Due to its intelligence and ease of training, the German shepherd is one of the most popular breeds among dog owners. German Shepherds are active, courageous, and excel at nearly every sport. If you own one, you are already aware of how protective they are. Additionally, you may be aware of how much they shed.
If you decide to own a German shepherd, you should anticipate your dog shedding. We’ll discuss how to deal with your German shepherd’s shedding in this article and why it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Is my dog the only German shepherd without hair?
German Shepherds are prone to skin problems. They, like many other dog breeds, shed. There is no such thing as a non-shedding purebred German shepherd.
1. Hair loss in the natural state
German Shepherds typically shed when their hair grows normally, and they will lose any damaged or old hair. This occurs naturally throughout the year. This is a natural phase for all German shepherds. Additionally, the shedding will be consistent.
2. Hair loss that is not natural
However, not all shedding is normal. Certain patterns of hair loss indicate underlying health problems that should be addressed by a veterinarian in the majority of cases.
3. As an illustration
If your German shepherd is excessively shedding or has completely lost his hair, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem such as stress, allergies, pain, hormonal changes, fleas, parasites, or ticks.
If you suspect that one of these factors is causing your dog’s excessive shedding, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for a proper consultation and medication.
7 dog breeds that look like German shepherd
German shepherds are the most visible model dogs in the neighborhood.
And you’ve probably already seen them. They are the United States’ second most popular breed of dog, trailing only the Labrador retriever (7 years in a row, according to the AKC).
Their stunning coat colors of black, tan, gold and deep red easily identify them. On the other hand, German shepherds come in a much wider variety of colors and patterns. From stunning solid black to pure snow white and everything in between, there is something for everyone.
As a result, we can cast a wider net in our search for dogs that resemble this mighty breed.
We’re looking for some of their most distinctive physical characteristics, including pointed and alert ears, a long and powerful stature, a long snout, and dark brown eyes.
1. Bruxelles Malinois
While this breed is frequently confused with a German Shepherd, there are several significant distinctions. Malinois have short hair, are smaller and lighter in stature, and have a fawn coat with a black mask.
Although Malinois are high-energy dogs, they can be extremely sensitive to correction.
While they are highly intelligent, they can also be challenging to manage (especially for busy families). They require consistent positive training, exercise, and socialization in order to excel.
2. Dutch shepherd
Dutch Shepherds are active herding dogs that have existed for over a century and are still closely related to German Shepherds (hence the resemblance).
Their stunning brindle coat is one of their most distinguishing characteristics. They do, however, shed heavily and require frequent brushing, as do the majority of the dogs on this list.
There are, however, some personality distinctions. In comparison to their cousins, Dutch Shepherds are said to be easier to train and socialize with. They are an extremely sociable companion who fits in well with family life.
On the other hand, they are extremely alert and energetic. You may have difficulty controlling their energy. One of the most challenging aspects of owning a ‘Dutchie’ is overcoming their daily exercise requirement.
Although Dutch Shepherds are not as popular as German Shepherds, they are rapidly gaining popularity.
3. Tamaskan
Tamaskans are a wolf-like dog breed with a dog’s temperament.
They are a cross between Husky, Malamute, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, and German Shepherd. After being officially recognized as a breed in 2013, this once-rare breed is gaining popularity.
Tamaskans have a lot in common with Husky and German Shepherd in terms of personality. They are foolish, hyperactive, alert, talkative, intelligent, but stubborn, and require a great deal of patience.
Their popularity has spawned unethical breeding practices as well. Be informed about adoption to ensure the health and safety of your puppy.
4. Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are a hardy workhorse (or canine if you prefer). They were designed to tow large loads across harsh arctic terrain. This accounts for their enormous size and muscle mass.
Malamute owners frequently extol their dog’s fortitude. These dogs require extensive training and patience to integrate into a typical family.
These are working dogs, and they will become bored and destructive if they do not have a daily outlet for their boundless energy.
5. Utonogan
Utonagan is a relatively new crossbreed that was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1980s. It is a mix of a Malamute, a Siberian Husky, and a German Shepherd.
They have a temperament similar to a German Shepherd; they are curious, affectionate, loyal, and playful, but they require daily training and exercise. They are extremely receptive to their owners and are endowed with a great deal of personality.
Because Utonegans are vivacious, they require physical activity and mental stimulation. They are best suited to large living spaces and acreages due to their strong desire to roam.
