Skip to main content

Don’t have a Roomba? Think twice before adopting an Australian Shepherd

When you think about high-shedding dog breeds, which ones come to mind? Many recall large Northern breeds like Alaskan Malamutes or even smaller fur balls like the Pekingese. Australian Shepherd shedding, though, isn’t nearly as widely understood. Perhaps this feature gets shadowed by their coat’s gorgeous patterns and coloring, or maybe it’s because this breed tends to spend so much time outdoors, leaving fur there instead. Whatever it is, it’s raised many questions about the best way to groom the smart and playful Australian Shepherd.

Before taking to your favorite search engine to find the first answer you see, check out what Australian Shepherd experts had to say. We checked in with animal hospitals and breed organizations to get the dirt on Aussie shedding, and this is what you’ll want to know:

An Australian Shepherd stands outdoors, sniffing at the air
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How bad does an Australian Shepherd shed?

Australian Shepherds are revered for their gorgeous, multicolored coats, but have you ever thought about the downside to all that fur? It’s true — this breed is known for moderate to heavy shedding, and it can be tricky to keep up with during coat-blowing season (via Australian Shepherd Club of America).

The Australian Shepherd’s coat consists of two layers of water-resistant, self-cleaning fur — but don’t be fooled. Even though the natural oils of Aussies’ skin keep their fur slick and clean, you will need to give them regular baths and grooming sessions. State Road Animal Hospital has good news for pet parents of this breed, though: Aussies only need baths every few months, so your job may not be as tricky as it seems.

Do all Australian Shepherds shed?

Because of their thick double-layered coat, all Australian Shepherds will shed. Of course, some individuals will shed more or less than others, but it’s safe to say that where this breed goes, they leave some fur behind.

Like all dogs, they will “blow their coat”, or experience a large amount of shedding, in the spring and summer. This helps them stay cool during the warmer months of the year, but it also means you’ll get a bit of a break from the furry chaos as you head into the fall and winter.

A man combs an Australian Shepherd with a slicker brush
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to manage Australian Shepherd shedding

Even though these dogs lose a lot of hair, there are a few things you can do to keep it under control. The way you groom your Aussie will change a lot about their coat, so here’s where to begin:

Keep up with brushing

Even though Australian Shepherds have self-cleaning coats, you’ll still need to give them a hand with removing dirt and tangles. Luckily, a slicker brush and undercoat rake are all you’ll need to keep your pup’s skin and fur feeling supple and smooth.

When detangling your dog, start by using the slicker brush in the direction of hair growth, working more (but still gently) over any areas that give you resistance (via ASCA). With the undercoat rake, you can then comb through the coat — all the way down to the skin — to ensure there’s no dirt or tangles left behind. The Australian Shepherd Club of America recommends using the undercoat rake by “get[ting] into the coat then comb[ing] slightly outward from the body rather than scraping it across the skin.”

Don’t over-bathe your dog

As we’ve mentioned, the double-layered coat of the Australian Shepherd keeps itself slick and clean with the help of the skin’s natural oils. Aubrey Animal Medical Center recommends not over-bathing your dog — that is, not bathing them more frequently than once every two months or so — unless necessary.

That’s the thing with Aussies; these curious pups might spend playtime out in the dirt! If you’re able to brush out the nasties instead of getting them wet, it may be for the best.

Trim if necessary, but never shave

Though grooming professions usually do not recommend trimming or shaving a dog who sheds, you can use a pair of thinning shears to control an unruly coat. The ASCA suggests using shears with 42 to 46 teeth for the most natural look.

Be sure never to shave your Australian Shepherd (unless medically necessary, of course) to avoid leaving your dog cold and confused. Some pet parents try this as a method to reduce shedding, but the ASCA can confirm that this does not work. They will simply shed sorter hairs!

Now that you know everything you need about Australian Shepherd shedding and coat care, you can apply your newfound wisdom at home. Whether you invest in a new brush or set a new bathing schedule for your buddy, you can pat yourself on the back for taking the next step. Go you!

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Why does my dog have the zoomies? Your pet’s crazy behavior, explained
The zoomies: Why dogs get them and if you should try to stop them
A white dog running

You’re just chilling in your home or backyard with your dog. Suddenly, they book it and start running around in circles. You would think they were trying out for the Kentucky Derby — that’s how fast they’re attempting to move — except they’re not a horse. The problem? You can’t figure out what’s going on or why they’re displaying this behavior. It can feel jolting and alarming for a first-time pet parent or one whose previous dogs never acted this way.

Your dog may have a case of the zoomies. The word sounds silly. However, it’s a real-deal dog behavior. Why do the dog zoomies happen? Should you be concerned? Here’s what to know about this often-seen, little-talked-about doggie phenomenon.
What are the zoomies, and what causes them?
Zoomies is a term used to describe a natural dog behavior that occurs when dogs get a sudden burst of energy. To get that energy out, the dogs dash around in circles (or figure eights) as if they’re doing laps around a racetrack. It’s like the Tasmanian Devil mixed with Allyson Felix.

Read more
Celebrating Easter? Don’t leave out your four-legged family member
Want to include your dog in your Easter celebrations? Here's how
A Doberman, Dalmatian and King Charles spaniel at a Easter egg hunt

It's that time of year again! Springtime is here and Easter is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to begin making plans for your family. We're all familiar with the Easter Bunny, but don't forget about your Easter dogs. Whether you plan on hosting a nice dinner for your loved ones, arranging an Easter egg hunt for neighborhood kids, or spending the day enjoying the warmer weather, don't forget about including your four-legged family members in the celebration. Easter dog activities are a fantastic way to include everyone, and we've gathered some of our favorite inspirational ideas to help you out.

From an Easter basket that your pup can enjoy to cute Easter-themed accessories, you have so many options to explore. Best of all, these options won't take up much of your time, and how much money you choose to spend is entirely up to you. If Easter egg hunts and parties aren't your thing, then there's no need to go all out. The most important aspect of any holiday is spending time with loved ones -- fur babies included.

Read more
Why doesn’t my dog like toys? Disinterest might mean something really bad
Find out what it could mean if your dog loses interest in toys
Dog sleeping near toy

Like humans, dogs are distinct individuals. Whether we're talking about their personality traits, funny habits, or toy preferences, no two dogs are exactly alike. While some dogs love squeaky toys, others might be frightened by the noise they make and prefer to play fetch. Similarly, some pups prefer carrying around stuffed animals, but others play tug of war with their favorite blanket.

Some dogs love their toys so much it can lead to toy aggression. But what happens if your dog doesn't like toys? As it turns out, it could be a sign of a troubling problem. We're here to help you get to the bottom of your dog's disinterest in toys.

Read more