We love our German Shepherds because they are fiercely loyal, intelligent and incredibly obedient. And because of this, they excel in being guard and family dogs. And as a fun fact, according to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are considered as the third smartest breed of dogs.

Having said that, aside from proper nutrition, these dogs also require regular maintenance and care.

Importance of Grooming

It’s important to keep your German Shepherd groomed not only so that they will look good, but also to maintain a healthy level of cleanliness. And with regular grooming, you can spot any uncommon defects such as rashes, ticks or fleas, ear infection or bumps, among others. This will save you a whole lot of time and money before it becomes a serious case.

One thing to point out though, you need to start grooming your German Shepherd as early as possible, and this can be as early as a three-week old puppy. This is because they need to get used to the routine of being groomed and staying put, especially when it comes to nail cutting.

It’s also a good bonding activity between you and your dog. This is the time for your German Shepherd to have all your attention on him, while he gets bathed, brushed and cleaned all over. Every GSD is unique, and so is the amount of time you’ll spend grooming them. This will vary based on their size and personality.

Lastly, grooming your German Shepherd contributes to your own household cleanliness. With regular brushing, you will reduce your german shepherds shedding which means there will be less hair and dander going around your home that could also trigger allergies from your housemates or family members.

Understanding Your German Shepherd's Coat

Your German Shepherd’s double coat acts as a natural protection system. The coarse outer layer helps repel water and dirt, while the soft, dense undercoat provides insulation to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s a well-designed system that helps regulate their temperature year-round.

A healthy coat is often a good reflection of your dog’s overall health—nutritional deficiencies, stress, or underlying issues can sometimes show up in their fur first. Most German Shepherds have that classic black and tan look, but they can also come in solid black, sable, or even rare colors like blue or liver.

German Shepherds Can Have Four Different Coat Lengths

German Shepherds come in four primary coat types:

1. Standard medium-length double coat (most common)

2. Long-haired double coat with outer guard hairs extending up to two inches

3. Short-haired variety with a closer-lying double-layer structure

4. Long-haired without undercoat (also called "plush coat")

Each type requires specific grooming approaches and tools to maintain optimal health and manage shedding effectively.

How Often Should German Shepherds Be Groomed?

For most German Shepherds, brush thoroughly 3-4 times weekly during normal periods. During shedding seasons (spring and fall), daily brushing becomes necessary. Limit baths to once every 3-4 months unless your dog gets particularly dirty, over-bathing will strip their natural oils. Trim their nails every 3-4 weeks and clean ears bi-weekly unless your dog is prone to ear infections, in which case check weekly. Brush their teeth several times weekly for optimal dental health.

Grooming a German Shepherd can be a lot of work, especially during shedding season. A professional dog dryer can make things way easier. German Shepherds have thick double coats that trap tons of loose fur, and our K9 high-velocity dryers are great for blowing all that out fast. They help you dry your dog quickly, cut down on the mess, and save a lot of time.

Basic Grooming Tips

Brushing

Regular brushing of your German Shepherd’s hair prevents it from becoming matted, and instead, making his hair healthier and shinier.

• Use tools like a slicker brush or undercoat rake for the double coat.

• Brush daily during seasonal shedding (spring and fall) when they blow their coat.

• Regular brushing promotes shine and distributes natural oils for coat health.

Ears

Just like humans, German Shepherds get ear wax build-up. Clean their ears with ear drops, not with water because it can cause infections. Squeeze a couple of drops into each ear, then wipe it off with a soft cloth or cotton pads.

• Massage gently to help the drops break down the wax.

• If you notice irritation or strong odor, contact your vet.

Toes

If toenails are left unchecked and allowed to grow too long, it can hurt your German Shepherd. There are special cutters just for dog toenails, and can easily be bought in pet shops. 

If cutting your dog’s toenails is difficult for you, consider going to a professional groomer.  They can also teach you how it’s done, and once you and your pup are comfortable with it, you can do it yourself.

