Every German shepherd owner knows the struggle of finding the perfect undercoat rake. It’s a delicate balance between finding one that will remove all the shedding fur while also being gentle enough not to irritate your dog’s skin.
And, of course, you also want to find one that’s durable and won’t break after just a few uses. Luckily, our reviews and buyer’s guide can help you find the perfect undercoat rake for your needs.
We’ll help you narrow down the options and find one that’s just right for you and your dog. So whether you’re looking for the best value, the best performance, or just want to find a rake that your dog won’t hate, we can help you find it.
Our Top Picks for The Best Undercoat Rakes for German Shepherds
- GoPets Grooming Rake – Best Overall
- Mars Coat King Undercoat Grooming Rake – Runner Up
- Pat Your Pet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
- Maxpower Planet Pet Undercoat Rake
- FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
- Hertzko Pet Undercoat Rake
- Ruff ‘N Ruffus Double Sided Undercoat Rake
7 Best Undercoat Rakes for German Shepherds Reviewed
1. Best Overall: GoPets Grooming Rake
The GoPets Grooming Rake is our best overall pick for the best undercoat rake for German Shepherds. This versatile rake can be used as a demating comb and an undercoat rake, making it a versatile tool for any German Shepherd groomer.
The sharp teeth on this rake are perfect for working through thick matted hair, and the rounded ends help to prevent scratches and scrapes.
Additionally, the non-silicone gel-filled handle makes it comfortable to use and helps to prevent hand fatigue. This durable rake is sure to stand up to even the most vigorous German Shepherd grooming sessions.
While most owners loved the GoPets Grooming Rake for its sharp teeth and durable construction, a few owners felt that the plastic squishy handle was unnecessary.
However, we think this is not a dealbreaker, as the squishy handle does not affect the tool’s performance.
Pros:
- Dual-purpose rake: de-matting comb and an undercoat rake
- Sharp teeth to prevent pulling through the coat.
- Rounded ends to protect the skin.
- Non-slip, comfortable handle.
Cons:
- Some owners felt that the squishy handle was unnecessary.
2. Runner Up: Mars Coat King Undercoat Grooming Rake
Have you ever looked at your dog and thought, “Wow, they could really use good grooming?” Well, now there’s a solution!
This innovative grooming tool features five different blade patterns and sharpened stainless steel teeth, making it ideal for hand-stripping your dog like a pro. Plus, the comfortable wooden handle ensures that you won’t break a sweat while you’re grooming your furry friend.
The downside was that some owners said the cutting head was not as large as they expected. This can be a bit of a downside, as it may make it more difficult to groom certain areas of your dog’s coat.
However, overall, most owners were very pleased with the Mars Coat King Undercoat Grooming Rake and found it to be an excellent undercoat rake for German Shepherds.
Pros:
- Five different blade patterns to suit your needs.
- Sharpened stainless steel teeth quickly remove dead hair.
- Lightweight and comfortable wooden handle.
- Rounded ends for safety.
Cons:
- The cutting head may be too small for some dogs.
3. Pat Your Pet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
Have you ever gone to the pet store, looking for an undercoat rake, only to find that they’re all too small? It’s like they think all dogs are Chihuahuas or something. But what about us guardians of large breeds?
We need an undercoat rake with the right size and weight to make grooming our German shepherds, not a chore. That’s where the Pat Your Pet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake comes in.
Aside from having the right size, this rake features a dual-head design so that you can use one side for dematting and the other side for deshedding. Plus, it comes with a free engravable collar tag, making it the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life.
Although many owners said that the Pat Your Pet Double-Sided Undercoat Rake was perfect for most dogs, there were a few that said it might not be the best fit for all dogs. One such owner said their dog was too scared when they tried to use it on them.
Pros:
- Perfect size for medium and large dogs.
- Dual-head design.
- Free collar tag included.
- Easy grip handle.
Cons:
- May not be the best fit for all dogs.
