Picture of German Shepherd Dog

How to Brush Your German Shepherd Dog

Welcome to our resource page dedicated to German Shepherd Dog care. Here, you will find valuable information to help you take the best care of your beloved German Shepherd Dog. We address common questions, such as:

  • What type of brush should you use to groom a German Shepherd Dog?
  • How often should you brush your German Shepherd Dog?
  • What are the best practices for brushing German Shepherd Dog fur?

Grooming Instructions

Proper grooming is important for your German Shepherd Dog. Below are the steps to brush your dog:

Recommended Brushes:

slicker brush, comb, pin brush (optional), and deshedding tool (optional)

Brushing Instructions:

German Shepherd coats exhibit a range of colors and textures. Variability exists, with some German Shepherds sporting long hair while others have shorter coats. Notably, not all German Shepherds possess undercoats. Therefore, seeking guidance from a professional groomer is advisable to ensure the right brushing technique for your specific dog. However, the typical German Shepherd boasts medium-length fur and a dense double coat. Generally, you'll require both a slicker brush and a comb. Begin with the comb, systematically working through every part of your dog's body to untangle the coat. On an unmatted dog, the comb should glide easily down the body without snagging or causing discomfort. The comb effectively collects loose hair from the undercoat and addresses any matting. Be cautious not to exert excessive pressure when using the comb to avoid discomfort for your dog. Subsequently, utilize a slicker brush to remove remaining loose fur from the surface of your dog's coat. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth, proceeding methodically across the entire body. For thicker areas, like the neck, back of the legs, and belly, consider using a pin brush. Ensure thorough brushing of potential matting-prone areas, such as joints and the belly. During shedding seasons, employing a deshedding tool like a shedding blade, zoom groom, or Furminator can be helpful. To use the shedding blade, stroke your dog from head to tail, following the hair's grain, allowing the blade to collect remaining loose hair. It's essential to note that most deshedding tools primarily target the surface of your dog's coat, emphasizing that the comb and slicker brush play a vital role in mat prevention and overall cleanliness.

Recommended Brushing Frequency:

German Shepherds have thick coats that matte easily. They also shed excessively and this dead hair can build up inside their coat if not properly groomed, so they need to be brushed a minimum of 3 times a week. Ideally German Shepherds should be brushed everyday day. German Shepherds also blow their coats in the spring and fall, so you may need to brush more during this time.

Recommended Combs

Good

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Piepea Pet Comb, Stainless Steel Teeth Comb for Dogs & Cats

Price: $6.99

Better

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Resco Pro-Series Rotating Dog & Cat Pin Comb

Price: $11.99

Best

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Chris Christensen 000 7.5 in. Greyhound Style Fine/Coarse Colored Butter Comb

Price: $32.99

Deshedding Tools

Good

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush

Price: $7.99

Better

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Safari Dual-Sided Shedding Blade

Price: $12.99

Best

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool

Price: $35.00

Recommended Pin Brushes

Good

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs

Price: $13.49

Better

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Boshel 2-in-1 Dog Brush & Hair Remover

Price: $12.99

Best

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Chris Christensen 27 mm Oval Pin Dog Brush, Fusion Series

Price: $64.99

Recommended Slicker Brushes

Good

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Crala Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Price: $9.99

Better

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush

Price: $16.99

Best

Dog Bristle Brush With Wooden Handle

GoPets Professional Slicker Brush

Price: $27.99