Australian Shepherd Coat Care: Brushing and Shedding
The Australian shepherd carries a medium-length double coat: a guard coat and a dense undercoat that insulates against both heat and cold. Without regular care, this undercoat forms clumps and mats, especially on the britches, behind the ears and under the armpits. A well-kept coat plays a direct role in the dog's thermoregulation, as research on the insulating function of canine hair points out (research on Google Scholar). Our grooming benchmarks are in the dog care and grooming section.
Regular brushing all year round
Plan two to three brushings a week under normal conditions, to air the coat, remove dead hair and prevent mats. Work strand by strand down to the skin, not just the surface. Choosing the right tools makes all the difference, as our guide to choosing a brush by coat type explains.
Managing the two yearly moults
Like other double-coated dogs, the Australian shepherd sheds heavily in spring and autumn: the undercoat then comes out in clumps. During these periods, brush almost daily with a comb and a suitable slicker to clear the dead undercoat. The logic is the same as for other breeds, detailed in our guide to husky coat care.
Never shave a double coat
Shaving an Australian shepherd to "keep it cooler" is a mistake: you destroy the coat's insulating function and expose the skin to sunburn, without reducing the heat it feels. Always prefer to detangle and thin the undercoat. This principle is developed in our guide to whether to shave a double-coated dog.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you brush an Australian shepherd?
Two to three times a week for routine care, and almost daily during the spring and autumn moults.
Should you bathe it often?
No: a few baths a year are enough. Overly frequent baths dry out the skin and coat. Brushing comes first.
What tools for its undercoat?
A metal comb, a slicker and a gentle de-shedding tool, without an aggressive blade. See the Australian shepherd profile and the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.