10 Best Brushes for German Shepherds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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German Shepherds are loyal, and affectionate with family, and they are strong and intelligent, making them great working dogs. But, if you’ve ever owned one, you will know the pain of the GSD’s heavy shedding. They shed all year and that thick coat tends to get matted if it isn’t maintained properly. While you can’t do anything to prevent the shedding, you can control its impact with grooming and regular brushing.
Below are 10 of the best brushes for German Shepherds to make your life easier and leave your dog feeling more comfortable.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Pet Republique Dematting Rake |
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Best Value
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush |
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Premium Choice
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FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Dog Grooming |
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Check Price |
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Pet Republique Dematting Tool |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Brushes For German Shepherds
1. Pet Republique Dematting Rake – Best Overall
| Brush Type: | Dematting Rake |
| Materials: | Stainless Steel, Rubber |
| Dimensions: | 8 x 4 x 0.5 inches |
There are various types of dematting tools available, with the dematting rake proving especially useful for cutting through tough knots. The rake can be used for everyday brushing, too, but it is especially effective for those dogs whose coat is difficult to get through and is designed for use on pups with long coats.
The Pet Republique Dematting Rake is double-sided. One side features 6 teeth and will get rid of most tangles. The other, 12-toothed side works to thin fur making your dog more comfortable and reducing the amount of dead hair that sheds. The dematting rake is a decent price for this type of grooming brush, has an ergonomic handle that makes it more comfortable to hold, and is effective at getting rid of difficult knots in your dog’s coat.
The Pet Republique Dematting Rake’s double-sided design, affordable price, and comfortable handle make it the best overall brush for German Shepherds, but it will still struggle on dogs with very long, matted fur.
- Decent price for a dematting rake
- Double-sided design dematts and thins hair
- Ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold
- Not great at clearing very matted hair
2. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush – Best Value
| Brush Type: | Combo Brush |
| Materials: | Plastic, Metal |
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is a traditional dual-sided brush that is best for coats that are in reasonable condition. The side with metal pins cuts through general knotting and removes any dead hair. The pins have safety tips so they won’t dig into your dog’s skin and cause pain. The nylon bristled side smooths and slicks the coat down to give it a clean finish and a tidy look. The brush also has an ergonomic handle to prevent fatigue and pain with long brushing sessions.
The low cost and good all-round performance of the Hartz Groomer combo brush make it the best brush for German Shepherds for the money. However, the bristles are quite stiff which makes it difficult to get them through the GSD’s coat.
- Low cost
- Double-sided design is good for dematting and smoothing
- Ergonomic handle prevents fatigue
- Not effective against badly matted hair
- Bristles are stiff and difficult to use
3. FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool – Premium Choice
| Brush Type: | Rake |
| Materials: | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
The FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is an expensive dog brush, but it is well known for being able to tackle some of the most challenging coats. Its stainless steel edge gets under the topcoat, thereby removing the undercoat while also getting rid of loose fur. This combination helps prevent matting and gets rid of dead hairs that cause shedding.
The blade is curved so it contours around the shape of your dog, ensuring that it reaches more of the coat without you having to go over the same areas. This particular FURminator is designed for long-haired dogs so is suitable for long-haired German Shepherds, but you can also get models for short-haired dogs.
It is an expensive option but it is effective, even for long-haired breeds. However, there are some issues with the head coming away from the handle. You can push it back in, but it is a nuisance.
- Effective for long and difficult coats
- Contoured for greater efficiency
- Reaches the undercoat as well as the top coat
- Expensive
- Head tends to come apart
4. Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Dog Grooming – Best for Puppies
| Brush Type: | Brush Gloves |
| Materials: | Rubber, Neoprene |
Some dogs, especially puppies that are not yet used to the feeling, can be resistant to the whole brushing and grooming experience. They don’t like the feeling of the pins or teeth on some brushes and may not like having their fur pulled around. Brush gloves can help overcome some of the problems.
Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Dog Grooming and Deshedding Aid are mesh gloves designed to fit most hands. They have a Velcro strap to ensure they stay firmly on the hand and the face of the gloves are covered with around 180 soft silicone bristles. The bristles catch hair as you pet your dog normally and you can then wash them and leave them out to dry to remove the hair. You get a pair, consisting of one left and one right glove, and they are affordably priced.
However, they don’t fit tightly on small hands and the bristles don’t hold much of the fur, so you will be left sweeping or hoovering up after.
- Handy for dogs that don’t like being brushed
- Affordably priced
- Decent fit for medium to large hands
- Not ideal for small hands
- Don’t do a great job of catching the hair
5. Pet Republique Dematting Tool
| Brush Type: | Dematting Tool |
| Materials: | Stainless Steel, Rubber |
The Pet Republique Dematting Tool works similarly to a dematting rake, but rather than the head being perpendicular to the handle, it runs parallel. The design is said to be better for dogs with sensitive skin. It does have sharp teeth but the heads are rounded so they won’t dig into your dog. The teeth are stainless steel and thick, so they are very durable and won’t dull or break over time.
The dematting tool is affordable, but it is somewhat inconvenient to use. It is difficult to hold the fur, the tool, and the dog all at once and it’s a challenge to get the teeth under matted fur to really cut into the knots.
- Affordably priced
- Rounded teeth head prevent injury
- Designed for sensitive-skinned dogs
- Inconvenient to hold and use
- Difficult to get under matted fur
6. H&H Pets 2-Sided Dog Grooming Brush
| Brush Type: | Combo Brush |
| Materials: | Nylon, Stainless Steel |
The H&H Pets 2-Sided Dog Grooming Brush is a double-sided brush that has rounded metal pins on one side and nylon bristles on the other. The pins have rounded ends, preventing them from digging into your dog’s skin and causing injury.
It features a contoured handle that is comfortable even for long grooming sessions, which will prove beneficial because the brush itself is quite small so it will take quite a lot of work to get through a GSD’s coat. Also, neither side of the brush does a great job of retaining hair so there will be some cleanup required afterward.
- Decent price
- Double-sided brush is good for removing dead hair and smoothing
- Contoured handle is comfortable
- Brush is quite small
- Doesn’t retain hair very well
7. Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush
| Brush Type: | Slicker |
| Materials: | Plastic, Silicone, Stainless Steel |
The slicker brush is another style of dog brush designed to help remove knots and make your dog more comfortable. The slicker is essentially a pad of short metal pins that are designed to get into the matts and loosen the hair, unlike other designs that aim to get under and cut the problem hairs.
The Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush, which comes in a variety of sizes including large, has stainless steel pins that are flexible to prevent them from catching on and digging into the skin. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort, but while the slicker brush is reasonably priced, the plastic handle isn’t the strongest and is prone to breaking easily.
- Decent price
- Large slicker brush makes short work of a GSD’s coat
- Handle is comfortable
- Handle is prone to snapping
8. Kong Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush
| Brush Type: | Brush |
| Materials: | Rubber |
The Kong Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is a simple rubber brush with rubber teeth that works to slick and smooth your dog’s hair. The brush isn’t really meant for removing matting or knotting but it does provide a gentle way to style your dog’s hair and keep it looking tidy. Even gentle brushing can help transport oil from the roots to the tips and around the dog’s coat, helping to protect the fur and keep it strong.
The brush is simple. It doesn’t have a handle and instead requires the user to grip it, which can become uncomfortable after a lot of brushing. It can be used wet or dry and is cheap, but it can be uncomfortable to use and it doesn’t do a great job against matted or knotted hair.
- Can be used wet or dry
- Good for sensitive skin because it doesn’t have hard teeth
- Cheap
- Lack of a handle can cause discomfort
- Not great for matted or knotted hair
9. Ozark Pet Dog Grooming Kit
| Brush Type: | Grooming Kit |
| Materials: | Stainless Steel, Mesh, Silicone, Plastic |
The Ozard Pet Dog Grooming Kit is a kit that includes a two-sided grooming rake and a grooming glove. The grooming rake has curved blades, which help prevent cutting into the dog’s skin, as well as a flat dematting rake with fine teeth that can help to get into really tough matted areas.
