Are you a proud owner of a German Shepherd? Are you looking for some of the best brushes for your furry friend? Here, we have come up with a list of some of the best brushes for German Shepherds.
And we’ve provided a rating for them all too.
Keep reading!
Now, before we move on to the review, let’s tell you about their coat types.
German Shepherds: Coat Types
Most German Shepherds come with a double coat.
This means they have an undercoat and an outer coat.
The undercoat of a dog stays underneath the outer coat. It’s made of tight fur that covers your dog’s skin.
The outer coat of a dog is the loose fur that covers its entire body. It protects your pup from various outside elements such as dirt, grass, and insects.
Did you know that if your German Shepherd has a short to medium-length coat, it’s called a plush coat?
For having long hair, some German Shepherds might acquire the recessive gene.
However, it’s rare.
Now, it doesn’t matter if your German Shepherd has long, medium, or short hair.
They WILL shed!
During the fall and spring, twice a year, the German Shepherds lose their undercoat.
Around this time, there will be a point when your German Shepherd might look naked! Of course, this is before they get a new coat.
Want your pup to get a coat faster?
Brush them regularly.
Also, doing so will lessen their persistent shedding.
Best brushes for German Shepherds at a glance.
- FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool: Best De-Shedding
- Safari Dematting Hair Brush: Best De-matting
- Hertzko Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush: Best Slicker
- KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-use Brush: Best Multipurpose
- GoPets Dematting Comb for Dogs: Premium Choice
- Delomo Pet Grooming: Best Grooming Glove
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush: Best Double Sided
- Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush: Best Pin Brush
- Hertzko Soft Brush for Dogs and Cats: Best Soft Brush
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool | • It comes with an ergonomic handle • You can comb through the topcoat into the undercoat • It has a metal blade | |
 | Safari Dematting Hair Brush | • The blades are made from stainless steel • The blades are widely spaced • It comes with an ergonomic handle | |
 | Hertzko Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush | • You can clean it easily • The material of the bristles is metal • The bristles come with detangling properties | |
 | KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-use Brush | • You can clean this brush with ease • It comes with blunt edges • The brush is made of rubber material | |
 | GoPets Dematting Comb for Dogs | • It comes with dull and rounded edges • Friendly with tough areas • It’s cost-efficient | |
 | Delomo Pet Grooming | • You can wash this glove in your washing machine • It’s made of breathable materials • It comes with an adjustable strap | |
 | Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush | • It comes with dual heads • The bristles are made of soft nylon • It’s easy to hold | |
 | Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush | • The stainless-steel bristles can comb your dog’s hair really well • It has a wooden body that comes with a sturdy grip • The handle is easy to hold, and it doesn’t strain your wrist | |
 | Hertzko Soft Brush for Dogs and Cats | • You can use this every day on your dog • The handle comes with a thumb rest • The bristles are safe and gentle |
Different Types of Brushes for German Shepherds
Various types of brushes are available for your German Shepherd. Know about them here:
#1. Rake brush or de-shedding brush
You can use the rakes or de-shedding brushes to remove loose hair that hasn’t already dislodged from your dog’s body.
Usually, when the dogs are shedding, they shake their hair out.
You might find it hard to remove the coarse hair and the undercoats from your pup’s body.
This is exactly where you need a de-shedding brush to brush them off.
This kind of brush can be used for all kinds of dogs.
#2. Wide-toothed comb or de-matting brush
Do you want to get rid of knotted, tangled, or matted hair?
This is when you need to get your hands on a good quality wide-toothed comb or matting brush.
These brushes are great for removing slight matt or tangles.
However, if your German Shepherd has a tangle that’s much harder to detangle, then make sure to soften their fur with water before you use a brush.
Water will make the brushing process a lot easier. And your pup will not get hurt in the process.
#3. Undercoat rakes
Want to get rid of your German Shepherd’s undercoat tangles?
Then a normal de-matting or de-shedding brush might not be that effective.
The undercoat has short hair. It helps your pup keep cool in the months of summer.
In fact, some dogs have a very coarse hair texture. While shedding, this can make it harder to shake off.
This is where an undercoat rake comes into the picture.
You can choose from a wide variety of undercoat rakes.
It’s mainly used to remove loose undercoats while keeping your furball’s topcoat shiny and sleek.
#4. Mitts or grooming gloves
Do you have a German Shepherd that’s not very fond of traditional brushes when it comes to grooming?
Try grooming gloves instead.
