Matted rear feathers

Question
QUESTION: Hi. My Aussie has some extreme matting in her hindquarter feathering. I purchased a razor comb to help break them apart so I could detangle her. However, after separating a couple, the fur came right out. My crazy Aussie apparently thought this was a game and began pulling the tangles and fur out on her own, which came out rather easily. Is this part of her natural shedding? A groomer suggested that he shave her butt to remove all of the matting, but I refused thinking that the fur would not grow back (and who would want their butt shaved anyways?).  Will the rear feathers naturally shed? And will they grow back?  Thank you

ANSWER: An Aussie's feathering takes a long time to grow back, but it will eventually do so.  Aussies shed quite a bit, and it is normal, but if you aren't brushing her regularly, the dead hair will mat up with the hair she still has, and that can get not only unsightly but painful.  Have a really good groomer teach you how to brush correctly once you get this problem solved, either by dematting, or shaving.  One thing you can try is to use a product such as Stazko Spray to try to get the mats out.  Never wash a matted dog, the mats only get tighter - you need to get them out before bathing your dog.  If you don't want your Aussie's butt shaved in the future, keep up with the brushing!

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QUESTION: Opps. I guess I should have clarified. I keep my dogs carefully groomed, but the friend who babysat for me while I was gone on an extended business trip did not groom them properly, which resulted in my aussie's matted butt. I have never had to deal with matting so I was at a loss. I just wanted to be sure if the feathers come out they'll grow back. I will definitely pick up the Stazko Spray and work on her slowly. Thanks again.

Answer
Oh my goodness - guess you'll be using someone else to babysit your dog from now on, eh?  Anyway, yes the feathers grow back, and they will look good as new eventually - my Aussie had to have a small spot shaved due to a skin infection, and she looks fine now.  If the Stazko isn't sufficient, they make a product for horses that's called "Cowboy Magic" - you might want to try that before giving up and shaving the dog.