German Shepherds have a thick double coat that's designed to keep them warm in cold climates, but it also means they shed heavily. This is especially true during shedding season, which typically occurs in the spring and fall.
Their undercoat, also known as their underfur, is made up of soft, dense hairs that trap warm air close to their skin. This helps to regulate their body temperature.
German Shepherds shed their undercoat in clumps, which can be quite messy. In fact, they can shed up to 10% of their coat every week.
Shedding heavily can be a challenge for many German Shepherd owners, but it's a natural process for the breed.
A unique perspective: When Do German Shepherds Shed
German Shepherds Shed
Their coat responds naturally to daylight, so when days start to get shorter and winter approaches, they'll shed their summer coat and grow a new winter coat. This is especially massive during the fall.
German Shepherds blow their coats twice a year, taking 10 days or more to shed their undercoat.
They shed a lot of fur, so if you don't want to deal with dog hair, getting a German Shepherd might not be a good choice.
Managing their shedding will be an everyday task, just like feeding and walking your dog.
German Shepherd Coats
Their coat responds naturally to daylight, causing them to shed their summer coat and grow a new winter coat as the days get shorter.
You should be prepared for a massive shedding during the fall, as well as in the spring when they blow their coats.
It takes 10 days or more to shed their undercoat during these times.
German Shepherds shed a lot of their fur, so be prepared for a home filled with dog hair during shedding season.
If you're not looking forward to dealing with shedding, getting a German Shepherd might not be a good choice.
However, if you're determined to have a German Shepherd, you can anticipate their shedding and take steps to reduce it.
German Shepherds shed constantly, year around, making managing their shedding an everyday task.
You'll need to make it a routine to keep up with their shedding, just like feeding and walking your dog.
While there is no purebred German Shepherd that doesn't shed, crossing them with Poodles will produce dogs that shed minimally.
The Shepadoodle is a mix of a German Shepherd and a Poodle that inherits the non-shedding trait of its Poodle parent.
As a dog owner, you should consider more than just a dog's coat quality when choosing a breed.
Managing the Hair
Managing the hair of your German Shepherd requires regular attention, especially during shedding season. You should brush your dog every day to remove the undercoat, which can be done in just 5 minutes every night.
Brushing is the most effective measure to remove the undercoat, and it's essential to do it daily to keep the shedding at bay. This will prevent matting and tangling of the fur, making it easier to manage.
If your dog gets dirty frequently, you'll need to bathe him regularly to prevent dirt from settling in the undercoat. This will make it harder for a comb or brush to get through, making brushing more challenging.
After bathing your dog, you can use a professional-grade grooming blow dryer to blow out the undercoat and reduce shedding. This is a worthwhile investment for any shepherd owner, as it will make the process much easier.
By making brushing and bathing a routine, you'll be able to manage your dog's shedding easily, just like feeding and walking your dog. It's essential to be consistent and make it a part of your daily routine.
Growing Fur
German shepherds go through a significant transformation as they reach four to six months of age.
Their baby fur starts to slough off, making way for new, thicker adult hair to grow in. This process is a natural part of their development.
The old layer of fur is pushed out to make room for the new growth, which is a sign that they're getting closer to adulthood.
German shepherds aren't the only ones who experience this change - other breeds like Bernese mountain dogs and Pomeranians also go through it.
Intriguing read: Do German Shepherds Have Hair or Fur
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove German Shepherd undercoat?
To remove your German Shepherd's undercoat, use an undercoat rake like the Groom Professional Undercoat Rake, starting at the head and working down the body. Regular use helps prevent matting and reduces loose hair.
How do I know if my German Shepherd is double coat?
Check if your German Shepherd's coat is dense, straight, and short, lying close to the body, which is the characteristic of a double coat
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