The Doberman Pinscher is a very popular guardian breed that gets its aggressive reputation by properly guarding both home and land. These majestic pups have been used across the world as both protection dogs and property guardians for almost a century. They have a great reputation for being lower maintenance on the grooming side, but there is more to know about how much Dobermans shed.
Let’s get this out of the way. Doberman Pinschers do shed. They are a single-coated breed, and they have “fur,” not dog hair. There’s a difference between what’s considered dog hair and dog fur by many owners. Breeds like the Poodle are considered to have hair because they shed less. Dogs that have “fur” can be single- or double-coated and tend to shed.
So, just how much do Dobermans shed? Let’s jump into it and learn all about the Doberman Pinscher shedding frequency, as well as the best ways to manage your Doberman’s hair on a regular basis.
How Much Do Dobermans Shed?
Doberman Pinchers are moderate shedders. They shed about the same amount all year. They are a single-coated dog breed, meaning that they don’t have an undercoat that they need to shed twice a year like other breeds.
Because Dobermans are moderate shedders, you can expect to clean up after your pup on a weekly basis. Unlike fluffy coated breeds, their fur is shorter and won’t stick to your furniture or your clothing. Dobermans shed about as much as Pitbulls, which are also single-coated breeds. Dobermans are a great alternative if you want a medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed as much as Labrador or other dogs similar in size.
Doberman Pinscher Coats
Because Dobermans have a single coat, only moderate grooming is needed. Many people seek to adopt a Doberman because they think they are a low-shedding dog breed. This really isn’t the case. But because their coats are shorter, they will be less noticeable. Being a single-coated breed means that during winter and summer, they shed the same amount. They do not have a thicker winter coat to lose. This is a good part of why they are so low-shedding.
Dogs like Golden Retrievers have an undercoat, and they shed excessively twice per year, which will require more maintenance and cleanup.
Doberman Coat Colors
There are only four colors that are allowed for the Doberman when it comes to showing. While some breeders will allow other coat colors, the only four that are recognized are black and rust (black and tan), red and rust (brown and tan), blue and rust (silver and tan), and fawn and rust (lighter brown and tan). Other colors that are not recognized by show standards include melanistic black, melanistic red, white, blue, and fawn.
The coat color of your Doberman has no impact on their shedding frequency. Typically, it just means it’s going to show up more or less frequently, depending on the color of your clothing, furniture, and flooring. While it’s practically impossible to coordinate your furniture’s color with your dog’s coat color, obviously, furniture that’s darker in color or that matches your pup’s coat will do a better job of hiding their fur.
Other Reasons Dobermans Shed
Dobermans have a “shedding standard,” which is basically you, as the dog owner, cleaning up their fur once a week. But there are other reasons that your Doberman’s shedding frequency may increase. Here are some examples of abnormal shedding you’ll need to watch out for.
- Stress: Anything that causes stress, including routine change, can cause shedding.
- Nutrition: Changes in your dog’s diet can trigger additional shedding.
- Shampoos: Choosing a shampoo with harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation and strip the natural oils from the coat.
- Skin Conditions: Skin conditions like Mange can cause dogs to lose all their hair.
- Other Illnesses: Other illnesses like cancer can manifest in your dog losing all their fur.
While any of the above are likely to cause some excess fur around your house, Stress stemming from a routine change is usually the most common. Changing your Doberman’s dog food may also have an impact on their shedding habits and their grooming needs. It’s always a good idea to visit your veterinarian if you have concerns to rule out any major potential health problems connected to abnormal shedding.
4 Doberman Shedding Tips & Solutions
So, Dobermans are about average with how much they shed. Regular grooming and upkeep are a must. But there are also some other things you can do as a dog owner to minimize the amount of fur your pup leaves around the house. Let’s take a look at ways you can minimize the amount of fur your Doberman leaves behind.
1. Brushing
Grooming your Doberman’s coat is your first line of defense. Many dog owners don’t follow a regular hair-brushing routine, which isn’t smart considering how easy the Doberman is to groom. Their hair is short, and it’s far easier to use a basic pin brush to keep hair away on a weekly basis. Dogs with longer hair require a lot more time dedicated to brushing, so dragging a bristle or pin brush through your Dobie’s coat at least once a week should be the first thing you do.
A grooming mitt is also a helpful tool. It is gentle and can easily distribute the natural oils of your Doberman’s coat while removing loose hair. These regular brushing sessions help support a healthy coat and reduce shedding.
