Shedding in shepherd dogs: what really helps against loose hair at home?
, by Michael van Wassem, 10 min reading time
Why do shepherd dogs shed so much?
Shepherd dogs are known for their intelligence, work drive and strong bond with their owner. They are dogs that love to stay busy, learn quickly and often have an impressive coat. That coat is beautiful, but it can also lead to a lot of loose hair around the home. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Tervuren, Groenendael and White Swiss Shepherd can shed quite heavily. Many of these shepherd dogs have a double coat: a strong outer coat and a soft, insulating undercoat. This undercoat protects the dog against cold, heat, rain and dirt, but it also comes loose in large amounts during the shedding season.
When do shepherd dogs shed the most?
Most shepherd dogs shed a little all year round, but in spring and autumn the shedding can become much heavier. In spring, the dog loses part of its thick winter coat, while in autumn the summer coat makes way for a fuller winter coat. In shepherd dogs that spend a lot of time indoors, this natural rhythm can be less obvious. Due to heating, artificial light and changing temperatures, a dog may sometimes shed almost all year round. That does not immediately mean something is wrong, but it does call for a good coat care routine.
Which shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Not every shepherd dog sheds the same amount. The German Shepherd is known as a breed that can shed heavily, mainly because of its thick double coat. The White Swiss Shepherd also often loses a lot of hair, with the light-coloured hairs standing out clearly on clothes, sofas and dark floors. The Tervuren and Groenendael have a longer, fuller coat and can lose quite a lot of undercoat during the shedding season. The Australian Shepherd and Border Collie also shed moderately to heavily, especially when they have a medium-length or long coat. For these dogs, regular brushing is not a luxury, but an essential part of basic care.
Which shepherd dogs shed less noticeably?
Some shepherd dogs seem to shed less, but that does not automatically mean they need little coat care. A short-haired Belgian Malinois or short-haired Dutch Shepherd often leaves fewer long hairs around the home than a Tervuren or Groenendael, but these breeds can still lose a lot of hair during the shedding season. Breeds such as the Bearded Collie or Schapendoes sometimes shed less visibly on the floor because the loose hairs stay caught in the coat. This can actually cause tangles to form more quickly. Fewer hairs in the home does not always mean less work.
Is heavy shedding normal in a shepherd dog?
Heavy shedding is often normal in shepherd dogs, especially when the dog is otherwise fit, has healthy skin and does not have bald patches. The coat constantly renews itself, and loose hairs are part of that process. Still, not every form of hair loss is harmless. Does your shepherd dog suddenly shed extremely heavily, develop bald patches, red skin, flakes, scabs, itching or a dull coat? Then there may be another cause, such as skin irritation, allergies, fleas, mites, stress, hormonal problems or a nutritional deficiency. In that case, it is wise to contact a vet.
What helps against shedding in shepherd dogs?
You cannot stop shedding completely. A shepherd dog naturally loses hair, especially when it has a double coat. What you can do is remove loose hairs in time before they spread throughout the house. The best approach consists of regular brushing, good nutrition, enough fatty acids, checking for fleas and ticks and paying attention to the skin. This way, you support not only the coat, but also the skin underneath. Healthy skin is the foundation for a strong, shiny coat.
Brushing is the most important step
For shepherd dogs, regular brushing is the most important step against loose hair. During calmer periods, brushing two to three times a week is enough for many dogs. During the shedding season, daily brushing or brushing every other day may be necessary. Short brushing sessions often work better than one long session per week. This keeps the coat airy, prevents old undercoat from staying trapped and makes brushing more comfortable for your dog. Many shepherd dogs also enjoy brushing more when it becomes a calm, regular moment, especially if you reward them along the way.
Which brush should you use for a shepherd dog?
The right brush depends on the coat type. For short-haired shepherd dogs, such as many Belgian Malinois and short-haired Dutch Shepherds, a rubber brush or shedding brush often works well to remove loose hairs from the outer coat. For German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and long-haired shepherd dogs, a comb or brush that reaches deeper into the coat is often more effective. For dogs with a lot of undercoat, an undercoat brush can be useful, as long as you use it carefully. Brushing too hard can irritate the skin and damage healthy hairs.
Pay attention to the undercoat
A shepherd dog’s undercoat has an important function. This layer of coat helps the dog regulate its body temperature and protects it against different weather conditions. That is why the coat should not be aggressively thinned out or simply shaved short. Especially in dogs with a double coat, shaving can change the coat structure or cause the coat to grow back unevenly. The purpose of brushing is to remove loose, dead hairs, not to damage the healthy coat.
