Double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds are beloved for their stunning looks, loyal personalities, and endurance. Their thick double coats protect them from harsh weather and keep them comfortable year-round. These coats also mean they need a grooming routine that is proactive, effective, and consistent.
This helpful guide breaks down the ultimate grooming routine for double-coated breeds, why managing shedding matters, how often to groom, and how THE SHEDDER shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM can make a huge difference in both coat/skin health and shedding control.
What Is a Double Coat?
A double coat consists of two distinct layers:
1. The Undercoat – This layer is soft, dense, and designed to trap warmth and regulate temperature.
2. The Topcoat (Also called The Outer Coat or Guard Coat) – Longer, coarser hairs that protect from water, dirt, and external elements.
Together, these layers naturally shed in seasonal shifts and with normal cell turnover. In breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds, this shedding can be heavy without proper care.
Common Double-Coated Dog Breeds
Some popular double-coated breeds include:
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Siberian Husky
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German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Chow Chow
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Alaskan Malamute
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Akita
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Samoyed
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Bernese Mountain Dog
- Pomeranian
Each has its own texture and density, but all benefit from similar grooming principles.
Why Grooming Matters for Double Coats
Proper grooming:
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Prevents matting and tangles
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Reduces looser hairs around the home
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Improves skin health and airflow
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Helps regulate natural shedding cycles resulting in a smooth coat
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Makes bath time more effective
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Helps tame thick undercoats and excess fur
However, not all grooming routines are equal. Shedding control should begin before and during bathing, not just after.
That’s where products like THE SHEDDER shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM come in.
Typical Grooming Challenges for Huskies and German Shepherds
Siberian Huskies
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Extremely dense undercoat
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Thick outer coat
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“Blow” their undercoat seasonally
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Prone to heat sensitivity if not groomed
Huskies need frequent brushing and thoughtful bathing to move out dead undercoat without stripping essential oils.
German Shepherds
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Thick double coat with dense guard hairs
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Longer fur in certain places (ears, tail, legs)
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Prone to matting behind ears, armpits, and tail
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Seasonal shedding cycles can create heavy loose fur
German Shepherds also tend to develop dry skin without regular brushing and the right bathing products.
Step-by-Step Routine For How To Groom A Double Coated Dog
Step 1: Brush Your Dog's Coat Regularly
Daily brushing or brushing several times a week is key, especially during shedding seasons.
Effective tools for a dog's double coat include:
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Pin brushes for surface hairs
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Slicker brushes to reach deeper and remove loose fur
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Undercoat rakes to pull dead hair
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A metal comb for knots
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Lint rollers to help with fallen hair
Gently work through tangles from skin outward. This removes loose undercoat before it mats or clogs the topcoat.
Brushing before the bath also unclogs hair and helps shampoo work deeper. Other breeds with thinner or single coats do not need as much brushing to remove hair.
Step 2: Choose the Right Dog Shampoo
Many standard shampoos simply clean the surface and do little to remove dead undercoat. That means loose hair still stays trapped and is only removed on the next brush.
THE SHEDDER shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM is specially formulated with the best essential oils and ingredients for shedding breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds. Its rich, natural, clarifying formula helps:
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Lift loose hairs and dead follicles during the bath
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Loosen soft undercoat shedding hair
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Leave the outer coat coat cleaner and smoother
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Create a healthier skin environment
Using THE SHEDDER shampoo with proper brushing can result in up to 25% less shedding hair left behind after grooming, depending on the dog's coat.
Step 3: Bathing Strategy For Shedding Dog Breeds
Follow this simple bath routine:
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Pre-Bath Brush
Brush thoroughly with a rubber curry brush or de-shedding brush to remove as much loose hair as possible, while spreading natural oils. -
Rinse with Warm Water
Warm water opens pores and loosens hairs and dead fur. -
Apply THE SHEDDER Shampoo
Work into a rich lather from shoulder to tail, focusing on dense areas of the outer coat. -
Massage Deeply
A longer massage allows shampoo to reach undercoat hairs and loosen them, reaching your dog's skin. -
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse until water runs clear - this prevents leftover detergent that can dry and damage a dog's skin. -
Towel Dry and Brush Again
Brush while damp to remove residual loose hairs.
This bath method removes undercoat bulk while nourishing skin and keeping guard hairs shiny and strong, depending on the coat type.
Step 4: Drying and Final Brushing
Double-coated breeds dry slowly. Use:
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Absorbent towels
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A pet-safe dryer (low heat setting)
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Final brushing once mostly dry
This minimizes flyaways and leaves the coat soft, smooth, and healthy.
Maintaining Skin and Coat Health
Maintaining the health of the skin and coat in double-coated dogs such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds requires specialized care to manage their dense undercoat and protective outer coat. Never shave a double-coated dog to keep them cool, as this destroys the natural insulation that protects them from sunburn, heatstroke, and, conversely, cold. Instead, focus on regular brushing, proper bathing techniques, and high-quality nutrition to prevent matting, hot spots, and skin infections.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
Spring and Fall Shedding
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Most double coated breeds experience heavy shedding in spring and fall. Increase brushing to daily and consider a weekly bath with THE SHEDDER shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM to help shed stubborn undercoat hairs.
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Double coats protect skin, but dogs can still get dry or itchy skin. Use moisturizers, omega supplements, and regular brushing to maintain skin barrier health.
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During grooming, use this opportunity to check for ticks, fleas, red spots, or dry skin.
Professional Grooming vs At-Home Grooming
Professional groomers have de-shedding tools that can help, but a good home routine with the right tools and products stacks major benefits into your dog's daily care, especially for active breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies and German Shepherds who are part of your family and shed year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my double-coated dog?
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Brushing: 3–7 days per week
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Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks—or weekly during heavy shedding
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Professional grooming: Every 8–12 weeks
Using THE SHEDDER shampoo maximizes each bath’s impact for shedding control.
Will bathing make my dog shed more?
Yes, when done correctly. Bathing with a shedding-focused shampoo helps release loose undercoat hairs that would otherwise fall out later in the home. This makes shedding more manageable.
Final Tips for Double-Coated Dog Breeds
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Start grooming early so your dog is comfortable
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Introduce grooming tools with praise and treats
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Use quality products made for shedding breeds
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Never shave a double coat — it protects and regulates temperature
Summary
Creating a grooming routine for double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With regular brushing, the right bath strategy, and THE SHEDDER shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM, you can reduce shedding, improve coat health, and enjoy a cleaner home.
When you care for their coats, you care for their happiness and comfort.
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because a group of New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. Skin and coat health is very important to us.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
Shop our entire line: www.prideandgroom.com