Do Dobermans Shed More Than Other Dogs? Care & Grooming Advice
By Brooke Bundy
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Possessing a single, short-haired coat, Dobermans don’t shed as much as breeds with fluffy double coats, such as German Shepherds. You won’t find tufts of fur floating through your house, nor will you need to schedule a haircut like you would for a non-shedding poodle. Dobermans are moderate shedders with minimal grooming needs, but their sensitive skin and ears need a little extra care that’ll need to be incorporated into their grooming routine.
Do Dobermans Shed a Lot?
Compared to most dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers are only moderate shedders. Dogs that have a double coat shed throughout the year, but especially during the spring and fall when they “blow” one of the coats to prepare for the upcoming summer or winter. Dobermans shed modestly year-round.
You should always take your Doberman to the vet if you notice them shedding more than normal or developing bald patches. They could be allergic to something in their environment or in their food, which will need to be addressed.
The 5 Steps to Groom Your Doberman
Dobermans have sensitive skin and ears that are prone to itchiness and dryness. Oftentimes, an allergy flare is the culprit behind the scratching, but their skin is also very thin, which means it’ll dry out quickly if it’s washed too often. Alternatively, some dogs may develop excessively oily skin from frequent washing because some shampoos strip the natural oils on their coat, and their body overcompensates to replace the lost moisture. Here are five things every Doberman parent should do to keep their dog looking, feeling, and smelling great:
1. Brush their teeth daily.
You might not think about your dog’s teeth very often, but they’re important indicators of their overall health. An estimated 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by age three, which is linked to heart disease. It’s best to start your Doberman’s teeth brushing routine when they’re still a puppy, but adults can learn, too. Start by familiarizing them with a wet toothbrush, and once they’re comfortable, level up to toothpaste formulated for dogs. Never use human toothpaste, as those often contain toxic ingredients such as xylitol. As an extra fun and healthy hobby, supplement the teeth brushing with some dental chews that can reach tougher areas the toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Comb their coats weekly, preferably with a glove brush.
Brushing benefits your Doberman’s coat by distributing oils through their skin and relieving it of shed fur. A soft glove brush is ideal to use on their sensitive skin rather than a harsh bristle brush. Your dog will feel like they’re receiving luxurious petting instead of a dreaded grooming session with you.
3. Clean their ears every couple of weeks.
Dobermans are known to develop ear infections. It’s important to gently clean the outside of their ears with a cotton swab and alcohol every couple of weeks to prevent bacteria from building up. Never use a Q-tip or anything else inside your Doberman’s ears. Not only can it push earwax deeper inside, but it can also injure your dog if they suddenly jerk away.
4. Trim their nails as needed.
Developing a habit of regularly inspecting your dog’s nails helps prevent them from growing too long and makes you aware of any split nails or paw injuries.
5. Bath every other month.
You should only wash your Doberman Pinscher every 6-8 weeks to avoid over-drying their skin. Try to use a sulfate-free formula because they don’t strip the natural oils as badly as most shampoos.
How to Deal with Your Doberman’s Shedding
Dobermans don’t shed much, but you still probably don’t want dog fur everywhere when you’re hosting a party. Here are some things you can do to help curtail the loose fur:
- Vacuum every few days. Some vacuums are specifically designed for households with pets. We recommend these as they tend to be better at trapping dander as well as fur.
- Use a sweeper-mop to collect the fur. A simple broom probably won’t gather the fine furs your Doberman sheds on the floor. Employing a sweeper-mop every few days can collect the hairs you missed.
- Wash bedding frequently. If your Doberman lays on your bed, you should try to wash your sheets at least once a week. Aim to wash the comforter and pillows once a month. If they can’t be machine-washed, vacuuming them off with the smaller attachment should help.
Our ways to mitigate the loose fur are merely for aesthetic reasons and aren’t necessarily intended to alleviate allergies. Remember, even though Dobermans only shed moderately, they’re still not a hypoallergenic breed, so they aren’t a good match for someone who’s allergic to dogs.
Conclusion
Grooming your Doberman isn’t too difficult since they don’t shed much. A bath every 6-8 weeks and a brushing every week or so should be enough to keep their coat healthy. If you find that your Doberman sheds more than you thought, we recommend using a combination of cleaning methods to fight the fur.
Please don’t try to solve the problem by bathing them more often. Dobermans have sensitive skin that’s prone to drying out and cracking, and bathing too frequently makes the problem worse. As always, if you notice your Doberman losing more fur than usual, or if you find bald patches, consult your vet.
Featured Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay
