Groomer Recommends Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Owners Who Want Less Shedding at Home

You already share your life with an Australian Shepherd, so you know exactly how much joy they bring and how much fur they leave behind. I see it every day in my grooming salon: gorgeous, happy Aussies whose coats seem determined to cover every surface in the house. While I can’t stop them from shedding altogether, I can show you how the right brushes and a smart routine can keep that fluff under control and out of your living room.

Understanding the Australian Shepherd Coat

Aussies have a double coat made up of a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, coarser outer coat for protection. This coat developed as an adaptation to the varied climates and working conditions they faced as herding dogs, keeping them warm in cold weather, cool in the heat, and shielded from rain, snow, and brush. That outer coat sheds moderately year-round, but the undercoat is the real culprit behind most shedding, especially in spring and fall when they “blow” their coat in preparation for the changing seasons. This seasonal shed is nature’s way of regulating their body temperature, and it’s much heavier than the light hair drop you’ll see in summer and winter. If you only brush the top layer, you’re missing the deep undercoat where loose hair builds up and causes most of the mess in your home.

The Brushes I Recommend to My Aussie Clients

Slicker Brush – Your Everyday Essential

This is my go-to for most grooming sessions. A slicker brush removes loose hair, small tangles, and surface debris while smoothing the coat. Use short, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth, paying extra attention to spots behind the ears, under the legs, and along the hindquarters.

Undercoat Rake – The Shedding Season Power Tool

When that undercoat starts coming out in clumps, nothing beats an undercoat rake. It reaches past the topcoat to pull out shed fur before it falls onto your floors. I use it weekly for maintenance and more often during those heavy coat-blowing seasons.

De-matting Brush – For Trouble Spots

Aussies can get mats around the ears, tail, and leg feathering. A de-matting brush cuts through these without yanking. Always start at the tip of the mat and work toward the skin, holding the hair close so you’re not pulling.

De-shedding Tool (FURminator Style)

Once I’ve raked out the undercoat, I like to finish with a de-shedding tool. It removes even more loose fur from the undercoat without damaging the guard hairs. Use light pressure and let the tool do the work.

Rubber Brush or Grooming Glove

These are perfect for sensitive areas and for finishing a session. They gently remove surface hair, massage the skin, and help distribute natural oils. They’re also wonderful in the bath for working shampoo right down to the skin.

My Step-by-Step Brushing Routine for Less Shedding

1. Start with the slicker brush. Begin at the neck and work toward the tail, brushing in the direction of hair growth. Use gentle, short strokes, lifting small sections to make sure you reach the undercoat without scratching the skin. Pay extra attention to mat-prone areas like behind the ears, under the front legs, and the feathering on the hindquarters.

2. Move on to the undercoat rake. Run the rake through the same areas you just brushed, applying light pressure so the teeth reach deep into the coat without scraping the skin. This is where you’ll see the biggest pile of fur come out, especially during coat-blowing seasons.

3. Address tangles with the de-matting brush. If you encounter knots, hold the hair just above the skin to minimize pulling, then work from the tip of the mat inward. Take your time—rushing can cause discomfort and damage the coat.

4. Finish the deep clean with a de-shedding tool. Glide the tool in smooth strokes along the coat, letting it collect remaining loose undercoat. Avoid overworking one area to prevent skin irritation.

5. Polish with a rubber brush or grooming glove. Use circular motions to lift any last bits of hair, stimulate the skin, and distribute natural oils. This final step leaves the coat shiny and soft, and it’s a relaxing way to end the grooming session.

   
   

During spring and fall, I recommend doing this full routine two to three times a week. The rest of the year, once a week is usually enough if you’re consistent.

Pro Groomer Tips for Even Less Shedding

1. Pre-Bath Brushing Brushing before a bath removes surface dirt and loose hair so shampoo can penetrate the coat more effectively. Focus on high-shed zones like the hindquarters, neck, and chest. This step also reduces tangles that could tighten when wet.

2. Use a De-Shedding Shampoo and Conditioner Choose formulas with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, aloe vera, and vitamin E to nourish skin and coat. Let each product sit for 3–5 minutes before rinsing to loosen the undercoat. This boosts hair release during the bath and keeps the coat healthy.

3. Velocity Dryer After the Bath A velocity dryer blasts out deep undercoat fur and speeds up drying. Work in the direction of hair growth, starting at the back and moving forward. Keep the nozzle moving and use a medium, cool setting to avoid skin irritation.

4. Feed a Diet Rich in Omega Fatty Acids A balanced diet with fish oil, flaxseed, or salmon supports skin hydration and coat strength. Healthy skin sheds less and produces a shinier, softer coat.

5. Don’t Wait Until Mats Form Regular brushing prevents mats, which trap more shedding hair and can irritate skin. Even outside of heavy shedding season, aim for at least weekly brushing to keep the coat in top condition.

Common Mistakes I See Owners Make

• Shaving the coat (this damages the texture and natural protection).

• Brushing only the surface layer.

• Using too much pressure and scratching the skin.

• Skipping regular brushing until the coat is matted.

Final Thoughts

Shedding is part of life with an Australian Shepherd, but with the right tools and routine, you can keep it under control. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, schedule a professional de-shedding treatment. But even if you only visit me every couple of months, the brushes I’ve listed here will help you maintain your Aussie’s coat in between visits. Your floors (and your vacuum) will thank you.