Your dog might like this. Just make sure to stroke them with this glove while grooming.
For massaging your pup, grooming mitts can also work wonders. Most of them come with nubs. So, when you massage your dog with this, it’ll calm them down.
Also Read:- Top 5 Best Dog Grooming Clippers in 2022
#5. Slicker brush
There are flexible and thin bristles in slicker brushes. These bristles are great for getting rid of loose hair, dirt, and even knotted or untangled hair from their thick coats.
Now, if you’re using a slicker brush, be careful and use it gently. These brushes consist of small wire bristles. If not used with care, they might scratch the skin of your dog.
You can also get pin-type brushes for your pet.
These brushes have metal bristles. But the bristles come with a rounded tip. Again, this is to prevent your dog from getting hurt.
Best Brushes for German Shepherds
Here are our top brushes for your German Shepherd.
#1. FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool: Best De-Shedding
Are you looking for some de-shedding tool for your furry friend to use at your home?
Well, the FURminator is our top pick in that category.
With this tool, you can remove loose hair from the bottom coat of your German Shepherd.
The best part?
You can move this tool through the topcoat into the undercoat of your canine companion without tearing or cutting their skin.
Generally, people use it on large dogs. And it doesn’t matter when you’re going to use it on your dog – you can use it literally any time of the day. Impressed much?
Now, if you want to get the best results, make sure to detangle your dog’s coat before using it on them.
And you can use this tool as many times as you want – it’s reusable.
It works on all kinds of hair types.
Rating: 4.7
Specifications
- Brand: Furminator
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Model: P-92981
Pros
- It doesn’t harm your dog in any way.
- It’s easy to handle – all thanks to its curved edge design
- You can clean it easily
Cons
- In the market, you get several counterfeit
- It’s not able to detangle your dog’s hair
#2. Safari Dematting Hair Brush: Best De-matting
The Safari Dematting Hair Brush is the best when it comes to dematting comb for your four-legged friend.
Once you see the design, you’ll be sure that it’s made keeping long-haired dogs in mind.
Safari Pet Products produce the tool. This organization is well-known for its safe-innovative and high-quality dog tools.
In addition, they make products that show their love for furry animals. And it’s that love that made them develop this brush. It comes in different varieties.
From coarse hair to long hair – they have one for every kind.
Rating: 4.7
Specifications
- Brand: Safari Pet Products
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Model: W6116
Pros
- As the blades have wide spaces between them, they make the grooming easy and less painful for your dog.
- You can use this brush to detangle your dog’s hair too
- The handle comes with a comfortable grip
Cons
- Do you have a German Shepherd that has short hair? Then this brush might not work on them.
#3. Hertzko Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush: Best Slicker
Are you looking for the best slicker brush for your German Shepherd?
This brush can be the one!
The Hertzko Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush is made keeping both the dog and its owner in mind.
This product is developed by people who love dogs and want to deliver the best quality products for them. In addition, they want to make grooming your dog an exciting experience. With this tool, you can get rid of tangles as well as the dirt in your dog’s fur.
The best part?
It’s made of environment-friendly and durable materials.
Rating: 4.5
Specifications
- Brand: Hertzko
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Model: FBA_881314705702
Pros
- The retracting bristles expose your dog’s hair very well – making it easy to clean.
- It can detangle your dog’s hair.
- The handle prevents slipping – as it comes with a comfortable grip
Cons
- The bristles are not very long. This can make it unable to reach the bottom coat of your dog’s hair.
It might work well only on German Shepherds that have short hair.
#4. KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-use Brush: Best Multipurpose
This is one of the best brushes for your German Shepherd, and we like it too.
Did you know that this brush can attach your dog’s loose hair to itself – just like a magnet?
This makes the task of deshedding a piece of cake.
And the best part?
It can massage your dog too! Well, while deshedding.
You can use it on any kind of dog – be it short-haired, medium-haired or long-haired.
And it works on both dry and wet hair.
Rating: 4.7
Specifications
- Brand: Bestdeal Forever Pet Series
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- As it comes with bristles made of rubber, it doesn’t tear or cut your dog’s skin.
- You can clean this brush with ease.
- This brush not only cleanses your dog’s hair but also massages it. This increases their blood circulation in the skin.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a distinct handle. This can make it slip out of your hands easily – especially if it’s wet.
- You can’t use it to cut a lot of hair in one go
- This brush can’t reach the undercoat of your dog
If you use it, it can take a lot of your time
#5. GoPets Dematting Comb for Dogs: Premium Choice
Do you want to give your dog hair an extra dose of silkiness?
Then this brush can meet your needs!
This special grooming tool was developed by GoPets, which some passionate dog owners founded.
You get to use this multipurpose tool for several things, including detangling, dematting, undercoat raking, and deshedding.
Does your German Shepherd have long hair?
Then you might know how difficult it is when it comes to detangling their hair.
Now, this brush can take care of that issue.
You can use this brush safely. And it works on animals of all sizes and all hair types.
As this brush is for multipurpose use, you can use this to save money too.
Rating: 4.4
Specifications
- Brand: GoPets
- Weight: 3.52 ounces
- Model: FBA_TP111R
Pros
- This grooming tool can control shedding
- It’s cost-efficient, as you can use it for various purposes
- It comes with a handle that offers a firm grip
- It’s safe to use, as it has dull and rounded edges. And it has a low risk of tear or cut in your dog’s skin.
Cons
- It might find it complicated to use
- It’s messy to use, as your dog’s hair can get caught in the side – which you’re not using.
#6. Delomo Pet Grooming: Best Grooming Glove
This grooming glove for your German Shepherd is from the house of Delomo.
According to them, brushing the mess created by your German Shepherd is of utmost importance.
And for that purpose, this glove works excellent. You can use this rubber tool on all kinds of dogs and with all hair types.
This tool is mostly used for deshedding. However, you can use it for cleaning your dog while giving it a massage.
Your dog will thank you for this!
Rating: 4.2
Specifications
- Brand: Delomo
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Model: delomo002
Pros
- You can put this glove on with ease
- It can give a good massage to your dog, making it comfortable for them
- It’s flexible. So, with this, you can easily reach every part of your dog
- It’s made of breathable materials
Cons
- It takes quite a good amount of time to use it
- If you’re looking for something to detangle your dog’s undercoat, it’s not it.
- In case your dog’s hair is extremely coarse, the gloves might come off.
#7. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush: Best Double Sided
Looking at the price, this brush for your German Shepherd is quite a steal!
This little groomer comes with an ergonomic handle. This makes it perfect for people who find grooming their pup quite a task.
Made from materials like plastic and rubber, it also has a double-sided head. So you can use it for long coats and all-around grooming of your pet’s fur.
Durable nylon is used to make the soft bristles that are there on the slicker bristle brush. You can use this brush to spread the conditioning natural oils you use on your German Shepherd’s coat.
Use it not only for detangling but also for sweeping away loose fur from your furry friend’s undercoat.
The pins are made of stainless steel and safety tips. This is to avoid any kind of pulling or scratching your dog’s skin.
This brush is sturdy, but it might not work on very thick or coarse furs.
However, you can get it if you have a German Shepherd with a wiry or wavy coat.
Rating: 4.5
Specifications
- Brand: Hartz
- Weight: 6.56 ounces
- Model: 132675
Pros
- To prevent scratching the skin of your dog, there are safety tips in the pins.
- You can get this grooming brush at a great price
- It’s easy to hold
Cons
- If your German Shepherd has dense or very thick hair, this brush might not work.
On the grip handle, the material can catch and tear.
#8. Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush: Best Pin Brush
We can’t think of a list of best brushes for German Shepherds without including this oval pin brush.
This brush is made by a team that is well-known for its eagerness to perfection.
It’s simple yet functional – like no other. While being practical, it provides comfort.
Now let’s come to its shape.
You can get this in an oval shape. This means, with this, you can reach even the obscure parts of your dog.
Rating: 4.7
Specifications
- Brand: Chris Christensen
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Model: 13083
Pros
- As the body is made of wood, it’s durable
- The handle is easy to hold, and it doesn’t strain your wrist
- The stainless steel bristles can comb your dog’s hair really well, as they are firm
Cons
- You have to be very careful while using bristles on your dog. They are very thin. And if you’re not careful enough, it can end up penetrating the skin of your dog.
- If your dog is a long-haired German Shepherd, it might not be able to work well.
- The chances are that the pins might fall out of the cushion.
#9. Hertzko Soft Brush for Dogs and Cats: Best Soft Brush
Here’s another brush from Hertzko that has made it to our list of best brushes for German Shepherds.
This brush not only looks good but also feels great on the skin of your beloved pup.
You can use this on your pup for detangling and deshedding. It doesn’t matter if your dog is small or large or has long or short hair.
