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How Many Hairs On A German Shepherd

What Are The Best Grooming Tools For German Shepherds

Long Haired German Shepherd vs. Short Haired: Fast Facts For Prospective Pet Owners

Double-coated dogs like the German Shepherd will need an undercoat rake to remove unwanted and loose hair from its undercoat especially during shedding season. Deshedding shampoo and conditioner is also a good thing to have on hand. If you are looking for easier loose hair removal, high-velocity dryers such as those from K9 Dryers have become an essential grooming tool.

Create Good Living Conditions

The long haired German Shepherd is an indoor dog. Even though its coat seems like a good protection against weather, it isnt. Meanwhile, strong emotional attachment to the owner makes it impossible to keep it separately. You have to create a place for the dog to stay indoors. Youll need to buy a large enough bed for the dog to lay on as well as some toys to make the dog feel that space is its own. Some owners prefer buying or building a crate to fit a large dog.

A Shaved Dog Is Susceptible To Sunburn And Skin Damage By Ultraviolet Rays

Your double-coated dog would usually not have exposure to these rays unless you shaved them.

Sunburns are painful and put your dog at risk of skin irritation and hot spots as they lick the skin to relieve the pain. Sunburns can also cause overheating and sunstroke when your dog is left outdoors for long periods.

Your dog might experience scaling or dandruff from this irritated skin, even after the hair has fully regrown.

Did you know that a dogs skin is only 6 to 10 layers deep, while human skin is 16 to 20 layers ! Imagine the amount of damage and pain your dog will get with a sunburn now.

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How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need

Just like with any other dog, exercise is an important part of keeping your long-haired German Shepherd fit and healthy. They are full of energy and love to get outside and run around, which means youll need to have plenty of space or time for walks if you plan on adopting one.

If youre a fitness buff and you go on regular walks or runs, a long-haired German Shepherd will make a perfect exercise buddy. They love relaxing with their human family but they are naturally energetic so will always jump at the chance to get outside. This can be a problem if youre a single home owner as you may struggle to find time to walk them regularly. As long as you’re prepared and willing to put the time into giving them exercise you’ll love welcoming a long-haired German Shepherd into your family.

They are extremely clever dogs which means theyre perfect for playing games like fetch and Frisbee at the park. They can be easily trained to retrieve things if youre willing to put the time in.

Shedding In Response To Poor Nutrition

Do German Shepherds Shed? 5 Ways to Reduce Shedding ...

Some dogs may have sensitivities to ingredients in pet foods, while others are simply not getting the nutrients they need to maintain healthy coats. Make sure youre starting with a high-quality, professionally formulated food made just for canines, then adjust accordingly if need be.

The No. 1 reason for excessive shedding is a poor diet, advises DVM Roy Cruzen on PetMD.com. People go to discount stores, by a 40-pound bag of cheap food, and then see their pets shedding increase. Even though the food meets the minimum quality requirements, it may not have enough animal protein or minerals to maintain your dogs optimal health.

You may need to consult your vet and experiment with different foods before finding the one that seems to agree with your pooch. Keep in mind that less than 10% of his daily food intake should consist of human foods of any kind. Its also worth noting that dehydration can contribute to excessive shedding, so you should make sure your pup has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

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Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot How Much

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The German Shepherd is the second-most-popular dog in the United States, behind only the Labrador Retriever. They can make great family pets and can be an excellent addition to any home that has the time and energy to meet their needs.

If youre looking at bringing home a German Shepherd, you probably have a lot of questions. At the top of your list might be: Do German Shepherds shed?

Lets talk about if, when, and how much German Shepherds shed along with grooming and nutrition solutions you can use to reduce how much fur flies around your house.

Do Long Haired German Shepherds Have An Undercoat

Its the luscious long coat that’s is the biggest difference. The longer haired dogs dont actually have an undercoat which can make their fur look a lot more sleek and shiny than an average German Shepherd’s. This is one of the reasons why breeders and trainers all over the world favour these genetic miracle dogs, however the lack of an undercoat comes with certain problems.

Long-haired German Shepherds are less resilient to harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and harsh winds. They will tend to get colder a lot easier and will struggle to withstand the elements if they’re outdoors for too long. For this reason they are not really suited to the line of work they’re traditionally known for. If youre looking for a herding dog or a hunter, you’d be better suited to a short-haired German Shepherd.

Read Also: When Do German Shepherds Ears Stand Up

Are There Any Products That Help With German Shepherd Hair Growth

You may be surprised to find out that there are quite a few products available that can help with your german shepherd hair growth.

While its not a good idea to use most human hair products on your dog, there are many dog-friendly options on the market today.

Remember, the best way to help your dogs hair grow out strong and healthy will be to feed them a healthy diet.

Apart from your dogs diet, products that you can purchase to help grow out your German Shepherds coat include topical oils and grooming tools.

