Australian shepherds shed a lot. Many dog breeds that have a double-coat, like the Aussie's, are listed among the heaviest shedders out there. The German shepherd, husky, Labrador retriever, and golden retriever all have double coats and all frequently top the list of the heaviest shedders.
Regular grooming and bathing is the key to managing your dog breed's shedding. The Australian Shepherd coat should be brushed twice a week, first with a slicker or comb to remove excess dirt and debris, and then with an undercoat rake to remove mats and excess hair.
Aussies shed more in the winter and summer. It's possible that your pup may shed more in fall, if environmentally winter comes a little earlier. This is to make way for a thicker undercoat that will protect them more during the winter. This normally occurs during early winter or late fall.
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever: Shedding Level
Brush them once or twice weekly, as this will help their coat stay healthy and also keep some of that hair off the sofa. Australian Shepherds should also be brushed weekly, but they don't shed heavily like Golden Retrievers.
Both breeds have a double-layered coat and require daily brushing to avoid matting and baths every four to six weeks. German Shepherds tend to shed more.
All these breeds are average or moderate shedders, But I think Belgian shepherd (short haired) sheds less than others.
Like most dogs, Aussies (and Mini Aussies) are active and outdoorsy, but still best suited to indoor living. Medium-large-sized homes with gardens are best, but they can do well in smaller homes, too. Just so long as they get everything they need to be happy and healthy!
However, Golden Retrievers are probably a bit simpler to train for the average dog owner. Australian shepherds are super smart and energetic, which can make them more complicated, especially for a less experienced owner. But if you really enjoy working with your dog, an Aussie could make an amazing companion.
Aussies often work and/or play outdoors, so it's not unusual for them to come in dirtier than they left. But unless they've gotten into a particularly messy situation, they require a bath only occasionally. As with all breeds, the Aussie'¿s nails should be trimmed regularly.
Aussies shed year-round with two heavy shedding seasons in the spring and fall. These two types of shedding occur because Australian shepherds have a double coat. The Australian shepherd's coat features a dense undercoat and a slightly coarse topcoat (sometimes referred to as the outer coat).
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
Dehydrated skin can exacerbate shedding and hair loss. Bathe your pooch regularly. Bathtime not only keeps your dog clean, but it helps remove excess and dead hair before it falls. A de-shedding shampoo can help ease shedding even more.
Factors that influence shedding in dogs. Sunlight and temperature influence dog shedding because day length triggers growth of a new coat and shedding of the old coat. Some breeds are triggered by sunlight and temperature to shed once every year or two (Northern breeds). Other breeds are triggered to shed twice a year.
You can ask your veterinarian for an Omega 3 product made specifically for dogs, or you can buy a product designed for pets at pet supply stores or over the Internet. Omega 3 fatty acids not only reduce shedding, but can contribute to healthy skin, as well as providing other health benefits.
Behavioral Differences in Males vs Females
In addition to being more affectionate, male Aussies are also more reliable than females. They are less likely to wander off or get distracted by other animals or people. This makes them ideal companions for activities such as agility training or herding livestock.
Australian Shepherds are considered among the highest maintenance breeds due to their extensive exercise and grooming needs, as well as their need for human companionship. Although Aussies are fun dogs with a lot of love to give, if you're looking for an easy-to-care-for dog, this breed is not for you!
According to Coren's standards, the Australian Shepherd ranked (drumroll, please) 42nd among 138 breeds. This ranking may feel lower than expected if you know Australian Shepherds well. However, their intelligence remains above average for dog breeds as a whole.
While the fall and spring months are the peak shedding times for the double-coated "deciduous dogs," the exact months you should expect to find hair around tend to vary depending on the weather, amount of daylight, breed of dog, nutrition, age, sex, living environment and overall health condition.
While adaptable, the loyal and devoted Australian Shepherd does best with its people nearby. They are often demanding of attention and they do not like to be left alone.
Female Australian Shepherds
It is suggested that females are also more sensitive and laid back. Because of this, they are said to have an easier personality to deal with. They've often got their agendas and will let you know what they want.