Yes, Rottweilers do shed. As a medium to large breed dog with a double coat, shedding is part of owning a Rottweiler. Their outer coat is straight, coarse, and dense while their undercoat is soft and thick. The undercoat sheds heavily during seasonal changes when the thick winter coat blows out to make way for the shorter summer coat.
While shedding is worse during spring and fall, Rottweilers shed year-round. Loose hair can accumulate on furniture, carpets, clothing, and more. With regular brushing and bathing, most of the shed hair can be caught before it spreads around your home. Using de-shedding tools will help remove loose undercoat and control some of the shedding mess.
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Rottweiler Coat Type
Rottweilers have a distinctive double coat that consists of a short, straight, outer coat and a soft undercoat. The outer coat is medium in length, dense, and flat. It’s composed of straight, harsh, and thicker guard hairs designed to protect the dog from the elements and injury. Rottweilers lack the fluffy outer coat seen in many other breeds. Their outer coat is low-maintenance and weather-resistant.
The undercoat is much softer and provides insulation from heat and cold. It’s made up of fine, short hairs closest to the skin. The undercoat helps regulate body temperature and prevent skin irritations. When Rottweilers shed their undercoat, the short hairs can get trapped in the outer coat and create a mess indoors. Daily brushing helps remove loose hairs before they fall onto carpets and furniture.
The straight outer coat and soft undercoat combine to create a medium-length, double coat suited for Rottweilers’ roles as working dogs. The coat protects without excess bulk that could hinder movement. Proper grooming brings out the coat’s naturally straight, sleek, shiny appearance.
Seasonal Shedding
Rottweilers shed moderately year-round, but during the seasonal coat changes of spring and fall, they go through more intense shedding periods. Their undercoat starts to grow thicker in the winter to keep them warm and then is shed in the spring as the weather warms up. In the fall, they shed their summer coat to make way for the winter coat. During these seasonal transitions, you’ll notice significantly more loose hair around the house that requires more frequent vacuuming. Daily brushing becomes even more important during this increased shedding to remove all the dead hair and prevent mats. You may want to bathe your Rottweiler more often as well during the spring and fall. Be prepared for the extra work of managing shedding during these seasonal coat transitions. Once their coat change is complete, shedding will reduce again. Regular grooming year-round will help manage the hair and keep it under control.
Daily Brushing
One of the best ways to manage a Rottweiler’s shedding is with daily brushing. Using a slicker brush or undercoat rake can help remove loose hair and prevent it from accumulating in your home.
Brushing helps remove the dead undercoat that sheds out seasonally. It gently pulls out any loose hair before it can detach on furniture or clothing. Daily brushing reduces overall shedding by removing hair that is already separated and ready to fall.
In addition to lessening shed hair in your home, routine brushing helps keep the Rottweiler’s coat healthy. It distributes oils for skin and coat health and stimulates blood circulation. Brushing promotes bonding and quality time between owner and dog.
Aim to brush daily, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Work the brush through to the skin to catch hair before it sheds. Be gentle, and don’t brush areas that are tangled or knotted. Regular brushing is an easy way to stay on top of Rottweiler shedding.
Bathing
Bathing your Rottweiler regularly can help loosen shedding hair and remove any dead undercoat. Use a dog-specific shampoo and lukewarm water when bathing. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Bathe your dog outside if possible since wet dog hair can cling to surfaces and furniture indoors. You may want to try bathing more frequently during heavy shedding seasons. Some owners find bathing their Rottweiler weekly or every 2 weeks helps manage shedding. Just be careful not to overbathe, as this can dry out their skin.
Aim for baths every 4-8 weeks depending on your dog’s coat condition. Always use a high-quality dog shampoo and follow up with a dog conditioner. The conditioner helps moisturize their skin and prevents excessive shedding. A clean coat also allows new hair to grow healthier. Follow up a bath by thoroughly brushing and combing out your Rottweiler’s coat. This will remove a significant amount of loose hair.
