German Shepherd Grooming: Caring for the Double Coat

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and impressive double coats. While beautiful, these coats require dedicated maintenance to keep your GSD comfortable and healthy.

The German Shepherd Coat

Structure

• Undercoat: Dense, soft, and wooly
• Guard coat: Medium-length, straight, and harsh
• Coat varieties: Standard, long-coat (both have undercoats)

Shedding Reality

German Shepherds are often called “German Shedders” for good reason:

• They shed year-round
• Heavy shedding twice yearly (“blowing coat”)
• Daily grooming helps manage the fur

Essential Grooming Tools

• Undercoat rake (most important!)
• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Metal comb
• Deshedding tool
• High-velocity dryer (optional but helpful)

Weekly Grooming Routine

Step 1: Undercoat Rake (10-15 minutes)

• Work through the entire coat
• Focus on neck, chest, and hindquarters
• Remove loose undercoat

Step 2: Slicker Brush (5-10 minutes)

• Remove remaining loose fur
• Work out small tangles
• Smooth the outer coat

Step 3: Check Problem Areas

• Behind ears
• Under the collar
• “Pants” (back of thighs)
• Tail

During Shedding Season

When your GSD is blowing coat:

• Brush daily (15-20 minutes)
• Use deshedding tools
• Bathe with deshedding shampoo
• Consider professional deshedding treatment
• Accept that fur is part of life!

Bathing Your German Shepherd

Frequency

Every 6-8 weeks (or when dirty)

Tips

• Always brush thoroughly before bathing
• Use lukewarm water
• Choose a shampoo for double coats
• Rinse completely (crucial!)
• Dry thoroughly, including undercoat

Drying

• Towel dry initially
• Use a high-velocity dryer if available
• Ensure undercoat is completely dry
• Brush while drying

Why Never to Shave

Shaving a German Shepherd:

• Destroys the coat’s insulating properties
• Increases risk of sunburn and overheating
• May cause permanent coat damage
• Doesn’t actually reduce shedding

Common GSD Grooming Issues

Hot Spots

• Common in dense coats
• Keep coat clean and dry
• Address immediately

Skin Allergies

• German Shepherds are prone to allergies
• May cause excessive scratching and shedding
• Work with your vet for management

Elbow Calluses

• Common on this breed
• Keep elbows moisturized
• Provide soft bedding

Nail Care

• Active GSDs may wear nails naturally
• Still check and trim regularly
• Include dewclaws

Long-Coat German Shepherds

Long-coat GSDs need extra attention:

• More prone to matting
• Require daily brushing
• May need feathering trimmed
• Still should not be shaved

Professional Grooming Benefits

Professional deshedding treatments for GSDs:

• Remove massive amounts of loose undercoat
• Include thorough bathing and drying
• Check for skin issues
• Reduce home shedding significantly

Ready to tackle that shedding? Book a deshedding treatment today!