How Much Do German Shepherds Shed and How to Manage

German Shepherds are known to be heavy shedders, with some owners reporting that their dogs lose up to 50% of their coat in a single year.

This is due in part to their double coat, which consists of a thick undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The undercoat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes.

To put this into perspective, a German Shepherd's coat can weigh up to 6 pounds in the spring, and up to 8 pounds in the fall.

German Shepherds shed for a few main reasons. They have two layers of coat: a topcoat and an undercoat, and their body reacts to the change of seasons by shedding the old coat to make way for a new one.

During the fall, German Shepherds shed their undercoat to prepare for the cold winter months, and in the spring, they shed their winter coat to make way for a lighter undercoat. Even in climates with little seasonal change, German Shepherds will still blow out their coat due to instinct and their DNA.

The body of a German Shepherd can recognize the season change, rejecting the shorter summer hair and replacing it with thick and long winter hair, and vice versa during the summer. German Shepherds can also shed due to health issues such as allergies, hormonal changes, parasites, stress, poor diet, pain, fleas, or ticks.

For your interest: Images of Long Haired German Shepherds

German Shepherds shed for a variety of reasons, and understanding these causes can help you care for your furry friend.

One of the main reasons German Shepherds shed is to protect themselves from changing seasons. Their coat acts as a regulator for their body temperature, keeping them warm in the cold and cool in the heat.

Their body can recognize the season change, which triggers a coat change. For example, when winter approaches, their body starts to reject the shorter summer hair and replace it with thick and long winter hair.

German Shepherds also shed due to overall health issues, such as stress, allergies, hormonal changes, parasites, fleas, or ticks. If you notice excessive shedding, it's essential to consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

Broaden your view: Do German Shepherds Have Fur or Hair

A double coat protects German Shepherds from UV rays, keeps their skin dry, and acts as a shield from scrapes and cuts. This double coat consists of a dense, straight, or slightly wavy topcoat and a soft, wooly undercoat.

Here are some common health-related factors that can cause excessive shedding in German Shepherds:

By understanding these causes of shedding, you can take steps to reduce shedding in your German Shepherd and keep them healthy and happy.

Puppies shed because they're still developing their adult coat.

German Shepherds are a double-coated breed, meaning they have two layers of fur: a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat.

Shedding helps them get rid of the old coat to make way for the new one.

Puppies typically shed their baby coat at around 4-6 months old.

German Shepherds shed throughout the year, but they tend to shed more during certain seasons. They shed their summer coat and grow a new winter coat in the fall, which can be a massive shedding period.

You should also be prepared for a significant amount of shedding in the spring when they blow their winter coat. This can last for 10 days or more.

German Shepherds shed a lot, and it can be overwhelming. In fact, you may need to vacuum your house every day, especially during shedding season.

When you brush your German Shepherd, you can remove a substantial amount of dead hair, enough to fill a medium trash bag (8 gallons) at a time.

Recommended read: When Do German Shepherds Shed the Most

Regular brushing is paramount in managing shedding in German Shepherd puppies. Brushing at least thrice a week helps remove loose hairs, stimulate the skin, and keep the coat healthy. According to professional groomers, regular grooming can reduce shedding by up to 60%.

Using a suitable de-shedding tool or rake is essential for effective brushing. Around 40% of German Shepherd owners who use consistent brushing report fewer health issues related to the skin and coat.

Regular brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin, enhances the natural oils that keep the coat shiny, and removes dead hair, dirt, and debris. Brushing a German Shepherd's double coat is more than just a beautification routine; it's a vital part of maintaining the coat's function and the dog's overall well-being.

Start with small steps when teaching your German Shepherd to be calm during brushing. Begin with short sessions, such as 30 seconds, and reward your dog with treats for good behavior. Gradually increase the brushing time until your dog becomes comfortable with the process.

Reducing shedding in German Shepherds means less hair to clean up and a happier, healthier dog. Regular grooming is a great way to minimize shedding and reduce the level of dog fur in the home.

German Shepherds need to be brushed 3 or 4 times a week with a grooming tool like a de-shedder brush, and daily during shedding season. Brushing the dog daily helps remove loose and dead hair, making life easier for owners.

Worth a look: German Shepherds with Short Hair

A de-shedder brush gets right into the dog’s coat, removing loose and dead hair, and is a must-have for German Shepherd owners. Pin or stickler brushes struggle to cope with the thick double coat of German Shepherds.

Brushing the dog regularly also makes life easier for owners, as all the hair removed will be in one spot. This makes cleaning up after your German Shepherd a breeze.

Here are some tips for reducing shedding in German Shepherds:

Managing pet hair can be a challenge, especially with German Shepherds who shed a lot.

Using a vacuum cleaner is the best way to deal with loose hair on hard floors and carpets, and investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a good idea.

Pet hair on your clothes is not a good look, and it's easy to get rid of with a pet hair lint roller. These products have a roll of adhesive strip that effortlessly pulls loose hair from your clothes.

For another approach, see: Are German Shepards Good Dogs

A pet hair lint roller is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner, and it's especially useful to keep one by the front door to make sure you're hair-free before heading out.

To get German Shepherd hair off soft furnishings like sofas and chairs, use a pet hair remover tool. This product is simple and highly effective at removing hair, lint, and debris from fabrics.

Consistency is key when it comes to cleaning pet hair off soft furnishings, so make sure to use your pet hair remover tool regularly to prevent hair from building up and getting ingrained in the fabric.

A balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy coat on your German Shepherd. Ensure your dog is eating a diet that's appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

A diet lacking in essential nutrients, fatty acids, and proteins can lead to poor coat health and increased shedding. Your vet can advise on the best dog food and possible supplements for your German Shepherd.

For adult dogs, the ideal protein level is 25-30% on a dry matter basis, and fat should be 10-15% DM. For pups, the ideal protein ratio is 30-35% DM, and the ideal fat ratio is 15-30% DM.

A balanced diet will not only maintain the health of your dog's coat but also improve their immune system, making them less prone to illnesses and skin problems.

Regular exercise is crucial for German Shepherds, and they need at least 2 hours of it each day.

Exercise helps reduce shedding in many ways, including managing stress levels. Dogs are anxious creatures, and exercise is a way for them to relieve that anxiety.

Exercise burns off natural steroids that the body releases when it's stressed, which can cause excessive shedding. Heavily stressed dogs shed a great deal more than healthy dogs.

Overweight and obese German Shepherds shed a great deal more than healthy dogs, and exercise can help with weight management. There is also an increased risk of diabetes when overweight, which can cause shedding.

The more time your German Shepherd spends outside running around, the less dog hair you'll find around the home. Many dog owners can attest to this!

A healthy diet is essential for your German Shepherd's overall well-being, and it plays a significant role in reducing shedding. A balanced diet will maintain the health of your dog's coat, making it simpler to groom and less likely to shed excessively.

Protein and fat are crucial components of a healthy diet. For adult dogs, the protein level should be 25–30% on a dry matter (DM) basis, and fat should be 10–15% DM. This ensures that your dog's coat stays healthy and doesn't become dry, dull, and brittle.

For puppies, the ideal protein ratio is 30–35% DM, and the ideal fat ratio is 15–30% DM. This higher protein and fat content supports their rapid growth and development.

A balanced diet can also improve your dog's immune system, making it better prepared to fight off illnesses and preserve skin health. If food lacks adequate protein or fat, your dog may develop areas of hair loss or the hair may lose color.

Here are some general guidelines for a healthy diet: