If you have landed on this page you are either new to German Shepherd ownership or fed up paying grooming fees. Either way, if you want to know how to groom a German Shepherd easily at home then you have come to the right place.
German Shepherds are beautiful, lovely dogs that make great family pets. They are also relatively low-maintenance dogs but they do have long, thick coats that benefit from regular grooming.
The good news is you don’t need to make regular vists to a professional groomer. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can easily groom a German Shepherd to a professional standard yourself at home. So if you’re wondering how to groom a German shepherd, here’s what you need to know:
The Key Steps To Grooming And Caring For Your German Shepherd Dog
The key steps you will need to know how to care for your German Shepherd’s grooming needs at home are:
- Brushing
- Bathing
- Nail Care
- Dental Care
- Ear Care
So let’s take a look at each of them in turn.
Brushing A German Shepherd Dog
Your German Shepherd Dog will require regular brushing. To help you learn how to do this properly, it is important to understand a little bit about his coat.
The German Shepherd Dog’s Coat Characteristics
As you probably know the German Shepherd Dog was bred as a working dog initially to herd sheep. Like most working dogs bred for this purpose, they have what is known as a double coat.
So What Is A Double Coat And How Does It Affect Our Grooming
The coat we see and feel when we stroke a German Shepherd Dog is it’s top coat. This is usually straight and it bears the dog’s colour markings.
The undercoat is made up of finer hairs. It has a much fluffier feel to it and is a lot denser. Except in the case of pure black German Shepherds, this undercoat is also lighter in colour than the dog’s main colouring.
This double coat works really well at protecting the German Shepherd Dog from the elements. The top coat repels water whilst the dense undercoat acts as an insulator.
So the top coat is keeping the dog’s skin dry and the undercoat is helping to regulate their temperature by keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.
This very efficient coat serves the German Shepherd Dog well against the climate. Although it can prove to be quite a nightmare for us owners when they decide to roll in mud or bring back half a forest floor entwined in it.
To add to the challenge of caring for a German Shepherd’s grooming needs they will also completely shed their undercoat twice a year.
This usually occurs around climate temperature changes in spring and autumn or fall and usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks with regular grooming. Although it has been known in some dogs to last up to 2 months at a time.
The Shedding Process
You will know when it happens as thick locks of undercoat fur will quite literally drop off your dog in large clumps.
It is not possible to prevent a German Shepherd Dog from shedding its undercoat. Although it is possible to minimise it by regular grooming throughout the year.
What Are The Benefits Of Brushing Your German Shepherd Dog
- It creates a bond between you and your dog.
- It removes dirt debris and dead hair from your dog’s coat.
- It helps distribute natural oils in their skin.
- It keeps them looking and feeling great all year long.
How Often Should You Brush A German Shepherd
Brushing your German Shepherd is an integral part of grooming, and it should be done three to four times a week. Although you will need to increase it to at least once a day when your dog is shedding its undercoat.
Equipment you will need
| Tool Name | What It Does |
|---|---|
| A Metal Pin Brush or Furminator De-shedding Tool | These tools get to the undercoat loosening and extracting dead hair. Choose one that is suitable for your dog’s coat length. |
| A Soft Bristle Brush | This is used at the end of the grooming session. It helps distribute oils throughout your dog’s coat and ceates shine. |
| A de-tangling comb | These tools help remove any mats your dog may have in its fur. |
| A grooming or de-tangling spray. | It acts as a conditioner making de-tangling mats that bit easier. |
A Metal pin brush or Furminator de-shedding tool. Choose one that is suitable for your dog’s coat length.
A soft bristle brush – This helps distribute the oils throughout your dog’s coat
A Grooming or Detangle Spray – It acts as a conditioner and helps untangle mats.
How To Brush Your German Shepherd!
Using the pin brush or furminator you will need to brush gently from head to tail in the direction of fur growth. Some dogs prefer you to start at the back gently brushing out the fluffy parts at the back of their hind legs and tail. Although it really doesn’t matter where you start just do what works best for you and your dog.
It’s important to use gentle strokes when brushing your dog in order not to irritate their skin with too much friction. Also don’t use this brush on puppies, on the short hair bony parts of your dog’s legs, face or on their bellies as it is too harsh and will probably scratch the skin.
If you come across any vegetation or hardened mud you will need to tease it out.
Mats in the fur can be quite common, especially in longer-haired dogs and it is important that you get them out. They can cause discomfort to your dog and if left they will only get much worse. You may find a conditioning grooming spray helps with this.
Once you have given your dog a good brush with the furminator you can then move on to the soft bristle brush. This is much gentler and it helps distribute the oils throughout your dog’s coat keeping it waterproof and glossy.
Bathing your German Shepherd!
German Shepherd Dogs are not a smelly breed and they don’t need to be bathed very often. In fact the less often they are bathed the better as it washing them destroys a lot of the natural oils in their fur which keeps it healthy and waterproof. It can also dry out their skin causing dandruff and irritation.
