To put that in perspective, there are 4 unofficial types of German Shepherd coats: Short length coat with an undercoat (around 1 inch … Regardless of your German Shepherd’s coat type, this is a dog who’s known for shedding. You should also use this opportunity to check your dog over for any bumps, bites, or pests like fleas or mites. Although they’ll shed year round, they’re considered seasonal shedders. If your pup has a longer coat, you’ll want to keep up with brushing on a daily basis. Stress: This is a more anxious dog breed due to their active nature. German Shepherd? Their shorter underlayer helps keep them warm. If you are already feeding your pup a high-quality kibble, these types of supplements will be purely optional. When it comes to your dog’s coat health, don’t neglect nutrition. Keep those in mind when shopping for your dog’s necessities. But that’s not a reason to avoid adopting one of these magnificent canines. Most regular brushes won’t get all the loose fur out of your pup’s coat in one sitting. So, just to recap, the short-haired German Shepherd needs a pin brush and an undercoat rake, the medium-haired pooch needs an undercoat rake and either a pin or a slicker dependent on the length, and a long-haired pooch needs an undercoat rake and a slicker brush. 5. Long haired German Shepherd puppies are less common than short haired. So, as the days get shorter or longer, your dog’s hormone levels … Color does not play a part and a long haired dog can be any color. You could also use a grooming glove or mitt instead, or both if you … Females can shed more when their hormones change, usually when they are pregnant or are in heat. They have double-coats, which means there are two times a year you can expect to deal with more dog fur around your home and on your clothing. There are few canines that exist today, that are as easily spotted as this breed. If this is the case, your pet could be suffering from a skin condition or other medical issues such as hypothyroidism, growth hormone disorders, or disorders of the adrenal gland. But when you brush them, you’ll see a lot of hair fall out. This could be anything from a new baby, to a new puppy or cat that you’ve introduced. Such dogs can protect your family only when they have the freedom to do … German Shepherds shed equally year-round but will shed more in the winter and summer months. They aren’t too expensive, and your regular weekly brushing will be much easier. If you suspect pregnancy, make sure to schedule a vet appointment to get her on the right path for a healthy pregnancy and litter. This undercoat is shed in both the spring and fall. Excessive shedding can be caused by skin diseases and be prevented by checking the condition of the skin regularly. Taking care to provide a good diet and regular brushing for your dog will help keep them looking great at any age. If your pup has a shorter or medium length coat, shedding will become more manageable, and you’ll only need to groom your pup about three times per week to keep fur under control. Not only will your German Shepherd have a healthy and glossy coat, but systematically grooming your dog will significantly reduce shedding as well. We often think of pets as cuddly and furry little creatures who bring joy to our lives. There are several different brands and food formulas that can meet your dog’s needs. It may seem silly to discuss why dogs need water – after all, every living creature needs it. There are both short and long answers to these questions, and we will cover all of them. Also, you will get the best results by bathing your dog once a month and deshedding him before and after the bath. Believe it or not, short-haired German shepherd dogs actually have more hair than long-haired German shepherds. Furthermore, daylight plays a role too. The bottom line? Other German Shorthairs are easily distracted by exciting sights, sounds, and scents, and it takes some training experience to get and keep the dog's attention. The only thing he moulted loads, do short haired ones moult just as much? Ensuring you keep their skin free of these annoyances will improve their overall skin health and decrease allergic reactions. The nutrients in that food may not get where they need to go, resulting in a dull and unhealthy coat. Its just a fact of life that weve become accustomed to. Yes, they do — a lot. But making sure your canine has enough clean water to drink is part of good nutrition, which we have learned is important for good hair health. One of them has a shorter coat and another a bit longer coat. My truck has been filled with dog hair… Allergies: This breed is also known for having sensitive skin. The amazing … Brush with a pin brush for the best result. Be ready for the dog hair to be everywhere. If you stick to a regular bathing and grooming schedule, there’s no reason at all you shouldn’t be able to welcome one into your home. Meanwhile, carbs and fats keep these dogs energized and playing. You may have noticed your dog losing hair in patches all over his body. This is a term that encompasses all itchy skin infections that are the result of mites. Most German Shepherds have an undercoat, the exception is the long haired German Shepherd with no undercoat. German Shorthaired Pointers are capable of learning a great deal. German Shepherds shed their entire life, but some pet owners have reported their dogs shedding even more as they get older. Sensitive skin means you can’t use any shampoo of your choosing. With proper care, short-haired German shepherd puppies can grow with tenacious jaws. White German Shepherds have a controversial coat color, where some people argue it’s not