Australian Shepherd Miniature Australian Shepherd Grooming

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Australian Shepherd require moderate grooming--so it follows that the Australian Shepherd-Miniature Australian Shepherd mix will need a fair amount of care. These hybrids, like their parent breeds, have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that have even thicker and longer feathering on the neck, chest, and legs. The coats shed seasonally, so regular brushing will be required--but otherwise, grooming these dogs isn't especially time-consuming.

Here you'll find plenty of details on maintaining the Aussie-Mini Aussie coat, including specific info about brushing and bathing. You'll also learn why shaving their coats is never a good idea.

In addition to its coat, your Aussie-Mini Aussie will need regular maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush (but be sure to use canine toothpaste); clean the ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution; and trim the nails every 2-3 months with standard nail clippers.

For answers to your questions about Aussie-Mini Aussie grooming, read on!

Overall Australian Shepherd-Mini Australian Shepherd grooming will take a moderate amount of time--and most of the work will involve maintaining these hybrids' thick, double-layered coats. The coats shed a fair amount for most of the year, and more heavily during the spring (and sometimes fall) shedding seasons, so consistent brushing will be necessary to help control shedding and to minimize tangling.

Most of the time, Aussie-Mini Aussie brushing will be needed 2-3 times per week. To brush: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then use a pin brush to go through the coat section by section, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you run across a tangle, first try separating it with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb. (During shedding season, daily brushing is best. Some people like to use an undercoat rake or other de-shedding tool several times during these periods to help with dead hair collection.

Aussie-Mini Aussie baths will generally be necessary every 2-3 months. See below for instructions on how to bathe an Australian Shepherd-Miniature Australian Shepherd mix.

And these hybrids don't require haircuts at all. (See the Styling & Haircuts section to find out why shaving an Aussie-Mini Aussie mix's coat is not a good idea.)

Though owners can certainly learn how to perform all aspects of Aussie-Mini Aussie grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take these dogs to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom an Aussie-Mini Aussie at home.

Australian Shepherd-Miniature Australian Shepherd bathing is usually necessary every two or three months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is called for.

When bathing an Aussie-Mini Aussie mix, it's important to use shampoo (and conditioner, if desired) made for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the products completely from the coat, as leftover soap residue can cause further skin irritation. The best shampoo for Aussie-Mini Aussie mix dogs includes brands like Earthbath, Burt's Bees, and 4-Legger--all of which also carry canine conditioner products.

Before the Aussie-Mini Aussie bath, give the dog a good brushing. You can bathe your Aussie-Mini Aussie in a bathtub (which hopefully has a spray nozzle attachment; if not, just use a large cup), or in an outdoor plastic pool using a garden hose. First wet the coat thoroughly, then apply a generous amount of Aussie-Mini Aussie shampoo to the dog's back. Lather well, working downward and outward as you go. (And don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail!) Clean the dog's face, head, and ears with a soapy washcloth, then rinse the coat completely. If using conditioner, repeat the entire process with that.

Towel-dry the coat, then finish by giving the dog another quick brush-through to make the coat look clean and neat.

In short, Australian Shepherd-Mini Australian Shepherd haircuts aren't needed. Even so, some people think shaving an Aussie-Mini Aussie coat short will keep the dog cool in summer, and will help reduce shedding. As professional groomers will tell you, though, these ideas are myths.

Here's why: double coats on dogs act as natural climate control systems, and help control the dogs' body temperature. On hot days, cool air is trapped between the coat's layers to keep the dog from overheating--and the same happens with warm air in freezing temps. A shaved Aussie-Mini Aussie is without its natural insulation; the shaved dog is more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn, and will get cold very easily.

Neither will a shaved Australian Shepherd-Miniature Australian Shepherd shed any less; the only difference would be that the shed hairs are probably shorter. Since it's the undercoat that sheds, unless the dog is shaved bald--which is never a good idea!--the undercoat remains and the dog still sheds. And when the coat does grow back, it'll be uneven and softer in texture.

The only reason to shave any part of an Aussie-Mini Aussie mix's coat is in preparation for surgery or other medical procedures. Your vet will discuss this with you further.

So to anyone considering shaving their Aussie-Mini Aussie coat: put those clippers away!