Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic? They are definitely NOT considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. They have fur that sheds and can irritate allergies in people who interact with them.

The German Shepherd is one of the most enduringly popular dog breeds in the world. They are amazingly versatile and excel at almost anything they are trained to. With high intelligence and noble character, a German Shepherd is truly a dog lover’s delight

German Shepherds shed year-round with at least one heavy shed per year. It also depends upon the climate in which they live and how much coat they have. 

In fact, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but some are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Related Reading: German Shepherd Pregnancy – What To Expect

Is a German Shepherd a High Maintenance Dog

German Shepherd is a high-maintenance dog. They are moderately easy to groom and require regular physical activities to stay healthy and happy. 

Grooming needs of German Shepherds

Let’s have a look at German Shepherd’s grooming needs:

Brushing Fur

This breed requires almost 15 minutes per week of brushing. This will help to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles. It will also save you from loose hair flying around your house.

You must supplement the weekly brushing with a quick daily brushing of a minute or two. 

Baths

They just need a few baths in a year. When bathing them, use a good quality shampoo and conditioner.

Bathing also helps to get the shedding period over with more quickly.

Teeth

Brush your German Shepherd’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove bacteria and tartar buildup.

Teeth brushing is important if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Nails

Trim your German Shepherd dog’s nails regularly to avoid splitting and discomfort.

Short and neatly trimmed nails keep the dog’s feet in good condition.

Eyes

Eyes should be clear with no redness or discharge.

Ears

Ears should smell good with no exceptional amount of wax.

Bodily Inspection

When you groom your GSD, look inside his mouth and ears. Check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin. 

Your regular grooming and careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Make grooming a positive experience for your GSD filled with praise and rewards.

Grooming tools for German Shepherd 

When it comes to finding tools that can be used for grooming your German Shepherds, here is a list that can help:

• Medium-size pin brush for the long coat
• Slicker brush for use on puppies and areas of the body with shorter hair
• Grooming rake for removing shedding hair
• Grooming scissors or clippers for tidying up the coat
• Dog dryer for faster drying after bath
• Mat comb for removing the occasional mat that forms behind the ears or in the areas where the legs join the body
• Dog Nail clippers
• Dog toothbrush

Living with a German Shepherd when you are allergic

Allergic to German Shepherd and desperate to keep him? The good news is that there are several ways to keep allergic reactions to a minimum when living with a German Shepherd.

Your daily allergic controllers

• Brush your dog daily, especially during shedding season in a ventilated area or outdoors. You can wear a mask or ask a non-allergic member to do it.
• Invest in a vacuum cleaner and use it regularly to remove the floating furballs and dander around the home.
• Protect yourself from dag dander by covering your bedspread with an extra sheet on top that you can remove when sleeping. 

Your weekly allergic controllers 

• Wash sheets and bedding that the GSD lays on with warm water if possible.
• Wash the walls and floors of your house with mild soap to remove accumulated dander from the house.

Some other measures for allergic control

• Occasional bathing once every 4-5 months or when your GSD becomes untidy. When using shampoos and conditioners, make sure they will not make your allergies worse.
• Allergy shots may help with moderate to severe allergies. Visit your allergist and ask him about starting a therapeutic program to get a handle on your allergies.
• Get some air filters for your home.
• Carpet is one of the biggest allergen-collecting items. It is better to remove carpeting from your home. 

Exercise requirements of German Shepherds

The German shepherd is an energetic and highly playful breed that likes to have something to do. They need at least thirty minutes to an hour of exercise a day to stay healthy and fit.

This will their pent-up energy otherwise, they can get into mischief or may develop behaviour issues.

A GSD parent should expect to participate in daily exercise sessions with their dog.

Being a friendly and affectionate dog, it can live indoors with the family but needs access to a fenced yard that will prevent him from escaping to chase passing cyclists, joggers, and cars.

Do German Shepherds Need a Lot of Attention

Yes, German Shepherds need a lot of attention compared to other breeds. They bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner.

They simply get bored, if not given attention or not exercised properly.

You may find that your German Shepherd still requires your attention even after you have exercised him. 

Ways to give your German Shepherd attention

• Taking them for a half-mile walk. This is the easiest way to give them attention and meet their exercise requirements. This will release their pent-up energy and help them socialize and stimulate their mind with the sights, sounds, and smells they come across.
• Play fetch. German Shepherds are great chasers and will enjoy ‘fetch games’ with their human companions. You will need a small and tough ball, suitable for dogs, and ask your GSD to fetch the ball.
• Give them lots of toys to keep them occupied. You should have several toys for your GSD and rotate them so that they may not get bored.
• You can also keep your GSD occupied by giving him puzzles to solve.
• Play frisbee. A Frisbee requires skill, coordination, and timing, and the German Shepherd is great at playing Frisbee due to its intelligence and agility. 
• Giving your German Shepherd a safe area to play and run.
• You can also give them attention and encourage their playful nature by taking them jogging or hiking.

If you think that you won’t be able to keep your German Shepherd occupied while you are not around then consider a dog walker or a doggy daycare. 

Remember….This is a sensitive breed, so punishments and harsh words will make them stubborn and damage their temperament.

Vital German Shepherd Stats

Stats	Description
Dog Breed Group/Purpose	Herding
Grooming Needs	Moderate
Average Height	Male: 25 in.Female: 23 in.
Weight Range	Male: 75-95 lbs. Female: 75-95 lbs.
Energy Level	High
Temperament	Confident, courageous, smart, friendly, playful
Life Expectancy	10 to 12 years
Litter Size	Average 6 – 10 puppies

Final Thoughts

Remember…. You are not alone in experiencing allergies from German Shepherds. Thousands of German Shepherd lovers around the world are allergic to their dogs.

However, this has not stopped many of them from finding a way to live with these wonderful dogs.

If you are thinking of getting a German Shepherd then you should be prepared to spend a lot of time giving him attention and exercise.

With a few efforts and lifestyle changes, you can manage your mild allergies and live happily with your amazing Shepherd.