Supplements
Adding supplements to your Rottweiler’s diet can help reduce shedding. In particular, make sure your Rottweiler is getting enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as these can help minimize shedding.
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3s. Look for a fish oil supplement derived from wild fish like salmon and anchovies. It should have at least 30% EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Give 1,000 mg of fish oil per day.
You can also give omega-6 fatty acids like evening primrose oil or borage oil. These help regulate the inflammatory response and keep the skin and coat healthy. Follow dosage recommendations on the supplement packaging.
A general multivitamin with vitamin E and zinc will provide additional nutrients for skin and coat health.
Always check with your vet before giving any new supplements. They can recommend the proper dosage for your Rottweiler based on their age, weight, and health status. With the right balance of omega fatty acids and other nutrients, you can help minimize shedding.
Grooming Tools
A proper grooming regimen is essential for managing a Rottweiler’s shedding. Investing in high-quality grooming tools can make the process faster and more effective. Two tools that are particularly useful for heavy shedders like Rottweilers are undercoat rakes and shedding blades.
Undercoat Rakes
An undercoat rake is designed to penetrate deep into the dog’s dense undercoat and remove loose hair. It has long, sharpened teeth that easily pull out dead undercoat without irritating the skin or damaging the topcoat. Using an undercoat rake weekly or bi-weekly during heavy shedding seasons will drastically reduce the amount of loose fur in your home. Look for rakes with sturdy construction and teeth that are close together. Always brush in the direction of hair growth and start gently until the dog is comfortable.
Shedding Blades
Shedding blades are serrated blades that help strip away dead undercoat hair without cutting skin or topcoat. They work similarly to undercoat rakes but the single blade can cover more surface area faster. Shedding blades are a great tool for tackling problem areas like the dog’s hindquarters where hair tends to mat. Go slowly and carefully when using these blades. Look for high-quality shedding blades and replace them when the fine teeth start to wear down. Proper technique is important to avoid irritation.
Investing in an undercoat rake and shedding blade specifically designed for heavy shedders like the Rottweiler will make managing their copious shedding much easier. When used properly and regularly, these grooming tools can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming is an essential part of managing Rottweiler shedding. As loose hair falls out or gets brushed out of your Rottweiler’s coat, it can collect on floors, furniture, and other surfaces around your home. Vacuuming thoroughly every few days will help pick up this shed hair before it spreads and creates messy tumbleweeds around the house.
Focus on areas where your Rottweiler spends a lot of time resting and sleeping, as these spaces tend to collect the most shed fur. Use the hose and attachment tools to vacuum upholstery, pet beds, and other fabric surfaces where hair gets trapped. Hard floors may need frequent vacuuming as well to remove visible clumps of Rottweiler hair.
Vacuuming prevents shed fur from accumulating and allows you to manage the hair between deeper cleanings. It’s a quick and easy habit that will keep your home cleaner in between brushing and bathing your Rottweiler. With regular vacuuming, you can stay on top of your Rottweiler’s shedding and minimize the amount of loose hair and fur building up inside your home.
Conclusion
In summary, yes Rottweilers do shed. They have a double coat comprised of a coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat. Their shedding is seasonal, with heavier shedding occurring in the spring and fall when they blow their undercoat. Daily brushing can help manage shedding and prevent mats from forming. Bathing 1-2 times per month can also help loosen dead hair and control shedding. Supplements like fish oil may improve coat health and reduce shedding as well. Special grooming tools like an undercoat rake, slicker brush, and de-shedding tool can make brushing more effective. Regular vacuuming is also useful for cleaning up shed hair around the house. While Rottweilers do shed year-round, there are many ways owners can manage the amount of hair and keep their dog’s coat healthy through consistent grooming and nutrition. With some extra attention, Rottie owners can stay on top of shedding and enjoy their dog’s beautiful coat!
