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A white-haired woman in a green vest washes a wet blue merle Australian Shepherd in a sudsy metal tub in a backyard. 14 / 30

Grandma June Filled the Old Metal Tub With Suds. Blue Knew Exactly What Was Coming.

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A large galvanized tub sits in the yard, filled with warm, soapy water, and Blue is standing in the middle of it looking thoroughly damp. His usually fluffy blue merle coat is plastered down, revealing how slim he really is underneath all that fur. June leans over the edge in her olive quilted vest and plaid shirt, her silver hair tied back, gently scrubbing his chest with a washcloth. Her expression is soft and focused. Behind them, a cluttered backyard shows a clothesline, rubber boots, a green bucket, and a coiled garden hose in the golden afternoon light.

Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat with a soft undercoat and a weather-resistant outer layer. They do not need frequent baths, and bathing too often can strip natural oils from their skin. Most Aussies only need a bath every few months or when they get dirty. Before bathing, brush thoroughly to remove loose undercoat and tangles. Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo, and make sure to rinse completely, since a thick coat can trap soap. Drying is just as important: towel off well and, if needed, use a low-heat dryer to get down to the undercoat and prevent hot spots.

Blue may look a little sheepish right now, but he will soon be fluffy, clean, and full of energy again. And June will likely be just as soaked by the time the job is done.

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