If you love your German Shepherd and want to know how to take good care of your furry best friend then this article is definitely for you.
In this article we will be discussing some general grooming practices for the various types of German Shepherd dog breeds. We will also share some great info about the different types of coat lengths and which types of brushes you need for short fur and long fur grooming. Then we’ll discuss our recommendations for the best grooming tools and brushes for German Shepherds. And finally we’ll give some handy tips about how to reduce dog shedding and take good care of your family dog and best pet friend.
How To Take Care Of A German Shepherd
German Shepherd grooming needs to be taken seriously but it can be fun too! Knowing how to groom a German Shepherd depends a lot on whether your dog has a long coat, medium coat or short coat. For overall health it’s important to brush them daily so you can control shedding, improve blood circulation and remove excess dirt.
For best longterm results you should start grooming your German Shepherd when he’s still a pup because this will make him relaxed and comfortable when grooming him later as an adult dog. Talk to your dog in a gentle and calm voice while grooming him and you will have a happy pet that looks forward to being groomed for the rest of his life.
Our Top 8 Brushes For German Shepherds
- FURminator Deshedding Edge Dog Brush
- Coastal Safari Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Coastal Safari Shed Magic De-Shedding Tool
- FURminator Adjustable deMatter Tool
- Safari Combo Pin & Bristle Dog Brush Large
- Safari De-Matting Dog Comb
- Safari Wire Pin Brush For Large Dogs
- Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Comfort Tips Deluxe Dog Grooming Glove
Best Grooming Tools For German Shepherds
Your choice of German Shepherd grooming tools will depend on your dog’s coat length. Finding a German Shepherd grooming brush may often seem similar but grooming practices can also vary slightly. You should apply the following criteria when trying to find the best grooming brush for a German Shepherd:
Grooming Brush For Short Coat German Shepherds
Coats of short hair German Shepherds are easier to maintain and it depends on your preferences, but 2 or at the most 3 grooming tools should be adequate. Using an undercoat rake is mandatory for when he sheds his seasonal undercoat (also known as spring & fall blowouts). And of course a basic brush will be required. You could also use a grooming glove or mitt instead, or both if you prefer.
A grooming mitt or glove is ideal if your dog prefers the “petting” feeling and some owners will insist that a brush does a better job, but they are equally as effective and you could use both if your dog likes it.
Medium Coat German Shepherd Grooming Tools
Whilst their coats might be slightly fluffier than their short coated cousins, the grooming tools required for medium coat German Shepherds are the same. Their extra fluff makes them cuter and slightly hairier and that demands daily use of the basic brush to reduce shedding.
Increased and profuse shedding during spring and fall will require you to use the undercoat rake regularly. And using the grooming glove or mitt for variation, while bathing him or giving your dog a little massage is always a nice addition to his grooming routine.
Best Brush For Long Haired German Shepherds
Not surprisingly, the most grooming is required for long coat German Shepherds. But with 3 or 4 essential tools you will still be able to groom your own dog and avoid paying a professional dog groomer to keep his coat healthy and clean.
The dog brush for a long haired German Shepherd is no different though for daily coat maintenance, and the same goes for the alternate use of a grooming glove or mitt for dogs with sensitive bodies. Of course during spring and fall the use of the undercoat rake remains mandatory to control excessive shedding.
One additional tool is required though – the slicker brush. The slicker brush is made up of fine wire bristles that can capture excess dirt, dust and every small piece of dander in the fur of a long haired German Shepherd. The removal of this dirt results in a shiny smooth coat for your German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Shedding Tips
I question I often get asked is “do German Shepherds shed a lot?” and also “how much do German Shepherds shed?”
The answer depends on what type of German Shepherd you own and also on what time of year it is. Generally your dog will shed most in spring and fall because that’s when he will lose his undercoat. Long coat German Shepherds also tend to shed the most because they have thicker coats.
