For a long‑haired German Shepherd, choose a FURminator Long Hair (Large) as your primary deshedder to remove dense undercoat; use an undercoat rake (PawsPamper or Hertzko) for deeper work and a slicker/metal comb for daily maintenance. Maxpower offers a low‑cost rake option. Note: FURminator is effective but can be aggressive—use gently to avoid skin or topcoat damage.
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FURminator
Best overall deshedder for dense, long coats: the FURminator Long Hair/Large removes loose undercoat effectively; pair with a rake for deep work. Caveat: use gently to avoid irritating skin or the topcoat.
For a long-haired German Shepherd, I’d recommend a long-hair undercoat de-shedding tool, with an undercoat rake as the primary tool. German Shepherds have a dense double coat, and the goal is to remove loose undercoat without damaging the longer guard hairs.
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, Large - $41.49 (Chewy)
My pick: FURminator Long Hair, Large
The FURminator Long Hair Dog deShedding Tool, Large is particularly effective at reaching through a long coat and removing loose undercoat. AKC specifically notes that German Shepherd breeders use FURminator-type de-shedding tools for their double coats.
However: use it with a light touch and don't repeatedly rake the same area. Blade-style de-shedders can remove or damage healthy guard hairs when overused.
For a long-haired German Shepherd, I’d recommend the FURminator deShedding Tool — Large, Long Hair as the most effective single tool for removing loose undercoat. It’s specifically designed to reach through the longer guard coat and pull out the dense, shedding undercoat.
For a long-haired German Shepherd , a single tool won't cut it because of their dense double coat (a thick undercoat and a longer, weather-resistant topcoat). The most effective approach is a two-step system featuring an undercoat rake paired with a long-pin slicker brush or steel comb.[](]()]()
For a long-haired German Shepherd, my pick is the FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool — Large, Long Hair. It is specifically designed to get through the longer guard coat and remove loose undercoat, which is where much of a GSD's shedding comes from.
For a long-haired German Shepherd, my top pick is the FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool — Large, Long Hair. It is specifically suited to reaching the dense undercoat through a longer topcoat, and it consistently performs better than ordinary slicker brushes for pulling out loose undercoat.
For a long-haired German Shepherd, my top pick is the FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool — Large, Long Hair. It’s specifically designed to reach through the longer guard coat and remove the loose, dense undercoat that causes most of the shedding.
Watch this overview of premium deshedding tools and techniques that work best for heavy-shedding German Shepherds:
Essential Grooming Tools
Undercoat Rake (with rounded pins): Reaches deep past the long outer guard hairs to pull loose undercoat fur without scratching the skin. Look for a rake with rotating pins to glide smoothly through thick fur without pulling. []()
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I'd actually choose a rounded-tooth undercoat rake for routine grooming. It is designed to pull out dead undercoat while being less aggressive toward the outer coat.
Andis Fine-Tooth Pet Deshedding Rake - $37.99 (Chewy)
For a long-haired GSD, a good routine is:
Undercoat rake: 2–3 times a week.
During a major coat blow: short daily sessions can be useful.
Slicker brush: finish the coat and work through feathering/tangles.
Brush in the direction of hair growth and stop if the skin becomes irritated.
Bottom line: If you want maximum hair removal, get the FURminator Long Hair Large. If you want the safest all-around everyday tool, I'd go with a rounded-tooth undercoat rake and pair it with a slicker brush.
For a long-haired German Shepherd , a single tool rarely does the entire job because of their thick double coat (a long outer guard coat and a dense, heavy undercoat).
While popular blade-style tools like the FURminator Long Hair Dog DeShedding Tool are famous, professional groomers often recommend an undercoat rake with rounded or rolling pins for long-haired variants. Blade-style deshedders can sometimes slice or pull the long topcoat rather than gliding smoothly through the deep undercoat.[](https://shepherdkingdom.com/blog/best-brushes-german-shepherds)
Top De-shedding Recommendations
Pat Your Pet Undercoat Rake (or similar dual-sided professional rake)
Why it works: Features rounded, stainless steel teeth that safely penetrate deep into the thick undercoat without scratching the skin or cutting the precious long guard hairs. The lower-density side tackles minor knots, while the wider side pulls out massive amounts of loose undercoat fur during shedding season.
