Do Rottweilers shed? The simple and one-line answer is yes, they do! But, it is not unmanagable.
Rotties have thick, double coats that shed gently year-round, with a rise in shedding in spring and autumn. Shedding is common in most healthy dogs and is a part of the hair growth cycle. Let’s discover how often and how much Rottweilers shed.
How much do Rottweilers shed?
If you think your lovely Rottweiler is skinny and won’t shed much, you are mistaken! They are, in fact, seasonal shedders who shed round the year, but more heavily before the onset of summer and winter.
According to AKC, this heavy shedding is a plan to cope with the weather. Their thin undercoats are lost in the winter to be renewed with thick, warm undercoats that retain warmth against the body and keep the winter cold away.
The thicker undercoat is then lost in the spring and changed with a lighter and cooler coat that permits air circulation against the skin.
Do Rottweilers shed a lot?
Rottweilers happen to be intermediate shedders. They shed a medium amount of fur the whole year. But during the shedding season, before the onset of summer and winter, this tends to rise and become fairly visible.
Rottweilers are not high-shedders. But if you don’t want the dog fur spread across the house and sticking to every object, and most importantly, if you have any pet allergies, you can choose any hypoallergenic dog.
Why do Rottweilers Shed?
As already explained, Rottweilers shed to keep their temperature stable with respect to the environment. Listed below are 11 reasons why Rottweilers shed:
1. Losing Puppy Hair
Puppies might shed some hair as they mature into dogs to make a place for new hair when they mature.
Puppies are mammals, and shedding hair is a natural part of their development and daily existence, just as it is for us.
2. Age
Dogs, like humans, lose their hair as they age, and rottweilers are no exception. When an elderly dog’s hair falls out, it takes a long time to regrow, but you may notice some bald spots.
Dry skin and greying hair are two more indications of aging in dogs, both of which are caused by decreased cell activity. Hair will be thin and fragile, and more susceptible to harm.
3. Lifestyle
Some dogs spend the majority of their time indoors. Others live in the open air. Some dogs dwell in tropical regions, while others live in colder temperatures. The simple conclusion is that dogs with various lifestyles will shed in different ways.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside or is a guard dog, he will require a thicker coat to keep him warm. It’s the same in the summer: if your dog spends a lot of time outside in the warmer seasons, it’ll shed its undercoat.
However, a Rottie that spends most of its time indoors, where cooling and heating are commonplace, will not require as much insulating as another dog. When especially in comparison to “outdoor” dogs, dogs who live indoors shed about the same amount of fur all the year.
4. Bred for Coldness
Rottweilers are a dog breed bred mainly in Germany. Although the land of Germany has pleasant summer temperatures, winters may be bitterly chilly. In fact, temperatures as low as minus 1 degree Celsius are not uncommon.
This, combined with the fact that Rottweilers were mostly used as outside dogs, driving livestock and hauling carts, meant that these dogs required protection. As a result, Rotties were developed to have a thicker fur coat that could tolerate extreme temperatures.
Other reasons for Rottweiler shedding abnormally
However, if the severity of shedding is too high for your Rottie, or seen more than twice a year and four times a week it may be triggered by some other reasons like anxiety, fear, restlessness, or illness.
5. Malnutrition
Rottweiler’s body needs a proper, high-quality diet to keep decent skin and hair growth. The skin of your dog is an excellent indicator of nutritional imbalance.
If you observe your dog shedding far more than usual, examine its skin condition. If you notice it is rough and dry or shows excessive oil, and there are dark spots and soreness, then it is a sure sign of an inadequate diet.
In such a case, you should see a vet at once to discover which nutrient is lacking in your Rottweiler’s diet.
6. Stress
If your Rottweiler begins to shed much more than usual, it could be a sign that they are worried or upset over something.
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Stress can be caused by events such as relocating, adopting a new dog, or having a kid. This behavior is perfectly normal. When a new puppy is brought home, all the family members keep their attention on it and no one cares about old Rottie.
