Should you shave your Australian Shepherd? This is a common question for Aussie owners struggling with heavy shedding and overheating in their dogs’ thick double coats. While you may be tempted to shave your Australian Shepherd for summer, experts advise against shaving this double-coated breed. Shaving can damage the coat and interfere with your dog’s ability to regulate its temperature. There are better ways to keep your Australian Shepherd comfortable in hot weather without compromising its coat. In this article, we’ll discuss why shaving is not recommended for Aussies and provide tips for keeping your Aussie cool in the summer without damaging its fur. We’ll also cover when shaving may be medically necessary, as well as best practices for safely trimming and grooming an Australian Shepherd’s coat. Whether your Aussie is a family pet or a working dog, read on to learn how to make smart choices when it comes to your dog’s protective outer layer.
Why Aussie Owners Consider Shaving Their Dogs
There are two primary reasons people consider shaving their Australian Shepherd:
Excessive Shedding
Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat consisting of two layers. The soft, fine undercoat is topped by a coarser outer coat. These layers work together to protect the Aussie, but they do shed continuously.
As the hairs reach the end of their growth cycles, they fall out to make way for new hair. Aussies also “blow” their coats seasonally when they shed large amounts of hair so a new coat can grow in. This excessive shedding can leave piles of hair all over your furniture, clothing, and floors.
During spring and fall, Aussies blow their coats which results in heavy shedding that can last 2-4 weeks. Some owners see shaving as a way to reduce shedding and make clean up easier by removing the bulk of the coat.
Hot Weather
The Australian Shepherd has a double coat well-adapted to life outdoors, including temperature regulation. The undercoat provides insulation against both cold and heat. But in certain hot, humid climates, some Aussie owners worry their dogs may become overheated.
Double coats are designed to keep the dog comfortable in hot and cold weather. The layers of the coat trap air close to the body to regulate temperature. Air can circulate within the coat and heat can release through the outer hairs. But some owners still question whether shaving might keep their Australian Shepherds cooler and more comfortable in extremely hot weather.
What an Australian Shepherd Looks Like When Shaved
Shaving means completely removing the dog’s coat down to the skin using clippers. This leaves an extremely short coat, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long stubble.
Some owners opt to only shave the body and legs, leaving longer fur on the head, ruff, and tail. Others shave the entire coat for a completely smooth, velvety look from head to tail.
Shaving removes both the outer coat and inner coat. Using clippers without any guard combs cuts the hair right down to the skin. This leaves the dog with a short, sleek coat of stubble. The classic colors and markings of the Australian Shepherd breed are still visible, but without the coat’s characteristic feathering and flow.
The smooth shaved coat emphasizes the athletic outline of the Aussie’s body. But the coat no longer provides insulation or protects the skin. After shaving, the dog’s skin will be highly exposed with no coat to shield it from sun, dirt, abrasion, or temperature extremes.
Impacts and Risks of Shaving an Australian Shepherd
Before you shave your Australian Shepherd, carefully consider how it will impact the health of their skin and coat. The breed’s double coat serves important functions. Removing it carries risks including sunburn, coat damage, increased shedding, and loss of insulation.
Sunburn and Skin Cancer
One of the biggest risks of shaving an Australian Shepherd is sunburn and skin cancer. Aussies have light skin and pink bellies that are highly vulnerable to sun damage. Without the coat for protection, the sensitive skin is directly exposed to the sun’s UV radiation which can lead to painful sunburns.
Dogs can also develop skin cancer after repeated sunburns. Areas like the nose, ears, belly, and groin are high risk. Skin cancer on dogs behaves similarly to humans – it starts as changes to the skin cells and can progress to tumors. Catching it early is key, so dogs require close monitoring after shaving.
To prevent sunburn and skin cancer, shaved Aussies need dog-safe sunscreen, light clothing, and limited sun exposure during peak hours. Their skin needs the same level of protection humans require.
Coat Damage and Improper Regrowth
Shaving risks damaging the coat so that it does not grow back properly. The soft undercoat provides insulation and water resistance. This fur grows differently from the coarser outer guard hairs.