Many topical products exist that can help expedite your dogs hair growth and improve their fur health.

For example, you can use flaxseed oil, grape-seed, horsetail, and evening primrose oil on your dogs coat. This will improve coat shine, moisturize your dogs skin, and stimulate hair follicle circulation.

Tea tree oil and oatmeal shampoos can also help with hair growth. These are moisturizing options that can reduce breakage and dryness in your dogs coat. Leave-in conditioners may also help with this.

There are a few grooming tools that can also be helpful. For instance, opting for a brush specifically tailored toward dogs with a dense undercoat can save you time and reduce shedding. Certain combs for long-haired dog breeds may also be useful.

Wrapping Up German Shepherd Shedding

Long Haired German Shepherd Makeover | Beautiful Dog

In short, yes, German Shepherds do shed, but there are things you can do to reduce the impact of their shedding around your home. Unless you absolutely cant stand the idea of having dog hair in your home, you shouldnt let their shedding hold you back from bringing a GSD into your home if you think theyre the best breed for your family.

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German Shepherd Hair Fall Shampoo And Conditioner

Many GSDs need conditioner to prevent dry, itchy skin and further hair loss. If your dog needs conditioner but you want to save time, try Natures Miracle Shed Control Shampoo and Conditioner for ease of use.

The soap-free formula is safe to use with spot-on flea and tick products. It also contains no dyes or parabens for dogs with sensitive skin, while helping to maintain normal shedding and reducing doggie odor.

Hair fall shampoos and conditioners for your German Shepherd are formulated with ingredients that treat their skin gently, wash away loose fur, and help new hair growing in remain stronger so theres less hair loss.

Or, maybe youre looking for another shampoo for your companion?

Dont miss reading The 10 Best Shampoo for German Shepherds

Nature Of The Sable Gsd

The Sable GSD is actually very similar to German Shepherds. There isnt much difference. But we are going to talk more about sable dogs and their nature. This is such a great dog that they deserve it.

The Sable GSD weighs between 75 to 95 pounds and is up to 26 inches tall. The females are a bit smaller. They weigh between 55 to 73 pounds and are no taller than 24 inches.

FUN FACT

The Sable German Shepherd actually has Agouti genes, and thats also the proper term for these dogs.

The Sable German Shepherd puppy has a double coat, which means they have a dense outer layer with a softer undercoat. Their double coat protects them from cold and hot weather.

Temperament

Did you know that the color of a dog can affect its temperament? Even health? For example, some colors of English Cocker Spaniels are more aggressive. Also, some shades of Labrador Retriever appear to have longer lifespans than others.

But, this is not the final rule. Science has not proven the correlation between coat color and temperament.

When it comes to the Sable GSD, there isnt a known difference to the GSD. At least nothing documented.

So, the Sable GSD has the same traits as regular German Shepherds. Which is great! It means they are good dogs.

The Sable GSD is loyal and smart. They love their family and would do anything for them.

They are working dogs. So they do best if they have a task! They hate being without a job. So always find something for your GSD to do!

Health and grooming

Recommended Reading: How To Draw A German Shepherd Dog Step By Step

Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot

German Shepherds are big fluffy lovable dogs that are great to cuddle and spend time with. Their signature black and brown double coat of fur is thick, dense and easily recognizable. If you have ever owned one of these magnificent animals, then you are no stranger to finding hair all over the house including beds, chairs, sofas and rugs. It comes with the territory and is a small price to pay, for the joy and friendship that comes along with owning a GSD. In this article, we will answer the question Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot with an in depth look at their coat and how to prevent so much hair.

Yes German Shepherds do shed a lot. Their thick double coat means a lot of hair and a lot of shedding. They shed even more during molting season which happens during the spring and fall each year.

To get a better idea of what causes shedding and how to reduce it, we will be answering some common questions that should help you. We will cover topics such as coat details, seasonal shedding, reasons for shedding and how to best prevent a lot of shedding in the house.

Blowing Out Their Coat With A High Velocity Dryer

German Shepherd

Many professional dog groomers have a secret weapon to completely deshed and dry your dog quickly. It’s the high velocity dryer, and it’s amazing.

Think of a Leaf-blower designed to blow dog hair out. It’s perfectly safe and extremely effective!

The result: your dog will shed 80% less for about 2 or 3 weeks. And during peak shedding season it’s absolutely worth it!

Great example I found on YouTube, skip to 1:20 to see how much hair this gets off!

Please ensure you receive proper instruction on how to properly use a high velocity dryer on a dog to avoid any possible injuries.

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Shedding As A Natural Function

You may wish to start by refreshing yourself on the characteristics of your dogs breed and the extent to which they traditionally shed. In healthy dogs, shedding is typically a natural way for your dog to rid itself of the old, unneeded and/or damaged hair that makes up its undercoat. Many breeds grow thicker coats as winter progresses, then lose them in the spring to better regulate their body temps. What surprises many pet owners is that sudden hot or cold spells at any time of the year can also kick that process into gear.

