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Does trimming a German Shepherd's double coat ruin their fur?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 53 lbs

I hear dosinkencoated dogs should not be shaved. I believe my German Shepherd is considered a double coated dog. I tend to trim him down a bit. Should I not do that? Will it affect him in any way? I trim home like this but shorter around the neck. So I basically keep his belly and chest short. Is that ok?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2018

The problem with shaving your German Shepherd dog is that the hair may not grow back in its original quality. It may become thin, or the quality of the top coat will appear like undercoat. There is no need to shave him to make him feel cooler. He is a beautiful dog.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 15th, 2019

    If he is a double coated German Shepherd then I don't recommend shaving him unless it is necessary. His fur may not grow back the same. If he is a single coated German Shepherd then his fur should grow back normally after shaving.

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