Australian Shepherd grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Australian Shepherd: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
A thorough brushing once or twice a week keeps the coat in good shape most of the year. Use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, working in layers from the skin outward, and give extra attention to the fluffy areas behind the ears, the trousers on the back legs and the ruff, where mats form first. During the spring and fall coat blow, daily brushing for two or three weeks will save your sofa.
Bathe every six to eight weeks or after a muddy outing, and dry the coat completely, since a damp undercoat can irritate the skin. Trim the hair between the pads so the dog keeps its grip on smooth floors, and check nails every two to three weeks. Shaving an Aussie for summer is not recommended: the double coat helps insulate against heat and sun, and it may grow back patchy.
Australian Shepherd grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 2 to 3 times a week |
| Bathing | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Shedding | Heavy, with seasonal blowouts |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Every 2 weeks |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Medium-length double coat, straight to slightly wavy, with a dense weather-resistant undercoat, feathering on the legs and a mane that is fuller in males.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling