Australian Shepherd Gear Guide: The Grooming Kit, Toys, Harness, Crate and Bed an Aussie Actually Needs
What an Australian Shepherd needs: a grooming kit for a heavy double coat, fetch and puzzle toys, a front-clip harness, crate size and a solid-foam bed.
We compare published specs, manufacturer information and patterns in owner feedback. We haven't physically tested these products; if we ever do, the guide will say exactly what we tested.
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Australian Shepherds are smart, loyal and full of energy. Most adults weigh roughly 40–65 lb, they carry a thick double coat with feathering that sheds and mats, and as herding dogs they need far more exercise and mental work than most breeds.
This page covers what matters most for an Aussie: the grooming kit for that coat, toys and puzzles for a working brain, a harness, the right crate size, and a bed that holds up.
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Australian Shepherd gear at a glance
| Need | Our top pick | Why | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercoat | Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake | Pulls loose undercoat safely | Deshedding tools |
| Finishing | Chris Christensen Big K Slicker | Lifts loose hair, smooths coat | Deshedding tools |
| Tangles | Poodle Pet Dematting Comb | For feathering and mats | Deshedding tools |
| Fetch | Chuckit! Ultra Ball | Tough, bouncy, floats | Dog gift ideas |
| Brain games | Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado | Puzzle for a clever dog | Dog gift ideas |
| Harness | Ruffwear Front Range | Front + back clip, padded | No-pull harnesses |
| Crate | MidWest iCrate Double Door (36”/42”) | Divider grows with a puppy | Crate size guide |
| Bed | Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed | Solid foam, washable cover | Orthopedic dog beds |
Grooming: rake, slicker, comb (never shave)
An Aussie’s double coat sheds steadily and heavily in spring and autumn, and the feathering behind the ears, on the back of the legs and on the “pants” mats if it’s ignored. Brush once or twice a week, more often in shedding season, and always brush a dry coat. Don’t shave it: the double coat protects against sun and helps regulate temperature.
For the dense undercoat
Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake
A double-row rake that pulls out loose undercoat without cutting the topcoat, so it’s safe to use often.
Pros
- Removes a lot of loose undercoat quickly
- Gentle enough for regular use
Cons
- Not for the feathering; use a comb there
The finishing brush
Chris Christensen Big K Slicker Brush
A large slicker that lifts loose hair after raking and leaves the coat smooth.
Pros
- Big head covers a dog quickly
- Lifts loose hair the rake leaves behind
Cons
- Costs more than basic slickers
- Use light pressure; slicker pins can scratch skin
For feathering and mats
Poodle Pet Dematting Comb
For working out the small mats that form behind the ears and in the leg feathering.
Pros
- Cuts through small mats instead of pulling them
- Handy for quick touch-ups
Cons
- Go slowly; large or tight mats need a groomer
More tools and how to choose: best deshedding tools for dogs.
Toys: exercise first, then brain work
Aussies were bred to herd all day. Without enough to do, many invent their own jobs: herding children, chasing cars, chewing or barking. Give real exercise first, then mental work.
For an Aussie that lives for fetch
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
A tough, high-bounce rubber ball that floats, so it works in the park and the lake. It’s kinder to teeth than tennis balls, which wear enamel down.
Pros
- Durable, bouncy and floats
- Bright color is easy to find
Cons
- Pick a size too big to swallow
- Not a chew toy; put it away after the game
For a clever, busy brain
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado
A treat puzzle with rotating layers: your dog spins the discs to find the kibble. Good on rainy days and after a walk.
Pros
- Real mental work, not just chewing
- Adjustable difficulty as your dog learns
Cons
- Plastic: supervise, and put it away after the game
- Smart Aussies may solve it quickly; rotate puzzles
Harness: comfortable control
Aussies are athletic and can pull, especially when young. A padded harness with a front clip helps while you train and stays comfortable on long walks and hikes.
Best everyday harness for an Aussie
Ruffwear Front Range
A padded harness with a front clip for training and a back clip for relaxed walks, with four points of adjustment.
Pros
- Front and back leash rings
- Comfortable for long walks and hikes
- Adjustable, snug fit
Cons
- Costs more than budget harnesses
- Padding holds water and hair after muddy walks
More options: no-pull harnesses for large dogs.
Crate: buy the adult size, use a divider
Most adult Aussies fit a 36-inch crate (often females) or a 42-inch crate (often males). Buy the adult size and use the divider while your puppy grows. A tired Aussie settles in a crate far more easily than one that hasn’t been exercised.
Best crate for an Australian Shepherd
MidWest iCrate Double Door
A folding wire crate with a divider panel, two doors and a leak-proof tray.
Pros
- Divider panel included: one crate from puppy to adult
- Two doors for flexible placement
- Folds flat for the car or storage
Cons
- Wire crates are less den-like; cover three sides with a blanket
- Add washable crate bedding; the tray alone isn’t comfortable
Size help: dog crate size calculator.
Bed: solid foam with a washable cover
For a 40–65 lb dog, look for solid support foam about 3–4 inches thick (thicker for an older dog) and a removable, washable cover for shedding season.
Best bed for an Aussie
Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed
A solid memory-foam bed with a removable, washable cover, in sizes that fit a medium-large dog.
Pros
- Solid foam that doesn’t go flat like fiber fill
- Removable, washable cover
Cons
- Check the size against your dog’s length
- A very hot dog may prefer a cooler surface in summer
Get the exact size and foam thickness with the dog bed size calculator.
Living with an Aussie
- Exercise: plan on a lot every day: long walks, fetch, hiking or a dog sport.
- Herding instinct: many Aussies nip at heels or circle children; redirect it with training and games.
- Getting a puppy? Start with our new puppy checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does an Australian Shepherd need?
Most adult Aussies fit a 36-inch crate (often females) or a 42-inch crate (often males). Measure nose to base of tail and floor to top of head while sitting, and add 2–4 inches to each. For a puppy, buy the adult size and use a divider panel.
What brush is best for an Australian Shepherd?
An undercoat rake for the dense undercoat, a slicker brush to finish, and a comb for the feathering behind the ears and on the legs, where mats form. Brush once or twice a week and more often during seasonal shedding. Don’t shave an Aussie’s double coat.
How do I keep an Australian Shepherd busy?
Aussies are herding dogs bred to work all day. Give them real exercise, then mental work: fetch, puzzle toys, sniffing games and short training sessions. A bored Aussie often invents its own jobs, like herding children or chewing.
What harness is best for an Australian Shepherd?
A padded front-clip or dual-clip harness. It gives you control while you teach loose-leash walking and stays comfortable on long walks and hikes.
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