If you’re interested in getting an Australian Shepherd, then you might be wondering just how much this breed sheds. If you have expensive furniture, are allergic to dog fur and dander, or just don’t particularly like seeing dog hair around your home, it’s best to know what you’re in for.
Australian Shepherd dogs are considered to be a moderate to heavy-shedding breed. They shed a regular amount of hair on a daily basis as they shed all year round but experience a heavier shed during autumn and spring.
To find out how much Australian Shepherds shed and how to minimalise it, then this guide will able to tell you whether or not an Australian Shepherd will be the right dog for you.
If you don’t like dog hair, then the Australian Shepherd dog breed is likely not going to be a good fit for you! This breed tends to shed A LOT, so you will likely be finding dog hair all over your home if you decide to get one.
They have a thick double coat that tends to be particularly fluffy, so loose fur will likely come off in your hand if you even lightly brush your hand over your Aussie’s coat.
If you’re allergic to dog hair, you should look elsewhere, as Aussies shed more than most dogs do.
Australian Shepherds tend to shed moderately for most of the year; however, in autumn and spring noticeably more because of their thick double coats. Almost enough to be able to make a whole new dog out of your dog’s coat!
They tend to shed a lot in Spring, as this is the way they get rid of their hefty Winter coat. You will most likely need to increase the frequency of your grooming routine if you want to keep some dog hair out of your home.
Thankfully, this only happens once a year, though, and it will probably only last for a few weeks before your Aussie begins shedding moderately again.
Australian Shepherd puppies do still shed, but they tend to shed far less frequently than full-grown Aussies. This is due to the fact that Australian Shepherds are only born with a single coat, as opposed to the double coat that full-grown dogs have.
When they are between 4 and 6 months old, they will begin to shed this puppy coat so that they can become the double-coated dogs they were born to be.
This double-layer coat will allow them to remain outdoors as it is far more resilient and better at regulating their body temperature.
Australian Shepherds have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur to help protect them from the weather. The outer layer is made of medium-length hair that’s slightly wavy or straight, and it acts as a shield against rain and dirt. This coat sheds year-round, but it tends to lose more hair during the spring and autumn.
The inner layer is much thicker and softer, consisting of dense fur that helps keep the dog warm in colder months. It’s this undercoat that sheds the most during heavy shedding seasons, which means you may notice a lot of hair around the house during these times.
Because of their double coat, Australian Shepherds need regular brushing to keep their fur in good condition and reduce shedding.
If you have an Australian Shepherd, you’ll probably want to know how to reduce the amount that they shed somewhat, as it can be quite a lot to deal with sometimes!
This dog is far from a hypoallergenic breed, so for people with mild to severe allergies to fur and dander, you’ll need to stay clear. But if you have a minor allergy, reducing the amount that your dog sheds can also help to reduce your allergic reaction to this.
Removing rugs and carpets from your home may not stop your dog from shedding, but it will make it easier to sweep up or vacuum the dog hair around your home.
The Australian Shepherd is quite a hardy breed, so they can still do well if they live outside. This will prevent a lot of dog fur from getting into your home, so you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning.
Taking medication for your allergies can help you manage your allergies when your Aussie sheds, but it is still a high shedding dog, so you will likely have to take this medication regularly.
This is a rather obvious one. If you would like to keep your dog inside, but don’t want dog fur all over the place, then you will need to wash your clothes and use a lint roller to get dog hair off of them.
You will also need to clean your furniture and sweep your floors more often, but this is the price we pay to keep our furry friends in our living spaces.
Grooming will also not stop your Aussie shedding, but it will help to remove dead hair and keep it in one place. Grooming your dog regularly will get rid of a lot of the hair that they would normally lose all over your home.
The Australian Shepherd is far from a hypoallergenic dog breed, as they produce a lot of dander and tend to shed quite a bit.
If you’re after a hypoallergenic breed, then it might be a good idea to find a breed crossed with a Poodle.
The Australian Shepherd tends to shed quite a lot, but if you’re willing to do some extra cleaning, they’re a lovely dog breed that can make an excellent addition to your family.
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