
Blue Heelers are a popular breed, but one thing that might give potential owners pause is their grooming needs. According to the article, Blue Heelers have a double coat that sheds heavily.
The double coat is made up of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. This combination makes them shed heavily, especially during shedding season. Blue Heelers typically shed their coat twice a year, in spring and fall.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. Blue Heelers need to be brushed several times a week, especially during shedding season. A slicker brush or a pin brush is best for this job.
Brushing not only prevents matting but also helps reduce shedding. By removing loose hair, brushing can also reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your clothes and furniture. Blue Heelers also need to be bathed regularly to keep their coat clean and healthy.
For another approach, see: Double Coated Dog Grooming
Blue Heeler Coat
Blue Heelers have a unique coat that's worth getting to know. They have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur.
The outer coat is extremely short, typically growing only to 1 1/2 inches in length. This shortness can make the coat appear less dense than it actually is.
The outer hairs rest close to the undercoat, which can make the coat seem even thinner. This is just a trick of the light, though - the coat is actually quite thick.
Blue Heelers come in a range of colors, including blue, red, blue speckled, and blue mottled. Some Blue Heelers even have a combination of these colors.
Grooming and Shedding
Blue heelers have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season. Routine grooming is essential to control shedding.
Daily grooming with a steel comb and a wire brush is necessary to control free-floating hair in your house during shedding season. One or two warm baths with a quality dog shampoo will also help eliminate loose hair.
Outside of shedding season, combing and brushing only needs to be done a couple of times a week. Baths can be limited to an as-needed basis, like if your heeler gets into something extremely dirty or smelly.
For more insights, see: Blue Heeler Grooming
Grooming for Shedding Control
Grooming your blue heeler regularly is essential to control shedding. Routine grooming is a must, especially during shedding season.
Daily grooming with a steel comb and a wire brush will help control free-floating hair in your house. This is necessary when your blue heeler is blowing his coat.
One or two warm baths with a quality dog shampoo will also help eliminate loose hair during shedding season. This can be a lifesaver in keeping your home clean.
Outside of shedding season, combing and brushing only needs to be done a couple of times a week. This frequency is sufficient to keep your heeler's coat in good condition.
Baths can be limited to an as-needed basis, like if your heeler gets into something extremely dirty or smelly. This will save you time and water.
To keep your blue heeler's coat looking its best, it's essential to understand their unique coat type. Blue heelers have a double coat, with a dense undercoat beneath an extremely short outer coat.
The outer coat typically grows only to 1 1/2 inches in length. This unique coat type requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Here are some key grooming tips to keep in mind:
- Use a steel comb and a wire brush for daily grooming during shedding season.
- Use a quality dog shampoo for warm baths.
- Limit baths to an as-needed basis outside of shedding season.
- Combing and brushing should be done a couple of times a week.
Shedding Frequency
Shedding Frequency is a natural process for many animals, with some breeds experiencing it more frequently than others.
Short-haired breeds like the Sphynx and Devon Rex shed very little, while long-haired breeds like the Afghan Hound and Old English Sheepdog shed heavily.
The frequency of shedding can vary depending on the time of year, with most animals shedding more in the spring and fall.
In some cases, animals can shed their coats twice a year, while others may shed continuously throughout the year.
For your interest: Do Australian Cattle Dogs Shed a Lot
Breed Information
Blue Heelers are known for their striking appearance, with a short, dense double coat that comes in blue or blue mottled colors.
Their muscular bodies and intense, alert eyes are a testament to their strong work ethic.
These dogs have a natural instinct for herding cattle, which is a key part of their breed.
Sources
- https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/bad-blue-healer-dogs-shed-2936.html
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australiancattledog.htm
- https://www.nhvnaturalpetproducts.com/dogs/remedies-by-breed/australian-cattle-dog/
- https://chocolatelabdenver.com/blogs/dog-breeds/blue-heeler
- https://facts.net/nature/animals/11-fun-facts-about-blue-heelers/
Featured Images: pexels.com