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German Shepherd Shedding [And The Best Brushes To Use]

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So you have a German Shepherd, and their fuzzy coat has claimed your entire home.

If you've come desperately in search for hair shedding solutions then you've come to the right place...

I'm a full time dog groomer and I've owned my fair share of double-coated breeds. I handle German Shepherds daily and I've heard all the shedding stories.

Don't worry, there are some great little tricks we use to maintain sanity when it comes to excessive shedding - so let's take a look.

How Much Do German Shepherds Shed?

  • On a scale from 1 to 10, German Shepherd shedding will rank a solid 9. Meaning total fur domination. 

You'll be sweeping and vacuuming at least twice a week, lint rolling your clothes everyday, and finding tumble-weeds of hair blowing through your home like the old west.

Thankfully, I've dealt with my fair share of shedding (owning heavy shedders and being a dog groomer), so I have a few tips to help you get control of your home again.

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Why They Shed (And When They Shed The Most)

German shepherds will shed all year long, but there are certain times when they suddenly explode into shedding furballs. Sometimes these are health related and require a visit to your vet for further investigation.

Shedding Season

Your dog's coat naturally responds to daylight - so as the days get shorter and winter approaches your dog will naturally begin to grow in their winter coat.

During that time their old summer hairs are being pushed out to make room for new hair, and you may notice a big increase in shedding for a few weeks during the Fall season.

Similarly, as the days get longer your dog will no longer find a need for all that coat.

So when spring rolls around you'll find your German Shepherd has gifted you with yet another huge increase in shedding. This is called "blowing out" their coat, and it happens every Spring season.

Health Issues

Poor Diet

A poor diet can contribute to excessive shedding.

Dog’s skin and coat are especially sensitive to deficiencies in their nutrition. You must survey ingredients to ensure they receive a balanced diet.

High-quality foods contain a balance of Protein and Essential Fatty Acids that promote stronger hair follicles and skin elasticity - which keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.

A dull coat, flaky skin, and excessive shedding can be result from being Omega 3 and 6 deficient. 30% or more of your dog’s daily protein is used for the renewal of skin and hair.

Allergies

Inflamed and itchy skin may lead to more scratching, which leads to more shedding. Look for signs or symptoms that your dog is suffering from allergies.

  • Red, watery, or swollen eyes
  • Constant scratching
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, red skin
  • Red, inflamed, or infected ears

Dog allergies can be environmental or food based. Consult with a vet to determine the exact cause.

Pain

Excessive shedding may be the symptom of something deeper, and your dog may be suffering from physical pain for disease, even if it's not immediately apparent.

Look for these signs:

  • Stress
  • Avoidance
  • Lack of Energy
  • Lethargic Behavior

If you suspect something is wrong then seek the advice of a veterinarian immediately.

Stress

Ever feel so stressed you swear you're losing your hair? Dogs can feel the same way - but dogs are just better at hiding their stress.

A sudden surge in shedding is the first sign something is wrong, but you'll need to look for other symptoms:

  • Avoidance
  • Aggression
  • Lethargy
  • Drooling or panting
  • Pacing
  • Ears pinned back
  • Tail between legs
  • Destructive Behavior

Discovering and removing the source of stress may improve their overall mental health and reduce shedding. 

Stress can be related to many different events: loud noises, over-stimulation, unfamiliar places, introduction of new pets or people into your home. It could also be internal, such as pain or illness. 

Neutered or Pregnancy

Testosterone and other hormones can be partly responsible for keeping hair follicles strong and healthy.

Major changes in hormones can cause changes in skin elasticity and hair follicles, resulting in major shedding for several months. Being neutered or spayed will have a major effect on the coat for up to a year. Likewise, pregnancy (or false pregnancy) can have a similar effect. 

Coats generally return to their normal state over several months.

Losing The Puppy Coat

When your Shepherd was born they began life with a thick, fluffy coat to keep them warm and protected.

At about 4 to 6 months of age they'll begin to grow in their new adult coat, and so all that puppy hair has to go.

For several weeks you'll notice a sudden increase in shedding, but not to worry, it's a normal part of growing up.

Fleas, Ticks, or Parasites

Similar to allergies, parasites on your dog’s skin can lead to excessive scratching, which leads to more hair loss.

If you suspect your dog has fleas, then first do a proper inspection. Call your vet or groomer before visiting so they can properly prepare the facility, otherwise they may spread to other dogs.

Treat fleas and ticks with specialized flea shampoos or insecticides from your vet or pet store.

Your home will need to be treated as well, anywhere your dog sleeps (bedding, furniture, blankets) must be go through the laundry or properly cleaned.

Get Control of Shedding

So we know why German Shepherds shed, but how do we control it?

Well, as it turns out this is my specialty (and what I do for a living). And while there is no way to completely stop shedding, there is ways to massively reduce it.

