GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

BLADES & TOOLS

Slicker brush, pin brush, natural bristle brushes, shedding blade, metal rake, metal comb and scissors.

COAT & GROOM TIPS

Regular brushing and combing twice a week is essential in order to managed the double coat of German Shepherds. Remove the wooly hair shed from the dense undercoat, and not only the outer coarse guard coat which protects the undercoat. The density of the hair coat can be misleading to novice groomers or owners of this breed; it is somewhat dense. This breed sheds year round.

Shedding blades can be very helpful during the German Shepherd shedding season, but you should be trained in the proper use of this tool before attempting its use. Metal rakes are also useful to remove matted undercoat usually in the neck, chest and thigh areas.

Using modern high velocity dryers to blow off excess water after the bath saves a tremendous amount of drying time. Slicker brushes are ideal on this breed for the hand fluff dry process, and you should brush in the direction of the hair growth. You can expect even more loose hair to remove after the bath, and finish with a final comb out.

Don't forget to scissor any long hairs under the feet even with the pads, and trim any other stray hairs around the feet. It is not common on this breed.

"Shedding blades should be used gently. They should be places on the dog and lightly pulled back with only the slightest pressure. The better method of removing undercoat is by using a shedding rake. It also massages the skin and distribute oils throughout. Its better to brush after the bath too because when the dog is almost dry but still moist, the fur-to-be-shed comes out very easily. This dog can also be finished of with a chamois cloth to give some extra shine. German shepherd should never be clipped for cosmetic purposes, even for show as the dog could get serious faults. To make the German Shepherd appear "fluffier" and "fuller of coat" you can brush the dog opposite the direction of hair growth and then lightly brush the dog with the direction of hair growth, not usually using a slicker brush." Submitted by "Hello Hello".

"The hair on the back of the hock can be trimmed with thinning shears to neaten the overall appearance of the feet as well. Often the hair is uneven and or matted back there. Also, by selectively thinning the area, you can create the appearance of a heavier boned dog. I also use a matt breaker (but I am sure that you can use a Coat King as well) to debulk the croup area. Many dogs seem to have a lump of hair at the bas of the croup where the tail and croup meet. GSDs should have a gently sloping croup - not an abruptly ending one. So, by getting out some of the undercoat at the base of the tail - you elongate and smooth out the croup. Another trick. Once the dog is done use a long pinned pin brush to brush the tan colored portions of the legs in the opposite direction and spray on mink oil. This will give the appearance of a darker red dog." Submitted by Lisa Correia

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