Trimming Without Shaving
Aussies should not be shaved. Their double coat protects from heat, cold and sun, and shaved coats can regrow unevenly. A tidy trim is a different story and makes life easier:
- Trim the hair between paw pads flush with the pads for traction and less mud.
- Neaten the feet into a rounded shape.
- Tidy the hocks and any straggly feathering.
- Keep the sanitary area short for hygiene.
Bathing and Drying
Most Aussies need a bath every six to eight weeks, plus one at the start of a blow. Brush out tangles before bathing, as water tightens mats. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, especially the dense mane and britches. A high-velocity dryer removes loose undercoat dramatically faster than towels alone.
Merle Dogs and Sun
Merle and white-trimmed Aussies can have pink skin on the nose and around the eyes, which burns easily. Provide shade on long summer outings, and ask your vet about pet-safe sun protection for exposed areas.
Nails, Ears, Teeth
Trim nails every three to four weeks, including dewclaws. Aussie ears are semi-erect with folded tips; check weekly for debris and redness. Brush teeth several times a week.
Professional Grooming Costs
In the US, a full Aussie groom with bath, blow-out, deshed and tidy trim typically costs $75 to $130. Heavily matted coats or large males in full blow can cost more, and dematting is often billed by time. Many owners book three or four professional sessions a year and maintain at home between them.
FAQ
How much do Australian Shepherds shed?
Moderately every day and heavily during spring and autumn blows. Expect to brush at least two or three times a week to keep hair manageable.
Can I use a deshedding blade on my Aussie?
Occasionally and lightly. Overuse can cut and thin the guard hairs. An undercoat rake is the safer primary tool for this coat.
Bottom Line
An Australian Shepherd’s coat needs two or three thorough brushing sessions a week, daily brushing during blows, special attention behind the ears and in the britches, and tidy trims of feet and hocks. Never shave, dry the coat fully after baths and protect pink skin from sun. With that routine, the coat stays beautiful and the tumbleweeds stay manageable.
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