The Complete Guide to Bathing & Grooming a German Shepherd
- Dawn Walker
- 28 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A start-to-finish guide from our kennel
Originally bred for herding and widely respected for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence, German Shepherds are also known for their thick, double coat.
That beautiful coat is part of what makes the breed so striking — but it also requires consistent, correct care.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
How often to groom
The correct tools to use (and what to avoid)
A full bath and groom process from start to finish
Why proper drying is critical
How to introduce puppies to grooming safely
Do German Shepherds Need Grooming?
Yes — absolutely.
German Shepherds are a double-coated breed, meaning they have:
A dense, soft undercoat (insulation)
A coarser outer coat (protection)
Because of this coat structure, they shed year-round and “blow” their undercoat heavily twice a year — typically in spring and autumn.
Regular grooming:
Removes loose dead hair
Prevents matting in the undercoat
Supports healthy skin
Reduces shedding in the home
Keeps the coat soft, shiny and breathable
How Often Should a German Shepherd Be Groomed?
Brush 3–4 times per week
Bathe fully every couple of months and when particularly dirty - however, most dirt can be left to dry and can be brushed out (or will fall out!) easily
Trim nails regularly
Check paws, ears and sanitary areas routinely
The Best Tools for Grooming
For proper coat care, we recommend:
✔ Slicker brush (for regular grooming)
✔ Undercoat rake (for dense shedding periods)
✔ High-velocity dryer (for proper coat blow-out)
✔ Quality nail clippers
✔ Gentle dog shampoo
🚫 Never use a Furminator tool.
The Furminator and similar bladed deshedding tools cut and damage the guard hairs of the coat. Over time, this can:
Thin the top coat
Cause uneven regrowth
Disrupt the natural insulation system
Permanently alter coat texture
A German Shepherd’s coat should be preserved — not stripped.
Can a German Shepherd Be Shaved?
No — unless medically necessary.
Shaving a double coat:
Disrupts temperature regulation
Damages coat growth cycles
Can take up to two years to regrow properly
May never return to its original texture
The coat protects against both heat and cold. Removing it does not help them stay cool.
Complete Bath & Groom Process (Step-by-Step)
This is the professional method we use at our kennel.
Step 1: Pre-Groom Check
Before bathing:
Remove collar
Check skin for irritation or hot spots
Inspect behind ears, tail base, and “trousers” for compacted undercoat
Trim nails first (safer when dry)
Step 2: Pre-Blow (Optional but Highly Effective)
Using a high-velocity dryer on a dry coat, blow through the fur to loosen dead undercoat.
This:
Removes surface debris
Lifts dead hair
Makes bathing more effective
Use cool air only and keep the nozzle moving.
Step 3: Bathing
Thoroughly saturate the coat (this takes time due to density).
Apply a gentle deep-cleaning shampoo.
Massage through to the skin.
Rinse completely.
Repeat if needed.
Apply a light conditioner and allow it to sit for 3–5 minutes.
Rinse extremely thoroughly.
Residual product can cause irritation.
Step 4: Towel Dry
Remove as much moisture as possible before using a dryer.
Step 5: High-Velocity Dry (Critical Step)
Blow dry using a high-velocity dryer (no heat). Work in sections. You’ll see undercoat release during this stage.
⚠️ The coat must be completely dry.
Leaving moisture trapped in a dense double coat can lead to:
Skin irritation
Bacterial growth
Fungal issues
Mould forming close to the skin
A German Shepherd should feel fully dry down to the undercoat before finishing.
Step 6: Line Brushing
Once fully dry:
Use a slicker brush
Brush in the direction of coat growth (neck to tail)
Work in sections down to the skin
Move to hips, tail, belly, and legs
Once weekly during heavy shed season, use an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat.
Continue until little or no hair appears in the brush.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Tidy feet
Light sanitary trim (if needed)
Clean ears gently
Wipe eyes
Final brush through
The coat should be:
✔ Fluffy but controlled
✔ Smooth along the back
✔ Free of compacted undercoat
When Do German Shepherds Shed the Most?
They shed year-round.
However, they heavily shed their undercoat:
Spring
Autumn
During these periods, increase brushing frequency and consider scheduling a professional blow-out groom.
How to Introduce a German Shepherd Puppy to Grooming
Early positive exposure is essential for a confident adult dog.
When to Start
As breeders, we begin introducing puppies to gentle bathing and handling around 6 weeks of age. Early exposure helps them feel comfortable with grooming routines later in life.
6–12 Weeks:
Light brushing with a soft brush
Touch paws daily
Introduce nail clipper sounds
Short, calm handling sessions
Keep sessions brief (5 minutes max) and always positive.
First Bath:
We begin at around 6 weeks, using lukewarm water and gentle puppy shampoo
Keep the experience calm and short
Dry thoroughly but gently
Avoid high-velocity dryers on very young puppies; if using, introduce at low pressure gradually.
Key Puppy Grooming Rule:
Make grooming a normal, positive part of their early life, not something only done when dirty. This builds confidence and tolerance for professional grooming in adulthood.
How to Reduce Shedding
You cannot stop shedding entirely.
But you can reduce excess hair by:
Feeding a balanced diet
Maintaining consistent brushing
Avoiding coat-damaging tools
Bathing appropriately
Fully drying every time
Consistency is the key.
Final Thoughts
A German Shepherd’s coat is designed to protect and regulate temperature. Proper grooming maintains that natural system — it does not remove it.
With:
The correct tools
A consistent routine
Careful drying
No shaving
No Furminator use
Your German Shepherd will remain comfortable, healthy and beautifully presented year-round.
Dawn & Phil 🐾
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