German Shorthaired Pointers are popular as pets due to their friendly nature. They are easy to train and are an asset to families.
However, maintaining these dogs could be quite a task. The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds a lot of hair and needs to be groomed well for proper maintenance.
Let’s explore the shedding habits of German Shorthaired Pointers.
About The German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a medium build and is well-known for its agility, power, speed, and endurance.
German Shorthaired Pointers enjoy engaging in physical activities like running and swimming. They want to burn their energy by engaging in such activities.
They are good pets as they quickly bond with their family. Therefore, they like to go for walks and spend time with their owners. They also get along well with children and love to play with them.
They are generally friendly towards other dogs and love to socialize with them. Therefore, they’ll enjoy going to parks and mixing with other dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers typically stand at a height between 23 and 25 inches while they weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
They can work long days outdoors, such as in the field, which is why they are known for their endurance, agility, speed, and power.
Traits Of German Shorthaired Pointers
These Are intelligent dogs and are easy to train. They also need mental stimulation along with physical stimulation.
Their coats are very short and smooth. They come in different colors, including black, white, and shades of these colors.
They have dark eyes that shine, denoting their friendly nature towards people and other animals. They are affectionate with family, especially with children. They also get along well with other dogs and enjoy playing with them.
German Shorthaired Pointers are not shy with strangers and are adaptable to different conditions.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed A Lot?
Similar to most other dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers shed.
They are heavy shedders typically shed throughout the year, especially in warmer climates. The frequency and duration of shedding may vary throughout the year. That is the primary reason these dogs have smooth coats.
Their small hair can get all over the furniture, so you need to brush them regularly. Their hair could cause allergies, so you need to address it.
German Shorthaired Pointer’s Coat-Shedding Habits
A typically German Shorthaired Pointer sheds throughout the year, especially in warmer climates. However, the shedding frequency and duration may vary throughout the year. They generally shed less in the winter than in the summer.
Dogs of this breed have double coats that include a water-resistant undercoat. It keeps the dog warm and dry in cold climates.
As spring arrives, the dog tries to keep its body cool by shedding some of its undercoats to prepare for summer.
The only exception is when the undercoat is not essential because the dog lives in a warmer climate and doesn’t get cold. As a result, the dog keeps shedding more hair to keep the undercoat lighter.
It is a natural process in dogs and is nothing you should worry about. Ensure you groom your dog to keep it comfortable, especially in warmer periods.
Shedding also depends on the dog’s diet and genes. Genes cannot be changed, but if dietary changes are causing excessive shedding in your dog, you should consult a vet for expert advice and appropriate treatment.
How Does A German Shorthaired Pointer’s Coat Shedding Compare To Other Dogs?
Several dog breeds shed their hair as the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, the shedding frequencies and other patterns may change from breed to breed.
German Shorthaired Pointers are moderate shedders. They don’t lose fur as other dog breeds do. Therefore, they can be brushed without causing too much harm to the coat. They shed about 1/10th as much as other dogs because they don’t lose fur like the others.
German Shorthaired Pointers shed both dark and light-colored hair. Don’t be surprised if you see different-toned hair on your furniture. They have short hair, which could be difficult to remove when they get all over your furniture.
The best way to avoid this is to prevent these dogs from shedding too much so that you don’t have to go through the trouble of removing them.
German Shorthaired Pointer’s Shedding Schedule
Shedding greatly depends on the season. The first shedding season is spring; later, they shed in Autumn again.
These dogs shed more in spring to prepare for the hot summer. Shedding also occurs after every four to eight weeks of growth.
In winter, they don’t shed as much because their fur is thinner due to the lack of exposure to the sun. However, it doesn’t mean that no shedding occurs in the winter.
Winter is when your German Shorthaired Pointer has more dander being released due to its airways not being fully clogged up by external irritants that can cause allergic reactions.
The Importance Of Shedding Of Dog Hair
Shedding is a natural process that most animals experience to release their winter coats and grow new ones. Dogs also use it to adapt to the different seasons and weather statuses.
It is an essential part of fur and skin health for dogs. They require it as part of their natural growing process. They get rid of their old or damaged hair by shedding it.
