It is easy to maintain the coat of an Australian Cattle Dog, with only regular brushing and combing to remove dead hairs. The coat is smooth, double with a short, dense undercoat. The close topcoat is hard, straight and weather-resistant. Under the body and behind the legs, the coat becomes longer to form mild breeching near the thighs.

The coat is short on the head, the front of the legs and the feet. It is thicker and longer on the neck. The color is blue, blue mottled or blue speckled, with or without other markings. Red speckled is also acceptable.

Grooming Procedure

Equipment needed: Bristle brush, comb.

The coat is longer underneath the body and behind the legs, so pay particular attention to these areas when brushing.

• Brush the coat thoroughly with a bristle brush.
• Next, use a medium-toothed metal comb to remove dead hairs.
• Bathe the dog in a pH-balanced or natural shampoo when necessary. Most show dogs are bathed only occasionally (once or twice a year) – a rub-over with a wet chamois before a show is usually all that is required.
• If you are a professional groomer, towel dry and blow excess water from the coat with a power dryer if you have one. Finish drying the dog in warm air or with a blow dryer, at the same time brushing the coat with a bristle brush.
• For nonprofessional groomers (pet and show dog owners) simply towel drying and brushing the coat should suffice.
• Check the dog’s nails, ears and teeth.
• Check between and underneath the toes, and trim unwanted hair.
• Show dogs should be presented naturally and do not require trimming.