even an actual member of the breed. One of the main reasons a German Shepherd will shed so much is because usually, they have two coats. While it is true that the short-haired and plush-haired GSDs appear to shed more as the hair they lose is more visible when you mop your floor. You will have a cleaner home with less pet hair to vacuum. If bathing once a month will give your dog dry and itchy skin, try to use an even milder shampoo and bathe your pet less frequently. Yes, they do. You will find that your German Shepherd sheds year-round but expect to see more shedding during the spring and summer when your pet is letting go of his winter coat and gains his summer coat. But the bottom line is that yes, German Shepherds Shed, and they shed a lot! As days get shorter, your dog's fur will respond accordingly, and less hair will be shed. Maybe you’ve recently adopted one and aren’t sure how to deal with their shedding? In this comprehensive guide, we explain why your German Shepherd sheds, and what to do if they are shedding more than normal. Before adding a GSD to your family, you need to know what you're getting into. They have a double coat, and the thick undercoat makes them shed both year-round and during shedding season. BUT there is something you can do! Regardless of their coat color, there is no difference in shedding frequency amongst the breed. Because you will see more hair falling out after the bath, it is always a good idea to deshed and brush your dog right after the bath (when the coat is completely dry). Love Your Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Judging by the name you already guessed what the first difference would be. It helps food digest and helps the nutrients absorb into your dog's body. A lot of people own the longer haired German Shepherds. Be sure to debone the fish to avoid choking. When it comes to ringworm, for example, dogs experience small infection areas and end up with itchy, red patches. For starters, feeding your pup a quality food and providing plenty of clean, fresh water plus the occasional treat will keep your dog feeling and looking great. You will need to speak with a vet to get treatment. Shedding is a natural occurrence for all dogs, including German Shepherds, and is closely linked with the amount of sunlight. Almost all German Shepherd crossbreeds will shed. Spend a bit of extra money if necessary to ensure you are getting a shampoo that won't make your dog's hair fall out. Because this is a double-coated breed, they will “blow” their coat twice per year. While they do shed all year, when the days get shorter, their body will react to the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. Heavy shedding. This essentially works against you, backfiring in trying to control your dog’s shedding by causing more fur loss. When they get stressed out, this additional stress can trigger hormones in their body, resulting in the loss of additional dog fur. Your German Shepherd will shed in the late fall when the days get shorter. Grooming is a must for this breed to prevent any mats, since their hair will continually grow but not shed. Dogs have also been known to lose hair when suffering from cancer, kidney disease, or liver disease. Make sure the shampoo is intended for dogs as human shampoo can leave dogs' skin feeling irritated and itchy. Last Updated: November 15, 2020 | 8 min read. Yes, they do. Their top-coat protects against the elements, including water, ice, and wind. You will also find that after the summer, your GSD will start putting on his winter coat, which means losing the finer summertime hair. German Shepherds shed so much because they have a double coat that helps them regulate their temperature and protects them from the environment. In the spring, your German Shepherd will have their "blow out" shedding. They are double-coated dogs, which means you’ll need to spend more time grooming during these times of the year. During the shedding season, German Shepherds will shed a tremendous amount of hair within a very short period and their coat will look no worse for wear. Typically most dogs shed their “puppy coat” at around six months of age. Supplements can be great to help your dog improve their skin and coat health. However, regular brushing, deshedding, and bathing your German Shepherd during their shedding seasons will help. Coats of short hair German Shepherds are easier to maintain and it depends on your preferences, but 2 or at the most 3 grooming tools should be adequate. When this neat freak is not searching for better ways to get rid of pet hair, dander, and other messes pets leave behind, he's usually enjoying outdoors with his two (hairy) Goldens: Ben and Jerry. There is no way of stopping your German Shepherd from shedding because it's the natural cycle of renewing their coat to keep it healthy. This usually impacts their skin underneath the fur, so fur loss is more of a by-product. There are actually a few different types of coats your German Shepherd may have. Another fact is that the long-haired version isn’t recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).So, for that, this dog isn’t allowed to participate in any kind of dog show. If fur management isn’t something you truly want to mess with, we’d recommend sticking to a Hypoallergenic dog breed that might make dog ownership easier for you and your family. Yes, your dog will shed more in both the summer and the winter. What matters more is the length of their coat. Keep water available. However, there are many things you can do to control that shedding. We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions! If they have an allergic reaction to