4. Maxpower Planet Pet Undercoat Rake
Undercoat? More like an overcoat! Are we right, folks? Haha. But seriously, this Maxpower Planet Pet Undercoat Rake is a game-changer.
Not only does it have a dual side design – 9 teeth on one side, 17 on the other – but the blades are slightly sharpened for maximum mat removal.
And customers love it! “I was able to remove so much undercoat with this rake,” said one. “It was easy and safe to use.” Another customer said, “I was able to get to the thick undercoat where mats begin. I’m so glad I found this rake!”
Nevertheless, some customers did note that the rake did not work for all types of fur, especially for short to medium-haired dogs. But for those with long-haired dogs, this rake will definitely do the trick!
Pros:
- Dual side design.
- Sharpened blades make for easy mat removal.
- Stainless steel teeth.
- Ergonomic handle.
Cons:
- Does not work for all types of fur.
5. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
The FURminator is a popular brand in dog grooming supplies for their innovative and easy-to-use products. The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is no exception.
This tool quickly and easily removes loose undercoat hair with its sharp blades, making it a favorite among dog groomers and pet owners alike. The easy-to-clean furejector button makes it even easier to keep the tool clean and free of hair.
With its ease of use and quick results, it’s no wonder the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is one of the most popular products in the FURminator line.
Although many customers were happy with the performance of the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool, there were a few who said that the fur release button didn’t always work all the time. This made them end up having to pull the accumulated fur out by hand.
Pros:
- Sharp blades for quick undercoat removal.
- Furejector button for easy cleaning.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Available in multiple sizes.
Cons:
- The fur release button may not always work.
6. Hertzko Pet Undercoat Rake
Herzko is another brand that’s known for their quality pet grooming products, and their Pet Undercoat Rake is no exception.
The rake comes with 2.5-inch serrated teeth that easily cut through tangles without pulling, and the rust-resistant stainless steel teeth are a real boon for those of us who like to keep our tools in tip-top condition.
If you’re worried that long grooming sessions make your arm ache, then you’ll be pleased to know that in addition to anti-slip handles, the rake also comes with an additional metal thumb grip that can be helpful in reducing fatigue.
The downside was that some customers found that the rake didn’t cut through the mats as easily as they had hoped. But overall, it does make grooming sessions much easier for both dog and owner.
Pros:
- Rust-resistant stainless steel teeth.
- Anti-slip handles.
- Thumb rest for comfort.
- Rounded teeth for safety.
Cons:
- Teeth may not always cut through mats easily.
7. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Double Sided Undercoat Rake
The Ruff ‘N Ruffus Double-Sided Undercoat Rake offers a good value for the money with its free nail clipper!
With dual heads for faster and more professional grooming results, this rake is built to last with metal construction and sharpened but fine rounded teeth. And if that’s not enough to convince you, the Ruff ‘N Ruffus Double-Sided Undercoat Rake also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The downside was that some owners found that the rake seemed to go dull pretty quickly and that it wasn’t as effective at removing undercoats as some of the other rakes on the list.
Pros:
- Dual heads for faster grooming.
- Fine rounded teeth for safety.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Free nail clipper included.
Cons:
- Rake may go dull quickly.
- Not as effective at removing undercoats as some of the other rakes on the list.
Is An Undercoat Rake Good for German Shepherds?
If you have a German Shepherd, then you know that they are a double-coated breed. This means that they have a top coat and an undercoat. The undercoat is what keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The topcoat is what protects them from the elements. The undercoat also sheds. A lot. German Shepherds will shed their undercoats twice a year. This is called “blowing their coat.” During this time, you will want to use an undercoat rake to help remove the dead hair from their undercoat.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Undercoat Rake for German Shepherds
There are a lot of different undercoat rakes on the market. How do you know which one is the best for your German Shepherd? Here are a few things to look for when choosing an undercoat rake:
1. Size
When it comes to choosing the best undercoat rake for German Shepherds, size is an important consideration. German Shepherds are one of the largest breeds of dogs, and their coats can be thick and dense.
