Do Rottweilers Shed? (Rottie Shedding Guide)

Regal, powerful, and intimidating, the Rottweiler is a sadly misunderstood breed that can be a loyal, loving family dog. However, one thing is for sure, they sure do shed! Rotties are moderate shedders that will shed all year round, with the shedding intensifying in spring and fall. 

You better hope that your furniture is dark-colored or you will pick little black hairs off your couch daily! In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the shedding habits of this magnificent breed, their coat types, and how you can minimize the black tufts of hair lying around your home. 

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Most dogs shed at least a little bit year-round, but some breeds’ shedding ramps up in the spring and fall. There are various reasons why your dog might be shedding more than usual.

One of the most common reasons for increased shedding is changes in the season, like the increase in daylight in springtime and rising temperatures, which trigger the shedding of winter coats. Dogs will shed to regulate their body temperature and grow new coats appropriate for the season. 

In warm weather, a dog’s coat will thin out in order to allow the skin to cool. In cold weather, the coat will thicken in order to provide insulation. Another reason for shedding is to get rid of old or damaged hair. As new hair grows in, the old hair is pushed out. 

Certain medical conditions can cause changes in hormone levels that result in increased shedding. For example, Cushing’s disease is a condition that causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. One of the symptoms of Cushing’s disease is increased shedding.

A poor diet can also lead to increased shedding. Dogs who don’t get enough of certain nutrients in their diet may start to shed more. This is because their bodies are trying to conserve those nutrients by not using them to make fur.

What Is A Rottweiler’s Coat Like?

The Rottweiler is a double-coated dog with short, black fur and some tan markings around its paws, muzzle, and chest. Single-coated dogs tend to shed less than double-coated ones and usually come from warm climates. Examples of single-coated dogs include the Chihuahua from Mexico and the Maltese from Malta. 

The Rottweiler originated from a town called Rottweil in Germany, and the breed was meant for the moderate cold. Rottweilers have a double coat, consisting of a dense outer layer and a soft undercoat. The outer coat is waterproof and helps to protect the dog from the elements, while the undercoat provides insulation. 

This combination of coats makes Rottweilers well-suited to colder climates. In addition, the coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. 

How To Minimize Shedding?

Even though Rotties are moderate shedders, you can still prevent too much shedding with these tips. 

1. Brush Your Rottie Regularly

Brushing your Rottie several times a week will help to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat. When it comes to finding the best brush for a Rottweiler, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, you’ll want to find a brush that’s specifically designed for dogs with thick, double coats. 

This type of coat can be difficult to brush, so it’s important to find a brush that will be gentle on your dog’s skin while still being effective at removing loose hair. The FURminator deShedding Tool is a great option for Rottweilers, as it has both hard and soft bristles to help loosen and remove hair. It also has a built-in guard to protect your dog’s skin from the blades. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the brush. A smaller brush will be easier to maneuver around your dog’s body, while a larger brush can cover more area more quickly. Ultimately, the best brush for your Rottweiler will be one that is comfortable for both you and your dog and that effectively removes loose hair.

2. Top-Quality Diet

Give your dog a healthy diet. A nutritious diet will help to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding. While there are a number of factors that can affect shedding, diet is one of the most important.

Dogs that are well-nourished are less likely to shed excessively. 

In fact, a healthy diet can help to keep a dog’s coat looking shiny and lustrous. By contrast, dogs that are not getting enough nutrients are more likely to have dull, lifeless coats that are more prone to shedding. In addition, a poor diet can also lead to dry skin, which can cause even more shedding. 

Rottweilers are also known to be susceptible to joint problems, so you’ll want to look for a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These ingredients help to support healthy joints and connective tissue. 

Finally, Rottweilers are active dogs, so you’ll need to make sure their diet provides them with enough energy. A high-quality dry food that is specifically designed for large breed dogs is a good option. 

Also, think about adding some supplements to keep your Rottie’s coat in tip-top shape. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid that can be found in fish oil supplements. These nutrients help to promote a healthy skin and coat by keeping the cell membranes strong and supple. 

Vitamin E is another nutrient that is essential for skin health, and it can be found in both oral supplements and topical products. In addition, certain herbs such as milky oats and horsetail extract can also be helpful for maintaining a healthy coat. Ask your veterinarian for more information on which supplements may be right for your dog.

3. Bathe Your Dog 

Most dog owners know that it’s important to keep their furry friends clean. Not only does regular bathing help to remove dirt and debris, but it also helps to prevent skin problems and reduce odors.  

Dog shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse the skin and coat, leaving your pup smelling fresh and looking his best. In addition, regular baths can help to remove any unwanted parasites, such as fleas and ticks. 

A Rottie doesn’t have to be bathed too much, but a bathe every two to eight weeks is recommended, depending on the season and activity level. Brush your dog before the bath to prevent too much hair from getting into your drain pipes, and use organic, natural shampoo. 

4. Use A Pet Vacuum

A pet vacuum is a nice-to-have for any Rottie owner. It’s designed to help remove pet hair and dirt from your floors and upholstery, leaving your home clean and healthy. A pet vacuum typically features a powerful motor and attachment tools specifically designed to remove pet hair. 

Many models also include HEPA filtration to trap dust and allergens, making them ideal for homes with allergies or asthma. In addition, most pet vacuums are bagless, so you can easily empty them when they’re full. 

5. Use An Undercoat Rake 

An undercoat rake is a nifty tool meant for double-coated dogs. These rakes have blades that are spaced further apart, which prevents them from snagging on the topcoat. Look for a rake with rounded tips which will help to prevent scratches and other damage to your dog’s skin. 

Choose a rake with a comfortable grip. This will make it easy to use, even when your dog is wriggling around. Lastly, make sure you pick one with short teeth that is suitable for use on a Rottie’s short coat. 

The best way to use an undercoat rake is to start at the neck and work your way down the back. Be sure to go slowly and be gentle, as you don’t want to hurt your pet. 

6. Keep Your Rottie Happy

Most of all, keep your Rottie happy and stress-free. Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety in response to changes in their environment or routine, and this can lead to a number of problems, including increased shedding. When a dog is stressed, its body releases a hormone called cortisol, which instructs the body to conserve energy. 

One of the ways the body does this is by shedding excess fur. In addition, cortisol also suppresses the immune system, making the dog more susceptible to skin infections that can cause additional shedding. As a result, it is important to try to keep your dog calm and relaxed to help reduce shedding. 

Make sure you’re providing enough exercise. Rottweilers are high-energy dogs and need plenty of physical activity. A good long walk or run every day is a must. Secondly, feed them a high-quality diet.

Rottweilers are susceptible to weight gain, so it’s important to avoid processed foods and fill their diet with healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. 

Lastly, give them lots of love. Rottweilers crave attention and need to feel like they’re part of the family. So spend time playing with them, cuddling them, and just showing them how much you care. 

Final Thoughts 

Rottweilers are moderate shedders and will blow their coats twice a year during spring and fall. However, with some care and maintenance, you can minimize the shedding and save your furniture from being covered in little black hairs!