Shedding in Weimaraner Dogs

Weimaraners are large dogs bred for hunting game such as boars and bears. They were developed as a breed in the 19th century and their name originates from the German city of Weimar. They are elegant and athletic dogs and have a very short coat. They are prized for their physical endurance and stamina and are great with children, although very small children may need to be kept away from them because of their size and vigor.

  1. The Coat

    • Weimaraners are known for their very fine short coats, but unfortunately they are also known for their shedding. Owning a Weimaraner will mean finding their hair stuck to your couch, clothes, carpet and anything else it comes into contact with. This is entirely natural, and the shedding will not be as drastic or as noticeable as it can be with longer-haired dogs. However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the shedding.

    Diet

    • One of the main factors in shedding excessively can be diet, so feed your Weimaraner a healthy high-quality diet. Try using dog food that is four-star rated or higher. Good nutrition leads to a healthy coat and this leads to less shedding. If your Weimaraner sheds excessively it may be allergic to commercial dog food, in which case a more holistic approach may be needed. Omega 3 and fish oil supplements can also add to the health and shine of a dog's coat and reduce shedding.

    Bathing

    • Bathing a Weimaraner using de-shedding shampoos available from veterinarians and pet stores is another way to reduce shedding. De-shedding shampoos loosen the dead hair, so that it comes out easily and can be rinsed away. De-shedding shampoo may need to be left on your dog for longer than regular shampoo. Don't bathe it more often than every 2 months, as this can dry out a Weimaraner's skin.

    Brushing

    • Brushing with special de-shedding tools is the most basic and effective way of controlling shedding. The dog is still shedding; it's just that you are controlling when and where it's shedding. Because of their short coat, Weimaraner's are easy to brush, so a five-minute brush once or twice a week will go a long way to solving the Weimaraner's shedding problems.