Also included is a two-sided grooming glove. It has a cleaning side that can be used to clean fur off furniture and clothes, and a side with rubber teeth that is good for massaging your dog and for keeping their coat tidy and attractive.
The set is reasonably priced, but the glove won’t help with matting and the rake is a little flimsy so it may come apart with vigorous brushing and matt removal.
- Reasonably priced
- Includes a glove and dematting rake
- Both tools are double-sided
- Rake is flimsy and easily broken
- Glove isn’t great at removing hair
10. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush
| Brush Type: | Slicker Brush |
| Materials: | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush is a slicker that not only claims to reduce shedding by 95% but also has a self-cleaning feature. As the hair gathers inside the blade, you can remove the blade with a single button press and then remove the debris to clean the brush. The blade itself has a contoured design that matches the shape of the body and enables a closer and more precise groom. The handle is shaped and has a grip to make it more comfortable for the holder. The slicker brush is expensive and the handle pops away from the brush too easily, even when not pressing the release button.
- Bladed is easily cleaned with the quick-release button
- Handle is contoured and textured for a better grip
- Expensive
- Handle comes off easily
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Brush For Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds have thick double coats, although that coat can be short, medium, or long. Whatever the length of the coat, the GSD is prone to heavy shedding. You will need a good vacuum cleaner that effectively collects dog hair, and you will need to groom regularly to help maintain comfort levels for your dog and reduce the amount of shed hair that you have to deal with around the house.
As well as regular sessions at the professional groomer, you can also help out a lot with regular brushing at home. Daily brushing is ideal, but you will need to brush your GSD at least three times a week to help control shedding.
Types of Dog Brushes
Because there are so many different types and lengths of dog coats, there are a lot of different styles of dog brushes and combs, too. Different brushes are better suited to different types of coats and situations.
- Nylon Brush – This type of brush has nylon bristles that when used to brush your dog’s coat, help distribute natural oils throughout the hair. A nylon-bristled brush can smooth hair and will remove some dead hair but it won’t get through knotted, matted, or particularly dense fur. It is generally used as a secondary brush after a metal-toothed brush has done the hard work.
- Metal Pin Brush – The metal pins of this type of brush dig through the coat and can get to the undercoat. They can also get through some matting so they can help reduce knots. The pins usually have a rounded or dulled end so they won’t dig into your dog’s skin and cause pain or discomfort.
- Slicker Brush – The slicker brush looks like a pad with a handle. The pad has metal pins that remove loose and dead fur. A slicker brush can also help remove knots, but the pins tend to be quite short so these can struggle to get to the undercoat layer of your dog’s fur and may not be suitable for dogs with long coats.
- Dematting Rake – The rake has long teeth. The length of the teeth means that they get through the top coat of the dog and into the undercoat. This type of brush is especially useful for dogs like the German Shepherd that have a thick undercoat.
- Glove Brush – The glove brush is worn like a glove and has some sort of brush pins on the palm area of the hand. The purpose of the brush glove is so that the wearer can groom their dog while petting them. The pins, or teeth, tend to be quite soft which means this type of brush is not ideal for thick or matter fur, but the design can be useful for dogs that are nervous about other brushes.
- Grip Brush – The grip brush is a basic brush that doesn’t have a handle. The user grips the brush to use it. For a quick brush, this shouldn’t prove too difficult, but for a longer brushing session, it can be uncomfortable.
- Sets – A grooming set consists of two or more grooming brushes and items. This may mean a brush and a rake, or a glove and a rake. If you like spending a lot of time grooming your German Shepherd or you have multiple dogs with different grooming requirements, a set can be a cost-effective way of buying everything you need.
Features
Regular grooming can take a lot of time, and getting the right features in your dog brush not only helps minimize time but also offers the best results and can even reduce the discomfort you might feel from prolonged grooming.