FURminator Long Hair Dog DeShedding Tool
Why it works: If used gently and correctly (without pressing hard into the skin), the specialized long-hair edge reaches past the topcoat to safely pull out loose undercoat. Use it sparingly—no more than once a week—to avoid thinning the topcoat too aggressively.[](https://shepherdkingdom.com/blog/best-brushes-german-shepherds)
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Why it works: Essential for everyday maintenance. Its fine, bent wire bristles catch leftover loose surface hair, smooth out the long feathers on their legs and tail, and prevent matting in the longer tufts of fur.[]()
Pro-Tips for Long-Haired GSD Grooming
Line Brushing: Part the fur with one hand down to the skin and brush the hair outward/downward from the root. Working in "lines" ensures you actually reach the trapped undercoat instead of just skimming the surface.
Never use on dry, tangled fur: If your long-haired German Shepherd has minor mats behind the ears or on their britches, use a GoPets Dematting Comb or a metal greyhound comb first. Raking through raw tangles will cause painful pulling.
If you'd like, let me know:
Is your dog currently "blowing" their coat (heavy seasonal shedding)?
Are you dealing with any stubborn mats or tangles in their feathering?
I can give you a step-by-step routine to cut down on the flying fur!
For a long-haired (long-coated) German Shepherd, a single tool won’t do the trick. Because they have a thick double coat (a dense undercoat and a longer outer guard coat), standard blade-style deshedding tools like the classic FURminator can sometimes cut or damage their precious long outer guard hairs if used incorrectly.
Instead, the most effective and coat-safe approach is a combination toolkit.
The Ultimate Long-Haired GSD De-shedding Setup
The Undercoat Rake (The Heavy Lifter)
Recommendation:Pat Your Pet / Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake or a rounded-pin professional rake.
Why it works: This is the single most important tool for blowing coat. It features curved, rounded-tip stainless steel teeth that safely glide past the topcoat and reach deep into the dense undercoat to pull out dead, trapped fur without scratching their skin or cutting the hair.
The Long-Pin Slicker Brush (For Maintenance & Fluffing)
Recommendation:Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker or Andis Large Firm Slicker Brush
Why it works: Short slicker brushes just bounce off a long-haired GSD's plush coat. A long-pinned slicker penetrates the deep fur to remove loose hairs from the upper layers, prevent minor tangles, and eliminate static or debris.
Would you like some tips on how to "line brush" a long-haired GSD, or are you currently dealing with any severe matting/tangles that need a different approach?
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, Blue, Large - $41.49 (Chewy)
How I'd use it
During heavy shedding: 1–2 short sessions per week.
Normal periods: roughly weekly or as needed.
Use light pressure and work in the direction of hair growth. Pressing hard or repeatedly going over the same area can damage healthy guard hairs.
For a particularly thick coat, use an undercoat rake first, then the FURminator. This loosens packed undercoat and makes the FURminator considerably more effective.
If you want maximum shedding control rather than just one tool, I'd pair it with the FURminator Grooming Rake:
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake - $16.19 (Chewy)
Bottom line: If you're buying just one, get the Large, Long Hair FURminator. If your GSD is currently blowing its coat heavily, rake → FURminator is the combination I'd use.
Why it works: Unlike blade-style deshedding tools (like the classic edge-cutting FURminator which can slice or pull the long guard hairs if overused), an undercoat rake with rotating or rounded pins penetrates deep past the long topcoat to pull out dead undercoat fur safely.
How to use: Use gentle, sweeping strokes in the direction of hair growth. Do not press hard or dig into the skin.
A Long-Pin Slicker Brush (For Daily Maintenance & Tangles)
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, Blue, Large - $41.49 (Chewy)
Why I’d choose it
Large + Long Hair is the appropriate configuration for a typical adult GSD over 50 lb with a longer coat.
Its stainless-steel edge reaches through the topcoat to capture loose undercoat.
