Skip to content

Do Dobermans Shed and What Are Their Overall Grooming Needs?

do dobermans shed

One of the biggest concerns that owners of any dog breed have is whether their pets will shed.

Everyone with dogs loves their pets, but shedding can make a difference in the num time owners devote to dog care. Understanding shedding habits is essential.

Do Dobermans shed?

Doberman Pinschers are considered low to moderate shedders. In contrast to breeds that have heavy shedding twice a year, Dobies shed throughout the year. This breed has much lower grooming demands than many others.

Read on to learn more about what your dog may require for grooming.

How Easy is a Doberman’s Coat to Care For?

Dobies are short-haired. When you compare a Doberman Pinscher to other breeds, the coat is very easy for you to take care of.

Professional grooming is something that you seldom need to use for this breed. Complicated seasonal or show clips are also not an issue with these dogs.

Doberman Pinschers require regular brushing for proper coat maintenance. Because the shedding takes place all year long, you can use the same regular routine all the time. Brushing several times a week is usually what your dog will require.

Soft bristle brushes will usually allow you to brush through your Doberman’s hair, keeping it in top condition.

A hound glove will also help you remove the loose fur. These grooming tasks will take a few minutes of your time.

Although these dogs have minimalist grooming requirements, taking the lead and performing these simple tasks will help keep your pet’s coat and skin healthier. Many common skin issues are easily prevented with good hygiene.

What is a Doberman’s Coat Like?

According to Sarah Hayes, Dobies have coats easily described as smooth, as well as short. Despite having similar markings to the Rottweiler, Dobermans lack an undercoat.

The neck area may have a slight undercoat. However, the rest of the dog’s body won’t have an undercoat. When Doberman Pinschers have a distinct undercoat and longer fir, it is likely that they are crossbred.

Most of a Doberman’s coat is black, with distinct rust marks on the legs, chest, and muzzle. Although most of these dogs have black coats, blue, red, fawn, or brown are sometimes seen. There are white Dobermans, but this is a very rare color.

Although you won’t have your Dobie shedding large clumps of fur around the house, you will still have some issues with hair because of shedding. Dobermans will leave dead hair around the house, including on your furniture and bedding.

The good thing to know is that, even with moderate shedding, there is little mess to clean up.

Most of what these dogs leave behind in dead hair is easily vacuumed up. On hardwood or tile floors, a quick mopping will take care of the hair.

Do You Need to Do Anything If Your Dog is Shedding More Than Usual?

Top Dog Health names different factors that include the weather as possible reasons for dogs to shed more than usual.

One of the most important steps you can take is finding out if there’s a reason for your dog to shed that is abnormal. Some medical conditions can make your Doberman shed more.

Depending on where you live, your dog’s coat may thicken slightly during periods of colder weather.

When your Doberman’s coat thickens because of cold weather, your dog might shed more than normal as the temperature warms.

When the temperature is mild or warm and your notice your dog shedding more than is common for this breed, there might be a medical condition that requires further investigation.

Watch for behavior like excessive licking, face-rubbing, or other behavior that shows evidence of itching.

Look for signs of your dog’s coat thinning, along with shedding. Other signs to look for include open sores, bald spots, or signs of irritation.

If these situations persist for more than a week, you should schedule a vet visit. Your vet can perform diagnostics that will help rule out the possibility of a medical cause. A visit to your vet is better than trying to diagnose it yourself.

There are several types of underlying conditions that can cause excessive shedding. Some of the most common are immune disease, cancer, or diseases affecting the endocrine system. Examples include adrenal, thyroid, liver, and kidney disease.

Contact with chemicals or other substances can affect your dog’s hair. If your dog has been out in bright sunlight a lot, it may have sunburn. Some medications may also have hair loss as a side effect.

Some dogs live with allergies that affect their skin, particularly during times when the polling count is high. Bacterial or fungal infections can affect the hair follicles, causing hair loss. Parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice are also factors.

Your veterinarian will be in the best position to find out why your Doberman Pinscher is having problems.

Many of the conditions that cause excessive shedding or hair loss in dogs worsen over time, making quick action essential.

Does Bathing Your Doberman Help It With Shedding?

According to Espree, your dog’s lifestyle will determine how often it requires bathing. Dobermans have varying needs based on different factors.

Doberman Pinschers may require bathing anywhere from once a week to once every eight weeks.