Can You Do Anything To Reduce A German Shorthaired Pointer’s Shedding?
It could not be easy to keep up with the shedding of German Shorthaired Pointers. Here are some of the things that you can do to reduce its shedding:
- Groom it more often
- Bathe it more often
- Brush its coat regularly
- Take care of its health
You can use a brush specifically made for this purpose to groom your dog. It will help remove your dog’s excess hair before it sheds all over your home, clothes, and car.
Here’s a detailed guide on how you can help reduce your dog’s shedding.
Take Good Care Of Your Dog’s Health
A healthy dog will keep away from shedding excess all over your home. A dog’s coat reflects the food they eat. Therefore, it’s vital to give it high-quality dog food that is healthy for its body.
Feed your dog high-quality food with good digestible protein sources, and you’ll find less hair on your floor. Giving your dog a fatty acid supplement will also help keep your dog’s coat healthy.
Take your dog for regular checkups to the vet to ensure that it’s in good health. You can also use specific devices that help monitor your dog’s health status.
IPet Guides shares the best device to keep track of your dog’s health, so read it for more information.
Brush Your Dog Daily
The minimum requirement for brushing a German Shorthaired Pointer is once a week. However, daily brushing ensures your dog stays clean and groomed, and you’ll experience less hair on your floor.
Brush outside to prevent the tiny hairs from getting all over your floor and furniture in your home.
Why you need to brush your dog is to take out the hairs that have already shed but are not falling out of the fur yet. Therefore, it reduces shedding and keeps your dog comfortable.
Always remember to brush slowly. Brushing should not aggravate your dog’s skin and cause irritation or any other harm.
Another advantage of brushing your dog is that it helps spread the natural oils in its coat.
Use a brush with a firm bristle or a fine comb.
Brush Your Dog’s Feet
Brushing should not only be limited to the body. You should also brush your dog’s feet, as it is as essential as brushing the body.
Brush its feet every day with a slicker brush or comb. It helps remove excess fur from its coat.
These dogs are generally straightforward to groom, so it will be easy to follow a grooming schedule.
Frequently Bathe Your Dog
You must bathe your dog using warm water, shampoo, and conditioner. It will hydrate your dog’s coat and keep it from drying.
However, you shouldn’t bathe your dog more than necessary in this manner. It will only cause more shedding and not less. The minimum requirement to bathe your dog is 2 to 3 times a year, and the maximum is once a week. Don’t go beyond this limit.
How often you bathe your dog depends on its condition and lifestyle. Wash your dog if it looks dirty or smells terrible after coming from outside.
You can wash your dog in a bathtub or shower stall. You may use shampoos and conditioners specifically for dogs for the best results.
Washing your dog means that you help it to take care of its fur, and it will lessen shedding. However, bathing and drying your dog could take quite an effort, as some dogs are known to tear around the house and cause chaos during this process.
Dry Your Dog’s Coat
How you dry your dog’s coat may also affect its shedding. Here is the best way to dry a German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat:
- Let your dog shake off excess water naturally. It’s the best way for your dog to remove water from its hair.
- Dry your dog’s coat using a towel. Towel-drying will significantly reduce shedding, as a dog with a wet coat will shed more.
- After towel drying, let your dog dry itself naturally.
- Use a hairdryer and gently blow-dry its coat. This procedure will help release hair trapped in your dog’s coat and reduce shedding to a great extent.
Final Thoughts
German Shorthaired Pointers shed at a moderate level. The worst thing is that their hair could get all over your home, furniture, clothes, and car.
Shedding is more in the summer than in the winter. Ensure to keep your dog well-groomed to control the shedding.
Brush your dog daily, bathe him often, and ensure to dry it well after each wash. A wet dog is bound to shed more than a dry one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed?
German Shorthaired Pointer shed throughout the year. Shedding is seasonal, where it sheds more in warm climates and less in cool climates.
How To Stop German Shorthaired Pointers From Shedding?
Groom your German Shorthaired Pointer often to reduce shedding. Bathe your dog using a high-quality dog shampoo.