Last Updated By Matt Clayton 4 Weeks Ago
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German Shepherds, also known as German Shedders, shed a lot of hair throughout the year.
If you're an owner of this breed, it's important to understand how you can groom and clean your pet in order to keep them healthy. While doing so, you can also reduce dog hair in your home, as well as on your clothes and furniture.
When you have a good grooming routine in place for your German Shepherd, you'll be able to reduce shedding significantly. With regular grooming and the best brushes and combs designed for their fur type, you will get the best results - for your pet and your home!
This article will give you information on how to maintain a healthy coat and how to choose the best brush for your German Shepherd.
Let's dive in!
As seen on:
The top picks for the best brush for German Shepherds:
- Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Slicker Pro Self-cleaning Brush
- Large Long Hair Dog FURminator deShedding Tool
- DakPets FURBlaster Deshedding Brush
- GoPets Dematting Comb
- PatYourPet 2-sided Undercoat Rake
- Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush
- SAFARI Plastic Pin and Bristle Combo Dog Brush
Quick Tips: How To Keep Your German Shepherd's Coat
In Perfect Condition - And Your Home Pet Hair–Free
DAILY: Use a slicker brush or combination brush to remove any tangles and to keep the fur clean, glossy, and unmatted. Brushing will also remove any loose hair before it is wafted all around.
WEEKL: Clear out mats and tangles from the undercoat by using a de-matting tool. You can also use a de-shedding tool to remove all the loose hair from the undercoat. A de-shedding tool will keep the undercoat from matting (and keep your home from being invaded by dog hair).
MONTHLY: Bathing your German Shepherd once a month will not only keep its coat and skin healthy but reduce shedding as well. Always remember to use a suitable dog shampoo to prevent damaging the fur.
Best Brush for German Shepherds - TOP 8 in 2020
Best Slicker Brushes
[1.] Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- A gentle and capable brush for double-coated dogs
- Soft on the skin because of the bent wires
- Easy to clean with retracting bristles
- Comfort-grip and anti-slip handle for convenience
- Strong and durable
This is a highly popular tool for removing tangles, loose hair, dander, and dirt. The bent wire bristles reach deep into the coat to remove loose hair and tangles without scratching your pet's skin. It not only grooms the fur, but it also massages to increase blood circulation and leaves your German Shepherd's coat healthy, glossy, and tangle-free.
The handle is comfortable and ergonomic to prevent any strain on your hand while grooming your pet. And when you're done, the retractable bristles enable easy cleaning by quickly releasing the collected fur.
Pros
+ Removes mats, tangles, knots, dirt, and dander
+ An excellent choice for daily brushing and grooming
+ Bent bristles reach deep into the coat without hurting your pet's skin
+ High-quality product with durable materials
+ Massages to increase blood circulation and promotes a healthy coat
+ Smoothly functioning retracting bristles enable easy cleaning and prevent bending
+ The comfortable handle protects your wrist
Cons
- A bit more costly than other similar brushes, but worth the price because of high-quality materials and excellent design
[2.] Slicker Pro Self-Cleaning Brush
- Excellent tool for detangling and cleaning a double coat
- Soft and flexible wires are gentle on the skin
- The 5-inch brush head is perfect for large dogs
- Self-cleaning feature with retracting bristles
- Soft and comfortable anti-slip handle
This pro-quality slicker brush is recommended by professional groomers, pet owners, and vets. It's a convenient and handy tool for keeping your German Shepherd's fur healthy, shiny and free or any mats or tangles.
The flexible bristles penetrate the dense double coat while still being gentle on the skin.
This slicker brush has a comfortable handle, and the self-cleaning feature makes it easy to clean. In addition to the great features, you also get an e-book grooming guide and full lifetime money-back guarantee when you buy this product.
Pros
+ Efficiently removes mats, tangles, and dirt
+ Highly recommended product for daily grooming and brushing
+ Flexible wires won't hurt your pet's skin
+ Penetrates even the thickest double coat leaving it tangle-free, glossy and clean
+ Retracting bristles clean the brush in 5 seconds
+ Comfortable and ergonomic handle
+ Sturdy design and durable materials
Cons
- The retracting bristles may become a little stiff if not cleaned properly
Best Deshedding Brushes
[3.] Large Long Hair FURminator deShedding Tool
- A perfect tool for removing loose hair and undercoat
- Designed for large dogs with fur longer than 2 inches
- Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through the top coat
- FURejector for quick and easy cleaning
- Comfortable and ergonomic handle
A Furminator can reduce shedding by 90% when used regularly - which is why it is one of the most popular bestselling grooming tools ever.
After using the slicker brush for removing any tangles, you can use this tool to remove all the remaining loose hair and undercoat. Not only will it keep your dog's coat healthy and prevent matting, but it will also help you keep your home pet hair-free.
The teeth on the Furminator are long enough to reach through the coat of your German Shepherd, but the tool won't hurt your pet or cut the skin when used according to instructions. Regularly deshedding your pet will remove any loose hair and prevent excessive shedding that causes your home to look like a family of Yetis habituates it.
Pros
+ Easily removes loose hair and undercoat without hurting your pet
+ Collects loose hair to reduce shedding
+ Spreads natural oils across the coat for a glossy result
+ Long teeth reach through the thick top coat
+ Reduces shedding by up to 90% when used regularly
+ Won't cut the skin or damage the fur
+ Comfortable handle with ergonomic design
+ Comes in many sizes for different breeds
Cons
- Can only be used for de-shedding
- Only to be used on German Shepherds with a fully grown undercoat
[4.] DakPets FURBlaster Deshedding Brush
- Designed by grooming experts
- Removes loose hair and undercoat easily
- Decreases shedding by up to 95%
- Detachable 4-inch rust-resistant blade
- Easy cleaning with a quick-release button
- Durable and ergonomic non-slip handle
The FURBlaster deshedding tool has been designed by pet grooming professionals, and it gets high ratings from users. The non-irritation 100mm 4-inch stainless steel blade won't damage the top coat of your German Shepherd while removing all the loose hair and undercoat before it forms mats or is shed on your couch.
This tool can decrease shedding by 95% when used regularly. The non-slip handle is ergonomic to prevent any strain on your wrist, and the product is safe and gentle for your pet as well.
The design is handy and sturdy, while the durable materials ensure it is a long-lasting choice for your pet - you even get a lifetime money-back guarantee as an assurance.
Pros
+ A safe and effective tool for deshedding
+ 4-inch non-irritating blade which is gentle to the skin
+ Removes loose hair and undercoat without damaging the top coat
+ Helps prevent matting
+ Sturdy and durable design
+ Non-slip and ergonomic grip
Cons
- For exceptionally thick coat the teeth may be too short
- Can be a little less effective than the Furminator
Best Dematting Tools
[5.] GoPets Dematting Comb
- Easily removes mats and tangles
- Double-sided: dematting and deshedding combined
- Sharpened edges won't pull the hair
- Rounded ends to protect the skin
- Easy to clean
- Non-slip handle for comfort
This is an excellent tool for dematting and deshedding your German Shepherd. The two-sided design makes this de-matting comb a versatile product for keeping your dog's coat unmatted while minimizing shedding. It removes mats and loose undercoat while leaving the top coat glossy and healthy.
The blades are sharpened to prevent tugging and pulling on the hair but also rounded to protect the skin. The tool is 2.25 inches wide for easy use on large breeds but also for dematting hard-to-reach areas like the armpits and groin area.
The gel handle is comfortable to hold though it may feel a bit sticky. Both you and your pet will be comfortable during a dematting session when using this tool.
