Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Do Dobermans Shed? Everything You Want to Know!

doberman pinscher dog sitting with owner on the living room floor

Dobermans are known for being loyal and intelligent, but what about their grooming needs and, most specifically, their shedding? Dobermans are moderate shedders. They have single, short-haired coats, so you won’t find fur tumbleweeds making their way across the floor. Unlike a long-haired, double-coated breed, they need fewer trips to a professional groomer.

That doesn’t mean the Doberman is low-maintenance regarding grooming. Their sensitive skin and ears need more attention than other breeds require, and you will need to adjust their grooming routine accordingly to accommodate this.

dogster paw divider

Do Dobermans Shed a Lot?

Dobermans are moderate shedders, which means they don’t shed as much as some breeds. They are still a bad choice for owners with allergies or sensitivities and are not considered a “hypoallergenic” breed. If you notice your Doberman shedding more than normal or the appearance of bald spots, contact your veterinarian. Excessive shedding is abnormal and should be addressed immediately.

For example, a nutritious, balanced diet plays a vital role in your dog’s health, and if it lacks essential vitamins or minerals, it could cause your dog to lose hair. Dobermans are also prone to developing hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone. This can result in dry, scaly skin, dry hair, and hair loss.

Most skin problems you will see in dogs are due to the following:
  • Allergies ( such as atopic dermatitis and flea bites)
  • Bacterial skin infections
  • Food hypersensitivity/intolerance
  • Hormone-related skin diseases
  • Immune-medicated skin disease
  • Parasites (e.g., demodectic mange)
  • Seborrhea (greasy skin or dry, flaky skin)
  • Skin cancer

If your dog is showing any of these signs and seeking the best possible treatment for your pup, we recommend speaking with a vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

How to Groom Your Doberman

Dobermans have sensitive skin and ears, so getting the grooming routine right is incredibly important. While something like an allergy can be behind your dog’s itchy skin, it can also dry out if it’s washed too often. Dogs can also develop oily skin if they’re washed too often because some shampoos will strip the natural oils from their coat, and their body will then overcompensate to attempt to replace this lost moisture. Follow these steps to ensure your dog feels and looks its best.

1. Maintain Their Coats With Weekly Brushing

You can use a glove brush to comb your Doberman’s fur since it is gentler on your dog’s sensitive skin. Brushing will distribute the oils through their coat and remove loose hair.


2. Brush Their Teeth Daily

Vet brushing doberman's teeth
Image By: gpointstudio, Shutterstock

To ensure a Doberman gets used to having their teeth brushed, it’s best to start when they’re a puppy. This doesn’t mean you can’t get your adult dog used to it, but starting early will make your life a little easier. Never use human toothpaste or toothbrushes when brushing your dog’s teeth.

Human toothpaste is not designed to be swallowed and often contains toxic ingredients like xylitol. It’s estimated that 80% of dogs will develop periodontal disease by the time they’re three years old.


3. Clean Their Ears

Every couple of weeks, ensure you’re cleaning your dog’s ears to reduce the likelihood of ear infections. Use something gentle like a cotton ball or gauze. Never use a Q-tip inside your dog’s ears since it can force debris farther into the ear canal and injure them. Dobermans aren’t prone to ear infections, but it’s always a good idea to check your dog’s ears when cleaning them, just in case.


4. Don’t Bathe Them Too Often

person giving doberman a bath
Image By: sommthink, Shutterstock

Only wash your Doberman every 6–8 weeks to avoid drying out their skin. Use a sulfate-free shampoo so it doesn’t strip the natural oils from their skin.


5. Trim Their Nails

dog paw nail
Image Credit: ulisesbeviglia, Pixabay

Keep an eye on your dog’s nails and cut them when needed. Inspecting and trimming your dog’s nails will keep them healthy; it will make you aware of paw injuries or split nails as soon as possible and prevent harm from the nails growing too long.

dogster paw divider

Conclusion

Since  Dobermans don’t shed much, they don’t require the same level of grooming as other breeds. Establishing a good grooming routine early is crucial; your dog will respond better to grooming when they’re familiar with the process. It will also ensure you’re keeping your dog healthy and happy, which is what we all want. If you notice your Doberman’s skin is dry or cracked or bald spots have appeared, contact your vet as soon as possible to get to the source of the problem.


Featured Image Credit: gemphoto, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dog Agility: Basics & Benefits of This Amazing Sport

Dog agility is probably the most well known dog sport, but how much do you know about it? Of course, it is clear...

10 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Caring for a Great Dane is an incredible experience but you may have problems locating the ideal food for your massive friend. Numerous...

9 Best Dog Foods for High Triglycerides in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

“High triglycerides” isn’t a term that many people are familiar with. But your vet may have told you that your dog has high...

Merle Great Dane: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

The Great Dane is easily one of the most recognizable dogs around. While most people know this breed from their size alone, they...

More related

Braces for Dogs: Effectiveness & Costs (2025 Update)

We’re here to discuss braces for a dog’s teeth. Braces are not just for people! But getting ones for a dog is purely...

Can Dogs Eat Teddy Grahams? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Before changing your dog’s/ cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human...

What Is A Normal Temperature For A Dog? Vet-Verified Health Facts & FAQ

Dogs normally have rectal temperatures that fall between 99.5° F and 102.5° F 1. A few factors, including level of activity, age, and...

10 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Large Breeds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When you’re shopping for beds for your giant beast, you may have noticed that most models on the market are designed for small...

Keep reading

11 Best Dry Dog Foods for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re the proud owner of a tiny dog, you know that they have specific food requirements. They have faster metabolisms, grow faster, and have smaller stomachs and mouths than larger breeds. All of this means that not only are...

Purebred Dachshund Breed Dog Eating Fresh Dry Food Kibbles

Can Dogs Eat Acai Berries? Vet-Verified Info, Benefits & Risks

Pet owners are constantly on the lookout for foods that are safe, and beneficial, to their pets. With all the new superfoods entering our lives, it’s only natural for us to be curious as to whether we can share those...

Can Dogs Eat_acai berry

10 Best Bowls for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the perfect bowl for a small dog will be different for every owner because, apart from their size, every small dog differs from the next. We can all agree that some of our needs overlap; the perfect bowl is...

French bulldog eating from a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Chick-fil-A? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Chick-fil-A has been serving up its famous chicken sandwiches and other tasty menu items since 1967. Founder Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbrier Shopping Center, and today, the restaurant is the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain...

Can Dogs Eat Chick-fil-A

Is Spicy Food Bad for Dogs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Advice

While dogs can enjoy many of the same foods as humans, they should not eat spicy food. Although most spicy food isn’t toxic to dogs, it can still lead to negative consequences. So, it’s best to avoid giving any to...

spicy grilled chicken

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs are not typically picky when it comes to what they’ll eat. Most dog owners have caught their pups picking stuff out of the garbage to munch on! So, it should come as no surprise if a dog is interested...

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: Vet-Approved Uses, Safety & Effectiveness

Apple cider vinegar and home remedies are extremely popular right now, and for good reason. They’re usually affordable, and some have actually been proven to work. And who wants to miss out on affordable preventative medicine? However, some remedies are...

Apple Cider

Can Dogs Eat Parsnips? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Risks & Serving Tips

Parsnips may have a small fan club. They aren’t as popular as other vegetables in the Apiaceae family, such as carrots and celery. Some think the former are sweeter, but parsnips have a slight edge. Nevertheless, these vegetables pack a...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Parsnips