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Best Furminator for German Shepherds: 7 Deshedding Tools
For a German Shepherd, start with a FURminator undercoat deShedding tool in the large dog size. The Amazon listing for the large size says it is designed especially for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds, and it comes in a long hair version and a short hair version. This page lists those two, the FURminator Grooming Rake, and four other deshedding tools.
The American Kennel Club describes the German Shepherd's coat as "a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense, harsh, and close-lying outer coat with a softer undercoat." It says the breed is easy to maintain, "usually requiring just a quick brushing every few days or so to help remove loose hairs, but they do shed more profusely once or twice a year." For the hair that lands on the floor, see our picks for the best vacuum cleaner for German Shepherd hair.
A Furminator is a grooming tool that reaches through the topcoat to take out loose undercoat. The Furminator listing says it does this "without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat (when used as directed)."
Some groomers also offer professional undercoat removal as a service. The tools below are the ones you use at home.
How Breeders Use a Furminator on a German Shepherd
The AKC's guide to grooming a German Shepherd quotes two AKC Breeders of Merit who both use the Furminator. Wendy Wilson recommends brushing the dog every other day and "advises using a Furminator (or similar de-shedding tool) for this brushing routine." The AKC says she likes it for the double coat "because it can reach the undercoat and remove loose hair easily and safely," and that "If used incorrectly, the tool can damage your dog's coat."
Lisa Walsh "mostly uses this tool weekly, increasing in frequency to daily during heavy shedding periods." She says, "It's amazing what you can get out in five to ten minutes with a de-shedding tool." She also cautions that a Furminator should not be used too soon before a show, "as its purpose is to loosen and pull out stray hairs." Wilson advises doing the de-shedding outside.
FURminator's own FAQ gives this schedule for its undercoat tool: "1-2 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes each session," with more use during heavy shedding seasons. It says to brush the dog first to remove mats and tangles, because "Using the tool on matted or tangled fur can bend or break the teeth, as well as feel uncomfortable for the pet." It also says the tool "should not be used on non-shedding breeds or on pets with particularly sensitive skin."
Top Picks for Furminators and Deshedding Tools
The first three picks are FURminator tools. The next four are other brands that the listings describe as deshedding or undercoat tools. Check price and stock on each listing before you buy.
FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool, Long Hair
This is the large dog version for long hair. The listing says it is designed especially for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
What the listing says
- It reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat when used as directed.
- A FURejector button releases the hair from the tool.
- An ergonomic handle.
- It is guaranteed to work or your money back, and the listing points to the product label for details.
FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool, Short Hair
The same large dog tool, made for short hair. The listing gives the same more than 50 pounds weight guidance, the same FURejector button, and the same ergonomic handle as the long hair version. The listing titles name the hair length, so pick the one that matches your dog's coat.
FURminator Grooming Rake
The rake is a different tool from the deShedding edge. The listing says its rotating metal teeth help remove loose hair from the undercoat in dense fur, and that it is best for dogs and cats with thick fur or dense double coats. The listing also says it removes tangles and prevents mats.
FURminator's FAQ says the grooming rake is "ideal for pets with thick fur and double coats, as the rotating teeth detangle dense fur with minimized tugging," and that brushing before a deShedding tool is an important step to remove tangles and small mats. It suggests 5-10 minutes each session.
DakPets Deshedding and Dematting Tool
This tool has a stainless steel deshedding edge. The listing says it is for dogs and cats.
What the listing says
- A stainless steel edge that reaches into the undercoat without damaging the topcoat.
- An ergonomic non-slip handle.
- A protective blade cover for storage.
Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake
A dual-sided rake. The listing says to start with the 9-teeth side for mats and tangles and finish with the 17-teeth side to thin out and deshed. It describes the teeth as sharpened but finely rounded, and the handle as lightweight with a non-slip rubber base. The listing says it suits pets with thick fur or dense double coats, which is how the AKC describes the German Shepherd's coat.
Staltwo Deshedding Undercoat Rake
The Staltwo is also dual-sided, with a 9-teeth side for mats and tangles and a 17-teeth side for thinning and deshedding. The listing describes sharpened but fine rounded teeth and a lightweight, non-slip rubber handle. The Maxpower Planet listing above describes the same 9-teeth and 17-teeth design.
Wahl 2-in-1 Double Row Pet Rake with Shedding Blade
The Wahl combines two tools. The listing says the deshedding blade removes excess outer coat hair, and that two rows of long and short rotating stainless-steel pins provide light deshedding and detangling. It has a no-slip, ergonomic grip.
Buying Guide
These are the points that matter when you compare Furminators and similar tools for a German Shepherd.
Size
As with a leash for your GSD, size matters. The AKC lists the German Shepherd's weight as 65-90 pounds for males and 50-70 pounds for females. The two FURminator undercoat tools above are the large dog size, which the listing gives as designed for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
Handle and Cleaning
Every listing above names a handle or grip: ergonomic on the FURminator tools, DakPets, and Wahl, and a non-slip rubber handle on Maxpower and Staltwo. On cleaning, the two FURminator deShedding listings name a FURejector button, and the FURminator FAQ says the deShedding edge can be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap, and that pressing the FURejector button and pulling toward you locks the Edge Guard over the edge.
Blade and Skin
For a skin-friendly routine, note that FURminator's FAQ says its undercoat tool "should not be used on non-shedding breeds or on pets with particularly sensitive skin." A tool that reduces shedding is one part of the job, and the AKC Pet Insurance article gives six tips for it.
| Pick | Type and what the listing names |
|---|---|
| FURminator Large Dog, Long Hair | deShedding edge. More than 50 pounds; FURejector button |
| FURminator Large Dog, Short Hair | deShedding edge. More than 50 pounds; FURejector button |
| FURminator Grooming Rake | Rotating-teeth rake. Thick fur and dense double coats |
| DakPets | deShedding edge. Stainless steel edge; blade cover |
| Maxpower Planet | Dual-sided rake. 9 and 17 teeth |
| Staltwo | Dual-sided rake. 9 and 17 teeth |
| Wahl 2-in-1 | Pin rake with blade. Shedding blade and rotating pins |
Shedding, Diet, and Shaving
The AKC article quotes Wendy Wilson on what else affects shedding: "If the dog is shedding constantly, you may need to change his dog food." Both breeders advise foods with high-quality protein. For food that suits a dog with skin trouble, see these dog food brands for German Shepherds with skin allergies.
The same AKC article says you should not shave or cut a German Shepherd's coat. Wilson explains, "The GSD's double coat acts as an insulator, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter."
Sources
- American Kennel Club, German Shepherd Dog
- American Kennel Club, How to Groom a German Shepherd Dog
- FURminator, Frequently Asked Questions
- Amazon listings for each product above
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