There's a reason Shepherd owners joke about owning a "German Shedder." These dogs shed every day, and twice a year, usually in spring and fall, they "blow their coat," releasing their undercoat in clumps that seem to multiply overnight.
Why Shepherds shed so much
German Shepherds have a double coat: a dense, soft undercoat for insulation and a coarser outer coat that protects against weather and dirt. When the seasons change, they shed the undercoat to adjust to the temperature. It's completely normal, just a lot.
Your coat blow survival kit
- An undercoat rake to pull out loose undercoat before it lands on your couch.
- A deshedding brush for regular maintenance.
- A slicker brush to finish and smooth the outer coat.
- A good vacuum. No judgment.
A routine that works
- Brush several times a week year-round, and daily during a coat blow.
- Brush outside when you can.
- Bathe occasionally with a gentle dog shampoo, then dry thoroughly. A bath during a coat blow can help loosen undercoat.
- Don't shave a double coat. It helps regulate their temperature and protects their skin, and it may not grow back the same.
A healthy coat starts on the inside
Shedding is normal, but a dry, dull coat or flaky skin is a sign their coat could use more support. Every Canine Keeps formula supports skin and coat from the inside with omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin barrier and a soft, shiny coat, antioxidant-rich superfoods, and probiotics that support the gut-immune connection behind healthy skin.
The bottom line
You can't stop a Shepherd from shedding, but regular brushing and daily coat support can keep that fur healthy, shiny, and a little more manageable.
Find your Shepherd's personalized formula, or see how we support the breed on our German Shepherd page.
