Why Do German Shepherds Shed So Much? (Double Coat Explained)
- Riverview Grooming
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
If you live with a German Shepherd, you already know that dog hair becomes a part of your daily life. It’s on your clothes, your furniture, and sometimes even in your morning coffee. While it can feel overwhelming, shedding is a completely natural (and healthy) process for this breed. The key to managing it is understanding why German Shepherds shed so much and how their double coat works.
As professional groomers, we’ve helped countless German Shepherd owners tackle shedding. Let’s break it down.
Understanding the German Shepherd’s Double Coat
German Shepherds are double-coated dogs, meaning they have two distinct layers of fur that work together to protect them:
Outer coat (guard hairs): Long, coarse, and weather-resistant. This layer shields them from rain, snow, dirt, and UV rays.
Undercoat: Soft, dense, and fluffy. This layer acts as insulation, keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Together, these layers help German Shepherds adapt to all kinds of weather. But this amazing natural insulation is also the reason for all that fur around your home.
Why German Shepherds Shed So Much?
Every hair on your dog follows a natural growth cycle. Growing, resting, and eventually falling out. With a thick double coat, that’s a lot of hair coming and going.
German Shepherds shed:
Year-round: Light to moderate shedding from both coat layers.
Seasonally: Twice a year, they go through what’s called a “coat blow.” This is when they shed their undercoat in large amounts, usually in spring and fall.
Other factors that can influence shedding include:
Climate: Dogs in warmer or indoor climates may shed more steadily year-round.
Diet: Poor nutrition can increase hair loss.
Health issues: Allergies, parasites, or thyroid problems can cause abnormal shedding.
Tired of German Shepherd fur taking over your home? 🐾 Check out German Shepherd Coat Care: Shedding, Brushing, and Professional Grooming Tips
Seasonal Shedding: What to Expect
During shedding season, it can feel like you’re sweeping up enough fur to build another dog. Here’s what happens:
Spring coat blow: The thick winter undercoat sheds to make way for a lighter summer coat.
Fall coat blow: The lighter summer coat is shed to prepare for a denser winter coat.
This heavy shedding can last for a few weeks, and daily grooming becomes a must during these times.
Grooming Strategies to Manage Shedding
Shedding can’t be stopped, but it can be managed with the right grooming routine:
1. Brushing
Use a slicker brush for surface-level loose hair.
Follow with an undercoat rake to reach deep into the dense undercoat.
During coat blows, add a de-shedding tool like a FURminator to pull out clumps of undercoat.
2. Bathing
Bathe every 4–6 weeks using a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner.
Always brush before and after a bath to loosen excess fur.
3. Drying
A velocity dryer is a groomer’s secret weapon. It blasts out the undercoat fur that brushes can miss.
4. Professional De-Shedding Treatments
Regular grooming appointments (every 6–8 weeks) make a huge difference, especially during heavy shedding seasons.
Additional Groomer Tips
Feed for coat health: Diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat, reducing excess shedding.
Keep them hydrated: Proper hydration prevents dry skin, which can worsen shedding.
Never shave a double coat: Shaving can permanently damage the coat, disrupt its natural insulation, and leave the skin vulnerable to sunburn and irritation.
When to Worry About Shedding
Shedding is normal, but sometimes it’s a sign of something more:
Bald patches
Hot spots or irritated skin
Excessive scratching or licking
If you notice these, it’s best to check with your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds shed—a lot. But that shedding is part of what makes their coat so functional and protective. With the right tools, grooming routine, and diet, you can keep the fur under control and your pup comfortable.
At Riverview Grooming, we specialize in de-shedding treatments that dramatically reduce shedding at home. If you’re tired of battling tumbleweeds of fur, book a grooming session with us and let us help keep your German Shepherd looking and feeling their best.
