German shepherds are intelligent, loyal, protective, and probably for that reason-notorious for shedding. If you own a German shepherd or you are contemplating of getting one. Then it is very likely that you have been wondering if German shepherds shed a lot. The short answer that fits the bill is yes, they certainly do. Nonetheless, proper care and grooming can be managed.
This article accomplishes this goal by discussing how much German Shepherds shed. What the reasons for this are, and by giving some pieces of advice to help you minimize the shed hair in your home
Do German Shepherd Dogs Shed a Lot?
Yes, German Shepherd Dogs do shed a great deal over a year. Since they are double-coated, they consist of two layers of fur, which naturally shed at least once a year. The major reason for all of that shedding is simply that no undercoat to insulate them provides the dense attacking cover. Whether the German shepherd is long-haired or short-haired, shedding occurs. Although long-haired versions need to be groomed more than the short-haired ones.
Understanding the Double Coat
With two layers of fur, German Shepherds are a double-coated breed:
- The outer coat is straight and coarse hair that protects the inner underlying layers from dirt and water.
- The undercoat consists of a thick, soft fur layer. Ready to keep them well-protected even in high humid as well as cold temperatures.
This combination of characteristics keeps German Shepherds comfortable in several weather conditions. However, with this, they tend to shed quite a bit, especially when going through coat changes.
When Do German Shepherds Shed?
German Shepherds will shed year-round. But two primary times during the year, they will undergo what’s known as the shedding season. In reality, this annual occurrence occurs with the onset of spring and autumn when German Shepherds are blowing their coat. This unceremoniously means they’ve outgrown their undercoats . They are finally logistically prepared for an entirely different fur cape for the seasons. These dogs lose their heavy winter coat in early spring and flaunt only a thin layer of top coat for the next season, before arriving at the fall season to shed their lighter summer coat.
Why Do German Shepherds Shed So Much?
There are several reasons why German Shepherd dogs shed a lot:
Seasonal change: As it becomes uncommonly warm out of cold, German Shepherds need to shed during spring and autumn.
Health and diet: A poor diet lacking in crucial fatty acids and vitamins may lead a German Shepherd to shed more. Supplementing the diet or giving your German Shepherd a well-balanced, nutritious diet may help reduce this problem.
Stress or anxiety: Just like human beings, dogs could also shed more when stressed or anxious. If your dog has been shedding too much, consider environmental changes or disruptions in its routine.
How Much Do German Shepherds Shed?
How much a German Shepherd sheds may vary depending on the individual dog and environmental factors surrounding it. However, as a rule, expect year-round shedding with profuse activity in spring and autumn. On average, a German Shepherd will drop a moderate to large amount of hair every day. If you are noticing clumps of fur on your furniture, carpets, or clothes, that is entirely normal for the breed.
Do Belgian Malinois Shed as Much as German Shepherds?
Belgian Malinois, often compared to the German Shepherd for their slightly similar appearance, do shed but, generally, not as severely as the German Shepherd. Both breeds have a double coat, but the German Shepherd’s thickened undercoats do shed more profusely, especially during the transitional seasons.
Best Brushes for German Shepherd Shedding
To manage the shedding of German Shepherds, there is a necessity for regular grooming. Following are some effective tools that can be used to minimize shedding:
Shedding brush for German Shepherds
They are the best tools for removing loose undercoat fur, for example, the FURminator.
Slicker brush
Good for daily grooming. Known to aid in the removal of loose fur and help in preventing tangling of the flourishing coat.
Rake brush
Rake brushes can be used to minimize shedding during “blow coat” season because they can cut through the thick undercoat.
If you used these pets care tools 2-3 times a week, shedding would drastically be reduced, and the cleanliness of the house would be bettered.
How to Stop a German Shepherd from Shedding Too Much?
While it is impracticable to stop dog’s shedding altogether, there are certain measures one can take:
Groom Your Dog
Keep on regularly brushing your dog, as shedding occurs in seasons-that is, at certain times during the year, a somewhat more strenuous grooming regimen will have to be established as one enters the shedding time.
Give your dog a bath
Bathing them in a high-quality de-shedding shampoo will help; however, bathing them too often will dry out their skin and increase shedding.
Good nutrition
You ensure good nutrition by feeding your dog a balanced diet containing omega-3 fatty acids and adequate vitamins, which will keep their skin healthy. Supplements could be given for healthy skin and coat.
Hydration
Healthy skin and fur must be replenished with plenty of fresh drinking water.
How to Control German Shepherd Shedding in the House?
Although frequent brushing helps to control shedding in German Shepherds, fur will invariably cover every inch of your house. Here are some suggestions for minimizing dog hair within your residence:
Clean the carpets on a regular basis
Purchase a vacuum or any cleaning machine that is meant for pets. It’s advisable to vacuum once a day especially during shedding seasons, this helps control the spread of furs around the environment.
Covers for furniture
Use couch and chair covers that can be laundered to clean with less effort .
Lint Rollers
Lint rollers should always be available so that dog hair can be taken off clothes and furniture in a flash.
Do Huskies Shed More Than German Shepherds?
Huskies are often known to shed sporadically, and during shedding season, Huskies can shed even more than German Shepherds. Both breeds have a double coat; however, Huskies sometimes have a more dramatic shedding front termed “blowing coat.” On an average day in their lives, these two breeds shed almost the same amount of fur.
German Shepherd Shedding Solutions
It is the checklist on what one ought to do to minimize shedding during shedding seasons of a German shepherd:
Brush the dog regularly
The above-mentioned will apply. The best possible way to reduce shedding is by brushing your furry friend several times a week if German Shepherd is shedding a lot.
Shedding tools
High-quality German Shepard shedding brushes take off lots of undercoat loose fur.
Proper nutrition
We recommend a high-quality diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids; it would reduce shedding and keep the coat healthy.
Non-Shedding German Shepherds – Do They Exist?
German shepherds are also not a non-shedding breed. There are always some instances in which some amount of shedding occurs in German shepherds. If you are interested in a non-shedding or hypoallergenic dog, consider other breeds. Sadly, these elegant animals belong to the shedding group and are not hypoallergenic.
When to Worry About German Shepherd Shedding?
Shedding of German shepherds can also indicate conditions serious in nature. If your German shepherd lost patches of furs or is shedding too much, it can be due to:
- Allergies: Skin allergies cause fur loss and irritation.
- Parasites: Fleas and ticks can lead to hair loss and increased scratching.
- Hormonal imbalances: Such conditions include hypothyroidism that causes either excessive or little shedding.
In case you notice such signs, visiting a veterinary doctor is recommended for a thorough investigation of possible underlying health issues.
FAQs
- Do German shepherds shed much?
The answer is an emphatic yes; German shepherds really shed a lot, and that includes during their heavy shedding periods in spring and fall.
- What brush does best with German Shepherds and shedding?
Perhaps a brush specifically made for that purpose is the FURminator-a deshedding tool that digs deep into the undercoat and removes the loose fur for a more thorough brush.
- Will my German shepherd shed less?
Total shedders can never occur, although grooming, diet consideration, and other appropriate care can reduce shedding by large proportions.
- When do German shepherds shed most?
Spring and fall are, most probably, the best shedding seasons, the time at which German shepherds really blow out their coat.
- Do Belgian Malinois shed more than German Shepherds?
On the whole, Belgian Malinois do not shed anywhere on the same level as German Shepherds, as they do not retain quite the same amount of thick undercoating.