Does washing help against shedding?
Washing can help remove loose hairs from the coat more quickly, but only if you do it the right way. Brush your shepherd dog thoroughly before washing. This already removes many loose hairs and helps prevent tangles from becoming worse because of water. Always use a mild dog shampoo and rinse the coat very thoroughly. Shampoo residue can irritate the skin, which may cause your dog to scratch even more. After washing, proper drying is important, especially in shepherd dogs with a thick undercoat.
Nutrition has a big influence on skin and coat
A healthy coat starts from within. A shepherd dog that receives food with enough high-quality proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals often has a stronger skin barrier and a better-looking coat. When the skin is dry or the coat looks dull, extra support can sometimes help. Think of salmon oil, linseed oil, sheep fat or a supplement for skin, hair and nails. These are not miracle products that completely stop shedding, but they can contribute to more supple skin and a shinier coat.
Salmon oil, linseed oil and sheep fat for shedding
Salmon oil is popular for dogs because it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids support the skin and can help keep the coat beautifully shiny. Linseed oil is a plant-based oil that also contains fatty acids and is often used for dogs with dry skin or a dull coat. Sheep fat is often given over food for extra taste, energy and support for skin and coat. Especially for active shepherd dogs, this can be a useful addition, as long as you pay close attention to the dosage and the overall diet.
View all salmon oil for shedding in dogs here.
Fleas, ticks and itching can worsen shedding
Sometimes it seems as if a shepherd dog is simply shedding a lot, while in reality the dog is losing hair because of itching. Fleas, ticks, mites or skin irritation can cause a dog to scratch, bite or lick excessively. This can make hairs come loose faster and can even lead to bald patches. Check your dog’s skin regularly, especially around the base of the tail, belly, groin, armpits, neck and ears. Do you see black specks, wounds, redness or scabs? Then it is important to find and address the cause.
Stress can also affect the coat
Shepherd dogs are often sensitive, intelligent and strongly focused on their surroundings. Because of this, they can react clearly to tension, changes or too little mental challenge. Stress can affect the skin and coat, causing a dog to shed more temporarily. Think of moving house, fireworks, a new family member, a holiday, boredom or too many stimuli. Enough exercise, mental enrichment, rest moments and a predictable routine help your shepherd dog stay better balanced.
Benefits of good coat care for shepherd dogs
- Fewer loose hairs in the home, car and on clothes
- Less risk of tangles and matted undercoat
- A lighter and better-groomed coat
- Wounds, ticks, fleas or skin irritation are noticed more quickly
- More comfort for your dog during the shedding season
- A shinier and healthier-looking coat
- A pleasant care moment between dog and owner
Disadvantages of too little coat care
- More loose hair on furniture, floors and clothing
- Greater risk of tangles in long-haired shepherd dogs
- Old undercoat can remain trapped in the coat
- Skin problems may be noticed less quickly
- Your dog may experience more itching or discomfort
- The coat may start to look dull, greasy or unkempt
- Brushing becomes harder when you postpone it for too long
What should you avoid with a shedding shepherd dog?
Do not simply shave a shepherd dog with a double coat short. The coat has a protective function and helps against both cold and heat. Brushing too often or too hard with sharp tools is also not a good idea. This can irritate the skin or pull out healthy hairs. Use a suitable brush instead, work calmly in layers and stop when the skin becomes red or your dog clearly shows discomfort. Do not force brushing, but build it up gradually.
When should you go to the vet?
Contact a vet if your shepherd dog suddenly sheds much more than usual, develops bald patches, scratches a lot, smells bad, has flakes, gets wounds or has red skin. It is also wise to have your dog checked if the coat suddenly becomes dull or your dog seems less energetic. Shedding is part of life with shepherd dogs, but extreme itching, pain and bald patches are not something your dog should simply have to live with.
Practical routine against shedding in shepherd dogs
A good routine does not have to be complicated. Brush your shepherd dog several times a week and more often during the shedding season. While brushing, immediately check the skin, ears, armpits, groin and base of the tail. Feed high-quality food and support the skin and coat if needed with salmon oil, linseed oil, sheep fat or a skin and coat supplement. Keep fleas and ticks well under control and only wash your dog when necessary with a mild dog shampoo. This helps keep the coat in better condition and gives you less trouble with loose hair at home.
