🦴 Updated on July 13th, 2023
Australian Shepherds are a beautiful breed of dog, and many people enjoy their lovely coats. However, some people may wonder if it’s okay to shave an Australian Shepherd.
The answer is that you should not shave an Australian Shepherd. Shaving can stop or slow the shedding process and cause skin irritation and other health issues for your dog.
Do Australian Shepherds Shed?
Yes, Aussies shed their undercoat and can be prone to heavy shedding, particularly in the spring and fall. While some pet owners may choose to shave their Aussie to reduce the amount of shedding, it is essential to remember that this can cause more problems for your dog.
Shaving can remove essential oils and protection from your dog’s coat, leaving them susceptible to sunburn, skin irritation, and other issues.
Additionally, shaving can damage the hair follicles, causing the hair to grow back uneven or patchy. In some cases, shaved hair may grow back in a different color than the dog’s original coat.
What Type of Hair Do Aussies Have?
Australian Shepherds have a double-coat of hair that helps protect them from the elements and can help regulate their body temperature. The outer coat comprises coarser hairs, while the undercoat is softer and more delicate.
This combination can make shaving an Australian Shepherd a tricky proposition – if not done correctly, it can damage their coat and even put their health at risk.
Can You Shave an Australian Shepherd?
Shaving an Aussie is a bad idea for several reasons. It can cause your dog to overheat more quickly and lead to skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Additionally, shaving can affect the quality of their fur and significantly impact their overall health and appearance.
If you’re searching for ways to reduce shedding, there are much better options than shaving your Aussie. Regular brushing can help eliminate loose hair and undercoat, while a healthy diet can promote healthy skin and coat.
Additionally, certain supplements can help reduce shedding. Ask your veterinarian about the best choices for your dog.
Why Shouldn’t We Shave an Aussie?
Shaving an Australian Shepherd changes the coat texture and causes the two layers of fur to combine. This process can make the coat more challenging to groom and lead to mats and tangles. The hair will become sticky and attract plant material and dirt, leading to skin irritation.
Shaving your Australian Shepherd does not help it stay cool in the summer. It can make your Aussie more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.
While shaving may reduce shedding temporarily, it will not stop the shedding altogether. Shaving can cause your dog to shed more because it damages the hair follicles.
If you shave an Australian Shepherd, its hair will never return to the way it was naturally, and you can expect to be spending more time grooming your dog. A good rule is trim; don’t shave when it comes to this dog. You can reduce shedding with regular brushing and bathing.
What Are Some Tips for Australian Shepherd Grooming?
You can do a few things to help reduce shedding in your Australian Shepherd. Regular grooming and bathing can help keep the coat healthy while providing extra stimulation to reduce excess shedding.
Additionally, feeding your dog high-quality foods can help prevent dry skin and dandruff, leading to excessive shedding.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids assists with the development of healthy skin and fur while also minimizing the amount of dead hair shed each day.
If you’re concerned about shedding, talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to care for your Australian Shepherd’s coat. They can help you find the products and grooming techniques that will work best for your dog’s individual needs.
What Is the Best Australian Shepherd Haircut?
Trimming is the best way to ensure your Aussie’s coat looks clean and neat. Shaving can damage the coat and make it more difficult for the fur to grow back correctly. It can also lead to skin irritations.
Trimming will still keep your pup cool in the summer heat. You can use a set of clippers to trim the fur around the legs, belly, and face. Don’t clip too close to the dog’s skin, as this can irritate.
If you are not comfortable trimming your pup’s fur yourself, you can take them to a groomer. Groomers are trained professionals who can give your Aussie a clean and tidy haircut.
How To Groom an Australian Shepherd
The best method for grooming an Aussie is to brush it frequently, ideally 2-3 times per week. This brushing can help reduce shedding and help prevent mats from forming.
If your Aussie has a shorter coat, you can get away with brushing it less often – once or twice a week should suffice. You can also use a hound glove or de-shedding tool to help remove loose hair.
Regular bathing can also help to reduce shedding in your Australian Shepherd. Bathing helps remove any dirt, debris, and dead hair from the coat, which you can brush out more easily. Be sure to use an appropriate shampoo and conditioner to avoid causing any irritation to the skin.
Australian Shepherds shed their undercoats, creating a massive volume of hair to clean. You need two brushes, one for the outer coat and one for the undercoat.
The best brush to use on the outer coat is a slicker brush, and the best kind of brush to use on the undercoat is a rake. You can find these brushes at most pet stores.
Undercoat raking is a type of grooming that can help to reduce shedding in your Aussie. This process involves using a special rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat, which can help reduce daily shedding.
Start by combing the dog’s hair with the rake to loosen any knots or tangles. Be gentle, as you can easily damage the coat by pulling too hard.
Once your dog’s hair is free of tangles and knots, slowly work through it with the slicker brush, which can help to remove any dead or loose hairs from the undercoat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australian Shepherds are fascinating animals. Here are some frequently asked questions about these majestic dogs.
How Big Are Australian Shepherds?
Size can vary significantly within the breed, but Australian Shepherds are generally medium to large dogs. Males typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, while females usually weigh 35 and 50 pounds.
What Are Some Common Traits of Australian Shepherds?
– Aussies were initially bred to herd livestock
– They are extremely energetic
– They drool a medium amount
– Aussies need lots of attention
– They are intelligent and easy to train
My Aussie Pants in Hot Weather. Does It Need a Haircut?
The Australian Shepherd’s dual coat has evolved to regulate temperature. It can get hot in Australia, where this breed originated. Therefore, their coats help protect them from overheating.
The topcoat blocks the sun, and the shedding of the undercoat allows heat to dissipate. Plenty of water and shade are all your dog needs to stay comfortable in the heat.
I Have a Dog Allergy. Should I Adopt an Aussie?
Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. If you have a dog allergy, it is essential to do your research and find a breed that will be compatible with your allergies.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are beautiful dogs with a thick, double coat of fur. While many people think that shaving this fur will stop or slow the amount of shedding, it does more harm than good.
Shaving can lead to skin irritation and infection, but it can also disrupt the natural oils in the dog’s skin which can cause severe problems such as dandruff.
Regular grooming sessions can help remove loose hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of tangles.