6. Bohemian Shepherd
The distinctive black and tan coat colors, as well as the dark brown eyes, strongly resemble those of the German shepherd. On the other hand, this breed may be smaller in stature and possess a distinct personality.
Bohemian Shepherd’s have a long history, dating all the way back to the 1300s. And I’ve progressed from herding and guarding too much more relaxed family life since then.
While they retain their high energy and alert nature (and therefore make excellent watchdogs), they are frequently content to spend time with family members.
These shepherds are extremely intelligent and energetic, which means they quickly become bored. Shepherds become destructive when they are bored. Daily vigorous exercise and training will keep your dog happy and out of trouble.
7. Northern Inuit Dog
Northern Inuit Dogs were developed in an attempt to create a wolf-like breed with the temperament of a dog.
They do, however, share physical characteristics with German Shepherds. This breed is believed to have originated in the 1980s in the United Kingdom by crossing Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and (of course) German Shepherds.
They gained notoriety following an appearance in HBO’s Game of Thrones, in which characters from the Stark family come across a litter of “wolf puppies,” which were actually Northern Inuit dogs.
These dogs require daily training and patience due to their high energy, intelligence, and overall intensity. Additionally, they experience severe separation anxiety, which can manifest as destructive behavior.
As you might expect, Northern Inuit Dogs are a difficult breed that is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
How bad do German shepherd dogs shed?
As with all shepherd breeds, German Shepherds have a thick double coat. This means their fur contains two distinct types of hair: guard hair and undercoat.
Guard hairs are the visible hairs on a dog. They are straight and thick, with a characteristic brown or black hue. This hair does not shed heavily and largely stays the same throughout the year.
The undercoat is a dense, woolly layer of hair that is close to the skin. Generally, when we look at a dog, we cannot see the undercoat. These hairs are only visible when the fur is parted with your hands. The undercoat is the type of hair that “sheds.”
German Shepherds rapidly lose this undercoat, especially as the seasons change. You can expect to find handfuls of hair lying around your house in the spring and fall. However, your dog can and will shed regardless of the season.
It’s nearly impossible to live with a German shepherd without occasionally discovering hair.
The majority of German shepherd owners are surprised at how much their dog sheds. If you haven’t seen a German shepherd blowing his coat before, spend some time with one before making a purchase.
How to stop German shepherd from shedding?
You will not be able to completely eliminate shedding from your German shepherd. There are, however, a few things you can do to minimize stray hairs in your home:
1. Daily bathe and blow dry him
If your dog is frequently dirty (for example, if you live in a dry, dusty climate or if he enjoys rolling in the dirt), you should bathe him regularly. Brushing hair that is dirty is significantly more difficult than brushing hair that is clean. Dust particles can accumulate in the undercoat, rendering it impenetrable to comb or brush.
After bathing your dog, you can blow-dry him. Professional-grade grooming blow dryers are an investment that any shepherd owner should make. They literally “blow out” the undercoat of the dog, resulting in significantly less shedding.
2. Brushing your teeth once a day
Shedding is the process by which an undercoat dies and falls to the ground. If you can remove this undercoat before it falls out, you will notice a significant reduction in your dog’s shedding!
Simply brushing for five minutes per day will significantly reduce the amount of hair that is lying around.
3. Indoor confinement of your dog
You should never leave your dog unattended outside for extended periods of time, even more so if you live in a colder climate. As your dog spends more time outside, his coat will become thicker. This means that he will shed even more heavily as the seasons change!
4. Spaying female dogs are recommended
Female dogs are notorious for excessive shedding during the breeding season. Unless you intend to breed your female, delaying spay surgery until the dog is fully grown has no health benefits.
Consider spaying your dog if she sheds excessively following her heat cycle.
Following neutering, male dogs frequently have a lighter coat.
5. Professional groomer
Many owners prefer to hire a professional groomer to perform this task. This can be a convenient way to reduce your dog’s shedding without bathing and drying him at home! If you intend to have your dog groomed, you should begin as soon as possible – ideally as a puppy.
Establish a regular schedule for grooming your dog (for example, every four weeks). Consistency is key; the more consistent you are, the easier it will be to keep stray hairs in check!
Why do German Shepherds shed?
1. Shedding is a natural process
German Shepherds shed when their hair grows normally and will lose any damaged or older hair. This occurs naturally throughout the year. Fur is critical for GSD health because it protects the skin, helps regulate body temperature, and aids in sensory perception.
