Grooming The Australian Shepherd Dog
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 variations in climate. The 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. There is 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. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meeting
RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS:
| Problem | Solution |
| Hold up rough | Apply Sculpting Gel to base of neck hair while line brushing. Spray with diluted Super Coat and work in. Line brush to spread through rough. Chalk lightly and brush out |
| Chalk helper | Moisture Plus |
| Lacking look of substance | Comb Sculpting Gel through leg hair. Mist with water, and chalk as usual. |
| Detangling/Dematting | Apply full strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 15 minutes. Pull mat gently apart with fingers or comb. |
| Dry, damaged Coat | Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in hot towel for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse. |
| Dingy White Coat | Use Cleansing Shampoo on the first lather, wait 5 minutes then rinse. Follow with Texturizing Shampoo lather and rinse |
| Increase Undercoat | Line brush daily with Maxicare as soon as dog is finished shedding |
| Showing on a hot, dry day | Use Maxicare as your only coat dressing |
| Showing without full undercoat | Texturizing Mist (diluted 50% ) while line brushing will hold coat up long enough for judging. |
| Spot Whitening/Urine Stains | Use a small amount of Cleansing Shampoo full strength, wait 5 minutes and rinse |
| Extra Volume | Super Coat (diluted 50-50 with water) while line brushing. If very humid try Texturizing Mist |
| Shedding around house | Spray with Maxicare and brush daily. Be sure to get down to skin. Nothing will prevent shedding completely. It is a normal, necessary process for these breeds. |
🐾 Basic Grooming Tips for the Australian Shepherd
By Cindra Grooming Products – USA-Made, l Coat Care for Double-Coated Breeds
The Australian Shepherd is known for its stunning double coat, intelligence, and high energy. Whether your Aussie is a show dog or your adventure partner, regular grooming is key to keeping that signature coat healthy, tangle-free, and ready for any activity. With just a few tools and the right dog grooming products, you can keep your Australian Shepherd comfortable, clean, and looking beautiful year-round.
Brushing: The Secret to a Healthy Coat
Brushing is the single most important part of Australian Shepherd grooming. This breed sheds moderately to heavily, and consistent brushing helps remove dead hair, stimulates healthy skin, and keeps the coat insulating properly—protecting your dog from both heat and cold.
Use a slicker brush to remove loose coat, then follow with a long-tooth undercoat rake to reach the dense inner layer. Always brush with the direction of coat growth and work from the skin out. If you encounter tangles, use the slicker brush gently until the rake moves smoothly through the hair.
A clean, brushed-out coat:
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Keeps skin healthy and prevents matting.
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Allows natural airflow for body temperature regulation.
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Helps distribute natural oils for a soft, shiny finish.
Cindra Tip: Avoid shaving double-coated breeds—it won’t reduce shedding and can damage the coat’s natural insulation. Instead, use Cindra Maxi Care between baths to reduce static and tangles while restoring natural coat balance.
🧴 Bathing Your Australian Shepherd
Regular baths keep your Aussie’s coat clean, fresh, and free from dirt and dander. Always use a dog shampoo formulated for double coats—such as Cindra Texturizing Shampoo—to gently remove debris without stripping oils.
Follow with a hydrating conditioner like Cindra Moisture Plus to lock in moisture, reduce tangling, and keep the coat manageable. Rinse thoroughly, then towel-dry without rubbing. If available, use a high-velocity dryer to blow out the undercoat while brushing in the direction of growth for a smooth finish.
Pro Tip: Never brush a dirty or dry coat. Always bathe first, then brush as the coat dries for best results.
✂️ Trimming Basics
Australian Shepherds don’t require heavy trimming—just light maintenance to highlight their natural lines and keep them tidy.
Feet:
Brush hair upward from the toes, then trim evenly around the foot for a neat, rounded shape. Carefully trim excess fur around the pads using blunt-nose scissors or clippers.
Tail:
Trim a straight line across the tip to neaten the end, avoiding overcutting.
Ears:
Use thinning shears for a soft, natural look. Brush ear hair to one side, trim ¼ inch from the edge, then repeat on the other side. Clean ears weekly with a pet-safe cleaner to prevent buildup.
Legs & Britches:
Brush and lightly trim the feathering along the legs to maintain natural flow. Follow the natural curve of the hindquarters when tidying the britches—never over-trim. A well-shaped coat should look effortless, not sculpted.
💨 Professional Grooming Tips
If you own a high-velocity dryer, you’ll save time and improve coat condition. Always direct airflow with the lay of the coat, working in small sections (about 6x6 inches) and holding the nozzle close enough for efficiency but not so close that it whips or curls the ends.
Drying the coat too quickly or at the wrong angle can create frizz and tighten tangles. Work slowly and use a grooming spray such as Cindra Maxi Care to detangle, hydrate, and protect while drying.
🐕 DIY & Professional Grooming Options
If you don’t have the time or tools for weekly coat care, consider a self-service dog wash or a professional groomer experienced with double-coated breeds.
A knowledgeable groomer using Cindra Grooming Products can help you maintain your Aussie’s coat between visits, keeping it soft, healthy, and easy to manage. With professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, most owners can simply brush at home to maintain results.
🌿 The Cindra Touch
At Cindra Grooming Products, we design our USA-made grooming line for the unique needs of double-coated and working breeds like the Australian Shepherd. Our Cleansing Shampoo, Moisture Plus Conditioner, and Super Coat are trusted by handlers and pet owners who value both performance and safety.
Because your Australian Shepherd’s coat isn’t just fur—it’s protection, personality, and pride. With regular care and Cindra’s professional-quality products, you can keep your dog’s coat shining, strong, and ready for any adventure.