Do Australian Shepherds Shed : Tips To Manage

Australian Shepherds are well-known for their cleverness, speed, and loyalty. However, owners often wonder; Do Australian Shepherds shed? 

It’s true that Australian shepherds shed way too much. Australian Shepherds shed occasionally. They are referred to as moderate or average shedders, meaning you may have to set aside some time to remove their fur from your home’s furniture and your car.

We’ll discuss all the related questions, how to keep your home clean all year round, and examine the causes of this dog’s shedding.

Australian Shepherds Coat Characteristics:

The gorgeous, shiny coat an Australian Shepherd can have in various colors is just one of its many charming qualities. Aussies come in multiple colors, including white, black, copper red, and brown.

Australian Shepherds gained a double coat for optimal insulation year-round since they were initially intended to shepherd sheep in cooler climates. Although there is year-round shedding in Australian Shepherds, it is most noticeable in the spring and autumn.

Regarding coat type and general size, Australian Shepherds resemble both Border Collies and English Shepherds. They also have similarly shaggy coats that frequently fluff up at the rear of their legs and around the neck. 

In most cases, they also have a naturally short tail. However, there are two layers to these shaggy coats: the undercoat and the overcoat. Keep reading to learn more! 

Australian Shepherd Undercoat

The hair layer closest to a dog’s skin is called the undercoat. It provides insulation to help keep your dog’s body temperature stable and is usually short and compact. The Australian Shepherd’s fur varies in thickness throughout the year, and it sheds in the spring and autumn to adapt to seasonal variations in temperature.

The purpose of the undercoat in the winter is to trap your Aussie’s body heat and keep them warm and comfortable. Think of it as a nice, fluffy jacket. Their undercoat thins out in the summer, allowing air to circulate near their skin and keeping them cool.

Australian Shepherd Overcoat

The Australian Shepherd’s overcoat is lengthy, smooth, and sleek. It can be compared to a rain jacket or trench coat layered over cold-weather clothing. In essence, the dog’s fur acts as a shield to prevent unwanted substances from entering.

This top layer shields the skin of even the most daring Australians, keeping out cold winter winds and preventing water, dirt, and UV rays from penetrating. During all seasons, light shedding will result in abundant long dog fur on your floors, sofas, and mattresses.

When Do Australian Shepherds Shed? 

Aussies constantly shed fur throughout the year, with autumn and spring being the main times. Due to their double-layered coats, Australian shepherds experience these two forms of shedding.

The Australian shepherd puppy’s topcoat is slightly rough, and the undercoat is thick. Australian Shepherds have two coats: an outer coat that protects them from the elements all year round and an undercoat that helps them stay warm in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Imagine yourself wearing an Australian coat, which is a light rain jacket placed over a heavy winter coat. The topcoat keeps out moisture year-round because of its waterproof construction, but it sheds very little.

Australians shed their undercoat in spring and fall because they mostly need it in the winter and summer. All dog breeds with double coats go through a period of severe shedding. Another name for it is blowing their coat. During this stage of hair loss, there will be occasions when your dog’s hair appears to be literally blowing off in tufts. 

How Much Do Australian Shepherds Shed?

Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot? Australian Shepherds naturally shed, but compared to other dogs with two coats, Australian shepherds don’t shed quite as much.

They take off their winter clothes in the spring to prepare for warmer weather, and they shed them in the autumn to create space for a new coat to grow. 

While some Australian Shepherds shed more or less than others, brushing is usually required to remove stray hair and prevent it from collecting in your house. Although it is inclined to shed, you can control and minimize hair loss with consistent care and maintenance.

What Is the Best Way to Manage Shedding in Australian Shepherds?

Aussie shedding is tolerable and manageable. However, there will undoubtedly be a good amount of dog fur collected in your home. Is there any training for Aussies to avoid shedding?

Thankfully, there are a few methods for lessening your Aussie’s hair shedding. Let’s explore how to manage shedding with related dog training. 

