One of the biggest factors that should help you determine whether or not the German Shorthaired pointer is the dog for you is the amount they shed. Learn more about excessive shedding seasons and some advice on minimising it as much as possible.
If you’d like to understand the grooming care required by German Shorthaired Pointers before bringing this hound home, here is a detailed shedding guide to the German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat.
GSPs are not heavy shedders but are considered moderate shedders. However, they experience heavier shedding in warmer climates, which is perfectly normal.
The average GSP sheds a little bit more during spring and autumn. They might also shed more when living in areas with a warmer climate throughout the year. In such places, the shed will also be consistent throughout the year.
GSP puppies do not shed as much as adults, but the bulk of their shedding occurs during the transition from puppies to adult German Shorthairs.
The German Shorthaired Pointers, as their names suggest, have a sleek, short-haired, double coat. GSPs are one of few dog breeds that produce natural oils to keep their coat healthy. These oils can be found secreted on sleek-looking, short hair.
Despite the fact that this breed is a short-haired dog, its coat leans towards being relatively thick. This trait keeps it warm, hence shedding excessively in warmer climates.
The texture of this dog’s coat also depends on its actual length. Sleeker and smoother fur could signal shorter hair, whereas a textured coat could mean longer hair.
Preventing your GSP from shedding is an impossible task, but learning to minimise the shedding goes a long way to preventing excess dog hair from getting everywhere. What are the measures that can be taken to minimise shedding from these noble hunting dogs?
To regulate the amount of hair your dog sheds, you’ll need to give them an occasional bath. Once every few weeks or even months is good for this hunting breed.
Unlike other dog breeds, regular bathing could disrupt this breed’s natural process of producing oils for its coat. So, when giving your GSP a bath, use a hydrating and hypoallergenic shampoo.
After bathing German Pointers, spend some quality time drying your pooch to remove any loose hair that could have survived bathing.
Choosing the best dog brush is essential. Some dog owners use a firm bristle brush to remove any dead hair on the dog’s skin. However, frequent brushing using a brush, grooming mitt, or a de-shedder can do wonders for minimising shedding.
A healthy coat starts with keeping from inside. Ensuring your GSP has a balanced diet and is fed high-quality dog food will provide your dog with all the essential nutrients and oils to maintain a thick, sleek and shiny coat and healthy skin.
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Although the GSP’s coat has less dander, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed is a low- to moderate shedder, and, therefore is not classified as hypoallergenic.
People who suffer from allergies might face some difficulty with this breed’s shedding, depending on the severity of their allergy.
Owning a GSP is a delight for families of different sizes. If you are considering adopting this breed, perhaps it provides some comfort knowing that they do not shed as much as many other breeds.
Even in warmer climates, what is regarded as excessive shedding amongst this breed is manageable and not as significant as with other dogs. However, GSPs might not be the best bet if you suffer severely from allergies. But, apart from that, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get one of these pups.
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