Understanding When Do German Shepherds Shed and How to Reduce

German Shepherds are known for their thick double coats, which can be a blessing and a curse. They shed heavily, especially during certain times of the year.

Their shedding season typically begins in spring and lasts through summer, with a secondary shedding period in fall. This is because they're trying to cool down and adapt to changing temperatures.

German Shepherds also shed due to hormonal changes, such as when they enter heat or experience stress. This can lead to excessive shedding and hair loss.

Regular grooming is essential to manage their shedding, but even with regular brushing, they still shed significantly.

German Shepherds tend to shed their coats all-year-round, earning them the nickname "German Shedders." This is due to their coat responding naturally to daylight.

As days get shorter and winter approaches, German Shepherds will shed their summer coat and grow a new winter coat. You should get ready for a massive shedding during the fall.

German Shepherds blow their coats twice a year, taking 10 days or more to shed their undercoat. This can be overwhelming, especially if you're not expecting it.

Their excessive shedding is a significant concern for many potential owners. If you're not prepared to deal with dog hair, getting a German Shepherd might not be a good choice.

German Shepherds shed year-round, but they also have two heavy shedding seasons, in the spring and fall, when they blow their coat. This means shedding the undercoat, which can be overwhelming for owners.

Brushing your German Shepherd regularly is key to reducing shedding. AKC Breeder of Merit Wendy Wilson recommends brushing your dog every other day, while Lisa Walsh suggests weekly brushing, increasing to daily during heavy shedding periods.

To effectively brush your German Shepherd, use a de-shedding tool like a Furminator, which can reach the undercoat and remove loose hair easily and safely. Do this outside, as the amount of fur released can be significant.

Bathing your German Shepherd too often can strip their coat and skin of natural oils, leading to skin issues. AKC Breeder of Merit Lisa Walsh recommends bathing only when necessary, such as before a conformation show or when the dog gets really dirty.

A high-quality diet plays a role in how much your German Shepherd sheds. If your dog is shedding constantly, you may need to change their dog food to one with high-quality protein.

Here are some general tips for reducing German Shepherd shedding:

German Shepherds shed year-round, with a steady flow of dead and loose hair falling from its coat. They also have what is known as shedding season, twice a year, during which time the dog will blow its coat.

Reducing shedding means less hair to clean up, and a happier, healthier dog. To reduce shedding, we first need to look at the factors that could cause excessive shedding in German Shepherds.

Additional reading: Dog Food Helps

Regular grooming is a great way to minimize shedding and reduce the level of dog fur in the home. German Shepherds also love getting their coat brushed.

Brushing the dog 3 or 4 times a week with a de-shedder brush can help remove loose and dead hair. During shedding season, owners will need to brush the dog daily.

A de-shedder brush gets right into the dog’s coat, removing loose and dead hair. This is especially important because German Shepherds have a thick double coat.

Grooming the dog regularly also makes life easier for owners, as all the hair removed will be in one spot. This can be a big help in reducing the mess and stress of shedding season.

Because of the German Shepherd’s shedding, haircuts aren’t recommended for this breed.

For your interest: Shepard Dog Types

A good undercoat rake is essential for removing loose hair from your German Shepherd's undercoat, especially during shedding season. This tool will help prevent matting and tangling.

You'll also want to invest in a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner to keep your dog's coat clean and healthy.

High-velocity dryers, like those from K9 Dryers, are also a great investment for easier loose hair removal.

Brushing your German Shepherd regularly is crucial for minimizing shedding. Aim to brush at least every other day, or daily during heavy shedding periods.

A reputable pet brush is a must-have, and de-shedding brushes specifically designed for thick undercoats are a great option.

When brushing, make sure to go all the way down to the skin to stimulate blood circulation and remove dandruff flakes.

Here are some recommended grooming tools for your German Shepherd:

Managing pet hair is a crucial aspect of owning a German Shepherd. Brushing your dog every day for just 5 minutes can keep shedding at bay.

If your dog gets dirty often, regular baths are necessary to prevent dust particles from settling in the undercoat. This makes it harder to brush the hair.

Suggestion: Australian Shepard Lifespan

Professional-grade grooming blow dryers are a worthwhile investment for any shepherd owner, as they can literally "blow out" the dog's undercoat and drastically reduce shedding.

Dog hair on your clothes is not a good look, but a pet hair lint roller can save the day. These products effortlessly pull loose hair from your clothes with a roll of adhesive strip.

German Shepherds shed a lot, so owners need to be consistent with their cleaning habits. If not, that hair will build up and bed into smooth fabrics pretty quickly.

Using a pet hair remover tool is a simple and effective way to remove hair, lint, and debris from fabrics. The scraper grabs the hair and pulls it away, gathering it together for easy disposal.