2. Shedding in unusual ways
However, not all shedding is normal. Certain patterns of hair loss indicate underlying health problems that should be addressed by a veterinarian in the majority of cases.
If you’ve been watching your German shepherd and are familiar with his normal shedding pattern, you’ll notice when something is unusual. Dog experts can tell the difference between normal shedding and fur loss caused by health, dietary, and environmental factors.
The following symptoms indicate irregular shedding
1. Unhealthy eating habits
A nutritious, well-balanced diet supplies essential nutrients on a consistent basis. This nutrient supply is necessary for the hair on your German Shepherd to remain firmly attached to the hair follicles. As a result, hair loss is a side effect of a nutrient-deficient diet.
2. Dehydration
When your dog excretes more water than he consumes, it jeopardizes healthy blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, including the skin. As a result of the resulting loss of skin elasticity, the fur falls out easily.
Consider investing in a dog water fountain, such as the Petsafe Drinkwell available on Amazon, to encourage your dog to drink. This one appeals to me because it features two tiers and carbon filters to eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors from the water.
3. Parasites include ticks, lice, and fleas
All of these things itch your dog’s skin, which results in your dog biting or scratching. This results in hair loss and infection of the chewed skin.
Cushing’s disease: This is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, which results in an abnormally high level of the stress hormone cortisol, which results in hair loss in dogs. Each year, 100,000 dogs are diagnosed with this disease, with dogs over the age of six years being particularly susceptible.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is characterized by increased shedding, hair loss, and thinning. However, it is not a widespread disorder in dogs, and German Shepherds are not one of the three breeds most susceptible.
5. Behavioral issues
Stress and anxiety, such as separation anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can cause your German shepherd to chew on its own hair and skin, resulting in patches. This condition is known as acral lick dermatitis. Additionally, parasites and other allergic conditions can cause it.
6. Abrasion of the skin
Excessive shedding can be a result of skin trauma such as bacterial and fungal infections, food and other allergy reactions, certain pet medications such as steroids, inflammatory disease, and burns. Temporary fur loss can also occur during pregnancy, lactation, or during a period of illness recovery.
Whatever the cause of your pet’s abnormal hair loss, it is critical to have an accurate diagnosis made by your veterinarian. Nevertheless, treatments and preventative measures for unnatural hair loss are comparable to those used to manage excessive seasonal shedding. Continue reading for more information on these measures.
Watch German shepherd hair trimming | Video
Top 5 FAQs & Answer on German shepherd dog without hair
How long do German Shepherds shed their coats?
German Shepherds shed their coats continuously throughout the year, but only blow them twice a year. During these times, it will take them ten days or more to shed their undercoat.
How do you stop your pet from shedding?
There are several ways to keep your German shepherd’s shedding under control. You can minimize shedding by properly grooming your dog, feeding him a nutritious diet, and maintaining a clean environment for him.
Do German Shepherds shed a lot?
Regrettably, German Shepherds shed continuously throughout the year. While they shed their undercoat most heavily in the spring and fall, they can and will shed it throughout the year.
Shedding management for your dog will become a routine task, similar to feeding and walking your dog. Making it a routine will help you and your dog stay on track.
Is it possible to find a non-shedding German shepherd?
While there is no such thing as a non-shedding German shepherd, crossing them with Poodles results in dogs that shed very little.
The advantage of all Doodle mixes is that they inherit the non-shedding trait from their Poodle parent. This combination is referred to as the Shepadoodle when it comes to the German shepherd.
How do I halt the shedding of my German shepherd?
The following are some tips for shedding in a German shepherd, especially during shedding seasons:
· Brush your dog on a regular basis.
· Never, ever cut your dog’s coat.
· Bathe your dog.
· Keep your dog’s environment clean.
· Provide a balanced diet for your dog.
· Utilize only the finest grooming tools.
Conclusion
German Shepherds have a tendency to shed. The amount of fur that the majority of owners lose daily astounds them.
They are not hypoallergenic dogs at all. If you have dog allergies, a German shepherd is almost certain to aggravate them. Bear in mind that these dogs will require daily coat maintenance.
On the other hand, shedding can be controlled if you brush them daily. The majority of Shepherds shed excessively only when their owners fall behind on grooming.
If you are unable to schedule your dogs monthly baths and blow-dries, a professional groomer in your area can assist you in keeping your Shepherd in top condition. These are not always cheap – bear this in mind when estimating the cost of a German shepherd puppy.