Although, there will be times when it becomes necessary. As a rule of thumb bathe only when necessary and try to leave three to four months between each one to allow the natural oils to replenish.
Equipment Needed
| Equipment Needed | Notes |
|---|---|
| A suitable place to bathe your German Shepherd | This can be in a tub, a shower or just somewhere outside using buckets of water will be fine too. |
| A Shampoo that is suitable for dogs. | It also should not contain any alcohol or perfume. Natural hyperallergenic products are best. |
| A Conditioner that is suitable for dogs. | A conditioner is not essential but it can add shine and softness to their coat. Again make sure it’s suitable for dogs and does not contain any perfume or alcohol. |
| A Face Cloth | You will use this to gently wash your dogs face and the inside of their ears. |
| A Large Towel | To wrap around your dog after the bath. |
| A High-velocity dog dryer | This is not essential but German Shepherd Dogs do take quite a while to dry and they can become itchy during the process. Hair dryers are too hot for your dog to withstand so if you want to speed up the process then you should use a specially designed dog dryer. These dryers are what professional dog groomers use, they are not too expensive and will speed up the drying process no end. |
How To Bathe A German Shepherd
Use cool water that is not too cold or hot.
Wet your dog thoroughly although you can avoid their head and face.
Use enough shampoo to work up a lather massaging it into your dog’s coat and rinse off thoroughly.
Add conditioner if using and smooth it into your dog’s coat again making sure you rinse it off thoroughly.
Using the face cloth gently wipe your dog’s face and the inside of their ears.
Once finished your dog is likely to want to shake. To avoid them wetting everything including you quickly wrap them in a big towel to absorb most of the water and pat them dry.
It can take quite a while for a German Shepherd to dry out thoroughly and they can feel itchy during this time too. Dog groomers use High-velocity dog dryers to speed up the drying process. Whilst not essential small dryers for home use can be picked up relatively cheaply online.
German Shepherd Nail Care
One of the most important things to keep in mind when grooming your German Shepherd Dog is nail care. As with human nails, their claws are continuously growing. A lot of the time they are worn back naturally by walking on hard surfaces. Although if your dog does not do a lot of walking on a hard surface then they can grow too long.
If they do then your dog can catch them on things that can rip them off resulting in a painful injury. They can also become sharp and dangerous snagging furniture and scratching people. You will need to check your dog’s nails once a week and if necessary trim them or take them to the groomers or vets to have done.
Equipment you will need
| Equipment Needed | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dog Nail Clippers or Trimmers | There are 2 types of nail trimming tools for dogs. Scissors or a guillotine type. The guillotine nail clippers are the best ones to use with German Shepherd Dogs. |
| A Nail File | Gently file off any sharp bits left after you have trimmed your dogs nails. |
| [Optional] A dremel type nail file | Some German Shepherd Dogs have really strong thick nails which are easier to file down using a dremel type nail file than trim using nail clippers. Whether you need this or not will depend upon your dog. |
| Another Person | Not essential but you may find it easier to have someone with you to hold your dog especially if you are doing it for the first time. |
Before You Start
Most dogs do not like this so it is better if you can be as quickly as possible. It is also better to do it with someone else as the other person can hold your dog and help reassure them whilst you carry out the task.
It is really important that you know not to cut your dog’s nails too short. Dogs have a vein called the quick that extends down part of the nail bed itself. If you cut into this it will bleed heavily whilst also causing your dog a lot of pain.
If you cause this sort of injury to your dog then it will be painful. Quite understandably they are likely to develop a fear of nail trimming which will be difficult to overcome.
So please do be careful when carrying out this task. It is better to leave them a little bit longer than cut them too short.
How To Trim a German Shepherd Dog’s Nails
Place your dog on a table or some other flat surface where you can easily access their feet without getting knocked over.
Take one foot at a time. Your dog may try to pull its paw away so you need to hold it quite firmly.
Quickly trim the nails and move on to the next one whilst praising your dog for being good. You can also use treat rewards for their good behaviour.
If necessary you can file off any sharp bits.
German Shepherd Dog Dental Care
Dogs can also have dental problems caused by a build-up of plaque the same as humans. Brushing their teeth for 2 to 3 minutes daily can help reduce the risk of them having dental issues.
Equipment Needed
| Equipment Needed | Notes |
|---|---|
| A soft-bristled toothbrush | You can buy toothbrushes designed for dogs but any soft-bristled toothbrush will do. |
| A toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. | You must never use human toothpaste. The toothpaste that is forumated for dogs has a meaty flavour which your dog will like the taste of and make whole process easier. You can get dog toothpaste formulas in most pet stores and on line. |
How To Clean A German Shepherd Dog’s Teeth
Once you have your supplies in hand, it’s time to get started!
First, wet the toothbrush with water. If you are using toothpaste put a tiny blob of toothpaste on the end. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you how much to use. Then gently rub over each tooth surface in small circular motions that extend from gum line to tip.