Pros
+ Multiple uses with one tool: dematting and deshedding combined
+ Professional design and quality
+ Blades cut through mats and tangles without tugging on the hair
+ 12-tooth side for mats and tangles
+ 23-tooth side for thinning and deshedding
+ Rounded prongs won't hurt your pet's skin
+ 2.25 inches wide for small and large breeds
+ Comfortable non-slip gel handle
Cons
- The silicone handle may feel sticky
[6.] PatYourPet 2-sided Undercoat Rake
- Easily removes mats and tangles
- Double-sided: dematting and deshedding combined
- Sharpened edges won't pull the hair
- Rounded ends to protect the skin
- Easy to clean
- Non-slip handle for comfort
This double-sided tool will help you remove mats and deshed your German Shepherd. The side with nine sharp teeth will cut through those mats without pulling on the hair, after which you can use the side with 17 teeth to deshed and thin the undercoat. Not only will your pet have a healthy and shiny coat, but you will also decrease shedding and have a cleaner home.
The PatYourPet Undercoat Rake is a very popular tool and perfect for larger breeds with double coats. It gets high ratings from numerous users for comfort, durability, and excellent grooming results. It's easy to use and clean, and also not too wide to help you demat those hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
+ 2-sided which is ideal for dematting and deshedding
+ Sharp teeth to cut through tangles
+ Rounded teeth to prevent scratching
+ Keeps your dog's coat healthy
+ Professional dematting results
+ Ergonomic anti-slip handle
+ Durable materials and easy to clean
Cons
- Sensitive dogs may need some time to get used to dematting
Best Combination Brushes
[7.] Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush
- 2-in-1 combo brush
- Pins to remove loose hair and tangles
- Bristles to remove dirt
- Stainless steel tips with a protective coating
- Ergonomically designed handle
This brush is a great choice for that daily upkeep brushing that prevents tangles and mats from forming – and minimizes shedding to help you keep a clean home. The brush is very comfortable to both you and your pet, and it's designed by professional groomers to give you the perfect grooming experience and top results.
The brush is 2-sided for maximum versatility. The side with pins will help you remove tangles and loose hair from your German Shepherd's coat, and the side with bristles will help remove dirt and dander.
Also, the bristles will distribute those natural oils across the coat to get a shiny and soft result. This tool will help you keep your dog's fur healthy, clean, and glossy.
Pros
+ Great brush for everyday grooming
+ Two uses in one brush
+ Helps detangle, deshed and remove small mats
+ Distributes natural oils for a healthy and glossy coat
+ Developed with professional groomers
+ Ergonomically designed handle for comfort
Cons
- Not as effective as deshedding tools
[8.] SAFARI Plastic Pin And Bristle Combo Dog Brush
- 2-in-1: pin and bristle brush combined
- Pins help detangle while bristles remove dirt
- Helps reduce shedding
- Keeps the coat healthy and shiny
- Ergonomic comfort grip handle
This combination brush is an excellent tool for everyday upkeep grooming between dematting and deshedding. The pins help detangle and deshed your German Shepherd's coat, and the nylon bristles remove dust, dander, dirt, and other muck that has collected in the fur. The brush will also distribute natural skin oils across the coat, making it soft and shiny.
Using this brush regularly will keep your pet's fur in perfect condition and reduce the amount of shed hair in your home. By removing dirt and tangles daily, you can prevent the coat from matting. A quick daily brushing session is better than letting the dirt and tangles build up to a huge mat, which is more difficult and painful to remove.
Pros
+ Great for upkeep grooming every day
+ Pins remove loose hair and dirt
+ Side with bristles removes dirt and distributes the natural oils
+ Helps reduce shedding and keeps the fur healthy
+ Easy and comfortable to use
Cons
- If the coat has tangles or mats, you need to use a dematting tool first
Buying Guide - How to pick the best brush for your German Shepherd
If you're the owner of a German Shepherd, you need to know exactly what to do to keep their fur healthy and shiny. You need to have the proper tools, and you need to know how to use them safely to prevent damaging the beautiful coat of your pet.
All breeds are unique when it comes to their fur and how to best take care of it. German Shepherds are no exception. To be able to care for their coat, you need to know their fur type and the tools that are available for the purpose.
The right brushes and grooming tools will help you give the best possible care for your pet, but it also has another benefit. By grooming and brushing your German Shepherd regularly, you can also minimize shedding and prevent that thick coating of dog hair on your couch.
