Are you a lucky owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shorthaired Pointers are wonderful additions to a household that unfortunately can’t be prevented from shedding.
Dog shedding can drive any dog owner nuts, no matter how much we love them. So if you are considering shaving your German Shorthaired Pointers coat, here’s why you should reconsider.
German Shorthaired Pointers should not be shaved. They have double coats that act as natural insulation and protect them from the outside elements.
Shaving their coats exposes them to a greater risk of overheating, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Shaving also damages their coat’s regrowth.
Many owners pick a shorthaired dog hoping to be saved from the constant shedding battle; however, that is unfortunately not the case.
If you own a German Shorthaired Pointer that you would like to shave, continue reading to better understand why not and instead to find other useful alternatives.
What Type of Coat does a German Shorthaired Pointer have?
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a double coat. A double coat is literally what it sounds like; it’s two layers of fur.
Double-coated dogs have a soft, dense undercoat that is water-resistant and more difficult to see. In contrast, the topcoat consists of long, slightly finer hairs that are easily spotted.
German Shorthaired Pointers have short, thick, and coarse water-repellent coats with slightly longer and thicker fur along their underbelly and tail and thin and soft fur around their facial and upper neck regions.
The color of German Shorthaired Pointers’ coats varies between solid liver- a deep reddish-brown or a combination of unique speckled patterns of liver and white.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed?
Do not let the fact that the German Shorthaired Pointers have short coats fool you into thinking your days of using lint rollers are over. If we can be blunt with one another- it’s quite the contrary!
In short, German Shorthaired Pointers do shed, and a lot!
German Shorthaired Pointers have a double coat that directly affects their amount of shedding.
How Much do German Shorthaired Pointers Shed?
German Shorthaired Pointers are considered to be low-to-moderate shedders compared to other breeds. The American Kennel Club lists German Shorthaired Pointers as regular shedders. More on GSP shedding here.
Now, two major factors contribute to German Shorthaired Pointers’ amount of shedding. The first factor is the time of the year, and the second is the climate you live in.
Time of The Year
German Shorthaired Pointers shed according to the changes in seasons; and, therefore, experience shedding in spring and fall.
The Climate You Live in
However, the amount of fur that a German Shorthaired Pointer sheds varies from owner to owner. In addition, shedding depends on the type of climate you live in and the dog’s habits.
For example, if you live in a hot climate with warm weather year-round, you’ll find that your Pointer consistently sheds to maintain a short and cool coat.
Can You Shave a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Now, for the real question- can you shave a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Single-coated dogs can be shaved repeatedly because the texture of their hair remains the same. On the contrary, the texture of a double-coated dog’s hair changes once you shave it.
Once shaved, their guard hairs become coarse and puts your dog at risk for uncomfortable skin irritations like hot spots.
Shaving your German Shorthaired Pointer is probably one of the worst things you can do.
Why You Should NOT Shave a German Shorthaired Pointer
There is a common misconception that shaving helps to keep a dog cool on hot days; however, this is not the case.
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat is dual-layered, short, and dense to protect its sensitive skin and to protect it from the outside elements. Its coat is also water-resistant, which keeps then warm and dry during cold weather.
Many short-haired breeds can be shaved without causing problems; however, breeds with double coats should not be shaved. Shaving causes unnecessary risks for the dog’s health and comfort.
A dog’s coat is a natural insulator, keeping it warm in the wintertime and cool in the summertime. So, when you remove their hair, you damage their intricately balanced coats and prevent cool air from getting to the skin (their undercoat is still present).
Shaving allows the sun and heat to access the skin easily, exposing your dog to a greater risk of overheating, sunburn, and even skin cancer.
Shaving Myths
Many pet owners believe that shaving your dog will reduce shedding and minimize allergies; both reasons are proven a myth and false!
While your German Shorthaired Pointer may seem to be shed-free for the first few days after being shaved, the dog will soon start to shed again. The only difference is that the hairs will be slightly shorter and more difficult to clean.
In addition, shaving your German Shorthaired Pointer will not improve your allergies; it may even make it worse! Allergies are caused by dander saliva and skin flakes, not hair.
Your German Shorthaired Pointer will lick itself more to relieve the discomfort caused by shaving, and as a result, your allergies will be aggravated.
Safer Alternative to Shaving a German Shorthaired Pointer
Instead of shaving your Pointer, try other alternatives to reduce shedding and to keep your pointer cool and comfy. These alternatives include:
- Brushing: Brushing is a simple step often overlooked by dog owners. Brushing your German Shorthaired Pointer once a week or so will help to remove excess hair and keep its coat healthy. Consider using a firm bristle brush or metal-toothed comb.
Regular brushing helps to spread the natural oils through his coat. Brushing also creates a great opportunity to bond with your dog.
- Bathing: A German Shorthaired Pointer should be bathed only when they are visibly dirty. It’s important not to bathe your Pointer too frequently, as this can dry out and irritate the skin.
If your Pointer has sensitive skin or allergies, consider using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
- Drying: Whether it’s a bath or a wet walk, your Pointer needs to be dried properly to prevent even more shedding. After bathing your German Shorthaired Pointer, allow them to do a quick shake to get most of the water off before using a towel. Next, you can use a towel to gently rub them down to dry the rest of their coat, making sure to dry the pup’s head and ears too.
Conclusion
German Shorthaired Pointers are beautiful dogs with unique coats that’ll need weekly grooming to combat their regular shedding.
Many dog owners believe shaving is good for their dog, especially to cool off in summer, but shaving can do irreparable damage to a dog’s coat. Their double coats act as a natural insulator and provide a protective layer to the outside elements.
It should not be a major issue as long as you are aware and proactive about German Shorthaired Pointer’s shedding. However, hopefully, this post has helped you understand why German Shorthaired Pointers shed so much and, more importantly, why not to shave their coats.