something in your yard, it’s not uncommon for their skin to flare up, which may cause hair loss. When you bathe your German Shepherd… Add olive oil to their diet. For example, poor diet, stress, dehydration or skin allergy and irritation. If you are looking for German Shepherd shedding tips or want to know how to deshed your German Shepherd, read on. For dogs with sensitive skin, we recommend using an oatmeal shampoo, or a dog shampoo that has natural ingredients. They are notorious for having thick, yet soft fur. As always, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian if your dog starts to exhibit fur loss without any easy to identify reasons behind it. Their coats don’t vary by breed line, meaning both German Shepherds from American and European breed lines will shed just as much. They shed the same amount as any other German shepherd, but the long hairs tend to become woven into furniture, blankets, clothes, carpets etc. Purchase chew toys, the durable ones. Below are some of the most common themes you’ll need to consider if you notice your dog is shedding more than normal. Like any dog breed, there are also things that can happen in your pup’s life that will cause them to shed more than normal. Mites live on the skin or hair, and they burrow and chew on the skin of the dog. There are both short and long answers to these questions, and we will cover all of them. There are certain factors that can influence the amount of shedding. In addition to noticing the excessive loss of hair during these aforementioned seasons, German shepherds tend to shed smaller amounts of dead hair throughout the rest year. The good news is that even though German Shepherds shed, it’s fairly easy to manage. Let’s jump in! It is called "blowing coat". The season will have an impact on how your pet sheds. It will be the clumpy, thick hair from the thick winter coat. Using an undercoat rake is mandatory for when he sheds his seasonal undercoat (also known as spring & fall blowouts). This will help you get rid of the hair that might otherwise end up on the carpet, furniture, and clothes. Hormone Changes: If your pup recently became pregnant, or has had other hormone changes in their body, fur loss can also be a common temporary symptom. Why Do German Shepherds Shed? This is when their adult fur comes in, which can be slightly coarser, and longer. That’s why you need to be ready for frequent brushing. But it’s not usually a need unless your dog isn’t on a diet that already contains adequate amounts of these nutrients. In the end, if you're a dog lover and have your heart set on a German Shepherd, then go for it! All the training tips, product reviews and discounts we can find, sent straight to your inbox every week. These tools are safe to use on your dog’s coat, all over their body. Adding some fish meat to their diet helps keep them free from excess dandruff as well. The bottom line is this: Don’t sleep on nutrition when it comes to coat health. German Shepherd shedding. The top coat (or guard coat) is the long, wiry, and wavy hair that lies close to the body of the dog. Blood and skin oils are brought to the coat, helping it grow and giving it a great shine. In addition, they will also shed all year round because of their double coat. Avoid corn and other grains in their diet. This means that short haired German Shepherds can also carry the gene, without expressing it in their coats. German Shepherds can have a variety of different coat colors. It usually starts on the rear legs and works it's way forward, and can take a few weeks. If you do as we’ve advised, and stick to a regular grooming routine, your pup should shed less, making living indoors with a double-coated breed more manageable. Believe it or not, short-haired German shepherd dogs actually have more hair than long-haired German shepherds. For 13 years I have used numerous combs and brushes on my German Shepherds. Short haired German shepherds tend to shed even more than long haired one. They are also great to use underneath your pup, to remove excess fur from under their belly. In the spring, German Shepherds have a period called "blowing out," which is what happens when they lose that thick winter coat. This is because, in German Shepherds, the gene which codes for short hair is dominant, and the gene which codes for long hair is recessive. White Shepherds share a number of health problems with German Shepherds of all colors. Bathing will always increase shedding because the massaging movement on your dog's coat will loosen all the dead hair that is about to fall out soon. He's been featured in publications like Reader's Digest, Money, and BestLifeOnline. Regular visits to the vet for checkups to make sure your German Shepherd is free of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Thinking of adding a German Shepherd to your family, but need to know how much they shed before you do? German Shepherd, also known as GSD, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., which makes sense as they are loyal, obedient, and courageous dogs. Outside of that, there’s no difference in shedding volume and frequency, when comparing male to female. This leads to loss of hair and itching, and worst of all, humans may contract them (scabies, for instance, are contagious for both humans and canines). Dutch Shepherds will shed lightly to moderately year-round as hairs fall out and are continually replaced in both the outer coat and the undercoat. Their coats can range in length, but they are usually of medium length and density, to longer, which makes them look more like a wolf. If your dog is shedding more than usual, take a look at his or her