Changing place can be hard for your lovely Rottie fellow and he may get worried about what is happening. He may shed more during this adjustment period.
7. Separation Anxiety
When you prepare to leave, Rottie might stare at you and become nervous. This happens when he is suffering from Separation anxiety.
He will appear worried and unhappy when you are not around. When you leave your Rottie, he will start barking and exhibiting other nervous behaviors and when you return, he will lick you, start jumping, and act as if it has been a while since you two departed.
Since humans also start to lose their hair and hair pigment when they are stressed the same is with Rottweilers. If your Rottie is shedding more than frequently you should check for the symptoms of worry and separation anxiety.
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8. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is a leading factor in abnormal shedding in your Rottweiler. This usually happens when there are some internal changes in your Rottie. For instance, the level of certain hormones raises during pregnancy. Soon after giving birth to puppies, female Rotties shed more than usual due to hormonal imbalance.
Moreover, both male and female Rottweilers shed more when in heat.
9. Diseases and infections
Rottweilers are more susceptible to inflammatory bowel disease (IBS). This disease can induce signs in Rotties i.e., diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
It also induces a bad coat in your Rottie. This may be due to inadequate diet and lack of necessary nutrients which might cause them to shed excessively.
If you notice any redness، skin rashes, soreness, rings on your Rottie’s body it is a sure sign that he has got some fungal or bacterial infection and may shed improperly.
The hormone cortisol is sometimes produced in excess by your Rottweiler. Extra weight, thirst, and the desire to go potty, as well as repeated illnesses, are all possible symptoms. A veterinarian will treat the dog with surgery or drugs.
10. Excessive bathing
Baths for your puppy or an adult Rottweiler can be a cause of excessive shedding. They should be kept to a minimum.
Rottweiler puppies should not be bathed unless they are 8 to 10 weeks old and can maintain their body temperature.
Bathing exposes the dog to cold temperatures. You should also use a moisturizing shampoo that preserves your Rottweiler’s coat.
A dog’s itch can be so intense in one area that it may cause hair loss. When a dog is showered too frequently, his skin can become dry and flaky, causing a significant hair loss. Try to keep bathing at a minimum.
11. Skin and food allergies
Food allergies can be caused by some ingredients in the food that are harmful to Rottweilers coat. Every time you introduce your Rottie to a new food, keep checking for the ill effects.
Skin allergies are probably caused by pollens and different hair products, like shampoos or moisturizers.
If you notice an increase in shedding after bathing your Rottweiler, try changing the shampoo and rinse with water thoroughly.
Also, check Treatment for cat and dog fleas.
How to deal with Rottweiler shedding?
It is a fact that you can’t stop your Rottweiler from shedding, but there are a couple of ways you can reduce this fur loss. We have listed some of them here:
- Grooming
- Brushing
- Bathing
- Hyderation
- Nutrition
- Supplements
Grooming
During the spring and autumn, when Rottweilers shed their coats, you’ll have to groom a Rottweiler more often than the rest of the year.
This will help get rid of a lot of their weak fur and keep it from getting all over the house and furniture!
Fortunately, Rottweiler coats are smooth and easy to groom. All you need is a good grooming brush and comb.
Brushing regularly
The effective way to avoid your Rottweiler from shedding indoors is to ensure that they do the majority of their shedding outside. Because Rottweilers’ coats do not entangle easily, you may find brushing them outside is the best way to keep most of the shed hair outdoors.
It will keep your home fur-free.
Keep your Rottie hydrated
Despite the fact that it is directly tied to nutrition, hydration is often disregarded when it comes to shedding management. “Dehydrated skin is a primary factor of hair loss and can awfully double the quantity of loose fur you have to clean up throughout your home,” according to AKC Pet Insurance.
Proper nutrition
Diet also influences how often your Rottie sheds his or her fur.
Essential fatty acid deficiencies are supposed to cause a dull and dry coat and excessive shedding, ultimately resulting in alopecia.
