Clinical & Salon Overview
Australian Shepherds are Velcro herders with glorious coats and endless opinions about everything — including, usually, grooming. That medium double coat with its feathering and mane needs consistent brushing but no haircuts, and the dogs themselves need a groomer with patience and treats. Here's the Aussie routine our Memphis groomers swear by at All About Pawz.
Aussies wear a medium-length double coat
Aussies wear a medium-length double coat — weather-resistant outer, dense undercoat — with a magnificent mane around the neck and feathering on the legs, chest, and rear. They shed moderately year-round with heavy seasonal blowouts. Merle, black, red, and tan Aussies all groom identically; color changes nothing about the routine. Never shave an Australian Shepherd — the coat regulates temperature and protects the skin, and the breed's beautiful coat texture is easily damaged by clippers. The mane and britches are the mat hotspots.
Two to three times a week with a slicker and undercoat rake; daily during blowout season.
Two to three times a week with a slicker and undercoat rake; daily during blowout season. Line-brush the feathering and mane — part the hair and work thin sections down to the skin, because Aussie mats form underneath the glorious top layer. Focus on the friction zones: behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and the britches. A steel comb is your verifier: if it glides through the mane and feathering, you're good. Aussies are wigglers — the famous wigglebutt doesn't pause for grooming — so keep sessions upbeat, treat-rewarded, and short enough to end on a win.
Every six to eight weeks, or when your adventure buddy has been adventuring.
Every six to eight weeks, or when your adventure buddy has been adventuring. Wet thoroughly — the weather-resistant coat sheds water impressively — shampoo, and rinse much longer than feels necessary; trapped soap under a double coat causes the itching owners often blame on allergies. Condition the feathering and mane lightly to prevent tangles. Dry completely with a high-velocity or stand dryer; a damp Aussie undercoat takes hours to air-dry and smells like a wet sheepdog. Many Aussies are suspicious of dryers — introduce gradually with treats and keep the energy calm.
No haircuts for Aussies — just tidying.
No haircuts for Aussies — just tidying. The essential trim: sanitary area (important for the fluffy rear), hair between the paw pads for traction, neatened feet, and light tidying of the britches and belly fringe so they don't collect debris. Natural or docked tail, the feathering stays. The mane should never be thinned aggressively — it's the breed's crown. If your Aussie swims regularly, keep the feathering slightly neater to prevent the mats that wet-then-dry cycles create.
Nails every three to four weeks
Nails every three to four weeks — active Aussies wear nails down on trails and pavement, but check monthly regardless, dewclaws included. Ears: triangular, semi-floppy ears with decent airflow need weekly checks and cleaning with a vet-approved solution as needed. Teeth: brush a few times a week and ask your vet about dental cleanings; Aussies are champion chewers, which helps naturally. Herding note: the urge to nip at moving things — dryer hoses, brushes, feet — is instinct. Redirect calmly, reward stillness, and never punish a dog for being what it was bred to be.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 2–3x per week | Brush with slicker and undercoat rake; comb-check mane and feathering |
| Every 3–4 weeks | Nail trim |
| Every 6–8 weeks | Bath, thorough dry, tidy trim |
| Spring & fall | Daily brushing during blowout; book a professional deshed |
| Ongoing | Teeth brushing; weekly ear checks |
Book a bath, blow-dry, and tidy trim every six to eight weeks
Book a bath, blow-dry, and tidy trim every six to eight weeks — the professional deshed during blowout season is transformative for this breed. Choose a groomer with herding-breed experience: someone who stays calm through the wiggling, redirects the herding instincts with humor, and keeps the same routine visit to visit. Aussies memorize patterns fast — a predictable groomer becomes a trusted one, and a trusted groomer gets a dog that practically grooms itself.
Serving Pets Across Greater Memphis & Shelby County
Whether you live near Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Arlington, All About Pawz offers full salon appointments and concierge pet care.