There’s no doubt that the Australian Shepherd has a beautiful coat, but many wonder just how much shedding they should expect because of it. We want you to be as informed as possible when it comes to your Aussie’s shedding levels, so let’s break down everything you need to know about Australian Shepherd shedding below. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Australian Shepherd Coat
Before we answer the question of how much an Australian Shepherd sheds, we should first introduce you to the unique details of the Aussie coat itself. Australian Shepherds have thick fur that consists of a topcoat and an undercoat. Their coat is typically medium to long in length, and the fur is often thick or plush to the touch. The outer layer of their coat is often considered waterproof, but this is just because it’s more difficult to saturate than other fur types. Your Aussie can still get wet during bath time and rain showers, but it does dry fairly quickly.
How Much Do Australian Shepherds Shed?
Due to the Australian Shepherd having a thick double coat and medium to long fur, this means the Aussie will shed more than the average pup. Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders, and they will shed quite a bit of fur each day. Your Aussie will likely leave fur behind on your clothes after cuddling, on the bedding it was resting on, and you will likely see a thin layer of fur on your floors. Australian Shepherds will shed consistently each day, but there are other times in which their shedding will seem more excessive than usual. These high shedding periods are referred to as ‘blowing their coat,’ so let’s break that down below.
When Do Australian Shepherds Blow Their Coat?
When an Australian Shepherd blows its coat, it is shedding its coat to prepare for the upcoming season. This process protects it from the cold and the hot weather, so you will see your Aussie blowing its coat during the spring and fall months. The Aussie will thin out its coat in the spring to prepare for the heat, and it will shed its thinner fur to make room for a thicker coat in the fall. When it is in the process of thinning its coat, you will likely see a noticeable increase in its shedding frequency. It’s essential to use your shedding tools during this period, as this will help you keep up with the abundance of fur you will find around your home.
Why Is My Australian Shepherd Shedding So Much?
Australian Shepherds will shed a bit of fur each day, but if you notice a sudden increase in their shedding amounts, you may wonder what could possibly be happening. To help you get to the bottom of your Aussie’s excessive shedding, let’s break down the possible reasons why your Australian Shepherd is shedding so much below.
The Aussie Is Blowing Its Coat
As we mentioned above, if your Aussie is shedding excessively in the spring or fall months, it is very likely that it is simply blowing its coat. This typically lasts for up to a month, and frequent brushing can help you manage its excessive shedding during this period.
The Aussie Is Losing Its Puppy Coat
Not only can Aussies blow their coat during the spring and fall months, but they can also go through a mini fur-blowing period when they transition from puppy to adulthood. This typically occurs when the Australian Shepherd is between 6 months to 1 year of age and will involve your Aussie shedding its soft puppy coat for a more dense adult coat. This typically lasts for a month at most.
The Aussie Has Skin Allergies
Australian Shepherds are very prone to developing skin allergies throughout their lives. This means they can develop allergies to anything in the world around them, and this can range from fragrances in your house to the grass they roll around outside. If your Aussie does develop a sensitivity to something around it, then it can develop significant skin irritation that impacts its coat health. An Australian Shepherd with skin allergies may experience excessive shedding, patches of fur loss, itching, red skin, sores on the skin, red and watery eyes, and hives. If you think your Aussie might be struggling with skin allergies, we suggest reaching out to your vet for further guidance.
The Aussie Is Undergoing Hormonal Changes
If you have an Aussie that has not been spayed, you may notice changes in its coat when it experiences hormonal shifts. This includes the time in which it enters the estrus stage of its estrous cycle, as well as the period after it gives birth. Some dogs have significant hair loss during these periods, so this is always something to be aware of if you have not spayed your female Australian Shepherd.
The Aussie Has Fleas and Skin Mites
If your Australian Shepherd spends any time outside, then it is exposed to tiny ectoparasites that can make a home on your pup’s skin. Critters like fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin and coat health when given the chance, and this can even lead to excessive shedding and patches of fur loss. Aussies with ectoparasites may experience fur loss, skin redness, itchy skin, sores on the skin, and even skin infections. If you see any evidence of fleas or skin mites in your Australian Shepherd, we suggest having it seen by your vet. The vet can treat your pup’s skin and get it started on a proper preventative plan moving forward.
The Aussie Is Experiencing Stress
Australian Shepherds really love routine and structure. If there are any changes in their daily routine or environment, this can lead to significant stress for your pups. Stressful events for an Aussie can include a new pet in the home, owners being away from home for extended periods, the absence of an owner, a recent move, and anything else that impacts its daily life. If your Australian Shepherd is struggling with stress or anxiety for any reason, you may notice it shedding more than usual.
How to Care for Your Australian Shepherd’s Coat – Shedding & Brushing Tips
If you are the proud parent of an Australian Shepherd, you will need to develop a well-rounded grooming routine. While its thick fur is beautiful, it requires a bit of maintenance. Proper grooming can help you manage the shedding and prevent painful matts in your Aussies, so let’s break down our suggested Australian Shepherd grooming advice below.
Brushing Your Aussie Three Times per Week
Brushing your Aussie at least three times per week will help to reduce loose fur around your home and prevent painful tangles in its fur. We don’t suggest using a shedding brush more than once per week, but rather a pin style or slicker brush that combs through the surface of its fur. This may not reach down to its undercoat in every location, but it will remove any loose fur caught within its outer fur layer. It can also help stimulate natural oil production on the skin, which hydrates the skin and keeps the fur shiny.
Using a De-shedding Brush to Brush Your Aussie Once Per Week
In addition to brushing your Aussie three times per week, we suggest using a shedding tool one to two times per week as well. A shedding brush can help to target both the undercoat and the topcoat, which in turn will significantly reduce the amount of stray fur you will find around your home. A 5-10 minute brushing session with this tool once a week will go a long way! If you need some help with finding the best shedding brush for your dog, you can check out our detailed guide on the best shedding brushes here.
Use Sanitary Trims on Your Aussie
Australian Shepherds have fur long fur that feathers around their legs and tail. While these characteristics are stunning, they can lead to some serious messes if the areas are not well-trimmed. Our Aussies can fall victim to fecal matts and urine-soiled fur in these areas, so it’s up to us to keep these areas nice and trimmed. A sanitary trim every 3-4 weeks usually does the trick!
Final Thoughts on Shedding in Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds have a beautiful and unique coat, but they do require quite a bit of regular grooming because of it. We suggest taking a look at some of the most common causes of shedding in Aussies above and implementing a well-rounded grooming routine moving forward!
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