• Avoid the quick, It's the pink part inside the nail—cutting it can hurt and cause bleeding.

• Have styptic powder nearby, It quickly stops bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick

• Keeping nails short helps protect joints and posture.

Teeth

Teeth need to be checked regularly too, for plaque and tartar build up. This can easily be done with a toothbrush and a small amount of dog-friendly toothpaste. Brush as you would brush your own teeth, making sure to reach the gums too.

• Use a soft toothbrush specialized for dogs.

• Focus on the gum line using gentle circular motions.

• Dental treats or chew toys can help between brushings.

Bathing

GSD’s are generally odor-free and naturally clean. Bathing too often will strip their coats of its natural oils that can dry out their skin. Avoid strong shampoos because it can irritate their skin, as well.

• Choose a mild dog shampoo to avoid skin irritation.

• Always rinse thoroughly and dry completely after the bath.

• Always reward your pup with a well-earned treat!

Shedding Patterns and Seasonal Changes

German Shepherds shed year-round, with dramatic increases during seasonal transitions. Twice annually—typically spring and fall—they undergo "blowing coat," shedding their undercoat in massive quantities over 2-3 weeks. Spring shedding removes the winter undercoat for warmer weather, while fall shedding prepares for winter protection.

During high-shedding periods, you'll probably find tufts of undercoat falling out in clumps. Indoor heating and artificial lighting can also disrupt natural shedding cycles, sometimes causing indoor German Shepherds to shed more consistently year-round rather than seasonally.

GSDs can be brushed or dryer blown on a daily basis during this time. Otherwise, brushing 3-4 times a week is sufficient enough.

You can sometimes cut your german shepherds coat, but never shave it!

Grooming During Shedding Season

When shedding season begins, intensify your grooming routine. Brush outdoors when possible to contain the fur explosion. Consider investing in our high-velocity dryer designed for double-coated breeds to remove loose undercoat before it ends up on furniture.

Establish a daily brushing schedule during peak shedding, working in sections for thorough coverage. Start with an undercoat rake, follow with a slicker brush, and finish with a grooming glove or rubber curry brush. Focus particularly on dense fur areas around the hindquarters and neck.

Consider a high velocity deshedding treatment during intensive periods. After brushing, a quick wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth can collect remaining loose fur.

How Can I Prevent My German Shepherd from Shedding

While shedding cannot be eliminated completely, you can minimize its impact:

• Feed a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to strengthen hair follicles

• Ensure proper hydration, as dehydrated dogs often experience increased fur loss

• Implement consistent year-round brushing rather than only responding to heavy shedding periods

• Use furniture covers, washable rugs, and designated dog blankets on favorite resting spots

• Invest in effective cleaning tools like rubber brooms and vacuum cleaners with pet hair attachments

• Consider monthly bathing with deshedding shampoos followed by thorough drying and brushing

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture airborne fur

Can A German Shepherd Be Shaved?

Shaving a German Shepherd is strongly discouraged by vets and breed specialists. Their double coat is designed to protect them from both heat and cold, and shaving it can actually do more harm than good. Despite what many believe, shaving won’t keep your German Shepherd cooler in the summer—in fact, it removes their natural barrier against heat and harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of overheating and sunburn.

When a GSD is shaved, the soft undercoat usually grows back faster than the outer guard hairs, which can lead to a patchy, uneven texture that mats easily. In some cases, the coat may never grow back the same. It also exposes sensitive skin to irritants, insect bites, and sun damage.

A better alternative is regular brushing to remove excess undercoat while keeping the protective outer layer intact. During hotter months, focus on keeping your dog cool by providing shade, plenty of water, proper ventilation, and avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

More Than Just Grooming

While German Shepherds aren't high-maintenance compared to other breeds, they benefit greatly from regular grooming. Beyond the physical care, this routine strengthens the special bond between you and your loyal companion.