surroundings. But the number one reason for increased shedding happens to be stress or a break in your dog’s normal routine. You can avoid as much coat-blowing with certain long-haired shepherds, although they are considered outside the breed standard. Learn all about their shedding frequency and management before you welcome one into your home! This leads to bald spots where the dog scratches constantly. In fact, I've owned several of them myself as well and have two right now. They can even shed more than their long-haired counterpart. German Shepherds are particularly notorious for being anxious when something in their life isn’t right. Their grooming isn't terrible, just brush them a few times a week and use a de-shedder (like the furminator) when needed. Below are some commonly asked questions that we’ve compiled for you if you still haven’t found your answer. They shed their coat year-round, which is unlike many dog breeds who mainly shed a summer and winter coat. The top coat protects the dog from dirt and moisture, keeping it away from their skin. We actually don’t recommend using an anti-shed shampoo for any dogs with extremely sensitive skin. We’d recommend looking at a tool like the Furminator for the best results. Most commonly, GSDs have short hair with a double coat. Remember to use a high-quality dog shampoo to prevent damage to the coat and stripping it from its natural oils. Buy a good vacuum cleaner too. Some breeders consider the long hair of some German Shepherds to be a “genetic fault.” These dogs tend to cost more, as they are rarer. Ringworm, fungal yeast infections, and pustules are all afflictions that can form on the skin and cause your dog pain. Again, you will see more shedding during this period. This is slang for when a dog sheds their outer coat in the summer to keep cool, and again in the wintertime to allow a new undercoat to come in to protect from the cold. Also, providing your German Shepherd with nutritious food will help prevent excessive shedding. Taking Omega fatty acid chewable or liquid supplements will ensure your pup’s coat is both shiny and healthy. Bottom Line: German Shepherds do shed, and quite a bit. German Shepherds are a working breed, and their coat comes equipped with a variety of features to help them do their job. Although shepherds shed all year long, they have a super shed-fest twice a year where they release the undercoat. The guard hair may be short, medium-length, or long depending on the type of coat your German Shepherd has. Just follow up with your vet if you notice that along with excessive shedding, your dog is itching or getting bald spots. I had a long haired German Shepherd, which died 5 years ago and he was great. Brush your dog every day and use that time to check him over for any irregularities. Some do shed a lot every day, others a lot only during shedding season, and a few hardly shed at all during the remainder of the year. Trying to figure out how much German Shepherds shed? This layer is what helps the dog regulate its body temperature. You should make sure that protein comes first, followed by carbs, grains, fats, and veggies. You’ll know when they “blow their coat” as their will suddenly be large chunks of hair falling off of the dog. Although shedding is natural and there is no way of stopping your dog from shedding dead hair and growing in a new coat, there are ways to deal with shedding so that it won't drive you nuts. While they grow the thicker winter coat in, the finer summer hairs will fall out. German Shepherds shed twice a year as a major event. Water carries and moves nutrients from your pet's food into and out of the body's cells. The long-haired German Shepherd does not have an undercoat, but they tend to shed about the same because their fur is long, dense, and thick. Crippling hip and elbow dysplasia, skin diseases, and autoimmune diseases are some examples. Deshedding tools are a must for the German Shepherd. Your dog's health plays a big role in having a healthy and beautiful coat. Most short-haired German shepherd shed 365 days a year. Anything else is likely to cause skin irritation, which will then cause additional shedding. Particularly the short-coarse-haired edition of German origin, and some family lines of the long-coated GSDs that have no undercoat (so not the long stock coat ones). Also, feel free to share your secret cleaning tips with other (desperate) pet owners. Nutrition: Changes in diet can impact your dog’s coat, and any allergic reaction to a new food can cause hair loss. We’d recommend grooming your pup every day and using a deshedder, especially in the summertime. When the fall rolls around, this summer undercoat is dumped, and the thicker undercoat returns. While not considered hypoallergenic, the Shepadoodle is your closest shot at a “non-shedding” German Shepherd crossbreed. Sure, your dog might be eating top-quality food with all the necessary nutrients, but what good is that if there is no clean water to drink? and is therefore harder to clean up. It will promote a healthier coat, which will reduce shedding. Of course, there are variations in shedding even among the same breed, but the general rule is – yes, German shepherds are heavy shedders. The GSD sheds heavily year-round, and “blows” its undercoat (the thick, dense fur under the harsh top coat) twice a year. The first line of defense in reducing shedding is a healthy diet. They can also have blue coats, which are more accepted, but also rarer. During this time, dog fur will be everywhere. Still can’t figure out why your German Shepherd may be shedding more than normal? 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