2. Bathing
Regularly bathing your Doberman Pinscher is the second step you’ll need to combat excessive shedding around your home. You’ll want to bathe your Doberman at least once a month. Anything more than that may be excessive, especially if you use commercial shampoos. Excessive bathing can cause dry and irritated skin. However, a regular bathing schedule can help ensure that loose hair is comfortably removed before your pup drags it into your home.
3. Shampoos
Many Dobermans have sensitive skin. This means you’ll want to stick to a sensitive skin shampoo or an oatmeal shampoo made for dogs, which has a calming effect on their skin. Using a cheaper, commercial-grade shampoo can cause skin irritation and excess fur loss. Using an anti-shed formula is not recommended for Dobermans, as they really don’t need it.
A natural shampoo formula is better for your pup. You may even want to try a DIY dog shampoo if your pup has super sensitive skin.
4. Diet
Diet is often overlooked when it comes to managing your dog’s shedding habits. Ensuring your Doberman is eating high-quality dry kibble will guarantee that your pup has the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy coat. Dog foods that have a good amount of Omega-3 Fatty acids will help to keep both their skin and coat balanced. The bottom line is don’t sleep on nutrition for your Doberman. Feeding them premium quality dog food has skin and coat benefits, on top of keeping your pup healthier longer.
You may want to consider adding fresh dog foods to your pup’s bowl. Either as a topper or as a complete meal, these offer top-quality, less-processed nutrition. Along with great taste, fresh dog foods can be helpful in maintaining a healthy, soft coat.
What About Supplements?
If your dog food is lacking, or if your Doberman is eating a special diet that doesn’t contain peas or legumes, you may need to supplement certain nutrients in order to keep their hair under control. There are plenty of supplements that can do this. The most popular is an Omega-3 supplement in either chewable or liquid form. Omega fatty acids promote overall coat health, ensuring your Doberman has a dense, shiny coat that’s less likely to leave traces of fur around your home or on your clothing.
Always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet. This is especially important if they have any health conditions or are on any medications.
If you want to know more about your pup’s health, consider a dog breed DNA and health test. These can shed more light on your pup’s genetics and potential health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve compiled a list of common questions, Doberman Pinscher-shedding questions I see in an effort to answer them preemptively. If there’s something I’ve missed, feel free to drop us a line in the comments section.
Why Is My Doberman Shedding Excessively?
This depends. But usually, the most common reason that a Doberman sheds more than normal is a routine change or new stressor in their life. If you recently adopted a new dog, welcomed a new baby, or had anything that can impact your Doberman’s normal routine, then it’s likely your pup may shed a lot more than normal.
How Do I Stop My Doberman From Shedding So Much?
You’ll never “stop” your Doberman from shedding. They are a single-coated breed and will always shed. You can reduce it by following the tips & solutions I’ve outlined above.
When Is Doberman Shedding Season?
Dobermans shed year-round. They do not shed more excessively in the summer or winter. There’s no “long-haired” version of a Doberman that would carry a double coat. You can safely assume that you’ll deal with the same amount of fur loss all year.
Do Blue Doberman Pinschers Shed More Than Other Coat Colors?
There’s no documented evidence showing a red, blue, black, or fawn coat color has any bearing on the amount of fur a Doberman will lose. They all shed equally the same amount. Far more common are environmental changes that impact their shedding frequency, not coat color.
Do Dobermans Shed More Than Other Guardian Breeds?
Dobermans actually shed less than many different guardian breeds. When compared to the Rottweiler or compared to the German Shepherd, their fur is actually far more manageable when properly groomed.
If you are thinking of welcoming a Doberman Pinscher into your home, shedding should be the least of your worries. Their shedding habits are easily managed with routine brushing, bathing, and a properly formulated dog shampoo. If you establish regular grooming habits, the Doberman can make for a mess-free home guardian or companion dog for your family.
Other Low-Shedding Dog Breeds To Consider
If you love the idea of a low-shedding pup but aren’t sure the Doberman is right for you, there are plenty of other amazing breeds to consider. The Australian Cattle Dog, American Pitbull Terrier, Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Poodle, and Maltese are just a few. Remember that shedding cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled through regular brushing, grooming, and cleaning your home.
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Danielle is a pet owner with over 30 years of experience. She has worked as a professional researcher for many years and is dedicated to providing the best research and information to help pet owners. Danielle spends countless hours investigating the latest developments in pet care, health, food, and training. Danielle works with a professional and experienced team to give our readers the best, most accurate, and most up-to-date information.
American Dobes have a single coat. I had a European Doberman who definitely had an under thick short dense coat with a coarser longer top coat. It took 3 hours to dry in the sun
My one year old male doberman has always shed a lot and we can’t find a reason why,!!