Australian Shepherds have a medium-length double coat with heavy feathering and a thick undercoat that blows out twice a year. Grooming runs $65–$120 every 8–12 weeks. Like every double-coated breed, an Aussie should not be shaved.
The coat
A weather-resistant outer coat sits over a dense undercoat that thickens in winter and sheds heavily in spring. On top of that, Aussies carry substantial feathering — on the ears, the backs of the legs, the trousers and the tail area — and a mane around the neck and chest that's fuller in males.
The body coat rarely mats. The feathering does, and that's where home grooming should concentrate.
Shedding and coat blows
Aussies shed year-round and blow their undercoat comprehensively twice a year over two to four weeks. During a blow, daily raking is genuinely necessary — packed dead undercoat traps heat and moisture against the skin.
A professional de-shedding session at the start of each blow removes far more than home brushing can, thanks to the high-velocity dryer.
Don't shave
The double coat insulates against heat as well as cold and protects skin from sun. Shaved Aussie coats commonly regrow patchy and wooly, with the undercoat returning faster than the guard hair. De-shed instead — it makes the dog genuinely cooler without the risk.
What it costs
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Bath, force-dry & brush-out | $55–$90 |
| Full groom with de-shedding | $65–$120 |
| Peak coat-blow session | $90–$150 |
| Feathering and tidy trim | $15–$30 add-on |
Annual cost: roughly $300–$700.
Home routine
- Undercoat rake once or twice weekly, daily during a blow
- Comb the feathering — ears, trousers, tail, behind the elbows — weekly at minimum
- Slicker brush the body and mane
- Check for burrs and grass seed after country walks; feathering collects them
- Trim paw pad hair monthly
- Bathe every 8–12 weeks; over-bathing strips protective oils
What should be trimmed
Aussies are tidied rather than cut: feet and hocks neatened, ear feathering thinned for airflow, sanitary areas trimmed, and the tail area shaped. The body coat is left alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shave my Aussie in summer?
No. De-shed instead — the coat is protecting the dog from heat, not causing it.
Where does my Aussie mat?
Behind the ears, in the trousers, and behind the elbows. The body coat rarely does.
How often do Aussies need professional grooming?
Every eight to twelve weeks, plus de-shedding at each seasonal blow.
Related guides
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects what we recommend — we link to product categories, not specific brands we've been paid to promote.