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.
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).
Australian Shepherds Coat Characteristics
Australian Shepherd shedding is year-round, too, though you'll notice a surplus of shedding during spring and fall.
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.
German Shepherds shed their topcoat all year long but they blow their undercoats twice a year. They shed massively during the summertime and the least during winter.
As we discussed above, the German Shepherd will shed the most during the spring and fall months. Their thick undercoat will need to prepare for the approaching season. Therefore, this period will lead to an increased amount of fur found around your home.
Shedding is influenced by coat characteristics, sunlight, temperature, health, allergies, nutrition, cleanliness, hormones, pregnancy and lactation. Dog breeds with less hair (no undercoat) or with wiry or curly hair appear to shed less than dogs with double coats or with straight hair.
Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.
Aussies are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.
Shedding season for a pup can last for 2-4 weeks but you can make it. While dog shedding may not be so enjoyable, there is a lot about Fall to enjoy.
Although Aussies are super outdoorsy, they are best suited to indoor living, like most companion pets. Many working Aussies even live indoors, these days. That said, as long as the conditions are safe, Australian Shepherds can sleep outside.
The quick answer is, no, you shouldn't shave your dog in summer. And this doesn't just apply to super-furry Northern breeds, but to other double-coated breeds as well. Herding breeds like Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies and Shelties are double-coated.
Australian shepherds are prone to worry, but only under certain conditions. The majority of Australian shepherds who have a regular schedule and live in a serene environment do not exhibit signs of anxiousness. However, this breed does not do well without a schedule or frequent attention from their owners.
Giving an Aussie the stimulation they need
Of course, Aussies need plenty of physical exercise: no less than one hour per day, and preferably upwards of two hours. This goes for both standard and mini Aussies. Beyond the physical however, Aussies need to work out their brains.
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever: Shedding Level
Australian Shepherds should also be brushed weekly, but they don't shed heavily like Golden Retrievers.
Should you ever cut the fur off this breed? No, there's generally no need to give your Australian Shepherd a haircut. The only exception is trimming the hair around the feet, legs, and ears, which can get long.
Grooming tips for Australian Shepherds
You should brush their coat once or twice a week to help remove any dead hair and dirt. In addition, brushing their coat will help keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. Secondly, Australian Shepherds require regular tick and flea checks.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
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.
Bathing your dog regularly and grooming them using brushes or de-shedding tools once they're dry can significantly help to combat shedding.
De-shedding is the removal of the dog's loose undercoat hair. The de-shedding process helps the dog get rid of hair that will eventually end up on furniture and clothes. It also makes your dog more comfortable.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!