How to Groom a German Shepherd for Show

German Shepherd dogs are by far one of the most popular and well-known dogs breeds. From Rin-Tin-Tin to The Littlest Hobo, the German Shepherd has become a beloved part of society. Many people show German Shepherd dogs in a variety of dog sports, and they are fairly simple to prepare for the show ring.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo and conditioner
  • Combs
  • Brushes
  • Nail clippers
  • Small scissors
  • Towels
  • Grooming table
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Instructions

    • 1

      Groom your dog at least three days before the show. Bathing the dog washes all of the good oils from his skin and will cause the hair to stick out. Grooming the dog in advance of show time will allow the oils to come back and the hair to lay flat.

    • 2

      Brush the dog thoroughly before bathing. Removing the dead hair from the coat is essential to proper show ring presentation.

    • 3

      Trim any long hairs from between the dog’s toes. The foot should have a smooth look to it and cutting off the excessively long hair will make for a polished appearance.

    • 4

      Clip your dog’s nails. Be sure to trim the nails short enough to look neat and clean but not so short that you cut the quick. Snipping the quick will cause bleeding and pain, and a lame dog will be excused from the ring.

    • 5

      Wash your dog carefully. Apply a generous amount of soap to the dog’s coat and massage well to loosen any remaining hair and dirt. Rinse the dog well before applying a good show ring conditioner to the coat.

    • 6

      Dry your dog well with a large, soft towel. Rub in the direction of the hair growth to avoid causing the hair to stick out. A German Shepherd’s coat really needs no special work or clipping for the show ring, so simple towel drying is fine.

    • 7

      Arrive at your show destination a minimum of three hours in advance to finish your grooming. Place your dog on the grooming table to check for any touch-ups that need to be made and spot-wash any stained spots before you head into the ring.