How Much Do German Wirehaired Pointers Shed? Care & Grooming Advice
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German Wirehaired Pointers shed quite a bit thanks to their double coat. Their coat consists of an outer coat and an insulating undercoat. Both layers work together to keep the dog dry and warm. The outer coat is water-resistant and traps debris before it can make it to the undercoat, which is where all of the insulation takes place.
This type of coat is designed to protect the dog from less-than-perfect weather conditions, like rain and cold.
German Wirehaired Pointers absolutely shed, but it isn’t considered “heavy.” There are many breeds that shed much more than them. But, due to their double-layered coat, you will find plenty of fur around your house.
German Wirehaired Pointer Shedding
German Wirehaired Pointers typically shed more during shedding seasons, which usually occur in the spring and fall. During these times, you can expect an increase in shedding as the dog’s coat transitions between its winter and summer states.
Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding and keep the coat in good condition. Brushing a couple of times a week can help remove loose hairs and keep the coat looking its best. You will need to stay on top of these grooming sessions if you want to reduce your dog’s shedding.
Shedding can vary from dog to dog, as well. Some German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than others. How much a dog sheds depends on many factors, such as genetics, health, and diet. Environmental factors may also play a significant role.
While some shedding is normal, it is possible for dogs to shed too much. In these cases, you may want to speak to your veterinarian, as excessive shedding can be caused by some underlying health problems.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers High-Maintenance?
While these dogs do require quite a bit of care, they aren’t particularly high maintenance. Instead, we’d describe them as somewhere in the middle.
Their wiry double coat requires regular grooming to keep them in tip-top condition. You’ll need to brush them a few times a week to prevent matting, reduce shedding, and remove dirt. Brushing is the primary way you should keep these dogs clean, so it’s important not to skip this step. Occasionally, these dogs may also need their coat hand-stripped to maintain their texture and appearance.
- Exercise: German Wirehaired Pointers are a rather active breed, so they do best in active families. They require a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Luckily, you can achieve this in a variety of ways, including fetch and agility training. These dogs like to be involved in just about anything active.
- Intelligence: These canines are also intelligent. They thrive in training and want to please their owners. However, this also means that they must be trained, or they can become excessively bored. Boredom can cause destructive behaviors as the dog tries to make its own fun. Therefore, their intelligence also means they require more work than some other breeds.
- Socialization: It’s important to socialize these dogs from a young age to prevent fear and aggression. While they are generally pretty friendly, you never know when your dog may become scared, especially in new situations. Therefore, it’s important to make as few situations new as possible. Puppy classes are highly recommended, as they provide extra socialization.
- Feeding and Care: German Wirehaired Pointers require routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, regular check-ups, dental care, and preventative treatments for parasites. They’re pretty healthy dogs, but any dog can become sick. Be sure you’re prepared for this eventuality. Luckily, feeding isn’t terribly complicated. These dogs do well on any balanced, appropriate diet that any other dog can eat.
Which Dogs Shed the Least?
If you’re looking for a breed that sheds little, then you want a dog with a single-layer coat (unlike the German Wirehaired Pointer that has a double coat.) These breeds have hair that grows continuously like a human’s hair, so they will need regular grooming.
While these dog breeds don’t shed much, they do require professional trimming and must be brushed to prevent matting. In fact, they often have higher grooming needs than dogs that shed. You’ll also spend more money on professional grooming, which the German Wirehaired Pointer doesn’t need.
In this way, these dogs are actually more work, despite shedding less.
Which Dogs Shed the Most?
Dogs with double coats tend to shed the most. However, different breeds do shed different amounts, even if they have similar coat types.
These dogs require extra management to control their shedding. They’ll need brushing regularly (daily, in most cases) to remove excessive fur and keep their coat healthy.
You’ll notice that the German Wirehaired Pointer isn’t on this list. While they do shed a lot, they don’t shed nearly as much as a German Shepherd.
Final Thoughts
German Wirehaired Pointers do shed quite a bit. However, they don’t shed nearly as much as some other dogs—there is a long list of dogs that shed much more than the German Wirehaired Pointer. Still, you should be prepared to provide them with the proper grooming, which usually includes brushing a few times a week.
On top of their grooming needs, these dogs are high-maintenance in other ways, too. For instance, they require regular exercise, as they are very active dogs. We recommend them particularly for active families for this reason. They’re also smart and need plenty of mental stimulation, otherwise, they may become bored and start to misbehave.
See Also:
- 8 German Wirehaired Pointer Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)
- 10 Incredible German Wirehaired Pointer Facts: Colors, History & Origins
Featured Image Credit: Vellicos, Shutterstock
