The Australian Shepherd does not have high maintenance grooming needs, but you will have to take some time to care for his skin and coat. The tools you’ll need to brush an Australian Shepherd include:

• Pin brush
• Slicker brush
• Stripping comb
• Steel comb
• Spray bottle

Brushing

For most Aussies, a pin brush for long hair, a slicker brush with bent wire teeth for removing mats and shedding hair, a stripping comb for removing undercoat, and a steel comb with teeth divided between fine and coarse  for removing debris, are sufficient for day-to-day grooming and whisking away pieces of debris, dust, dirt, and dead hair.

Regular brushings are essential for removing dead hairs, promoting and distributing natural oils, and bringing out the shine and natural luster in an Australian Shepherd’s coat. Regular brushing also prevent the undercoat from matting.

An Australian Shepherd’s double coat means they shed – and they can shed a lot. The amount of shedding, which is a natural process in which strands of hair die, fall out, and are replaced by new hairs, varies according to the dog, the season, and climatic conditions. Most Australian Shepherds shed heavily in the spring or early summer when they tend to “blow coat”.

When properly cared for on a regular basis, an Australian Shepherd’s coat is relatively easy to maintain. Like anything else, however, if neglected, it can take the better part of a year to restore it to a good and healthy condition.

Shaving Aussies is a controversial topic. Many owners do it in the summer to keep their dog cool. Others do it to reduce the necessary chore of regular brushings or to remove deeply embedded mats. However, shaving an Aussie’s coat leaves him vulnerable to sunburn – especially merle-colored dogs – and removes his natural protection from stickers and burns.

How To Brush An Australian Shepherd

Brushing a dry coat can cause hair breakage and damage. Therefore, throughout the brushing process, regularly mist or spray your Australian Shepherd’s hair with a coat dressing, coat conditioner diluted with water, or plain water. This protects the hair and controls static as you brush.

Most breeders and groomers recommend starting at the dog’s head – brushing the top of the head and around the ears, down the neck, chest, and front legs. Then brush in one long stroke from the head toward the tail; brush down the sides, and finish with the rear legs. Most discourage backward brushing – brushing against the direction of hair growth – because it can damage the coat, and some dogs find the process uncomfortable and annoying.

Be sure to brush down to the skin, brushing both the top coat and undercoat. Brushing only the top coat can result in painful mats and tangles that are difficult, if not impossible, to comb out. When a matted coat gets wet, the moisture is trapped near the skin, causing hot spots – circular lesions that are inflamed, raw moist, and very painful.

Many Australian Shepherds, especially males, can have quite a lot of feathering on their legs – the hair that runs from the elbow to the pastern area. Everything from dirt to mud to snowballs to freshly mowed lawn clippings accumulate in leg featherings. Keeping this area cleaned and brushed is important to prevent painful mats and coat damage.

Pay attention to the soft fuzzy hair behind the ears, too. It mats easily, so it needs to be kept clean and brushed regularly. Thinning the fuzzy hair will help to prevent matting while keeping your Aussie’s coat tidy. Remember, your Australian Shepherd’s skin is sensitive, despite his brawn! Brush gently; don’t tug or pull, because this can hurt. Part the hair with one hand and work from the skin out with the brush. Be careful not to brush the skin itself with a slicker brush, because this can create nicks, scratches and even welts – often referred to as slicker burn.

Once a week brushings are usually sufficient, but a 5-minute once-a-day once over with a pin or slicker brush is ideal to keep your Australian Shepherd’s coat glossy and gorgeous, and keep shedding to a minimum. Finish the coat and add shine by applying a small amount of specially designed coat dressing or coat oil. This protects the coat from the elements and helps to prevent burns and debris from sticking to the coat.