Similarly, protein deficiency causes dogs to shed more than usual. If your Rottie needs a diet high in proteins, ensure the provision of such food.
As a result, feeding your Rottie a well-balanced diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids (such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid) will keep his or her coat shiny, healthy, and full surely decreasing the incidence of shedding.
Supplements
Supplements can be provided to dogs whose food may not contain all the necessary nutrients. It can also be given to dogs diagnosed as nutrient-deficient.
Fish oil, which contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, is the most frequent supplement for improving the skin and coat health of your dog. These are often offered as treats or liquids that may be added to your dog’s meal.
What Do Rottweiler Owners Say About Shedding?
Yes, Rottweilers do shed. They are double coated and usually they heavy shed spring and fall. They shed a small amount of hair every day. It depends on what climate you live in, and what the dogs diet is. An undercoat rake is your friend. – Rottweliers OnlineModerator
It depends on your personal tolerance level. I used to be fairly critical about not wanting hair everywhere, but now that I’m older and wiser (and maybe a little lazier), hair and drool seem a small price to pay for the love and devotion of these big rascals. – Rottweliers Online member
They are double coated and usually, the heavy shed is in spring and fall. They shed a small amount of hair every day. It depends on what climate you live in, and what the dog’s diet is. An undercoat rake is your friend. – Another Rottweliers Online member
It’s really not that much day-to-day compared to some other breeds. Get them used to being vacuumed at a young age. Mine think it’s a treat and love to see the wet/dry vac come out. Rottweliers Online Member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Rottweilers good housedogs?
Rottweilers are family dogs and are affectionate and loyal toward their human owners. They are great family members and are excellent guard dogs for families as well.
Are Rottweilers hypoallergenic?
No, Rottweilers are not hypoallergeinc dog breed. They shed around the year but more heavily before the onset of the summer and winter seasons.
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Can having hair cuts help to reduce Rottweiler shedding?
Rottweilers have short hair, which means they do not require haircuts. However, no evidence of cutting their fur in the spring to make them shed lesser works.
Are you thinking of shaving your Rottie because he has a double coat?
it’s better to avoid shaving a Rottweiler because he requires both layers to shield and regulate their body temperature in different weathers.
In what months do Rottweilers shed the most?
Rottweilers shed more in spring months like March and April and on the onset of Autumn month mostly September.
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Do Rottweilers shed round the year?
Yes, Rottweilers shed around the year but in very less amount. The increase in shedding is seen in months before the onset of spring and autumn.
Why are Rottweilers seasonal shedders?
Rottweilers happen to be seasonal shedders because they have a double coat and need to prepare themselves before cold and warm weather.
Why does my Rottweiler shed so much?
If your Rottweiler sheds too much, this can be a symptom of illness, anxiety, inadequate diet, and skin or food allergies.
What should I do if my Rottweiler sheds too much?
If your Rottweiler sheds too much you should consult a vet for the root cause of shedding. But don’t be afraid of seasonal shedding as they happen to be shedding more in spring and autumn.
How can I deal with Rottweiler shedding?
Rottweiler shedding can be dealt with by grooming, brushing regularly, and giving your Rottweiler a balanced diet rich in proteins and all essential nutrients.
Do Rottweilers need to be bathed?
No, bathing daily for your Rottweiler is not good. It will make his coat and fur dry, dull and sometimes also causes skin allergies due to excessive use of shampoos and moisturizers.
Do Rottweilers have a double coat?
Yes, Rottweilers have double coats. The outer coat is medium in length while the undercoat is dependent on the outer climate where your Rottie lives.
Do Rottweilers Shed more than German Shepherds?
Rottweilers shed quite less than German Shepherds. Both of them have double coats but Rotties are less prone to shedding than German Shepherds.
Conclusion
Rottweilers happen to be intermediate shedders around the year but they shed more seasonally. You will have fur flying and resting throughout your home but with a little care, you can manage it well and enjoy a happy life with your Rottie!