Do German Shepherds Shed? Long Coat vs. Stock Coat Grooming Guide
Yes. German Shepherds shed, and they shed a lot. There's a reason people call them German Shedders.
That shouldn't scare you off. Once you know what to expect and have a simple routine, shedding is very manageable. Here's how it works, how long coats compare to stock coats, and what we recommend to our puppy families.
Why German Shepherds Shed So Much
German Shepherds have a double coat. There's a coarser outer coat that protects against weather and dirt, and a dense, soft undercoat that insulates. The undercoat is what ends up on your floors and furniture.
They shed some every day, all year. Then about twice a year, usually in spring and fall, they blow coat. That means they drop most of their undercoat over a few weeks. During a coat blow, you can brush out enough fur to fill a grocery bag.
Long Coat vs. Stock Coat: Which Sheds More?
This is where a lot of families get surprised.
Stock Coat German Shepherds
The stock coat is the standard, shorter double coat most people picture. It has a thick undercoat, and that undercoat is what drives the heavy shedding. Stock coats tend to leave a steady layer of short hair around the house.
Long Coat German Shepherds
Long coats have longer guard hair with feathering on the ears, legs, chest and tail. Many long coats have a lighter undercoat, or in some cases very little undercoat, compared to a stock coat. Because of that, a lot of owners find long coats shed about the same or even a little less day to day.
The difference is that long coat hair is longer and more visible, and it can tangle if you skip brushing. So long coats don't necessarily shed more. They just need a slightly different routine.
It's also worth knowing that long coat is only a coat type. Long coats come from the same pedigrees as stock coats and share the same temperament and structure. Learn more in The Ultimate Guide to Long Coat German Shepherds.
A Simple Grooming Routine That Works
Most of the Year
Brush 2 to 3 times a week with a slicker brush or pin brush
For long coats, use a wide-tooth comb on the feathering behind the ears, the pants and the tail
Check behind the ears and under the legs for tangles
During a Coat Blow
Brush every day, or as close to it as you can
Use an undercoat rake to pull the loose undercoat out
Brush outside when you can, so the fur stays out of the house
A high-velocity dryer after a bath will blow out a huge amount of undercoat in one session
Bathing
German Shepherds don't need frequent baths. Every couple of months, or when they're dirty, is usually plenty. Bathing too often strips the natural oils from the coat and skin. Always make sure the undercoat is fully dry afterward, since trapped moisture can irritate the skin.
Don't Shave
Shaving a German Shepherd doesn't reduce shedding and it doesn't keep them cooler. It damages the way the double coat protects and regulates temperature, and the coat may not grow back the same. Brush out the undercoat instead.
Tools We Recommend
Undercoat rake
Slicker brush
Wide-tooth metal comb (especially for long coats)
A good vacuum that handles pet hair
Optional: a high-velocity pet dryer
Can Diet Help With Shedding?
Diet won't stop a German Shepherd from shedding, but a quality food does support a healthier coat and skin. A dull coat, flaky skin or shedding that seems out of season can point to a nutrition or health issue. If you notice those, check in with your veterinarian.
Is a Shedding Dog Worth It?
Every German Shepherd owner we know would say yes. The shedding is part of the deal, and with a routine it becomes just another part of the week, like vacuuming the house.
At PAK Shepherds, we raise West German Showline German Shepherds in Central Ohio, including long coats. If you'd like to talk about coat types or find the right puppy for your home, you can see available puppies, submit a puppy application or contact us.
