Before I chose to get a dog, I wanted to learn more about their grooming needs. After all, this is one of the crucial factors to consider, especially if you want a dog that doesn’t shed as much. That’s why I wondered, do Huskies shed more than German Shepherds?
I was choosing between both breeds and prioritized my choice on which shed less, and I’m sure many of you want the same thing. If you’re looking into which dog breed sheds more (or less), then read on! I’ll be comparing the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd to help you out.
Do Huskies Shed More Than German Shepherds?
No one wants to vacuum their homes every day or pick out fur from the couch! That’s why a lot of people consider the amount of shedding dog breeds experience when buying one.
As for Huskies and German Shepherds, you’ll be surprised that the latter sheds less. Huskies would shed only during certain seasons, while German Shepherds can shed heavily throughout the year.
The German Shepherd will shed a LOT. This is to keep themselves comfortable, as they are a double-coated breed. Their two layers of coating can have their body temperatures rise, and the natural reaction is to shed.
So if German Shepherds live in hot climates or walk into warmer rooms, they will shed off a bit of his coat to prevent overheating.
Besides shedding throughout the year, they shed, even more, when seasons change, such as during the spring and fall. At this time, the shedding can get pretty bad that it seems like the fur’s falling or blowing off their coat!
As for Huskies, they won’t shed as often throughout the year. They are also double-coated breeds and are more prone to overheating, but they don’t shed as much when dealing with the higher temperature.
This particular dog breed would only shed heavily during the spring and fall. This is because they need to pack on fur for the cold, while the shedding seasons will lessen the fur, having them deal with the hot weather.
While they may be different in how much they shed, one thing’s for sure: You should never completely shave off a German Shepherd or Husky’s coats! It can damage their coat completely and remove almost all skin protection.
See also: Do Golden Retrievers Shed More Than Labs? Let’s Get the Facts Straight!
Which Is the Better Breed Based on Grooming?
Actually, there is no one better breed than the other! They just have differences that can benefit certain owners, depending on their individual preferences.
For me, I prefer getting a Husky because of a less intense shedding process. BUT, there are also other factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, such as:
- German Shepherd is a better choice for new dog owners because of their intelligence and quick learning skills. Huskies have average intelligence and tend to throw tantrums or feel more superior, requiring more training and assertion.
- Huskies are slightly smaller than the German Shepherd by two to six inches. They are also lighter by up to 30-60 pounds!
- While both breeds are loving, the Husky is more jealous and stubborn, requiring more attention compared to the German Shepherd
So if you’re a new dog owner who’s willing to handle the shedding throughout the year, a German Shepherd is a good breed. But if you’re more experienced in training and handling a Husky, then you’ll love this dog breed.
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop the shedding process for either breed. However, there are ways to maintain it for less fur around the house! Here are some ways to help with shedding:
- Make sure that you give them a healthy diet filled with omega-3 fatty acids and a lot of protein from meat. This can improve your dog’s skin and hair quality, reducing how much they shed
- Your dog needs a lot of water to keep his skin hydrated. If his skin dries out from lack of water, they tend to shed more!
- Do NOT skip grooming and brush your dog’s hair regularly, which lessens the clean up around the house. Only bathe them once every three to four months, using high-quality dog shampoo
Learn more about the grooming process for long-haired and double-coated dog breeds in this video!
Wrapping It Up
Selecting dog breed for your household will take a lot of time and effort, looking into various factors. When it comes to grooming, both German Shepherds and Huskies have their pros and cons. While a bit difficult to handle in terms of shedding, there are methods to keep it from being a major problem.
Hopefully, this article answered your question, “do Huskies shed more than German Shepherds?” Now that you know which one is a “better” breed to get, learn more about selecting the best breeder!