As a result, a rake that is too small may not be able to penetrate the coat, while a rake that is too large may be uncomfortable for the dog.
2. Teeth type
The type of teeth on the rake is also important. There are two main types of teeth – fine and wide teeth. Fine teeth are better for dogs with shorter hair, while wider teeth are better for dogs with longer hair.
Some German shepherds have longer hair, while others have shorter hair. You’ll want to choose a rake with teeth that are appropriate for your dog’s coat.
3. Durability
If you’re looking for an undercoat rake that will stand the test of time, you’ll want to choose one that’s made from high-quality materials. Look for an undercoat rake that’s made from strong, durable materials such as stainless steel, wood, and hardened plastic.
4. Handle type
Anyone who has ever tried to groom a dog knows that it can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process. Therefore, it’s important to choose an undercoat rake that has a comfortable handle.
Ergonomic handles are an especially good choice as they are designed to fit comfortably in the palm. This can help to reduce fatigue and make grooming a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
5. Safety features
Undercoat rakes can cause damage to your dog’s skin if they are not used correctly. An undercoat rake with inbuilt safety features can help to prevent this.
Examples of safety features include rounded teeth and raised edges that allow the tool to glide across the surface of the skin.
6. Ease to Clean
Ease of cleaning is the last factor but by no means the least to consider when choosing an undercoat rake.
Because the rake will come into contact with your dog’s skin, you’ll want to ensure that it’s easy to clean. Otherwise, the rake will quickly become clogged with fur, making it less effective.
Look for a model with buttons that eject fur from the tool, or choose a rake with detachable heads that can be easily rinsed off.
What Are The Differences Between Rakes and Undercoat Rakes?
A rake is a tool with blunt teeth that are used to remove dead hair and shed fur from your dog’s coat. It doesn’t actually cut the fur but rather pulls it out gently. This is a good option if you want to avoid cutting your dog’s fur.
An undercoat rake, on the other hand, has sharp, curved teeth that are designed to remove a dead undercoat without damaging the topcoat. This is a good option for double-coated dogs who shed a lot, such as German Shepherds.
However, it’s important to be careful when using an undercoat rake, as you can easily damage your dog’s coat if you’re not careful.
How Often Should I Use an Undercoat Rake on My German Shepherd?
The frequency with which you use an undercoat rake will depend on a number of factors, such as the length of your dog’s coat and how much they shed.
If your dog has a short coat and doesn’t shed much, you may only need to use the rake once or twice a month. However, if your dog has a long coat and sheds a lot, you may need to use the rake once or twice a week.
You should also take into account the time of year. German Shepherds shed more in the spring and fall, so you may need to use the rake more frequently during these times.
Ultimately, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian or groomer to determine how often you should use an undercoat rake on your German Shepherd.
How To Use an Undercoat Rake on a German Shepherd
The most important thing to remember when using an undercoat rake is to always start with the wider teeth and work your way down to the narrower ones as you go. This will ensure that you remove the most amount of hair possible without damaging your dog’s coat in the process.
To use the rake, simply hold it in your hand and pull it in the direction of the coat growth. You may need to go over the same area multiple times to get all of the loose hair, but eventually, you will see a noticeable difference in your dog’s coat.
Remember to be gentle when using the rake. You should never pull or yank on your dog’s fur, as this can cause discomfort and even pain.
Conclusion
We hope that this review of the best undercoat rakes for German Shepherds has been helpful. We have outlined the key factors to consider when choosing a rake, as well as some of the best options on the market.
The GoPets Grooming Rake and the Mars Coat King Undercoat Grooming Rake are both excellent choices for German Shepherds. We particularly like the GoPets rake because of its safety features and ease of use.
As always, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian or groomer before using an undercoat rake on your German Shepherd. They can give you specific guidance on which rake to choose and how to use it properly.
Thanks for reading!