Miniature American Shepherd Grooming: A Complete Guide
The Miniature American Shepherd is a relatively new herding breed known for its compact size and energetic nature. While smaller than standard Aussies, Mini American Shepherds still have a thick double coat that requires regular upkeep to stay looking its best. This guide covers everything you need to know about properly grooming a Miniature American Shepherd.
Brushing
Frequent brushing is important to control shedding and distribute skin oils in your Mini American Shepherd’s coat:
- Brush 1-2 times per week - For non-shedding times of year, plan on brushing at least weekly. During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing is best.
- Use a slicker brush - A slicker brush with short, fine wires is perfect for getting down to the undercoat and removing loose hair. Always brush in the direction of coat growth.
- Follow with a comb - Use a wide-toothed steel comb after brushing to catch any tangles the brush missed. Comb all the way down to the skin.
- Pay extra attention to fluffy areas - The neck, pants, and behind the ears tend to get more tangled.
- Brush before bathing - Always thoroughly brush out the coat before bathing to avoid matting when wet.
Bathing
Miniature American Shepherds only need occasional bathing every 4-8 weeks. Here are some bathing tips:
- Use dog shampoo - Human shampoo disrupts the coat’s natural pH. Choose a high quality dog shampoo.
- Lukewarm water - Avoid using extremely hot water, as this can irritate your dog's skin. Lukewarm is best.
- Rinse thoroughly - Be sure to rinse out all traces of shampoo residue, which can cause dry, itchy skin if left in the coat.
- Dry thoroughly - Towel dry then use a blow dryer on low heat setting to finish drying the thick coat.
- Brush after bathing - Gently brush after a bath to realign the coat and remove any loose hair.
Trimming and Clipping
Miniature American Shepherds are a lightly trimmed breed. Typical grooming includes:
- Trim ear fringe - Use thinning shears to neatly trim excess fringe hair from the ears. Avoid cutting too close to the leather.
- Neaten feet - Carefully trim stray tufts of fur around the paws for a tidy appearance. Be careful not to nick the skin.
- Trim nails - Clip nails as needed, taking care not to cut the quick. Use a nail file to smooth sharp edges if you quick the nail.
- Tidy pants - Thinning shears can be used to lightly trim "pantaloons" for a cleaner look. Don't trim too close.
- Clean ears - Gently wipe outer ears weekly with veterinarian approved solution. Pluck excess ear hair only if needed for air circulation. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
Shedding and Deshedding
Miniature American Shepherds shed heavily twice per year. To control loose hair:
- Brush frequently during shedding season - this removes hair before it ends up all over your home.
- Bathe and brush - A bath followed by thorough brushing helps loosen old coat so it releases more easily.
- Use a de-shedding tool - Special shedding blades and furminators help remove large amounts of loose undercoat when used properly.
- Vacuum frequently - Vacuuming floors, furniture, dog beds, and the dog himself regularly keeps shed fur under control.
Preventing Skin and Coat Issues
To keep your Mini American Shepherd looking their best:
- High-quality diet - Nutrition is key for skin and coat health. Choose a premium dog food.
- Treat skin issues - Any skin problem can manifest as coat issues. See your vet for diagnosis and treatment of allergies, infections, parasites, etc.
- Don't overbathe - Frequent bathing strips the coat of essential natural oils. Stick to bathing only when needed.
- Control fleas/ticks - Prevent infestations that lead to itchy skin and coat damage from excessive scratching. Use preventives as recommended by your vet.
Proper grooming enhances your Mini American Shepherd’s natural beauty while keeping their coat healthy and mat-free. Implement this grooming routine and get ready to impress!