Want to know how much German Shepherds shed? You’ve come to the right place!
Being called “German Shedders,” it is guaranteed that the German Shepherd is a prolific shedder.
Want to know more? In this Dig Doggy article, you will learn:
- How much a German Shepherd is expected to shed
- Why and when German Shepherds shed so much
- Signs that your GSD might be shedding abnormally
And much more!
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How Bad Does A German Shepherd Shed?
On a scale from 1 to 10, any GSD owner would rank the breed in question an 8. German Shepherds are medium to heavy shedders.
Their coats are not hypoallergenic. These dogs will shed year-round and blow their coats come summer and fall.
So, have a lint roller on hand and a powerful vacuum ready. You will find tumbleweeds of pet hair blowing whirling around your house like the Old West!
Managing your GSD’s shedding will be a daily task. By making it a part of your everyday routine, it will be a lot easier for you and your furry pal to keep up with it.
Read More: >> What are the best dog shampoos to reduce shedding?
What Should You Know About German Shepherd Shedding
German Shepherds sport a luxurious double coat that is accepted in two variants: medium and long.
However, not all German Shepherds have the standard double coat. Some GSDs can have a short, medium, or long outer coat with varying lengths and thicknesses.
The coveted long-haired variety is rare as it occurs due to a recessive gene.
Regardless, a German Shepherd will shed heavily year-round regardless of coat type and blows its undercoat twice a year.
Whoever started the rumor that long-haired German Shepherds never shed is not true.
While it is impossible to stop your gorgeous canine from shedding, there are simple solutions to prevent its fuzzy coat from claiming your home.
Brush your pooch for at least five minutes a day using any of these dog brushes for German Shepherds.
Brushing removes the dead undercoat before it has a chance to fall out, thus cutting the amount of hair lying around your floor.
Read More: >> What are the best dog foods for skin allergies and shedding?
When Do German Shepherds Shed and Why?
German Shepherds shed throughout the year, but there are certain occasions when their shedding is especially intense.
German Shepherds Blow Their Coats Twice A Year
When fall rolls around, you will notice more fur lying around the house. Your German Shepherd will gift you with a huge increase in shedding by the time the cold months kick in.
Now, the question is – how is this possible? Why do German Shepherds shed more in the winter?
This phenomenon is due to hormonal changes that are associated with sunlight exposure. Natural sunlight stimulates hair growth in double-coated breeds.
When the cold season arrives and the daylight hours get shorter, the light summer coat is pushed out to make room for the heavy, protective winter coat.
Health Issues May Cause Shedding Out of Season
If your German Shepherd’s hair is falling out in chunks, you will want to check your pooch for concerns including allergies, malnutrition, and infections.
The best way to make your furry pal bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is to ensure he is healthy!
Cheap dog food that lacks nutritional balance is one of the main reasons for heavy shedding.
If you suspect Doggo’s kibble is insufficient for his needs, try a new brand and be sure to buy one that has real meat as the first ingredient.
German Shepherds May Experience Hair Due to Hormonal Changes
For a doting owner, it can be frightening to see your beloved pooch lose so much hair after giving.
However, postpartum shedding is common and is considered normal as long as there are no accompanying symptoms that may indicate an underlying problem.
Pregnancy and lactation can deplete your dog of calcium and other nutrients required to maintain a healthy coat.
Hormones are partly responsible for excessive shedding in German Shepherds in heat.
Generally, the coat returns to its normal state when the breeding period ends.
But unless you have plans on breeding your female GSD, it would be best to have her spayed.
Read More: >> What are the best supplements for a healthy GSD coat?
What Are The Signs That German Shepherds Are Shedding Too Much?
German Shepherds are prolific shedders but regardless, there is such a thing as too much. Aside from missing patches of hair, you will need to look out for the following signs:
- Redness and inflammation
- Flaky and dry skin
- Wounds due to scratching
- Discharge oozing from the skin
- Excessive shaking or scratching
If you notice any of these symptoms, your canine buddy might have an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention.
When it comes to our dogs’ health, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Final Thoughts On German Shepherd Shedding
German Shepherds, notwithstanding the coat they come, are prolific shedders.
These stunning canines shed their woolly soft undercoat almost daily and they blow their coats twice a year.
However, stress and health issues may cause them to shed more than necessary.
If your GSD seems to shed more than usual, perhaps Doggo needs a change of diet, especially if the shedding is accompanied by itchy skin.