The FURejector button makes clearing out the enormous amount of fur much easier.
FURminator recommends using it on a completely dry coat, with gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. Their guidance is roughly 1–2 times per week for 10–20 minutes, rather than repeatedly going over the same area.
One important caveat
For a GSD going through a major seasonal "coat blow," I'd actually add an undercoat rake. A rake can loosen and lift packed undercoat before you use the FURminator, making the whole process more efficient and reducing the temptation to press too hard.
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake - $16.19 (Chewy)
Best setup: rake first → FURminator second → slicker/pin brush for finishing.
If you want maximum shedding reduction with the least risk of damaging the GSD's guard coat, I'd use the rake more routinely and reserve the FURminator for controlled de-shedding sessions. Overusing or pressing hard with a blade-style de-shedder can damage healthy guard hairs.
Professional groomers and breed owners heavily advise avoiding blade-style deshedders like the standard FURminator on long-coated German Shepherds. Blade-style tools act like mini razors; while they pull out a lot of hair, they can easily cut, fray, and damage the protective outer guard hairs of a double coat over time.[1][](https://www.reddit.com/r/germanshepherds/comments/1esj48w/recommendations_on_a_grooming_brush_for_a_long/)
An effective, coat-safe grooming toolkit for a long-haired GSD requires a structured, step-by-step approach:
The Long-Pin Slicker Brush (The Maintenance Brush): A tool like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush or an Andis Firm Slicker Brush with coated or long pins helps fluff the topcoat and sweep away the loose fur brought up by the rake.
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, Large - $41.49 (Chewy)
Why I’d choose it
Best overall for maximum shedding reduction: Its fine stainless-steel edge reaches deep into the undercoat.
Correct version matters: Get Large + Long Hair; the short-hair version isn't ideal for a long-coated GSD.
Especially effective during spring/fall coat blow: That's when you'll see the biggest payoff.
Use a light touch: Don't press hard or repeatedly go over the same area. Blade-style deshedders can damage healthy guard hairs if overused.
One tool I'd add
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake - $16.19 (Chewy)
Use the rake first when your Shepherd's undercoat is particularly thick or packed, then use the FURminator to pull out the loosened dead coat. FURminator itself recommends its rake for thick/double coats and 5–10 minute sessions.
Bottom line: If you only want to buy one, get the FURminator Large Long Hair. If your GSD has an extremely dense coat or blows coat heavily, rake + FURminator is the more effective combination.
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool, Blue, Large - $41.49 (Chewy)
Why I’d choose it
Excellent at deep undercoat removal: German Shepherds have a dense double coat, and this reaches beneath the topcoat rather than just brushing surface hair.
Large + Long Hair is the right version for most adult GSDs, particularly dogs over 50 lb.
It has consistently strong user ratings; the current Chewy listing is 4.7/5 from 1,310 reviews.
Current listings I found are roughly $32–$42, depending on retailer.
One important caveat
Don't rake aggressively or use it every day. The fine metal edge is extremely effective, but excessive pressure or overuse can remove healthy guard hairs. An undercoat rake is gentler and particularly useful during spring/fall coat blowouts.
If you want the best two-tool setup, I'd use:
FURminator Large Long Hair — main de-shedding tool.
FURminator Grooming Rake — first pass when the undercoat is especially thick or packed.
Bottom line: If you're buying just one tool, get the FURminator Large Long Hair. If your GSD is currently blowing coat heavily, add the rake later.
Greyhound Comb (Metal Comb): A dual-teeth comb used as a final pass to check for hidden tangles or remaining clumps in the dense undercoat.
Recommended Grooming Workflow
Prep and Inspect: Run your hands through the coat to feel for any thick clumps or developing mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the ruff.
Slicker Brush Pass: Gently brush the top layers using a "pat and pull" motion to clear loose surface hair and straighten the long guard hairs.
Finishing Comb: Use a metal comb to ensure the coat is completely free of tangles from skin to tip.
If you would like, let me know if your dog is currently blowing their coat (seasonal heavy shedding) or prone to matting , and I can recommend a specific routine or conditioning spray to help manage it.