Ergonomic Handle
An ergonomic handle has been shaped to match the shape of a closed hand. It is easier to grip and because of the natural hand shape, it causes less discomfort and is easier to hold. The handle may also be textured to offer a better grip.
Curved Blade
Some rakes have curved blades. The curve better matches the shape of your dog’s body, so rather than just having an inch or two of the brush head getting down to the undercoat, a curved blade means that there is more coverage so your dog gets a more thorough brushing and it takes you less time.
Self-Cleaning Features
Good brushes will remove a lot of dead hair from the dog’s coat. Generally, this hair will either remain trapped in the brush head or it will fall off. Hair falling off the brush means you will have a lot of clearing up to do after grooming. A self-cleaning brush has some mechanism that makes it easier to get to the caught hair so that it can be removed without it straying onto the ground.
Top 6 Tips for More Effective Grooming
1. Start Young
You can start grooming your German Shepherd as soon as you bring them home. This will help them get used to the brushes, other tools, and the routine of being brushed when they are young and more accepting of new activities. Some adult dogs dislike being brushed and can be resistant to the use of some brushes.
2. Make It Fun
Be calm and patient while grooming. If you get anxious and worried, your dog will pick up on it and will start to act the same way. Give your dog a toy or treat and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Eventually, your dog might look forward to the process.
3. Tire Them Out
If your dog doesn’t enjoy being groomed, one way to make the experience a little easier is to tire them out first. Go on a long walk or throw a ball around in the garden beforehand. A tired dog won’t get as stressed and is less likely to act up during the process.
4. Don’t Pull
Whatever type of brush you use, don’t just grab at the hair and pull. If you cause pain or anguish, even an accepting GSD that has previously enjoyed being brushed will be put off the experience. They will become more difficult for the rest of the grooming and will be reluctant to be groomed again in the future.
5. Don’t Shave
If your GSD is a heavy shedder, it can seem like a good idea to shave them. After all, if there’s no fur, there’s nothing to shed. Your German Shepherd’s undercoat is a great thermal insulator that keeps your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Removing it means your dog will get too cold or too hot and won’t be able to regulate the temperature accordingly.
6. Groom Outdoors
If your dog is having a heavy shed, you might want to consider grooming outdoors. There will be a lot of hair and no matter what type of brush you use, some of the hair will escape. Outside, it is easy to sweep up and if you miss a few clumps, it won’t cause as much of a mess as it would indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Take a German Shepherd to the Groomer?
While you can take your dog to a professional groomer every few months, if you brush and groom regularly at home, you may not need to. Ensure you trim nails, check inside the ears, and brush your dog’s coat at least two or three times a week to keep them comfortable. Visiting a professional groomer can help you keep on top of the grooming, though.
How Often Should a German Shepherd Be Bathed?
The double coat of the German Shepherd means it shouldn’t be bathed too often. You can bathe them every 2 or 3 months. Bathing any more often than this can destroy the natural oils that help protect the coat and the dog.
Are German Shepherds Heavy Shedders?
German Shepherds are moderate to heavy shedders. They will shed all year round, which means your grooming efforts need to be maintained throughout the year, too. The heavy shedding nature of the GSD means they are definitely not hypoallergenic and may not be the best option for allergy sufferers.
You can’t do anything to stop a German Shepherd from shedding. Shedding is a natural process that gets rid of dead hairs as new hairs grow. You shouldn’t shave a GSD, but even if you did, it would still shed the short shaved hairs. Regular grooming can help minimize the impact of shedding, however, and make life easier for both of you.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are intelligent, strong, loyal dogs. They make good working dogs and great pets. But they are medium to heavy shedders with thick double coats. Regular grooming is an important part of owning a dog of this breed and having the right brush goes a long way to making the grooming process less stressful and more effective. Using the reviews above, you should be able to find the right GSD brush for you and your dog.
The Pet Republique Dematting Rake is an affordable dematting rake that is good for general use and for dogs that don’t have too much of a matting problem. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is cheap and its double-sided design means you can manage the whole of the brushing process efficiently.
Featured Image Credit: Karpova, Shutterstock