When an owner decides to shave an Australian Shepherd, the undercoat may grow back significantly slower than the outer coat. It can take up to 12 months for a full coat to regrow. In some cases, the undercoat does not regrow at all after shaving. This can leave the dog with improper coat texture or loss of the insulating inner layer.
Increased Shedding
Ironically, shaving your Australian Shepherd often results in increased shedding. When you remove the existing coat, the new hairs that grow in will shed excessively. Damaged hairs from shaving need to release before healthy hairs can replace them.
You may also get uneven shedding where the undercoat and topcoat shed at different rates. The inner and outer coat protect the dog in different ways, so these layers need to be synchronized for optimal health.
Loss of Insulation
The Australian Shepherd’s double coat provides insulation against both hot and cold environments. Shaving removes this protection, leaving the dog’s skin vulnerable to temperature extremes.
You may think shaving helps them stay cool in summer. But it also takes away their ability to stay warm in colder weather. Aussies can develop hypothermia when exposed to cold with a shaved coat. Leaving the coat intact allows air to circulate and body heat to release while still providing insulation.
Additional Side Effects When you Shave an Australian Shepherd
Other potential side effects of shaving an Australian Shepherd include:
- Irritated skin from direct contact with harness, bedding, grass, etc.
- Change in coat color if shaving damages hair follicles. Lightened or altered pigment may result.
- Increased skin sensitivity including dryness, itching, and irritation.
- Reduced waterproofing since outer coat hairs repel water.
In general, shaving risks many short and long term skin and coat problems. There are safer alternatives to try before removing your Aussie’s protective coat.
Healthy Alternatives to Shaving Your Australian Shepherd
Instead of shaving your Australian Shepherd, focus on coat care strategies to manage shedding and overheating:
Australian Shepherd Shedding Solutions
- Brush frequently to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils from skin to coat. Slicker brushes and undercoat rakes are ideal for Aussies.
- Bathe your Aussie every 6-8 weeks to eliminate dirt, dander and hair. Use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner.
- Invest in deshedding tools to remove excess loose undercoat when the Aussie blows their coat. Undercoat rakes and shedding blades work well.
- Provide Omega fatty acid supplements to support skin and coat health from within.
- Control shedding around your home with air filters, vacuuming, lint rollers and other cleaning tools.
- Visit professional groomers regularly to have the coat thoroughly blown out. This can help manage heavier seasonal shedding.
Keep Your Aussie Cool in Hot Weather
- Brush vigorously before summer to remove excess undercoat so less insulation is trapping heat.
- Neatly trim feathering on the legs, belly and behind to encourage air circulation close to the skin.
- Exercise during cooler hours in the early morning or late evenings instead of the heat of mid-day.
- Ensure your Aussie has constant access to fresh water and shaded rest areas on hot days. Cooling mats can also provide comfort.
- Use cooling vests, bandanas, or other gear designed to help regulate body temperature.
- Limit time outdoors on extremely hot days by keeping your Aussie inside in air-conditioned spaces.
- Apply dog-safe sunscreen liberally on exposed skin like the nose and ears. Reapply frequently.
Conclusion
Shaving may seem like an easy solution for managing an Australian Shepherd’s coat, shedding and heat tolerance. But the risks of sunburn, coat damage, increased shedding and loss of insulation outweigh potential benefits. Maintaining the integrity of the breed’s double coat is crucial. With diligent grooming and some lifestyle adjustments, Aussie owners can keep their dogs clean, cool and comfortable without dramatic shaving. Focus your efforts on healthy coat care and temperature regulation strategies to avoid unnecessary shaving of your Australian Shepherd’s protective coat. We hope this answered your questions on whether to shave an Australian Shepherd!
Recent Posts
Australian Shepherd Lifespan Australian Shepherd Lifespan is 12-15 years. Learn tips on nutrition, exercise, and health care to maximize your Aussie's longevity. With their signature merle...
Introduction to the Australian Shepherd Temperament The Australian Shepherd Temperament is loyal and energetic. Learn what to expect from this intelligent herding breed's protective instincts and...