We have chosen the best brushes for German Shepherds, but if you still have a hard time picking the ideal ones for you and your dog, we can help you.
Continue reading to find out what are the unique characteristics of your pet's coat and how to groom it. We will also help you choose the best brush for grooming your German Shepherd.
Let's get started!
A quick guide to grooming your German Shepherd
German Shepherds have a double coat: a soft and thick undercoat, and a long and coarse top coat.
To keep that beautiful fur clean, healthy and lustrous, this is what you need:
- A slicker brush or combination brush for removing dirt, loose hair, and small tangles.
- Deshedding tool to minimize shedding
- A dematting tool for removing tough mats
Do German Shepherds shed?
In short, yes. Heavily. From a scale from one to ten, they are a 9. That is why they are sometimes called German Shedders.
The outer coat sheds all year round and requires regular brushing. In addition to shedding heavily throughout the year, GSDs blow their undercoat twice a year.
Although their coats are fairly easy to maintain, otherwise, regular brushing will help you avoid matting and minimize shedding.
German Shepherd Coat Types
German Shepherd dogs have a double coat to keep them warm during the winter when it is cold.
In addition to keeping them warm, during the summer, when it's hot, the double coats keep their bodies cool and protect them from UV rays, abrasions, and moisture.
The outer coat is also known as the guard coat. It is the coarse, dense and straight or a little wavy, and it lies flat close to the German Shepherd's body. The undercoat is softer and thicker than the outer coat.
German Shepherds are known for their black and tan coloring, but they have other colorings as well like black and red, black and silver, or even blue, white, or gray.
GSDs have coats that are short, medium-length or long, although a long hair is not that common because it is passed on by a recessive gene. Also, if you own a German Shepherd, you probably have noticed that their neck and legs have longer and thicker fur.
Before you begin to groom your German Shepherd, you need to know the type of coat they have so that the grooming process can be easier—for you and your dog—and you can use the right tools and brushes.
There are four different lengths of German Shepherd's hair, including:
- Short fur with an undercoat: The short coat is just how the name suggests—it's pretty short.
- Medium fur with an undercoat: The medium coat is also known as the plush coat, it is fuller and longer than the short coat.
- Long fur with an undercoat: The long coat has long hair with "featherings" or tufts in their ears, tail, and back of their legs, commonly known as trousers.
- Long fur without an undercoat: This type of German Shepherd has the same feathering as the one with the undercoat, but they have a softer outer coat instead.
The preferred German Shepherd coats for shows are the short and medium length.
Choose the right grooming tools for different types of coats
The longer fur type with no undercoat is not that common, but it is the easiest to maintain. You need a pin brush for daily brushing and a slicker brush to remove mats and tangles.
For other types, shedding is heavier – and so is grooming. For these types, you need a pin brush for daily brushing. It removes some of the loose hair, keeps shedding under control and prevents mats. In addition, you need a couple of other tools:
For winters, when the undercoat is especially thick, you should also have a slicker brush that reaches deeper into the undercoat removing loose fur. A slicker brush is also ideal for those heavy shedding seasons when you want to catch that loose hair before it is wafted around your home.
Since the thick undercoat is prone to matting, you should also consider getting tools for deshedding and dematting. Using a slicker brush or pin brush for daily brushing and a deshedding tool once every one or two weeks will give you the best results.
German Shepherds shed heavily, but these brushes will help you keep that shedding under control.
Types of Brushes for German Shepherds
There are a variety of tools for grooming German Shepherds, and choosing which one to use depends on certain factors such as the time of the year and the type of coat they have. The following are some of the tools and brushes you will use to groom your German Shepherd:
Pin Brushes, Bristle Brushes, and Slicker Brushes
There are three basic types of brushes used for the different coats of German Shepherd.
They include:
• Wire-pin: The handle of this type of brush is wooden or plastic and has wire pins (hence the name). In order to be gentle on your dog's coat and avoid scratching their skin, these brushes have rubber balls at the end. The wire-pin brush is best for German Shepherds with longer hair and no undercoat.
