English Shepherds have thick, double-layered coats that are fairly easy to manage. As a double-coated breed, the ES does shed regularly (and heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons), but aside from regular brushing the coat doesn't need a lot of care. See below for further details on maintaining the English Shepherd coat.
These dogs' thick double coats don't require a ton of upkeep, so English Shepherd grooming is not a very time-consuming process overall. Dogs of this breed shed moderately year-round, but more heavily when they "blow" their coats during the twice-yearly shedding seasons, so they need brushing twice per week most of the year (and daily during shedding season). Their silky outer coats are naturally dirt- and water-resistant, so an ES won't need a bath unless necessary; in fact, bathing it too often will rid the coat of its natural repellent oils. Haircuts aren't required at all, though some owners have their ES's coats clipped shorter to make them easier to manage.
A pin brush is best for brushing these dogs. To brush your ES: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then brush the coat section by section, moving in the direction of hair growth. Though the ES coat doesn't tend to mat or tangle much, mats/tangles do sometimes occur in the thick feathering on the neck, chest, and legs; if you encounter one, first try working it out with your fingers, then continue working through it with the brush.
If you plan to follow the brushing with a bath (and your ES should always be brushed thoroughly prior to bathing): you can use either a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose. Also make sure to use canine shampoo (and conditioner, if desired), as the kind made for humans can irritate a dog's skin. Thoroughly wet the coat, apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the dog's back, then lather well, working downward as you go. (And don't forget the legs!) Rinse completely, towel-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look clean and neat.
Most owners prefer their English Shepherds' coats at their natural length, but some do have the coats trimmed a few inches to make them more maintenance-free (and to help the dog stay cool in the hotter months). With a bit of practice, you can learn to clip the coat yourself, but it's recommended that you take your ES to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can demonstrate the proper clipping method and share other general grooming tips.
See the complete guide on how to care for English Shepherds.
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