Grooming
The Complete Australian Shepherd Grooming Guide
A practical Australian Shepherd grooming routine: double-coat care, brushing, shedding season, bathing, tools and common mistakes to avoid.
By The Aussie Standard · Updated August 2026
The Australian Shepherd coat is the breed's signature and its biggest maintenance line item. A double coat sheds, holds debris, mats in predictable places and changes with the seasons.
A short, consistent routine beats an occasional marathon session — for the coat and for the dog's patience.
Coat characteristics
Aussies carry a weather-resistant outer coat over a softer undercoat, with feathering on the legs, a fuller ruff and pants behind the hind legs. Those feathered areas mat first.
Brushing routine
- Work in sections rather than long sweeping strokes.
- Line-brush down to the skin so you are not just tidying the surface.
- Give extra attention behind the ears, in the armpits, on the pants and around the tail.
Shedding and seasonal coat changes
Most Aussies shed year-round with heavier turnover as seasons change. During those stretches, more frequent short sessions keep loose undercoat out of the house before it becomes matting.
Bathing
- Brush thoroughly before the bath — water sets existing mats.
- Rinse longer than feels necessary; residue dulls the coat and irritates skin.
- Dry the undercoat rather than letting a thick coat air-dry damp at the skin.
Grooming tools worth owning
- Undercoat rake for bulk loose coat
- Slicker brush for feathering and finishing
- Metal comb for checking your work
- Straight shears for tidying feet
- Nail trimmer or grinder
Common grooming mistakes
- Shaving the double coat — it does not make the dog cooler and it changes regrowth.
- Brushing only the top layer and missing the undercoat.
- Skipping the comb check that finds mats before they set.
- Waiting for shedding season to start a routine.
When to ask a professional
Severe matting, skin irritation, sudden coat changes or a dog who is stressed by handling are conversations for a groomer or veterinarian. Content here is educational, not medical advice.
FAQ
Common questions
- How often should an Australian Shepherd be groomed?
- A thorough brush-out two to three times a week keeps most Aussie coats ahead of matting, with daily short sessions during heavy shedding stretches. Bathing is usually every four to eight weeks depending on lifestyle.
- Do Australian Shepherds need professional grooming?
- Not necessarily. Many owners maintain the coat at home with a rake, slicker and comb. A professional groomer is worth it for severe matting, nail work you are not comfortable doing, or a full de-shed during coat blow.
- Is it okay to shave an Australian Shepherd?
- Shaving removes the coat's insulation and sun protection and can change how the coat regrows. Outside of medical necessity, brushing and de-shedding are the better approach.
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