Regularly clean your home

Purchasing a vacuum specifically made to remove pet hair and fur might be wise if your Aussie sheds a lot in the spring and autumn.

You may lessen the quantity of fur that gathers around your house by routinely washing the blankets, bed linens, and other linens your Aussie dog cuddles with.

Train Your Aussie to Stay Off the Furniture

if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of loose fur piling up on your bedding and couch cushions, try teaching your smart dog to avoid the furniture, at least during the months of significant fur shedding.

Regularly groom your Aussie

The secret to controlling the shedding of your dog breed is routine brushing and washing. Once a week, use an undercoat rake to remove mats and extra hair from the Australian Shepherd’s coat after brushing it with a slicker or comb to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Tips for Shampooing and Bathing

Regular washing with the appropriate shampoos is crucial to managing shedding in Australian Shepherds. Use dog shampoo made specifically for their coat type to reduce shedding and improve the health of their coat. 

Avoid over-bathing, which could strip their coat of natural oils and cause it to become dry. Bathing your Aussie more than once or twice a month is not advised.

Enhance Their Diet with Fish Oil Supplementation

You can help your dog shed less by adding a few pumps of fish oil to their food, increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. It may also aid in the prevention of other health issues, including arthritis and joint pain, and encourage a healthy shine.

Causes of Australian Shepherd Excessive Shedding:

When Too Much Shedding Occurs?

Although excessive shedding occasionally indicates underlying health issues, Australian Shepherds naturally shed. The following are a few possible medical disorders that could result in extensive shedding:

Common Skin Diseases in Australian Shepherds

Your Australian Shepherd may develop skin issues that lead to severe hair loss or shedding throughout their life. If you observe unusual hair loss, one of the following conditions could be the reason:

• Dermatitis is triggered by allergies or irritants, dermatitis results in inflammation and skin shedding.
• Fungal infections like Ringworm can result in hair loss and shedding in the affected areas.
• Excessive sebum production can lead to dry skin and shedding, known as seborrhea.
• Mites can result in intense itching, hair loss, and shedding.
• Folliculitis can lead to hair loss and shedding due to bacterial or fungal infections.

Skin conditions, including dermatitis or fungal infections that interfere with the normal hair growth cycle, might cause increased shedding. Regular veterinary inspections combined with a skilled diagnosis can help pinpoint the cause of the skin problem and the best course of treatment.

It’s critical that you understand any Australian Shepherd health difficulties in addition to skin problems if you now own or want to get an Aussie.

Consult a veterinarian immediately if you notice your Australian Shepherd with excessive shedding or any other serious skin disorders for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to address the individual skin disease and help your dog shed.

Imbalances in hormones

Hormonal abnormalities like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s illness can cause excessive shedding, which can lower the coat’s quality. If hormonal abnormalities are suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted to guarantee an appropriate diagnosis and course of therapy. 

Dealing with Shedding: Cleaning and Maintenance Is a Must

Controlling shed hair in the home environment is a common concern among Australian Shepherd dog owners. To lessen the spread of dog hair, employ strategies like routine vacuuming, lint rolling, and furniture coverings. By routinely cleaning bedding and using air purifiers, hair allergens can be decreased, and air quality can be improved.

For thorough coat maintenance and control over shedding, think about hiring a professional groomer. Expert groomers have the skills and tools to effectively handle hair loss, ensuring your Australian Shepherd has the most incredible possible look and comfort.

Last Words: 

Australian Shepherds are very intelligent canines who are easy to train.  They value developing strong relationships with their human families and like picking up new abilities and tricks. It is quite easy to train them to use the toilet and for other tasks because they respond very well to positive reinforcement. 

Understanding Australian & german shedding patterns, routinely grooming your dog, providing healthy food, and attending to any underlying health issues will all help you control the process of shedding Australian Shepherds. I hope you have enjoyed this Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Guide.