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German Shepherds are strong, intelligent, and agile working dogs, wary of strangers but loyal and protective of their families. And as every pet parent to a German Shepherd knows, they’re also powerhouse shedders—making finding the right grooming brush for your German Shepherd a must.
Both long- and short-haired German Shepherds have a double coat. A soft, downy undercoat acts as insulation to keep your dog warm in winter and cool in summer, while an outer coat gives their fur its distinctive color and acts as a protective external layer. They shed these impressive coats year-round (earning them the nickname “German Shedders”).
To manage all that hair, it’s important to groom your German Shepherd regularly, especially during seasonal transitions when they tend to lose even more fur than usual. But with those outer “guard hairs” in place, it can be challenging to do a thorough job without the right tools.
We spoke with Iram Gladan, DVM, current Ph.D. researcher and writer for Breed Atlas, to learn more about German Shepherd coat needs and what to look for when choosing the best brush for German Shepherd. With her feedback, we’ve rounded up our top 7 picks for brushes and tools to help keep your German Shepherd’s coat in great shape—and maybe keep your house a bit cleaner, too.
Best for Puppies: Safari Bamboo Pin & Bristle Combo Dog Brush
When it comes to brushing your German Shepherd puppy, training and getting them used to grooming sessions as something not to be feared is essential. “German Shepherd puppies require regular brushing, though their coats are less dense than adult coats,” says Dr. Gladan.
“Use a soft brush, like a puppy brush with soft bristles or a soft pin brush, which is easy on their skin and not so disturbing to their undeveloped coat. Begin brushing early so the puppy becomes accustomed to the process, and grooming can be a positive experience.”
This combo brush has both a soft-bristled side and a metal pin-style brush for gentle grooming. The wire pin brush helps to remove loose hair and dirt, while the bristles help distribute your dog’s natural coat oils for a smooth shine.
Key Features
- Available in two sizes: medium and large
- Made with a bamboo handle
- Good for all coat types
Best for Daily Use: HERTZKO Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
“A slicker brush is ideal for regular maintenance,” says Dr. Gladan. “It has fine, short wires close together, which are effective at removing loose hair, dirt, and debris from the coat. It also helps in preventing mats and tangles.”
With more than 60,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this particular brush is popular with many dog parents (and even cat people). It’s designed with fine wire bristles that remove loose hairs and debris while being gentle enough to use daily.
“Brushing a German Shepherd should be done at least 2 to 3 times a week to save their coat from tangles and mats,” adds Dr. Gladan. “Regular brushing helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping the coat shiny and reducing shedding inside the house.”
The brush’s retractable bristles make cleanup easy: press the button on top and easily wipe away the hair. Plus, the brush creates a massaging action on your dog’s coat that helps distribute natural oils.
Key Features
- Available in two sizes: small and regular
- Anti-slip handle
- Good for all ages
Best for Shedding Season: FURminator Deshedding Tool
“During shedding seasons, which typically occur in the spring and fall, German Shepherds will need daily brushing to manage the significant increase in shedding as they blow their coat,” explains Dr. Gladan.
That’s where this highly-rated de-shedding tool comes into play with a rake, slicker, or bristle brush. Designed by groomers, the FURminator is one of the top names in dog brushes. It features a stainless-steel edge that reaches through the top coat to catch the undercoat beneath, pulling out loose hairs.
The brush won’t damage a dog’s top coat or their skin, and its curved handle provides a steady and comfortable grip for human hands. The brush comes in three sizes, but a large is typically the best option for a full-sized German Shepherd. This brush should only be used once a week in combination with a brush that can be used daily, like a slicker or bristle brush.
Key Features
- Best to use it once a week, not daily
- Button on top to release hair after brushing
- Curved stainless steel edge conforms to pet’s body shape for gentle brushing
Best Undercoat Rake: FURminator Dog Grooming Rake
“One tool needed during seasons when the German Shepherd is blowing its coat is the undercoat rake,” says Dr. Gladan. “This kind of tool can reach deeply into the undercoat with its long teeth, pulling out loose hairs efficiently, which helps manage heavy shedding.”
This grooming rake glides through your pet’s fur to work out any knots, smooth the coat, and remove loose hairs. The single row of stainless-steel pins rotates to prevent tugging and irritation. Each point is rounded, ensuring the pins slide gently over your dog’s skin. “It also works best in combination with a de-shedding tool of choice,” adds Dr. Gladan.
Key Features
- Helps with loose hair, tangles, and mats
- Rotating teeth to prevent irritation
- Can be used for daily brushing
Best Pin Brush: Chris Christensen Dog Brush
“A pin brush is another great option for daily brushing,” explains Dr. Gladan. “These brushes are designed with widely spaced, long, and flexible pins with rounded tips to brush deep into the undercoat without causing pain. They are great for detangling and removing loose fur.”
This pin brush features 27 mm thick stainless steel pins with ground and polished tips that help remove loose hair and work through tangles. While expensive, many reviewers say it works well for thick coats, gently captures fur, and is easy to clean.
Key Features
- Good for all coat types
- Body of the brush made of beechwood
- Made in Germany
Best Bristle Brush: Hertzko Bristle Brush
A bristle brush is an excellent way to finish grooming sessions with your German Shepherd. “A bristle brush can be used to finish the coat, giving it a smooth, polished appearance after the loose hairs have been removed,” Dr. Gladan tells us.
This densely packed bristle brush helps capture hair and debris while also helping to increase blood circulation and distribute your dog’s natural coat oils. Though this brush can be used for dogs of all ages, the soft bristles also make it an excellent option for puppies.
Key Features
- Features an anti-slip comfort grip handle
- Gentle enough to use with puppies
- Good for dogs with long and short hair
Best Comb: SHINY PET Dog Comb
Combs are an essential brush to have in your grooming toolkit due to their ability to help sort out tangles and mats. This 3-in-1 comb provides combing, de-matting, and detangling benefits with round stainless steel teeth.
Its teeth feature a combination spacing design that gently massages your dog’s coat while helping to remove tangles. The anti-slip handle makes it easy to gently brush a pup’s coat without dropping it.
Key Features
- Comes with a free grooming ebook
- Good for tangles and removing loose hair
- Rounded stainless steel teeth so they do not scratch your dog’s skin
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Iram Gladan, a DVM, current Ph.D. researcher, and writer for Breed Atlas. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
