How Bad Do Australian Shepherds Shed?

My husband and I adopted Ace, a 2-year-old Aussie with a huge personality, who came with the name “Hulk.”

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I love the feel of their fluffy fur on my skin.

Despite their softness and warmth, these coats can sometimes turn into a fuzzy mess.

If you are looking to get one, you may be wondering how much shedding to expect from these cute pups.

Worry, not, as I will be setting the record straight by giving you all there is to know.

So, how bad do Australian Shepherds shed?

The Aussies are not heavy shedders.

They shed moderately once a year, around late spring or midfall when the seasons change.

Brushing their coats at least once a week will help keep them healthy.

However, if you need to brush them more often, do so.

This article will cover everything you need to know about Australian Shepherd shedding.

There are also tips for managing your Aussie’s shedding to ensure it doesn’t end up everywhere else in the house.

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic.

Their dense coats show signs of shedding all year round, making them unsuitable for people with allergies.

However, depending on your needs, you may be better off with another breed that sheds less than an Aussie.

A hypoallergenic dog won’t raise the frequency of pet dander in the air.

Some dog breeds naturally produce less dander than others.

Thus, the fewer hairs that fall off the dog after brushing or washing, the less likely it will irritate your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Like all other breeds, Australian Shepherds shed year-round.

They release skin flakes large enough to float in the air when they rub up against objects or brush against them.

Dogs like these are bred for work rather than as furry lap dogs.

When Do Australian Shepherds Shed?

Australian shepherds shed year-round in response to seasonal temperature and light conditions changes.

Shedding occurs year-round, usually with greater frequency during springtime and before winter.

Often Aussie’s coat tends to get more heavy and dense during springtime, so it has to shed.

This can be a stressful time for most dogs and owners alike.

Fortunately, a few simple grooming techniques will help reduce the amount of hair you clean up.

Can You Stop Australian Shepherd from Shedding?

We get it; you love your Aussie and want to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.

However, sometimes an Aussie’s fur can get out of hand.

Yet, you can’t stop them from shedding.

Dogs’ shedding is a natural, healthy, and expected process.

They do it to keep their coats in great shape.

Fall and spring are the worst times for Aussie shedding.

Summertime is a breeze compared to winter, but still not ideal.

Aussies shed less during the summer, but there will be some shedding year-round.

In addition, spring is the best time of year for your dog’s coat because you’ll need to groom it less frequently.

Brush your pup’s coat at least once a week to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils in their fur.

Do this with a comb or brush.

Use an undercoat rake or shedding blade to get deeper into their coat and get rid of more loose hair.

You’ll want to do this at least once a month for the best results.

Do Australian Shepherds Shed Excessively?

There may be no way to predict how much Australian Shepherds shed until you have them at home.

The type of Aussie you have will determine this.

Some Aussies shed more than others.

Their coats vary in length and density, impacting how much shedding they do.

The most common type of Aussie has a medium-length coat and doesn’t shed too much.

This is the kind that would work well if you have allergies or asthma.

Some Australian Shepherds shed a lot of hair, making it hard to keep clean.

Your Aussie may be one of those dogs that just won’t stop shedding.

Brushing helps keep their fur healthy and shiny, which means less hair around your house.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, adopt a low-shedding Aussie.

How to Reduce Shedding in Australian Shepherds

Shedding is normal for dogs, but it can get out of hand if you aren’t careful.

Fortunately, you can also do certain things to help reduce this shedding.

These include:

Provide a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help reduce shedding by improving your dog’s skin, coat, and hair health.

With a proper diet, your Aussie will have more energy and fewer skin problems that lead to excessive hair loss.

Their food should contain vitamins and minerals to keep their coat shiny and smooth.

Moreover, avoid foods that are high in fat or salt.

Avoid Overbathing

Overbathing can strip your dog’s coat of natural oils that keep it shiny and healthy.

Instead, bathe them once every two months.

This will allow you to keep their coat clean without damaging it.

While bathing them, avoid using your shampoos as they may contain chemicals that dry out your dog’s skin and cause irritation.

Instead, use only dog shampoo.

Use the Right Brushes

When brushing your dog’s fur, use brushes made specifically for dogs with long coats like Aussies.

Such brushes work better than others because they’re designed to get deep into the coat without causing damage or pulling out any hairs along the way.

Give Treat

Give your Aussie a special treat after a good brushing.

It will be good for your bond, and Fido will associate grooming with something positive.

Additionally, ensure it’s a healthy treat.

Brush your Aussie

Brushing your Aussie is good for their skin and your carpet.

Brush them at least once a week and more often if they’re shedding heavily or seem to have any mats on their coat.

Conclusion

So, how do you keep your Australian Shepherd from shedding?

Unfortunately, you can’t.

Yet, that shouldn’t discourage you from taking the necessary steps to prevent excessive shedding and make your life as a pet parent a bit easier.

For instance, you can reduce Australian Shepherd’s shedding by providing a quality diet and good grooming.

Those two alone can do wonders for your Aussie’s coat.

If you stick with them, your Australian Shepherd will likely shed less over time.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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