Brush Everyday

Seems simple enough, but it's a daily routine that will have the biggest impact.

The problem is most owners aren't brushing deep enough to loosen up all that undercoat - for that we'll need some brushes or combs to get down deep.

Here's a quick explanation and how to get the most hair out... 

How To Get a TON of Dog Hair Out

German Shepherds are a double-coated breed. Meaning there is two layers of coat: the surface coat (or guard coat), and a thicker under-layer called the undercoat - and it's the undercoat that is responsible for most of the hair around your home or car.

As a groomer I use a few different techniques for deshedding your dog:

The best bang for your buck is the amazing Undercoat Rake - it's simply a soft-pinned comb that effectively loosens up all that undercoat hair (hence the name).

We'll also use deshedding shampoos and treatments.

And finally, a high velocity dryer to literally blow the remaining coat off. This usually leaves your dog shed-free for at least a few weeks. 

Click here to see the exact brushes and tools I use for this process.

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Bathing with Deshedding Treatment

Ideally, bathe your dog once every 6 - 10 weeks.

Bathing will remove a lot of loose and dead hair, along with keeping their coat smelling great.

But we can take it one step further by applying deshedding shampoos and conditioners that slick hair down and allow for easier removal.

Simply bathe your dog like you normally would, but apply a deshedding treatment and allow it work it's magic for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Blowing Out Their Coat with a High Velocity Dryer

Many professional dog groomers have a secret weapon to completely deshed and dry your dog quickly. It's the high velocity dryer, and it's amazing.  

Think of a Leaf-blower designed to blow dog hair out. It's perfectly safe and extremely effective!

The result: your dog will shed 80% less for about 2 or 3 weeks. And during peak shedding season it's absolutely worth it!

Great example I found on YouTube, skip to 1:20 to see how much hair this gets off!

Please ensure you receive proper instruction on how to properly use a high velocity dryer on a dog to avoid any possible injuries.

Healthy Dogs = Less Shedding

Finally, their diet can be a huge culprit when it comes to excessive shedding.

Do your homework and choose a high quality dog food which is best suited for your German Shepherd based on age, activity level, and any health concerns such as allergies. Talk to your vet about supplementing their food with omega fats or selecting the right dog food.

Besides food, German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation, along with a stress-free environment.

The Best Brush (and Deshedding Tools) For German Shepherds

Running a grooming business I've dealt with my fair share of double-coated breeds, so here's a few of my favorite tools to deshed those fluffy dogs.

Best Brushes and Combs

My Recommendation:
Coastal Pet - Safari Longtooth Undercoat Rake

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To get into that thick undercoat you’ll need an undercoat rake, which is a soft-edged metal comb that rakes deep into their coat to remove loose hair and mats.

It's a very simple tool that massively reduces shedding, and is much more effective than your typical brush. Also, dogs absolutely love the feeling!

This particular one is amazing, and I have been using the same one for nearly 6 years. Cheap and super effective.

PROS

  • Very Affordable
  • Soft blades for comfortable grooming.
  • Very effective at getting out undercoat and reducing shedding.

CONS

  • Like most tools they'll rust if left wet, make sure to dry off if using on a wet dog. 

My Recommendation:
Andis Pet Steel Grooming Comb

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Think of this as your second layer of attack. After using an undercoat rake I like to use this comb for it's long, soft edged pins. It gets deep into their coat, often loosening up more tangles and hair. It's perfect for clearing out the deeper parts of their coat (around their butt, neck, and mane)

PROS

  • Super Affordable
  • Extra long comb for removing deep mats and debris.
  • Quick tool for finishing touches.

CONS

  • These break down over time, and comb needles will bend. Thankfully, it's cheap to replace.

Deshedding Treatment

My Recommendation:
FURminator deShedding Conditioner

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DeShedding conditioner is an additional tool to reduce shedding, and works great if you use it along with regular brushing. This will take care of that final 20% of shedding that never seems to go away - and you'll notice a difference for about 10 days afterwards.

Quick note: You might notice an increase in shedding for 24 hours after use. Since you've loosened up so much hair it will continue to fall out for a short time, but then they'll be shed free for a week or two.

PROS

  • Helps with removing some of that stubborn undercoat, while keeping your dog clean and soft.
  • Moisturizes with omega oils, helps with dry skin and dander.
  • Uses all natural and safe ingredients, no weird deShedding chemicals.

CONS

  • If you brush your dog often then deShedding Shampoo will take care of that last remaining bit, but it won't make a huge difference on it's own.

High Velocity Dryer

My Recommendation:
SHELANDY 3.2HP Pet Dryer

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While not quite as powerful as your professional commercial-grade pet dryer, this is a really great personal dryer that can most certainly get the job done (and is quite a bit more affordable). 

By blowing out your dog's coat you'll release a shocking amount of loose hair, and you can live a shed-free life for weeks afterwards. Not to mention it'll save you from making constant trips to your groomer. 

