The Blue Heeler (you may know it as an Australian Cattle Dog) is known to shed its fur. This breed of dog has a double coat which includes a dense undercoat and a short outer coat typically growing to 1 1/2 inches in length. The hairs of the outer coat lie close to the skin, giving the impression that they don’t have a lot of hair. Blue heelers come in various coat colors such as blue, red, or a combination of both. And all of them shed.
How Much Do Blue Heelers Shed?
Blue heelers shed moderately, leaving hairs on furniture and clothing. In addition to the regular shedding, these dogs also have a ‘coat blow’ two times per year, once during spring and sometimes another time. The frequency of the coat blow depends on the climate and whether your blue heeler has been spayed or neutered. Altered males usually only experience one coat blow per year, but if your female is not fixed, expect her to shed after each heat cycle.
Do Heelers Have a Double Coat?
Yes, blue heelers have a double coat made up of a dense undercoat and a short outer coat. The outer coat typically grows to 1 1/2 inches in length and lies close to the skin, giving the impression that they don’t have a lot of fur.
Grooming Tips for the Australian Cattle Dog
To control shedding, regular grooming with a steel comb and wire brush is recommended. During the coat blowing season, it’s best to groom your blue heeler daily with a steel comb and wire brush and give him occasional warm baths with a quality dog shampoo. When it isn’t a time of year when your dog is shedding, I recommend trying to comb and brush your heeler a couple of times a week. This will help keep the fur around the house to a minimum and keep them comfortable. I typically bathe whenever needed because mine get’s into stuff around the farm a lot, but be careful not to over-bathe.
Reasons Why These Dogs Shed So Much
The main reason why blue heelers shed is because they have a double coat. The undercoat and outer coat come off in tufts and clumps during certain times of the year, and the rest of the year they are moderately shedding their fur. Other reasons can include the climate, season, and hormonal changes.
Will Their Coat “Adjust” to Temperatures?
Yes, blue heeler’s coats can adjust to temperatures. As they shed their undercoat and outer coat, their fur adjusts to match the new weather. This allows the dog to stay comfortable in all climates.
How Often Do Australian Cattle Dogs Shed?
Blue heelers usually shed moderately throughout the year. However, they do experience a ‘coat blow’ two times per year, once in the spring and sometimes an additional time. The frequency of this major shedding period depends on the climate and whether or not the blue heeler has been spayed or neutered. Altered males typically blow their coats once a year, while unaltered females blow their coats after each heat cycle.
What Time Of Year Does A Blue Heeler Shed The Most?
Blue heelers typically shed the most during the spring and possibly one additional time during the year. The timing of the coat blow depends on the climate and whether or not the blue heeler has been spayed or neutered. Altered males typically blow their coats once a year, while unaltered females blow their coats after each heat cycle.
Does A Blue Heeler Shedding Vary With Age?
Yes, blue heelers’ shedding can vary with age. Younger dogs tend to shed more than older dogs, as their coats are still developing. However, older dogs may experience more frequent coat blowing periods.
Does A Blue Heeler’s Coat Need To Be Brushed?
Yes, a blue heeler’s coat needs to be brushed regularly. For optimal shedding control, daily grooming with a steel comb and wire brush should be done during the coat blowing season. Outside of this season, brushing should be done a couple of times a week and baths can be done as needed.
How Often Should A Blue Heeler Be Groomed?
Blue heelers should be groomed regularly to control shedding. During the coat blowing season, brush your pet daily with a steel comb and wire brush and give him occasional warm baths with a quality dog shampoo. Outside of the shedding season, comb and brush your pet a couple of times a week and only bathe when necessary.
What Are The Best Grooming Tools For A Blue Heeler?
The best grooming tools for a blue heeler are a steel comb and wire brush. These tools help to control shedding during the coat blowing season, and outside of this period brushing a couple of times a week with these tools helps to minimize shedding.
What Health Problems Can Cause A Blue Heeler To Shed Excessively?
Certain health problems can cause a blue heeler to shed excessively. These health issues include allergies, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s Disease. If your dog is shedding too much, it’s important to visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
Can Diet Or Supplements Help Reduce Shedding In A Blue Heeler?
Yes, diet and supplements can help reduce shedding in a blue heeler. Adding fatty acids, such as salmon oil, to your dog’s diet can reduce shedding. In addition, Vitamin E supplements can help to improve your dog’s skin and coat health.
Are There Any Breeds That Don’t Shed?
Some dog breeds do not shed, such as the poodle, bichon frise, schnauzer, and maltese. These breeds are known to be low shedders, though some may need to be groomed more often.
How Can I Reduce The Amount My Cattle Dog Sheds?
To reduce the amount your blue heeler sheds, it is important to groom him regularly. Combing and brushing a couple of times a week will help to reduce hair in the house and on clothing. Adding fatty acids, such as salmon oil, and Vitamin E supplements to his food will also help reduce shedding.