As a rule of thumb, your dogs shedding is likely natural and healthy if it occurs uniformly all over the body and doesnt create missing patches of fur. The most common times of the year for dogs to shed? In the spring, as he rids himself of excess insulation for the warmer weather, and in the fall as his new undercoat grows in to protect him from the cold.

Surprisingly, long-haired breeds are not necessarily the biggest shedders. Dogs that do shed most include Akitas, Siberian huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, Boston terriers, chow chows, corgis, Labrador retrievers, Pekingese, German shepherds and Newfoundlands.

Long Haired German Shepherd Temperament

You may be surprised to know that the long-haired German Shepherd retains all of the intelligence and obedience that the breed is known for, while maintaining a much better general temperament than a standard German Shepherd. This makes them much more diverse in terms of compatibility as they will be suited to all different types of people and home environments.

Along with a much more playful and calm temperament, the long-haired German Shepherd is very affectionate and sociable. They enjoy the company of humans and are always looking to be in contact, which makes them ideal house dogs for families. They’re extremely loyal and still retain the protective instinct that German Shepherds are known for. Their soft and playful nature means that they get along well with children so you wont have to worry if you plan on bringing one into the family.

Just like any other herding breed of dog its important that the long-haired German Shepherd gets enough room to grow. They’re naturally full of energy so they need to be taken on plenty of walks and given the chance to get a lot of exercise. Due to their playful nature you may find that their energy will be used to chew up your favourite shoes if you dont give them enough exercise.

Read Also: How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd Hair Loss

As a puppy your German Shepherd had a fluffy coat but that soon falls out to become their adult coat that sheds more.

The German Shepherd is a prolific shedder which means they shed year-round and especially twice a year when they blow their fur.

This high rate of shedding in German Shepherds is totally natural, although it could become a nuisance if uncontrolled. You cant stop your GSDs hair fall from stopping completely, but there are German Shepherd shedding solutions thatll help you keep your home cleaner.

German Shepherd hair loss is actually a sign of the good working of their coats, which keeps their coats from becoming tangled and dull.

But, keeping an eye on the amount of hair your German Shepherd sheds helps you to understand their overall health and condition. If your GSD sheds too much, too often, with dandruff and dry skin, then its time to change her grooming routine up and find a German Shepherd shedding solution that works.

Shaving A German Shepherd

How Much Does A German Shepherd Shed – Vacuuming Routine

Some people think shaving a German Shepherd puts them at little to no risk of skin or health problems.

But this couldnt be farther from the truth!

Shaving your German Shepherd has serious implications, especially if you think youre doing your dog a favor to help them stay cool in the summer.

The fact of the matter is you need to consider the problems you face if you shave your Shepherd.

Read Also: How Cold Can German Shepherds Handle

How To Groom A German Shepherd For Summer

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get compensated if you buy through these links this is at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

You don’t have a German Shepherd!

You have a German Shedder!

But you already know that.

And you’re here today to learn how to groom a German Shepherd for summer. Right?

So, think about your GSD’s coat for a moment

They were bred to herd sheep and protect the shepherd in Europe.

Now think about Europe’s weather conditions for a second

Cold, icy, and wet in winter. With some sweltering hot summer months

It makes sense that your German Shepherd is bred with such a unique coat. That should be taken care of correctly.

If you’re in a rush, check out my top choices for grooming tools on Amazon

German Shepherd Hair Loss Thats Not Normal

Does your GSD show any of these signs?

Its important to remember that shedding is a normal and necessary function of your dogs life. Regular hair loss is designed to maintain your German Shepherds coat and skin in healthy condition.

But how and when this hair loss takes place depends on your German Shepherds overall health, genetics, and lifestyle. German Shepherds are heavy shedders and their coat requires regular maintenance to show optimum health.

Watch out for hair loss and skin disease that needs to be addressed and treated by your vet.

Ger your dog evaluated by a veterinarian when you see any unusual hair or skin problems.

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Shaving A German Shepherd Can Cause Major Matting

For many German Shepherds, shaving the undercoat causes it to grow faster than the topcoat. This is due to the topcoat not being meant to shed greatly, so the topcoat grows extremely slow.

This faster-growing undercoat now becomes matted in the slower-growing topcoat, giving you even more work to do with brushing and grooming!

Your dogs hair looks fuzzy and will vary in length all over their body as the fur is different lengths than normal. Most of the time with proper brushing and the next shed cycle the topcoat will grow longer as the undercoat sheds away.

In the meantime, youll be left to ensure your double-coated breed doesnt get large mats of fur that cause skin irritations and make grooming more difficult.

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