Do German Shepherds Shed? How To Groom a German Shepherd

Yes, German Shepherds are notoriously heavy shedders thanks to their double coat, says Anna Kim, master groomer at Pet Story in Mineola, New York.  

“A double coat means they have layers of fur: a soft, thick undercoat and a topcoat of coarser hairs,” Kim explains. “Many of my clients say they find their German Shepherd’s hair everywhere.”  

German Shepherds shed a little bit every day, she says, and go through two heavy shedding seasons in the spring and fall.  

“We call this ‘blowing coat,’ and if you brush your dog during this period, you’ll know why: Their undercoat comes out in big clumps,” Kim explains.  

Grooming a German Shepherd at home can help keep furballs at bay. A lot of pet parents swear by the brand FURminator, says Heather Brausa, DVM, a senior veterinarian and the head of primary care services at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City.  

One of the best brushes for German Shepherds is the large FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, which is ideal for dogs with fur at least 2 inches long. It can help remove loose undercoat hair before it ends up all over your home.  

Another good one to have on hand is the FURminator Dog Grooming Rake, which helps work through tangles and mats in their thick double coat.  

Kim also recommends a deshedding shampoo for German Shepherd fur, such as top-rated FURminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo, and lots of conditioner at bath time. 

You can handle most of the day-to-day grooming care for German Shepherds at home, Dr. Brausa says. These tasks include:

• Brushing their fur several times a week 
• Brushing their teeth every day 

• Trimming their nails once a month 

• Checking and cleaning their ears about once a month, or as needed 

• Bathing them every three to four months, or as needed  

“Most pet parents can accomplish their grooming regimen at home, particularly if they are able to acclimate their pup to handling,” says Dr. Brausa.  

If you’re unable to maintain this regimen, she says monthly professional grooming is recommended for pet parents who need extra help or don’t have the time or setup to groom a large dog at home.  

Even if you groom them routinely, Kim adds that two to four professional grooming sessions throughout the year—ideally timed for their high-shedding seasons—can help keep your German Shepherd’s fur under control.  

No, you should never shave a German Shepherd. It won’t reduce shedding, and it won’t help keep them cool in hot weather. 

“If you shave a double-coated breed like a German Shepherd, it can mess up how the coat grows,” Kim explains. “A dog’s coat helps them maintain their temperature, so this isn’t something you should do to a German Shepherd.”  

Shedding is inevitable when a German Shepherd is part of the family, but you can keep it under control with these tips:   

• Brushing a German Shepherd several times throughout the week is the best way to prevent fur from ending up on your couch, clothes, and everywhere else.  
• Take your dog to a professional groomer during shedding seasons (spring and fall) to remove the loose fur from their undercoat. “Our blow dryers are very powerful and do a deep deshedding,” Kim explains.  
• Dr. Brausa says that feeding your pup a high-quality, balanced diet can also help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Your vet can help you choose the best food for your dog. 
• Invest in a durable vacuum for pet hair and keep a lint roller on hand. 

No, German Shepherds aren’t considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. Their thick double coats shed year-round, releasing dander that can trigger allergies. They aren’t considered an ideal choice for people with dog allergies. 

German Shepherds primarily shed loose fur from their dense undercoat. As new hairs grow, older hairs naturally reach the end of their growth cycle and detach from the follicles. It happens throughout the year, with more shedding in spring and fall.  

German Shepherds shed fur daily, and they have especially heavy shedding during spring and fall. 

German Shepherds should be brushed three to five times a week with a rake or deshedding tool in order to manage shedding. Taking them to a professional groomer during high-shedding seasons (spring and fall) is recommended as well.  

No, German Shepherds don’t require trims or shaves. In fact, doing this can affect their ability to properly regulate their temperature.