Please Note: Use this outside if possible, or else you'll have hair or water stuck to every part of your room. 

PROS

  • Blows out coat and leaves your dog shed free for up to 3 weeks. 
  • Affordable and very effective  - (The same cost as a single visit to a groomer)
  • Dries coat effectively and safely.

CONS

  • Loud. All dryers are loud to some degree, and this one is no exception.

Can I Just Shave my German Shepherd?

Some owners mistakenly believe that shaving their dog will not only help them feel more comfortable in heat, but will also help with shedding and human allergies.

The truth is shaving a German Shepherd can be detrimental to their health and overall comfort.

Double-coated breeds use their coat to regulate their body temperature as it keeps them warm in the winter, but also cool in the summer. It also protects your dogs skin from moisture, abrasions, and harmful UV rays. By removing their natural barrier you're exposing them to many potential health problems.

Also, some allergy sufferers believe shaving your dog will reduce allergic reactions. Also not true. Allergies are triggered from pet dander, which are particles of skin that shed all year. In fact, shaving them will make it worse, as you expose their skin even further.

And as a final warning, once you shave a double-coated dog, their hair never grows back the same. So that beautiful, silky coat will be gone forever.

If this all sounds like a lot of work, there's a great selection of non shedding dogs out there as well!

Photo of author

Shayla McConnell

Shayla​ has been working closely with animals for over 10 years. Initially trained​ as a Vet Tech Assistant in a local emergency clinic, she ​later changed career paths and became a ​professional Dog Groomer, and is now running her own successful pet grooming business.

18 thoughts on “German Shepherd Shedding [And The Best Brushes To Use]”

  1. Thank you soo much for your tips I’m gonna order the undercoat rake and see how it works. I can’t stand hair on my clothes and especially on my bed my sisters German Shepherd sheds all the time ugh! It’s soooo annoying.. hopefully your tips work thx again

    Reply
    • Have an 8 month old GSD. We purchased the rake, comb and dryer. Oh. Also the conditioner. Using rake and comb daily. Have yet to bathe her.
      Love how the rake and comb work. Gets a lot more hair than previous tools.

      Reply
  2. I use the take on my German Shepherd, and it seems that I don’t get a lot of hair off with it. I was amazed by the high velocity dryer. Where can I get one?

    Reply
    • You can get a good starter dryer off of Amazon (I like the Shelandy 3.2hp), another place to look is local specialty shops that sell grooming supplies (although those might be harder to find).

      I’ve updated this article to include some of my favorite brushes and dryers 🙂

      -Shayla

      Reply
  3. What’s Happening I am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
    discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like it’s aided me.
    Great job.

    Reply
  4. I literally have hair in places I shouldn’t have dog hair! I love him, but, it’s REALLY bad, in 24 hours my hardwoods are covered again, I have cancer and physically can’t handle it anymore- My gorgeous purebred needs a home, he deserves walks I can’t give.

    Reply
  5. Thank you for your tips. My German Shepherd is 7 months, having a really bad shedding. I bought the rake but she does not like it. I want to buy the conditioner, do I need to buy the shampoo as well? I need to take shower for her everyday with the conditioner?

    Reply
  6. I find using the furmanator on our baby girl everyday helps allot.. and a very good vacume. I to don’t like seeing fur on the floor and our bed. But wouldn’t trade anything in the world for our her. so brushing her out with the furminator, and vacuuming everyday is well worth all her Love, and Protection..

    Reply
  7. Hi Shayla, we have a 2.5 year old female GSD who we love dearly, even with all her shedding. We have a furminator brush and I wanted to see if you have experience with that and/or if the rake + comb combo you recommend is superior? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  8. Hi there im just wanting to understand the difference between the undercoat rake & a ferminator?

    Also where can I get pet dryer in the UK

    Reply
  9. I’ve had German Shepherds for 20 years, and thought that I knew all of the best tools for removing loose coat. Not! Your recommendations of the Andis Pet Steel Grooming Comb and the Coastal Pet Safari Long Tooth Undercoat Rake are greatly appreciated. These are two of the BEST grooming tools I have ever owned — thank you for the info!

    Reply
  10. Just a few follow up questions:

    1) what type of brush do you use for the everyday brushing? Is it still the rake and comb, or something different?

    2) when grooming with a bath, do you brush and comb them first and then bathe and blow dry? do you bathe, comb and brush and then blow dry? Or do you bathe, blow dry, and then brush?

    Reply
  11. Goodness I am here again to view this article for shedding advice 🤣 your article has helped me maintain a ~cleaner~ home with my dog. I’m planning on buying a blow dryer for my pup after seeing that video! Thanks a bunch!

    Reply
  12. I like what you said about making sure that your german shepherd has a proper diet to prevent shedding. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to get a puppy soon. I’ll share this information with her so that she can take proper care of it.

    Reply

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