Miniature Australian Shepherd Grooming

Miniature Australian Shepherds have full, medium-length double coats that, while shedding moderately, don't require a whole lot of grooming. See below for details on how to maintain your Mini Aussie's coat, and info about optional Mini Aussie haircuts.

Overall, Miniature Australian Shepherd grooming doesn't take a lot of work. The medium-length, thick double coats do shed some (especially during the spring and fall), but the coats aren't known to tangle and/or mat much, so Mini Aussie grooming is actually pretty easy. These dogs will need brushing once or twice per week, they'll need baths every 2-3 months, and depending on your preferred hairstyle, they'll need clipping/scissoring about every three months.

To brush a Mini Aussie: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then use a stiff bristle brush (or a pin brush) to go through the coat, starting at the shoulders and working backward and down. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth; finish with the chest, underbelly, and legs. If you plan to bathe your Mini Aussie, first give the dog a thorough brushing, then use canine shampoo (and conditioner, if desired; both are available at pet stores) and lather the coat starting on the back and working down. Rinse well, towel the dog dry, then give it another quick brush-through.

If/when your Mini Aussie needs a haircut, you can take it to a professional groomer; depending on your dog's hairstyle, you can also learn to give the cut at home, either from instructional videos on YouTube or other sites, or from the groomer themselves.

With their full medium-length coats, Miniature Australian Shepherd haircuts--regardless of the style--look fabulous. Here are descriptions of three Mini Aussie haircuts:

• Puppy Cut: In this style, a Mini Aussie is shaved close all over (usually to 1-2 inches in length); some people prefer to leave the hair on the head, legs, and tail a bit longer. Can be done either by a professional groomer or at home.
• Teddy Bear Cut: A popular style with this breed. Similar to a Puppy Cut, except the head, leg, and tail hair are left longer; that hair is carefully sculpted and rounded to make the dog resemble a teddy bear. Can be done at home (with instruction) or by a groomer.
• Lion Cut: This creative style is seen more often on Standard Australian Shepherds, but it's possible on a Mini Aussie too. The hair on the head and chest, the neck "ruff," and the front portion of the body are kept at full length; the rear of the body, the legs, and most of the tail (except for the tip, which is left full-length) are shaved close. The overall look gives the dog a lion-like appearance. Best done by a groomer.