Intelligent and easily trained, a German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds among dog lovers. German Shepherds are active, courageous, and excel in almost all activities. If you own one, you will already know how protective they are. You may also know how much they tend to shed. 

If you plan on becoming a German Shepherd owner, you should be prepared for your dog’s shedding. In this article, we will discuss how to deal with your German Shepherd shedding and how it should not be a big problem.

Why Do German Shepherds Shed?

This dog breed has two layers of coat: a topcoat or guard coat and an undercoat. Its topcoat is usually thick, straight, flat, and coarse and lies close to the body. It can also be wavy and wiry in texture. On the other hand, the undercoat is soft and thicker than the topcoat. 

The coats of German Shepherds can vary in length and color:

• Short coat with an undercoat

• Medium coat with an undercoat

• Long coat with an undercoat

• Long coat without an undercoat

Just like many other dog breeds, German Shepherds also experience shedding. There are a number of reasons why their hair falls off but the most common reason is to protect them from the changing seasons. Their coat serves as protection from the harsh weather, be it the cold or the heat of the sun. It acts as a regulator for their body temperature. 

How Often do German Shepherds Shed?

German Shepherds tend to shed their coats all-year-round. This is the reason why they are sometimes called “German Shedders.” Their coat responds naturally to daylight so when days start to get shorter and winter is fast approaching, German Shepherds will shed their summer coat and grow a new winter coat. You should get ready for a massive shedding during the fall.

Similarly, you need to be also prepared when your German Shepherd blows its coat during spring since, during this time, days will become longer and it will have to get rid of its winter coat. During these times, it will take 10 days or more to shed their undercoat.

How Much Do German Shepherds Shed?

If you do not look forward to dealing with shedding, getting a German Shepherd might not be a good choice. This breed sheds a lot of its fur so when shedding season comes, expect your home to be filled with dog hair. It can be overwhelming and it will take a lot of patience and determination to manage a German Shepherd’s coat shedding. 

However, if you really want to have a German Shepherd, you can anticipate their shedding and take steps to prepare for it. 

Age-Related Shedding

As German Shepherds age, their shedding patterns may change. Older dogs often shed more, or their coat may become thinner and less dense due to reduced oil production and hormonal changes. Puppies shed their soft coats for a thicker adult one, while senior dogs may experience a softer, less shiny coat.

While some shedding with age is normal, excessive hair loss or skin irritation should be monitored, this could be a health issue.

Rule Out Health Issues

Excessive shedding in German Shepherds can sometimes be caused from underlying health issues. If your dog is shedding more than usual, it could be due to stress, allergies, or hormonal imbalances. Stressful changes in routine or environment can trigger increased shedding, while allergies—whether from food or the environment—can also contribute.

Hormonal imbalances, like thyroid problems, and parasites such as fleas and ticks can lead to more shedding as well. If your dog’s shedding is heavy, patchy, or accompanied by itching, bald spots, or irritated skin, consult your vet. A check-up will help identify any health issues, and your vet can recommend the right treatment to address the cause and reduce excessive shedding. Keeping your dog healthy is key to managing shedding and ensuring their overall well-being. 

While you cannot completely stop your dog from shedding, there are several ways you can reduce it.

How Do You Reduce Shedding?

Grooming is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your dog. Some people might think that German Shepherds are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming but that’s actually not true. Shedding is inevitable and you cannot stop it from completely happening. But with proper and strategic planning, you can manage it when shedding season comes. 

In order to deal with the shedding of a German Shepherd especially during the shedding seasons, here are some tips that you can follow:

Brush Regularly

Double-coated dogs such as the German Shepherd need to be brushed regularly. This is an important routine of your dog’s grooming especially since it sheds its coat all year round. It is recommended to brush your German Shepherd 3-4 times a week during normal days. When shedding season comes, use an undercoat rake to remove all loose hair.

Brushing is important to prevent the development of skin problems and remove any tangling of the coat which is also called matting. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth and not against it as this will damage your dog’s skin. Do it gently so you will also not damage the topcoat. Keep in mind, brushing time will vary between every GSD based on their size and temperament.

Never Cut Your Dog’s Coat

You might get tempted to cut or shave your dog’s coat especially if you see it getting longer. Unless a vet recommends getting it clipped, a German Shepherd’s coat should not be cut or shaved. 

The coat serves as protection from harmful factors and, most importantly, it is the regulator of its body temperature. If you cut its topcoat, it will leave the undercoat exposed to the coldness of winter and the harsh rays of the sun during summer. 

Bathe Your Dog

Due to their dense coat, German Shepherds do not need to be bathed regularly. In fact, they only need to bathe once every 3 to 4 months. This is to remove all dead and loose hair from their undercoat and keep it smelling fresh and clean.

When it comes to bathing, deshedding shampoo and conditioner is the perfect companion. The latter is a specialized formula that helps slick the dog’s coat for easy removal of loose hair. After bathing and while the coat is damp, brushing it with an undercoat rake will further help in removing all dead and loose hair. 

Keep a Hygienic Environment

A clean living space is essential for minimizing shedding and keeping your German Shepherd healthy. Parasites like fleas and ticks thrive in dirty environments and can cause skin irritation and increased fur loss. Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and toys using pet-safe detergents, and vacuum floors and furniture to remove dander and loose hair.

Keeping your dog’s environment clean also reduces allergens and stress, both of which can impact their coat health. A hygienic home supports a healthier, more manageable coat and complements your grooming efforts.

Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your German Shepherd’s overall health—and that includes the condition of their coat. A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps strengthen the hair follicles and promote a healthy skin barrier, both of which reduce unnecessary shedding. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed, are especially beneficial for improving coat shine and reducing dryness and irritation.

Talk to your vet about the best food options tailored to your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. They may also recommend supplements to boost skin and coat health, particularly during shedding seasons.

A healthy diet not only supports your dog’s immune system and energy levels but also makes grooming easier. When your dog’s skin is healthy and hydrated from the inside out, you’ll likely notice less loose fur around the house—and fewer grooming challenges down the line.

Use Only the Best Grooming Tools

When it comes to grooming, you should only use the best quality tools for your dog. It is important that you do not damage your dog’s coat.

An undercoat rake is an essential tool to remove loose hair from the undercoat. If not removed, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and will be harder to remove the next time you brush your German Shepherd. Since undercoat rakes have wide gaps between the teeth, it will not create a harsh pulling sensation that can hurt your dog.

There are also high-velocity dryers that professional groomers use to remove unwanted hair. This grooming tool is very effective in reducing shedding for 2 to 3 weeks. If you want to save money, you can just purchase your own high-velocity dryer instead of going to a groomer. K9 Dryers offer a wide selection of good quality high-velocity dryers that efficiently address your dog’s shedding concerns. 

These dryers lessen the amount of hair in your home and also cut the drying time of your wet dog in half. 

What are K9 Dog Dryers? 

K9 Dog Dryers are the largest-selling dog dryer brand in the USA. They offer a wide range of high-performance, high-velocity dryers that are essential in dog grooming. Their models range from small single-motor dryer to twin-motor dryer which is perfect for drying your dog and controlling its shedding. 

Thinking of getting a German Shepherd? 

German Shepherds are very loyal, brave, and easily trained dogs, however, they are also known to be prolific shedders. For some, shedding can be a daunting experience, but if you are a dog lover, you should already accept that it is a part of your dog’s life. With proper grooming practice and using only the best grooming tools, dealing with your German Shepherd’s shedding will not be a big problem for you.