Why?
Because you can use this brush on each and every kind of dog.
And it’s got a great structure – apt and safe for use.
Rating: 4.3
Specifications
- Brand: Hertzko
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Model: HPP-47
Pros
- You can use this every day on your dog if you want
- The bristles are safe and gentle – making it perfect for use on your dog
- We like the thumb rest feature, as it offers a firm and comfortable grip
Cons
- As the bristles are soft, they can come off easily
- The hair of your dog can get tangled in the bristles – making it hard to clean
What to Consider When Buying a Brush for Your German Shepherd
As a pet parent, grooming a dog like a German shepherd is important to ensure your dog’s good health. But, finding a suitable brush for your German Shepherd can be a difficult task.
In addition, not all brushes will suit your dog. So, it would be best if you considered some factors before buying a brush for your furry friend. Let’s see what they are.
Type of Hair
The type and thickness of your German Shepherd’s hair are important factors you should consider before buying a brush to groom it. German shepherds are double-coated dogs, and you need to get a good quality brush to get rid of the hair from its undercoat.
Durability
You don’t want a flimsy, delicate brush, which would give away soon, right? It would again necessitate you searching for another brush.
So, before buying a brush for your German Shepherd, ensure that it is durable and sturdy and will effectively remove loose hair from your dog.
Safety
Additionally, the brush should be safe to use on your German Shepherd. The bristles should not be too hard, or your dog will be in pain.
Besides, it can also result in ruptures in your dog’s skin, which can be painful for your dog.
Convenience & Comfort
The brush should be easy to use on your German shepherd dog. Besides, it should be comfortable to use for both you and your dog.
The brush you select should detangle your dog’s mats and remove any loose hair, which will keep its fur shiny and soft.
Why Should You Brush Your German Shepherd Regularly?
German shepherds are double-coated dog breeds, and they need a good amount of daily grooming, which includes brushing from time to time.
But what are the advantages of daily brushing of German shepherds? Let’s find out.
Brushing Reduces Shedding:
The long-term benefits of brushing are that it reduces shedding from your German Shepherd.
As a result, you will find lesser loose hair all over your place, which, otherwise, can be a real nuisance. Besides, well-brushed dogs are happy and look more healthy than other dogs.
Brushing Also Removes Painful Mats:
Matting is one of the most common problems in dogs with long hair. Dogs like German shepherds can easily develop mats, and you need to brush them at regular intervals to prevent matting.
Besides, matting can lead to skin problems like skin infection and small wounds on your German Shepherd’s skin. So, brush your dog to prevent mats, and let it have smooth and healthy skin.
Furthermore, mats can trap heat, raising your dog’s body temperature. So, identification and proper removal of mats can provide respite to your dog and make it calm and composed.
Brushing Allows You To Identify Bumps Or Parasites:
Even if your German Shepherd has a shiny coat, it is crucial to know about its skin condition, as your dog’s skin may have bumps. Besides, it may also have developed parasitic infections without your knowledge. The easiest way to identify that is by brushing your dog.
Some bumps are malignant and can be an indication of some serious ailments. So, it is better that you identify such bumps as early as possible. Besides, there might be parasitic infections that you will discover while brushing your German Shepherd.
In this case, ask your vet to have a look at it and let the vet decide the best solution to it.
Brushing Distributes Natural Oils Throughout Your Dog’s Coat:
The coats of German shepherds, like any other dog breed, contain natural oils. This oil is beneficial for the skin. Brushing your German Shepherd helps in evenly spreading that oil all around its body.
Not only does this stop any greasy formation, but your dog’s fur will also look shiny and glossy.
Brushing Is A Time To Bond With Your Dog:
Your German Shepherd may initially be reluctant or irritated when you brush it, but you will find that gradually it will at least start tolerating, if not enjoying the process.
While brushing, start talking to it in a soft voice, and this will be the beginning of a new kind of emotional bonding with your dog. It can remove stress from both you and your dog, and your dog will learn to trust you more.
Tips for Brushing Your German Shepherd Properly
Want to maintain an impressive coat?
Follow these tips for brushing your German Shepherd:
- If you want to make brushing your pet easy, then do that when they’re in a standing position.
Also, it’d be good if you could get hold of a grooming table. This is useful for times when you’re up for cleaning your pup’s ears, trimming their nails, or doing anything else that they might not like.
A grooming table comes with ways you can hold your dog in place. This way, you can groom your dog without nicking a toenail or jabbing him accidentally. And you can do it without hurting them.