• Bristle: This type of brush works on any type of a German Shepherd coat. The nylon bristles do not deshed or remove mats, but it can be a great tool for everyday upkeep brushing. Also, a bristle brush distributes natural skin oils across the coat, keeping it soft and glossy.
• Slicker: They have a similar appearance as the wire-pin brushes, but the only difference is that the bristles are finer because they are used to remove mats and knots. This type of brush reaches through the top coat and removes loose hair from the undercoat. This type of brush is ideal for daily brushing if you want to minimize shedding.
Dematting Rakes and Combs
These types of grooming tools are used for removing knots and mats from the fur.
They have sharp, rounded teeth that are spaced evenly to help you reach through the outer coat. The prongs are often sharpened to cut through the mats without tugging on the hair but rounded as well to protect the skin.
Since GSDs have thick undercoats, their coat may easily get matted. These tools will efficiently remove tangles and mats without hurting your pet.
Deshedding Tools
Compared to the dematting rakes and combs, these tools have finer teeth. The deshedding tools remove loose hair from the undercoat, minimizing shedding and thinning the thick fur. The teeth on these tools are sharpened but won't hurt your dog's skin when used according to instructions.
Dog Brush Gloves
Some people will prefer this type when compared to the normal brushes. They are simply gloves with bristles on them, that enable you to brush through your German Shepherd by moving the glove across the dog's hair.
Some sensitive dogs may prefer grooming gloves for daily brushing, but because German Shepherds have such thick coats, this should not be the only brush you use.
If you use a glove for everyday brushing, make sure you use a slicker brush or a deshedding tool for more thorough results every one or two weeks. You can find one of the best grooming gloves here.
Grooming Guide - How to groom your German Shepherd
How often should you groom your German Shepherd
German Shepherds shed throughout the year; therefore, you should groom them at least two to three times in one week. We recommend a quick brushing every day, and a more thorough grooming session once a week.
Bathing your GSD once a month may also be beneficial if you're looking to minimize shedding, but remember to use the right type of shampoo to prevent damaging the fur and skin.
Since the German Shepherds have a thick coat, drying after bathing may take a while. It is important that you wait until their fur is dry so that you can groom them. If you want to use a dryer, slowly move it across your dog to avoid more tangles and mats.
This is the ideal routine to minimize shedding:
- brush your GSD with a pin brush or slicker brush every day
- once a week, remove any mats with a dematting tool and any loose hair with a deshedding tool
- once a month bath you dog, let him dry completely and use a deshedding tool to remove any loose hair
Grooming your German Shepherd
The following are the steps that you need to follow to give your German Shepherd a comfortable grooming session.
1. Place your German Shepherd on a flat surface, preferably a table. It's helpful if they already know commands like "sit" and "stay." Make sure the surface is not slippery, and if your dog doesn't feel comfortable, you can also set him down on the floor for grooming.
2. Ensure that the grooming space is quiet and free from people to make your dog more comfortable.
3. Often, the best place for grooming is outside if you have a backyard. All that loose hair is left outside instead of being wafted into your home.
4. Begin detangling: Check if there are any tangles and mats in your dog's fur and work through them gently. Before you begin the brushing process, apply a coat conditioner to make the detangling process more comfortable.
5. Remove the loose undercoat: In this step, you will need to work from your dog's head through to the tail. Using a deshedding tool, brush the dog to remove any loose undercoat they may have.
6. Remove stray hair and debris: You can achieve this by using a pin brush, just to make sure that you remove any remaining loose undercoat.
7. Add shine to your German Shepherd's coat by using a soft, bristled brush to distribute those natural oils.
Wrapping It Up
German Shepherds have a well-known reputation for being heavy shedders even though they are beautiful dogs.
There is nothing much you can do about the shedding but to maintain and groom your dog friend to minimize shedding all year round.
Use high-quality deshedding tools, dematting combs, and brushes for their coat type when grooming them. Just as important as having the right tools is to have a routine and stick to it.
Only regular brushing and deshedding will keep that loose hair under control and prevent it from invading your home.