If your dog spends a lot of time in the “great outdoors”, it may require weekly bathing. Dogs who are indoors most of the time may require bathing every eight weeks.

Use a dog shampoo for your Doberman that is high in nutrients like amino acids. Coconut oil-based shampoos can help provide many of the essential nutrients that Dobermans require for healthy coats.

Gently towel-dry your dog’s coat or allow it to air-dry. Stand back because your dog is likely to shake itself off. Your dog will rid itself of some of the loose hair by shaking it off.

A grooming mitt will help in the next stage of caring for your dog’s coat. A circular motion helps stimulate the natural oils that condition your Dobie’s coat. You can also get the remaining dead hairs off your dog’s coat this way.

After you’ve finished drying and brushing your dog, apply a hydrating spray. The use of one of these sprays will help lock in moisture to keep the dog’s coat healthier. A coat with proper hydration will maintain its sleek appearance.

Allergy sufferers will benefit from making sure their Dobie has a regular grooming and bathing schedule. Even though you won’t eliminate shedding entirely, keeping the dog groomed and bathed regularly can cut down on the amount of dander.

If your Doberman is a show dog, the grooming and bathing routines will be the same. Most Dobermans have show-ready coats most of the time. Keeping up with your dog’s grooming will help it keep that champion look.

Can Your Dog’s Diet Play a Role in Shedding?

iHeartDogs highlights the fact that Dobermans can have skin issues, just as other breeds do sometimes.

Some Doberman Pinschers have skin problems, as well as dull coats. Non-stop biting and scratching are two of the signs that there is trouble with your dog’s skin. When your dog’s coat is unhealthy, its coat will be dull, and it might shed more.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for a Doberman’s healthy skin and coat. However, much of this nutrient is lost at high heat, such as in cooking kibble. To make sure your dog gets enough Omega-3, you might have to supplement.

Besides hair loss, Omega-3 deficiencies can also cause other problems for Dobies. Excessively itchy skin areas and frequent ear infections are some of the most common signs of this nutrient deficiency.

You might notice your dog having more hot spots, which are inflamed areas that are painful or itchy.

Another sign of this deficiency is wounds that heal more slowly. These symptoms are part of what is a broader inflammatory response.

You will want to think about what you use to supplement your Doberman’s diet carefully. Fish oil and fresh fish have long been seen as solutions. However, both these options are not without problems.

Many types of fish oil commercially available, as well as salmon, tend to have high amounts of mercury and other heavy metals. Dogs that ingest heavy metals are likely to experience further problems.

Doberman Pinschers who aren’t getting the Omega-3 they need in their diets can benefit from anchovy or krill-based treats. Both of these food sources contain high amounts of Omega-3. Such treats are an excellent way to help your dog get nutrients.

However, because these species are feeder fish, they contain fewer toxins than bigger fish. Many of the companies that make these supplements use sustainable practices or benefit shelter animals with their proceeds.

Feeding your dog treats containing extra nutrients is one of the fastest, easiest ways to make sure it is getting an appropriate amount.

What Are the Grooming Tooks You Need for Your Doberman?

Jane Williams describes Dobermans as having no-nonsense coats. Like with other breeds considered minimal shedders like Schnauzers, the right tools make a difference.

The brush that you choose should feature stiff bristles. Most brushes designed for use on human hair are not able to keep up with the amount of loose hair that Dobies shed. Bristles on these brushes may also feel too uncomfortable for dogs.

Grooming mitts, sometimes known as hound gloves, are helpful for use after or as an alternative to brushing.

Some dogs are fearful about objects like brushes or have sensitive skin. The use of one of these gloves is often more comfortable.

Wet washcloths are helpful for quick touch-ups in between baths. The good news about using washcloths for a Doberman Pinscher is that you probably already have several available. Consider keeping these aside for your dog.

When wiping your dog’s coat down after it dries, you’ll want some chamois cloths. These types of cloth can help give your Doberman’s coat its shine. These are so effective that many show dog handlers rely on them consistently.

Avoid grooming tools designed for dogs with longer hair. These types of tools are not only poorly suited to dogs with short coats but can also be uncomfortable. Bristles on brushes or combs for long-coated dogs may pull your Dobie’s skin.

Dobermans Are Low or Moderate Shedders

Doberman pinschers are neither hypoallergenic non-shedders nor heavy shedders. These dogs are best described as being low or moderate shedders. Regular weekly brushing, as well as baths, will help keep your dog’s coat in top shape.