- Before starting to brush your German Shepherd’s coat, make sure to get rid of knots and mats in their fur.
Do this with the help of a dematting rake. You can’t brush them properly if the knots are not removed. Also, be careful while using the rake on your dog, as it’s usually sharp.
- Use a pin brush, slicker brush, or bristle brush to eliminate the loose fur from the top.
These tools are great for providing your pet’s coat with a silky and finished look.
- Use a deshedding tool to get rid of the loose hair from the topcoat and the undercoat.
And do this without doing any harm to the topcoat. Most deshedding tools don’t do any damage.
They just glide smoothly over the topcoat. But it’s never harmful to pay some attention.
- What if you don’t have a grooming table?
Well, you can make use of the top of a kennel or crate, a tabletop, or something like that. Also, it would be good if you could have a friend holding your dog for you – while you do the hard work of grooming.
Now, let’s tell you about a trick. Keep a generous amount of treats in your pocket. If your dog cooperates with you, give them treats as rewards. Also, praise them.
- If your dog’s fur becomes too coarse or dry during brushing, use conditioners and nourishing oils. This will make the brushing session easier.
- Don’t over bathe your German Shepherd. It can strip off the natural oils from their coat and make brushing a problematic job.
Is your dog blessed with a healthy coat and skin? Then give them a bath once every three to four months.
- Now, before you start brushing, always inspect your pup for any hidden bruises or skin issues. They may aggravate if you use a grooming tool.
Also Read:- 5 Best Dog Nail Grinders for 2022 (Reviews and Buying Guide)
FAQs on the Best Brushes for German Shepherds
Here, we’ve given answers to some common questions on the best brushes for your German Shepherd:
Compared to other dog breeds, German Shepherds shed a lot more. So, in order to make their coat healthy and shiny, make sure to brush them at least thrice a week.
If you want to go with our choice, we’d suggest you use the FURminator Deshedding Edge Dog Brush. You can get this brush in all sizes-small, medium, and large. And you can use it on dogs with both long and short hair.
Every three to four months, make sure to bathe your dog. Use a brush that can increase the blood circulation in their skin. Doing this will make their coat glossy and vibrant.
YES, they do. German Shepherds are primarily known for their shedding nature.
Now, if you ask us to give them a rating in shedding on a scale of 1 to 10, we’d give them a 9.
This gets difficult, especially in the months of winter. Then it becomes challenging to keep up with the shedding hair. Also, it becomes hard to keep up with their needs, such as water and fresh food.
Well, you can minimize shedding by brushing them with the brushes mentioned above.
To improve their hair condition, make sure they follow a healthy diet. You can even include supplements in their diet.
However, before you add one, talk with your vet.
Give them bathe so that they can stay clean. Tiny creatures such as fleas can damage your German Shepherd’s hair too. So keep that in check.
Here are some ways to groom your German Shepherd at home:
• In order to get rid of loose hair and skin cells, brush your dog’s hair with a bristle brush or metal comb.
• Trim the hair between their toes and around their ears.
• Get a nail clipper made especially for dogs. With that, clip their nails once a month.
• Twice a week, check for fleas.
• Brush their face in small circles – from their nose to outwards direction
• Clean their ears every week. For this, soak a cotton ball in an ear cleaner solution for dogs and then use it in their ears. Remember, don’t use anything sharp.
Yes, German Shepherds are double-coated dogs. They have two different types of hair on their body, the undercoat and the guard hair. While the outer coat is dense and rough, the undercoat is soft.
Some of the best ways to minimize shedding in dogs are grooming your dog (which includes regular bathing and bathing from time to time), giving them nutritious food, and providing them with a hygienic living space.
It is also recommended that the grooming tools that you are using should be of good quality, as they ensure that your dog’s coat remains unaffected.
Ideally, German Shepherds should at least be brushed around four times a week. However, some pet owners also recommend brushing them once daily. This will remove dead and loose hair and keep your dog’s fur shiny and soft.
Yes, furminators are a great option for German Shepherds as they have double coats. Vets recommend furminators, as these can safely and easily remove the loose hair from your German Shepherd’s undercoat.
Some of the best ways to de-shed a German Shepherd are using good-quality grooming tools to brush them regularly.
You should also feed them nutritious food and give them ample fresh drinking water. This will keep their skin healthy and hydrated.
Besides, engaging in flea prevention treatment to lessen shedding and bathe them from time to time.
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.