Miniature American Shepherd

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to manage their medium-length double coat. The outer coat is straight to wavy and weather-resistant, while the undercoat is dense and soft. Focus on the mane around the neck, the pants on the hindquarters, and the leg feathering. Use a metal comb behind the ears and in the groin.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo followed by a light conditioner on the feathering. Their moderate coat length makes bathing manageable. Ensure thorough drying of the dense undercoat with a high-velocity dryer to prevent dampness-related skin issues.

Common Issues

• Seasonal shedding heavier than expected for their size
• Matting behind ears and in the groin
• Tangling in the pants and leg feathering
• Allergic skin reactions
• Tear staining in lighter-colored dogs

Extend Your Grooming Results

Focus daily attention on the areas behind the ears and in the groin where mats form first. A detangling spray before brushing reduces breakage in the feathering. Keep paw pad hair trimmed for traction and cleanliness. The coat maintains its appearance well between grooms with consistent brushing.

Seasonal Care

Mini Americans blow their undercoat twice a year in spring and fall. Daily brushing with an undercoat rake manages the shed over 2-3 weeks. Females may blow coat after heat cycles. Summer coat is lighter and easier to maintain. Winter coat grows in full with the characteristic mane and pants.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, daily during seasonal shedding. Comb through feathering with metal comb twice weekly. Bathe every 6-8 weeks. Trim paw pads and sanitary areas biweekly. Clean ears weekly. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.