German Shepherds shed year round and blow their undercoat twice a year. Our guide reveals why the FURminator deShedding Tool paired with a slicker brush is the top grooming kit.
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Best Overall: FURminator deShedding Tool for Large Dogs. The stainless steel edge reaches deep into the undercoat and removes loose hair quickly wi.
Best Undercoat Rake: Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake. Dual rows of rounded stainless teeth penetrate thick double coats and dethatch dense under.
Best Budget: Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. Fine bent wires lift loose fur and detangle the surface coat, and the retractable bristle.
Best Slicker: Chris Christensen Slicker Brush. A professional grooming favorite with long, flexible pins on a lightweight body that glide.
Runner-Up: Safari Dog Undercoat Rake. Rotating stainless teeth pull out loose undercoat and reduce tangles on heavy coats, offer.
Quick answer
For most German Shepherd owners, the FURminator deShedding Tool for Large Dogs is our top overall pick because it pulls loose undercoat fast without cutting the topcoat. The Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake is the best dedicated rake for thick double coats, and the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is the easiest budget option for daily upkeep.
What to consider for a German Shepherd coat
German Shepherds carry a dense double coat with a coarse outer layer and a soft, woolly undercoat that blows out heavily twice a year. The right tool needs to reach deep into that undercoat without scratching skin or stripping healthy guard hairs. Undercoat rakes and deshedding tools remove the loose fluff that causes shedding, while slicker brushes smooth the surface and lift dirt. Most owners need at least two tools, a rake for heavy sessions and a slicker for finishing. Comfortable handles matter too, since a full brush-out can take fifteen to twenty minutes during shedding season.
How we picked
We focused on tools proven on thick double coats, weighing undercoat reach, blade or pin quality, skin safety, ease of cleaning, and handle comfort. We prioritized products with strong long-term owner feedback, durable construction, and designs sized for large breeds. Tools that snagged, broke quickly, or risked cutting the topcoat were ranked lower.
German Shepherds shed year round and blow their undercoat twice a year, so the most effective grooming kit pairs a deep-reaching undercoat rake or deshedding tool with a finishing slicker brush.
The Options
Types Explained
Deshedding tool
A fine stainless edge that grabs and removes loose undercoat hair while leaving the topcoat intact.
Best for: Reducing overall shedding fast during seasonal coat blows.
Undercoat rake
Long, often rounded metal teeth that dig through the topcoat to dethatch and clear the dense undercoat.
Best for: Heavy deshedding and breaking up packed undercoat on thick double coats.
Slicker brush
A flat pad of fine bent wires that lifts loose hair, removes tangles, and smooths the coat surface.
Best for: Daily upkeep, detangling, and finishing the topcoat.
Pin brush
Widely spaced rounded pins that fluff the coat and remove light debris with a gentle touch.
Best for: Light maintenance between deeper deshedding sessions.
The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
FURminator deShedding Tool for Large Dogs
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The stainless steel edge reaches deep into the undercoat and removes loose hair quickly without damaging the topcoat, with a release button that ejects collected fur in one press.
Dual rows of rounded stainless teeth penetrate thick double coats and dethatch dense undercoat while staying gentle on skin, making it ideal for German Shepherd shedding blowouts.
Fine bent wires lift loose fur and detangle the surface coat, and the retractable bristle button clears trapped hair in seconds, all at a friendly price for daily upkeep.
A professional grooming favorite with long, flexible pins on a lightweight body that glides through the coat, finishing the topcoat smoothly without scratching the skin.
Rotating stainless teeth pull out loose undercoat and reduce tangles on heavy coats, offering a dependable, well-priced alternative for regular deshedding sessions.
German Shepherds have a dense woolly undercoat, so choose a rake or deshedding tool with teeth long enough to reach the skin and pull loose fluff free.
02
Skin safety
Rounded teeth and flexible pins protect the skin during long sessions. Avoid sharp blades that can scratch or cut healthy guard hairs.
03
Topcoat protection
A good tool removes loose undercoat without stripping the coarse outer guard hairs that protect your dog from sun, dirt, and temperature swings.
04
Easy cleaning
Self cleaning slickers and release buttons clear trapped hair fast, which matters when you are pulling out handfuls of fur during shedding season.
05
Handle comfort
An ergonomic, non-slip grip reduces hand fatigue during full brush-outs that can last fifteen to twenty minutes on a large double coat.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Brush during coat blows
Twice a year your German Shepherd will shed its undercoat heavily. Brush daily with a rake or deshedding tool during these weeks to control loose fur and reduce matting.
Never shave the double coat
The double coat insulates against heat and cold and protects the skin. Shaving can permanently damage regrowth, so manage shedding with brushing instead of clipping.
Work in sections
Brush methodically from neck to tail in the direction of hair growth, lifting the topcoat to reach the undercoat. Keep sessions calm and reward your dog to build a positive routine.
Pro tip
Mist the coat lightly with water before deshedding. A slightly damp coat releases loose undercoat more easily and reduces flyaway fur during a long brush-out.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my German Shepherd?
Brush two to three times a week year round, and daily during the twice-yearly coat blows when the undercoat sheds most heavily.
What is the best brush for a German Shepherd?
For most owners the FURminator deShedding Tool for Large Dogs is the best all-round choice, paired with an undercoat rake like the Maxpower Planet for heavy sessions.
Do German Shepherds need an undercoat rake?
Yes, an undercoat rake reaches deep into the dense undercoat to clear loose fluff that surface brushes miss, which is essential during shedding season.
Can I use a slicker brush on a German Shepherd?
Yes, a slicker brush such as the Hertzko or Chris Christensen is great for detangling and smoothing the topcoat, though it works best alongside a rake or deshedding tool.
Should I shave my German Shepherd to reduce shedding?
No, shaving a double coat can harm the coat and remove natural insulation and protection. Regular brushing is the safe way to control shedding.
How do I stop my German Shepherd from shedding so much?
You cannot stop shedding entirely, but frequent brushing with a deshedding tool, a balanced diet, and regular bathing will greatly reduce the loose hair around your home.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
