Grooming The Australian Shepherd Dog
Australian Shepherd Grooming Guide
Quick Summary
- The Australian Shepherd has a weather-resistant double coat that needs consistent brushing to stay healthy and functional.
- A clean, brushed-out coat insulates from both heat and cold by allowing airflow through the coat layers.
- Shaving is not a shedding solution for double-coated breeds and can permanently disrupt coat regrowth.
- Best results come from a routine: brush regularly, bathe every 3–4 weeks, and plan professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
Coat
The hair of an Australian Shepherd is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather-resistant, and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of the forelegs, and below the hocks. The backs of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered, with a moderate mane and frill (more pronounced in dogs than in bitches).
Character
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, active dog with an even disposition. He is good-natured, seldom quarrelsome, and may be somewhat reserved on first meeting—then devoted once he knows you.
Recommended Cindra Grooming Products
These are my go-to picks for Australian Shepherd coat structure, manageability, and show- or pet-ready polish:
Common Coat Challenges & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hold up rough (neck/ruff won’t stand) | Apply Sculpting Gel at the base of the neck while line brushing. Mist with diluted Super Coat and work in. Line brush to distribute through the rough, then chalk lightly and brush out. |
| Chalk helper | Use a light touch of Moisture Plus where you need control and clean brushing (not heavy softness). |
| Lacking look of substance (legs look thin) | Comb Sculpting Gel through leg hair, mist lightly with water while combing, then chalk as usual. |
| Detangling / dematting | Apply full-strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 15 minutes. Pull mat gently apart with fingers or a comb (start at the ends and work inward). |
| Dry, damaged coat | Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet coat with warm water, apply Moisture Plus generously, wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. |
| Dingy white coat | Use Cleansing Shampoo on the first lather, wait 5 minutes, then rinse. Follow with Texturizing Shampoo and rinse. |
| Increase undercoat after a shed | Line brush consistently and mist lightly with Maxi Care once the dog is finished shedding to keep coat hydrated and manageable while it refills. |
| Showing on a hot, dry day | Use Maxi Care as your only coat dressing to avoid heaviness. |
| Showing without full undercoat | Use Texturizing Mist diluted 50/50 with water while line brushing for temporary hold during judging. |
| Spot whitening / urine stains | Use a small amount of Cleansing Shampoo full strength, wait 5 minutes, then rinse. |
| Extra volume | Use Super Coat diluted 50/50 with water while line brushing. In high humidity, switch to Texturizing Mist for cleaner lift. |
| Shedding around the house | Mist lightly with Maxi Care and brush down to skin. Nothing prevents shedding completely—it’s normal—but routine grooming makes it predictable and manageable. |
Why Shaving an Australian Shepherd Is Harmful
Shaving a double-coated breed does not “fix shedding.” It simply creates shorter hairs that still shed, and it can disrupt the coat’s ability to regulate temperature. The undercoat and guard coat work together to protect the skin and hold a stable layer of air near the body.
- Shaving can cause uneven regrowth (sometimes permanently).
- It removes the coat’s natural protection from heat, cold, and sun.
- It often increases matting during regrowth because textures don’t align correctly.
If you want an “easier coat,” the solution is structured brushing and controlled blowouts—not shaving.
Puppy vs Adult Coat Care
| Puppy Coat | Adult Coat |
|---|---|
| Lighter, softer texture | Denser double coat with seasonal shedding |
| Focus on gentle brushing and habit building | Requires structured brushing, conditioning, and coat management |
Quick Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–4 times per week |
| Bathing | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Professional grooming | Every 4–6 weeks |
How to Groom an Australian Shepherd
This is a practical, owner-friendly guide to Australian Shepherd grooming using a minimal set of tools. The goal is a coat that is clean, comfortable, and functional year-round—cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and far easier to live with during shedding season.
Brushing: the foundation of Aussie coat care
Brushing is the single most important habit for Australian Shepherd coat care. Aussies are moderate-to-heavy shedders, and removing dead coat keeps skin healthier and the coat working the way it was designed to work. Think of the coat as a two-layer system: when it’s brushed out, air can move through it properly. When the undercoat is packed in, airflow is reduced and the coat becomes heavier, hotter, and more prone to tangles.
Start with a quality slicker brush to loosen coat and lift debris. Then “audit” your work with a long-tooth undercoat rake. The rake is not meant to scrape across skin—use it to reach into the coat and gently draw outward. If you feel resistance, stop and go back to the slicker in that section until the rake glides through smoothly.
For daily coat balance (and less static while brushing), mist lightly with Maxi Care and brush down to skin. This is especially helpful in friction areas like behind the ears, collar line, and britches.
Seasonal shedding (the “coat blow”)
Most Australian Shepherds go through heavier seasonal shedding at least once or twice per year. During this time, the biggest mistake is “spot brushing” the top layer and leaving packed undercoat beneath. Increase brushing frequency, and plan controlled blowouts (high-velocity drying after bathing) to remove loosened undercoat efficiently.
A shed-season bath routine that works well:
- Brush out thoroughly first.
- Clean the coat with Texturizing Shampoo .
- If the coat is stressed or breaking, follow with Reconstructor as directed.
- Dry with a controlled blowout in sections (don’t whip the coat), and brush as you dry.
Bathing: clean coat, correct rinse
Regular baths keep an Aussie comfortable and reduce that “dusty” coat feeling that often leads to more shedding and breakage. Choose a dog shampoo that cleans without stripping. For structure and body, use Texturizing Shampoo . Rinse thoroughly—then rinse again. Leftover product residue is a common reason coats feel dull, heavy, or itchy.
When the coat needs extra moisture or detangling help, apply Moisture Plus strategically (focus on feathering and friction zones rather than over-softening the entire dog).
Trimming: tidy, not sculpted
Australian Shepherds don’t need heavy trimming. The cleanest look comes from light maintenance that respects natural lines. Thinning shears are a great choice for pet owners because they’re forgiving and blend easily.
- Feet: Brush hair up from the toes, trim the “sprouts,” then carefully tidy around pads (clippers are safest for pads if you’re experienced).
- Tail: Trim a straight line across the tip to neaten—avoid taking length aggressively.
- Ears: Brush hair to one side and tidy about 1/4 inch from the edge, repeat the other side, then lightly blend into the head. Clean ears routinely, especially after swimming.
- Front legs: If you prefer a cleaner look, lightly reduce the fringe (about 1/3–1/2), then re-brush and refine from a natural standing position.
- Hocks: Leave length, but neaten stray hairs for a clean outline.
- Britches: Follow the natural curve of the coat. Over-trimming here is the fastest way to create an unnatural “chopped” outline.
Professional-level tip: using a high-velocity dryer correctly
A high-velocity dryer can save hours, but technique matters. Work in small sections (about 6" x 6"), keep airflow moving in the direction you want the coat to lay, and hold the nozzle close enough to be effective without causing the hair ends to whip and curl. Moving too fast across the whole dog usually increases drying time and can tighten tangles.
For easier drying and less static, mist lightly with Maxi Care while you brush and dry.
DIY vs professional grooming
If you don’t have the tools for weekly coat care, self-serve dog wash stations are a great middle option—elevated tubs, strong dryers, and less mess at home. If you prefer hands-off grooming, find a groomer experienced with double-coated breeds who won’t default to shaving. With professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, most owners can maintain results at home with routine brushing.
The Cindra Touch
At Cindra Grooming Products, we design our USA-made grooming line specifically for double-coated and working breeds like the Australian Shepherd. With proper care and the right products, your Aussie’s coat can remain healthy, functional, and beautiful year-round.