Australian Shepherds are double-coated dog breeds. Their undercoat gets thicker in the winter for warmth and then sheds in the summer so they don't pant all day.
Aussies are cotton ball fluffy when they're tiny and then they loose all that fluff and have this thin, soft, wispy chicken feather coat for a while during their adolescent phase. As they get closer to being 1 year old they finally get a long, slightly more dense and coarse adult coat (see pics below).
Aussies have a lush, medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy. They have feathering on the back of the legs and a generous mane around the neck. Coat colors vary and might be blue or red merle or red or black tricolor, all with white and/or tan markings.
When an Australian Shepherd is shaved, its natural oils and protection against mother nature are removed. This may include new problems for your Aussie such as skin irritation, getting sunburnt, and similar. Secondly, shaving their fur tends to yield a more negative impact on the fur's overall health once grown back.
Australian Shepherds have thick fur that consists of a topcoat and an undercoat. 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.
Double coated dogs like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies, Pomeranians, and Australian Shepherds have two layers of fur. The bottom layer, closest to the dogs skin, is very thick and dense. This layer is referred to as the "undercoat." The top layer is stiffer and usually coarser.
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.
What Creates the natural bobbed tail? The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code. This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length.
Do NOT shave this breed, as it messes up the delicate balance of the coat, which insulates them from heat and from cold by holding a layer of temperate air close to the body. The coat may never grow back the same if this breed is shaved.
You may have to trim your Aussie's feet, legs, and ears, but there's rarely any need to cut the undercoat. It will come out on its own. To reiterate, please don't shave your Aussie, especially all the way to their skin.
While intelligent and hardworking, the Australian Shepherd can still be a goofy and loving family pet.
About the Breed
Being a medium-sized dog, Australian Shepherds, on average, weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches in height. Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years.
Dogs that sploot love to be lazy and comfortable — and we can't blame them. Most likely a sploot is a sign of relaxation, as it seems to be a very comfortable position for dogs. Going off the “it's a dog's way of stretching” theory, they're using sploot to stretch their back legs.
The tremors may be a sign of a largely benign condition called hypomyelinogenesis. Some owners report it only happens when the dog is excited or stressed but it can also happen when the dog is standing calmly. The muscles, usually in the hindquarters but sometimes in the forequarters, too, will quiver.
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.
Herding breeds like Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies and Shelties are double-coated. So are Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs and many more. You shouldn't shave any of these breeds in summer.
Professionally groomed Aussies should easily be able to be maintained with only monthly grooming, even if you choose to never brush your dog between grooming.
Firstly, Australian Shepherds require regular brushing. 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.
It's a sign of appeasement! A dog will grin if it senses you his owner needs to be calmed down or when they are excited by greeting people or guests. Some Australian Shepherds grin so hard they sneeze, and they often wiggle their whole bodies with happiness.
Typical causes of anxiety in australian shepherd's might be: Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your australian shepherd pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you're away.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them. This fits the self-controlled personality that Aussies possess.
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.
Though known for their high energy, Aussies also have a soft side for relaxation and affection. If your Aussie loves to rest by your side, leans into your touch, or enjoys being cuddled, it's a clear indication of their trust and love.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.