Yes, Weims DO Shed

The hairs may be a little less noticeable if you have a short coated Gray Weimaraner, but they do shed enough to invest in some lint brushes if you favor wearing black! Mine are shedding right now as the days have grown longer. (Factoid: It is not the warmer weather that causes shedding, it is the length of the days that triggers shedding as a part of a circadian rhythm.)

The shedding exposes a darker coat color which usually starts at the top of the back in stripe down the back. This is called an “eel stripe” and is considered typical of the breed. Sometimes shedding also reveals a speckled pattern or even patches of new coat showing through the old dull coat.

The first puppy shed, as well as the seasonal shedding of Weimaraners with an undercoat (not common) can be quite striking with the eel stripe noticeably darker than with single-coated Weims. It also seems that the thicker the coat in general, the more “artistic” the shed patterns can be. A heavy shed is often referred to as “blowing coat” and can be so dramatic that it’s not unusual for a new Weimaraner owner to be surprised at their new spotted Weim. Rest assured, it takes about a month for the new coat to replace the old.

Click to enlarge image

How to control all that hair

I hate to disappoint, but while Weimaraners are generally wash and wear dogs, grooming is the best way to get shedding under control. I’ve found the best way to manage the shedding is to use a rubber curry comb daily to work out the dead coat. I favor Zoom Grooms. I bought the cat version on accident; turns out they are all really pretty much the same thing.

Vacuuming will also go a long way in keeping all that hair under control in your house. Enter the Dyson Animal. I love this thing. I purchased mine with some hesitation at the hefty price tag, but I got in with a group of dog people and we all received a bulk discount. I have never been happier with an appliance purchase and have not looked back since, and it looks like the hundreds of reviewers on Amazon (mostly dog people!) agree.

Is it more than just shedding?

Excessive shedding and bald patches are signs that something might be wrong. Stress, poor nutrition, or medical problems can be part of a larger issue with hair loss. Causes can be:

• Parasites
• Dietary deficiencies
• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid or adrenal diseases)
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Hot spots and excessive licking
• Allergies (contact or inhalent)

Remember, there is a difference between shedding and hair loss. If your dog is losing hair for “no reason” and new hair is very slow to grow in, or does not grow in at all, it is time to take your Weim to the vet.

Tagged as: shedding