German Shepherds are double-coated dogs with two heavy shedding seasons and a year-round moderate shed between them. Owners who come to the salon with GSDs that are in poor coat condition have usually made one of two mistakes: they have not adjusted their routine for the shedding seasons, or they have been using the wrong tool for the task.
The Spring and Autumn Blowouts
Twice a year — spring and autumn in temperate climates — a German Shepherd releases its seasonal undercoat over three to six weeks. During this period, the volume of dead hair in the coat increases dramatically. An undercoat rake or deshedding tool used three times a week through the blowout window removes the loose coat before it compacts. Skip this and the undercoat mats against itself at the skin level, reducing airflow and setting up the conditions for skin irritation in summer.
Year-Round Maintenance
Between blowouts, weekly brushing with a medium-slicker brush and a wide-tooth comb for the ruff and tail is sufficient. The areas that mat between seasons are predictable: collar area, behind the ears, and the feathering on the hind legs. A five-minute check of these areas weekly prevents the build-up that requires professional intervention.