German Shepherds shed quite heavily all year round, but they “blow” their undercoat twice a year – that’s the dense, thick fur that you’ll see under your dog’s coarse top coat.
How To Stop A German Shepherd From Shedding
Knowing how to control German Shepherd shedding can make your life as a pet owner a lot easier. Here is a good German Shepherd shedding solution:
1. Use only high quality food when you feed your dog – that means avoiding cheap dog foods that are full of grain and corn. Foods that have a high meat content are best and they are easy to absorb and digest, and will produce a healthy coat and stop dog shedding. Supplementing his diet with a few teaspoons of olive oil and give him plenty of water to keep his skin well hydrated.
2. Groom your dog properly and regularly – daily brushing with a regular brush (as mentioned above) and using a slicker brush and undercoat rake when appropriate, will remove dead fur and keep the coat shiny at all times.
3. Knowing how to reduce German Shepherd shedding by eliminating any underlying illnesses or infestations is also important. Excessive shedding can be caused by parasites like fleas and lice, fungal and bacterial skin infections, worm infestations and also food allergies. Some medications can also cause skin irritation and kidney & liver diseases should be eliminated.
German Shepherd Grooming – Best Brush For A German Shepherd
Finding a dog grooming brush for a German Shepherd can be quite exhausting as there are so many choices available on the market. The different styles and different names can be confusing but when choosing your German Shepherd brush your first consideration should be what type of coat your dog has. Basically there are 6 dog brush types available:
1. Dog Grooming Combs.
The best comb for German Shepherds must be suitable for long coated dogs. It is used for smoothing long coats, removing small tangles and laying the fur in the same direction. Avoid yanking at large knots with a comb and rather use a dematting tool when tangles are found.
2. Short Hair Dog Brush & Long Hair Dog Brush
The best German Shepherd brush is always made of plastic bristles or wire metal bristles. They often come in very practical two-in-one style brushes. This essential tool for grooming and daily maintenance acts as a German Shepherd shedding brush to prevent excessive shedding and matting.
The plastic bristles help to distribute oil over the skin and are used for removing guard hairs that are loose and cover the softer undercoat, so it’s an ideal undercoat brush for German Shepherds. The wire bristles are used to detangle parts of the undercoat because they are able to reach deeper into the layers of the coat.
3. Dog Grooming Mitts & Grooming Gloves.
These are pairs of mitts or gloves covered with small rubber nobs that brush through the undercoat and guard hairs so you can collect the excess hairs and discard them. They are a more gentle option for dogs that prefer pet grooming gloves to the harder bristles.
The gentle massage action of the gloves distributes skin oils and improves blood circulation and can used on wet fur as well, like when you are scrubbing your dog while he is enjoying getting his bath.
4. Dog Slicker Brushes.
German Shepherd slicker brushes are ideal for long coats and have finer bristles than the basic brushes. They reach the tiny bits of dirt and keep the long coat shiny and in good condition. An added advantage is that many of them are self cleaning too and drop the fur in the trash with the press of a button.
5. Best Deshedding Tool For German Shepherds
German Shepherds shedding can be a big problem in fall and spring when they tend to shed a lot. The best deshedding brush for German Shepherds is called an undercoat rake. It has a double layer of teeth to reach the guard hairs as well as the undercoat and will remove the excess fur from both layers.
Finding the best undercoat rake for German Shepherds is essential, regardless if your dog has a long coat, short coat or a medium coat. Deshedding tools are a must for your dog and the best deshedding tool for German Shepherds is the Furminator German Shepherd brush.
6. Best Dematting Tool For Dogs
A dematting tool is perfect for long haired German Shepherds and can reach the guard hairs and undercoat to detangle knots easily. The sharp stainless steel teeth of the tool remove knots without causing pain and can be used to detangle medium coats and short coats as well.
Stop Dog Shedding – 8 Best Brushes For German Shepherds
- The FURminator Deshedding Edge Dog Brush is our overall pick for the best brush for German Shepherds. This deshedding tool was ergonomically designed by a professional groomer and reduces 90% of loose hair shedding when used regularly.
