Hi JimboJones1981. I currently have my 13th Australian Cattle Dog, so watch out, they can be addictive.
Haven't had this in an ACD, only in a sheltie, but have you had your boy tested for hypothyroidism? The coat, increased appetite, bald patches, itchiness etc. sound like it so it is worth checking out, but have a look here and see if there are any more similarities.
http://www.newmanveterinary.com/Hypo...#ClinicalSigns
There are some very good photo's on that site.