German Shepherd Grooming: Brushing, Baths and Coat Blowing

Short answer: brush a German Shepherd at least three times a week, and every day when it blows its coat. Bathe only every 6 to 8 weeks or when it’s genuinely dirty, and book a professional de-shed every 6 to 8 weeks. Never shave it. Clean the big upright ears weekly.

Two coats, two kinds of Shepherd

Most German Shepherds in India have a medium-length double coat: a harsh, straight outer coat over a thick, woolly undercoat. There’s also a long-coated Shepherd, with softer, longer hair on the ears, legs and tail that tangles more easily. Both shed steadily, and both blow the undercoat, usually twice a year, when it comes out in handfuls for two or three weeks.

The brushing kit

• Undercoat rake: the most important tool. It reaches through the outer coat to pull out loose undercoat.
• Slicker brush: for the softer hair on the legs, tail and, on long-coated dogs, the ears.
• Wide-tooth metal comb: to check you’ve reached the skin, especially on long coats.

Work in sections, rake first, slicker second, comb last. Brush with the direction of hair growth, and give extra time to the neck ruff, the back of the thighs and the base of the tail, where the undercoat is thickest.

When the coat blows

You’ll know it’s happening: tufts of soft grey or fawn fur come away in clumps, and your floor looks like it snowed. During those weeks, brush daily, keep the house vacuumed, and book a professional de-shed, which removes in one session what would take days at home. A warm bath followed by a high-velocity blow-dry loosens the undercoat so it comes out far more easily.

Bathing a German Shepherd

Shepherds don’t need frequent baths; their coat is fairly dirt-resistant, and over-washing dries out the skin. Every 6 to 8 weeks is plenty, unless your dog has rolled in something or come in muddy. Brush out first, use a dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and dry the dense undercoat all the way to the skin. A Shepherd left damp underneath can develop itchy, irritated skin, especially in humid weather. Persistent redness or a smell is one for the vet.

Those big ears

A Shepherd’s upright ears catch dust and debris. Once a week, wipe the inside of the ear flap with a soft cloth and a vet-approved ear cleaner. Never push anything into the ear canal. Dark discharge, a bad smell or scratching at the ears needs a vet.

Nails, paws and teeth

Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks; Shepherds often dislike it, so short, calm sessions with treats work best. Check the pads after walks for cuts and stuck grit. Brushing teeth a few times a week helps, and a vet should check heavy tartar.

Getting a Shepherd used to grooming

German Shepherds are clever, alert and often wary of being restrained, so grooming goes best when it’s routine and predictable. Groom in the same place, at the same time of day, and keep early sessions short. Reward calm behaviour. Teach a stand cue so your dog stays still while you brush its sides and back legs. If your Shepherd is protective of its paws, touch one paw, reward, and stop, then build up over days.

Signs it’s time for a professional groom

• Clumps of undercoat are coming out faster than you can brush them.
• The coat feels thick and packed when you push your fingers into it.
• Long-coated dogs have tangles behind the ears or on the back legs that you can’t comb through.
• Nails are clicking on the floor and your dog won’t let you near its feet.
• The coat smells even after a bath, which usually means the undercoat never dried.

Don’t shave a Shepherd

Shaving takes away the coat’s protection from heat and sun, doesn’t reduce shedding, and the coat can grow back patchy. For the reasoning in detail, see why double coats need trims, not shaves. If you have a Husky too, our Husky summer care guide covers a similar coat in Indian heat.

Big dog, no salon trip. Our groomers bring a professional dryer and a helper for large dogs, and de-shed your Shepherd at home. In Mumbai, book dog and cat grooming at home in Mumbai, or see our big-dog grooming in Navi Mumbai. Also in Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi NCR.

German Shepherd grooming FAQs