- The tough edge made of stainless steel can easily reach through the topcoat and safely removes loose hair from the undercoat while protecting the topcoat and skin at the same time. The handle fits snugly into your hand while the curved edge of the tool matches your pet's natural body shape perfectly.
- This deshedding brush comes in three convenient sizes - Furminator Small, Furminator Medium and Furminator Large. The Furminator German Shepherd size you choose should always be large and depending on your dog you can also choose between the short hair and long hair versions. To find the best Furminator for German Shepherds review you can click on the link above.
- Another top choice in German Shepherd brushes is the Coastal Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. A unnique feature of this cleverly designed slicker brush for dogs are the slightly curved bristles that gently but effectively penetrate fur of any thickness without ever irritating or scratching the skin of your furry friend.
- The comfortable grip makes longer grooming sessions a breeze and also features an anti-slip handle. If you are are undecided because of the slicker brush vs pin brush dilemma then the ease with which this dog brush removes stubborn knots, tangles, loose undercoat hair and dirt should convince you that this is the best slicker brush for dogs.
- Perfect for dogs of all sizes and a unique self-cleaning feature eliminates messy cleaning after brushing. Simply press the button for automatic instant bristle retraction and you can easily remove and dispose of all the dead hair that you have brushed off your dog.
- The Coastal Safari Shed Magic De-Shedding Tool for large dogs and German Shepherds with medium to long hair is another one of our favorites. A few minutes a day of light trimming will reduce shedding by 80%-90% and trim the non-loose undercoat while removing the loose, dead hairs from undercoat.
- The versatility of the Coastal Safari Shed Magic De-Shedding Tool makes it suitable for dogs with single or double coats, and it's perfect for short- and long-haired dogs. It's gentle on your pet's skin yet firm enough to stimulate the natural oils in the fur resulting in a shinier topcoat and a healthy skin.
- Cleverly designed by pet grooming experts it also has a strong stainless steel blade. The handle is lightweight and well designed with a grip that is non-slip and comfortable to hold. Click on the link above for more info.
- FURminator Adjustable deMatter Tool is the ideal German Shepherd dematting tool to relieve the discomfort of tangles and mats. This dog dematting tool effectively removes knots, dirt and dander from the knotted areas of your dog's fur.
- Because this dog grooming comb is well suited for all dogs we recommend it as the best dematting comb for dogs of all sizes. The teeth are are no-scratch and gently massage your dog's skin while still penetrating down to the undercoat.
- If you are looking for the best dog comb for a multi-pet home then the anti-slip comfort grip will make grooming sessions a breeze. It's durable design also makes it the best dematting tool for long haired dogs.
- For practical German Shepherd pet owners the Safari Combo Pin & Bristle Dog Brush for large dogs is the ideal two-in-one solution. It features both pins and bristles to give a shiny, clean and soft look to your dog's coat.
- The Safari dog brush removes knots and tangles with ease. Use this pin brush for dogs to remove dirt and loose hair. Use the bristles to brush firmly and help distribute the skin's natural oils to produce a shiny, healthy coat.
- The comfortable ergonomic bamboo handle allows you to firmly grip the dog grooming pin brush when you brush aginst the hair growth direction to fluff up your dog's fur a little and to spoil your furry friend.
- The Safari Dematting Dog Comb was designed especially for German Shepherds with longer fur and helps to remove the tangles, dander and knots of matted hair. This helps to prevent the nasty skin irritations caused by trapped moisture, odor and dirt.
- A number of high quality design features make the Safari dematting comb a candidate for our best dematting tool for dogs. These include safety-first rounded stainless steel blades that are serrated and expertly sharpened to remove tough, matted hair while still protecting the sensitive skin of your furry friend.