Perform this for each side of every tooth and any other spaces where plaque may collect (like between the front teeth).
German Shepherd Ear Care
German Shepherd Dogs are not prone to ear infections but checking and cleaning their ears is an essential part of their care.
You should gently clean their ears once a week using cotton balls or swabs dipped in warm water. Don’t saturate them as you don’t want water dripping into your dog’s ear canal. They just need to be damp enough to help remove any dirt and debris you may be able to see around the outer parts of the ear.
Your dog’s ears should look clean and healthy. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge or odour coming from them then it’s likely they have an ear infection. Schedule an appointment with your vet immediately to get treatment as this is unlikely to clear up on its own and it will be painful.
Little black specs inside your dog’s ears may also be a sign of ear mites which again is worth getting checked out by the vet.
The German Shepherd Grooming Schedule
| Grooming Procedure | What To Do | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Brushing | Use a ferminator or de-shedding tool for 5 to 10 minutes. Working with in the direction of the dogs fur from front to back. Use a de-tangle comb and detangle spray to deal with mats if necessary and finish with a soft-bristled brush to distribute the oils and create shine. | 3 to 5 times a week |
| Shedding Season Brushing (Usually beginning of Spring/Fall for 2 to 4 weeks) | This is the same process as regular brushing but increase the time using the de-shedding tool to between 10 and 15 minutes. You may also want to do this outside as there will be a lot of fur. | Everyday. |
| Bathing | You can bathe a dog in the tub, shower or even outside if the weather is warm. Use a natural shampoo and conditioner designed for use on dogs and work up a good lather. Rinse thoroughly. Use a large towel or a High-velocity dog dryer will speed up the drying process. | Only when necessary and try to leave at least 3 to 4 months between each one. |
| Nail Care | Check regularly and if they are becoing too long use a pair of sharp nail clippers or trimmers designed for dog claws to quickly snip off the tips of the nails taking care to avoid the quick. Any sharp bits can be taken care of with a nail file. For German Shepherd Dogs with really thick nails a dremel type nail file tool will probably be easier to use than clippers. | You may never have to trim your dogs nails if they are regularly walked on pavements but you should check them weekly. |
| Dental Care | Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste forumula that is designed for dogs. Clean each tooth including around the gum line using circular motions. You can also give commercial dental sticks and chews. | For 2 to 3 minutes everyday |
| Ear Care | Using a clean facecloth, cotton balls or swabs that have been slightly dampened with water clean any dirt you can see from your dogs ears. Watch out for signs of infection and visit the vet if anything is detected. | Once a week |
Can I Shave A German Shepherd Dog
This is a question that seems to come up a lot where German Shepherd grooming is concerned and the answer is
No Never
Dog hair is unfortunately part and parcel of being a German Shepherd owner. There is nothing you can do to avoid it but regular grooming will reduce the amount you get transferred to your clothing and furniture.
Shedding is a natural and essential process German Shepherd Dogs have to go through for their health. It is brought on by growth hormones that are stimulated by changes in the climate.
As the weather warms up hormonal changes encourage a new lighter undercoat to start to grow that will help keep the dog cool. This new hair growth causes the existing thick winter coat to be shed. The exact reverse of this happens when the weather beings to cool down again.
A lot of people seem to think that a simple solution to the shedding process would be simply shaving the hair off.
Many also believe that they helping their dog keep cool in the summer by removing what they see as a thick heavy coat.
Unfortunately these people are so wrong.
Here’s why you should NEVER shave a Geman Shepherd Dog.
A German Shepherd’s coat is designed to provide them with protection not just from the cold but also from the sun too. Their undercoat is an insulation layer that plays a huge part in enabling them to regulate their body temperature. It also protects their skin from excessive moisture or from drying out.
If you remove this protection during the summer they are likely to get sunburn and they will also be at risk of overheating. If you remove it during the winter they are not going to be able to maintain their core body temperature.
Also once the coat has been shaved it never grows back the same. The protection that the dog’s coat is meant to give them will be compromised forever so please just don’t do it EVER!.
Not only will they be miserable their health is being put at significant risk.
Things To Avoid
- Don’t Use products such as shampoos and toothpaste designed for humans.
- Don’t be tempted to use a hair dryer as they tend to get too hot for your dog.
- Don’t get water inside their ears.
- Avoid getting shampoo near their face and eyes.
- Don’t cut nails too short.
- Never shave your dog.
Takeaway Message!
German Shepherd Dogs need a regular grooming routine to keep them looking and feeling their best. This routine is quite easy to do at home if you follow the instructions in this guide.
If you are new to German Shepherd ownership then I think shedding will be one of the hardest things for you to deal with. When they shed they do it big style leaving fur on clothes and furniture wherever they go.
The best way to keep on top of this is by making sure you brush them every day sometimes a couple of times a day during a heavy shedding period.
I hope you found the information provided here helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments I will be happy to help.