- Make your grooming wrist-strain free and easy with the snug, rubberized handle that gives a nice comfortable anti-slip grip. Groom and massage at the same time for improved blood circulation and a shiny coat.
- The safari Wire Pin Brush is ideal for German Shepherds that shed a lot and removes 80%-90% of the loose hair from the topcoat without any damage to the undercoat. It's professionally designed to prevent skin irritation and scratching but remove loose hair, dirt and dander with ease.
- Ergonomically designed to protect both you and your pet it has a soft-grip handle with proven anti-slip properties. With a light weight of it's been a favorite with salon owners nationwide for many years and is the ideal wire pin brush for short hair dogs as well as dogs with thicker fur.
- The Safari brand of pet grooming tools is produced in the US by Coastal Pet Products Inc which is a trustworthy family-owned company that has been operating since 1968 and is still going strong.
- The Four Paws Magic Coat Comfort Tips Deluxe Dog Grooming Glove has unique features that makes it the best German Shepherd dog grooming mitt. This comfortable right-handed one-size-fits-all pet deshedding glove has soft rubber tips and works well to reduce shedding by collecting all loose fur quickly and easily.
- It's the best dog grooming glove for all types of dog coats and can be used on dry coats before baths, as well as wet coats after baths. It's durable but soft rubber surface collects all loose hairs while you massage your pet for a pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend.
- Designed by professionals, it is comfortable, well padded and made of durable mesh with a fuzzy strap fastener that is adjustable to fit all hand sizes. And cleaning it is a breeze by effortlessly wiping all the collected loose fur from the rubber surface of the mitt.
German Shepherd Dog Grooming FAQ
Why is my dog shedding so much?
Some dogs normally shed a lot, even though it may seem excessive, but sometimes health problems are to blame – like poor nutrition, stress or medical issues. If in doubt consult your vet to determine if your dog is shedding normally or if it’s a symptom of some underlying illness.
How to stop a dog from shedding?
Here are some tips to help you cope with dog shedding:
- Daily brushing will remove excess fur and is an easy way to keep a dog from shedding and effectively reduce the amount your dog will shed daily.
- Lots of water and moisture in his diet is another tip to stop my dog from shedding. A well hydrated pet will shed less!
- Regular baths will remove excess fur and reduce daily shedding.
- Vacuum your home regularly and for easy removal of dog hair from your clothing use a lint roller.
Do German Shepherds shed a lot?
German Shepherds do shed a lot twice yearly in fall and spring when they “blow” their undercoats and then daily brushing becomes an essential part of their grooming routine. At other times during the year you might get away with brushing them only three times a week or every other day.
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How much do German Shepherds shed?
Without regular (daily) brushing German Shepherds can shed a lot and twice yearly they “blow” their undercoats which can make things worse for pet owners. Shedding can get worse if your dog is not in prime health and then you need to ask the vet to eliminate medical problems like a poor diet, stress, dehydration and skin irritation from fleas and allergies.
How to take care of a German Shepherd?
Learning how to look after a German Shepherd is easy as long as you stick to a few basic principles. Give your dog good nutrition, regular exercise, daily brushing and lots of love and attention and you will make a very good pet owner.
How to stop a German Shepherd from shedding?
Tips on how to reduce German Shepherd shedding depends a lot on how well you take care of your furry friend. Most important is a good nutritious grain free diet containing a high proportion of meat related products.
Properly dog grooming your dog will also go a long way to help control German Shepherd shedding. That means regular daily brushing to reduce coat shedding and to improve skin circulation and coat health.
How often should you brush a German Shepherd?
Daily brushing is best but doing it 3 to 4 times weekly is the absolute minimum. This keeps shedding under control and promotes a shiny, healthy looking coat.
Which Furminator is best for a German Shepherd?
Before deciding what size furminator a German Shepherd needs it’s good to remember that they generally have coats that are shorter than two inches. So the best size dog Furminator to choose would be the large short hair dog FURminator deshedding tool or the extra large model.
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