Many people might not know this, but the German Shepherd actually has 2 layers of fur to protect its body. And it is surprisingly easier to take care of than expected. The first layer of the covering which is close to the body is close-knit and soft. It provides the German Shepherd with protection, acting as a thermal coat to maintain warmth during colder months and protects it from the harmful rays of the sun during the warm seasons. The second coat of the German Shepherd, the outer coat is rougher and of a medium length.

The best way to take care of your German Shepherd is to make sure that he is getting the right nutrition he needs. The German Shepherd gets its strength from meat and you should ensure that the meals he gets is high in vitamins and protein. The dog needs a diet that is high in fat and protein. Chicken, lamb or beef are excellent choices. If you decide to concoct food for your dog, ascertain that it has the correct proportions of all the basic dietary requirements the dog needs to stay in tip-top condition.

Vegetables are harder for dogs to digest. Rather than the rounded or curved stomachs we see in humans, dogs actually have s straight stomach. This can result in them having issues with their digestion of vegetables. Wheat, corn and other plant-like materials can be tough for the animal and they should only make up a small portion of the dog's overall digestive diet. Once you are sure that the dog is getting an excellent diet, you can move on to the grooming needs.

It is generally recommended that you brush your dog's hair at least twice a week. You want to be sure that the oil in the fur is evenly distributed to prevent matting and tangles. You can also be sure to remove the dead skin cells and loose hair clogging the coat. A standard metal brush or slicker will work well if it is used properly. You must be careful not to cut or scratch your dog's skin while brushing.

When you start to brush, take the brush in the same direction as the coat hair. To ensure you tackle all parts of the dog's fur, do use a combination of different brushes with various sizes of brush heads.

Depending on the dog's typical routine, you will have to bath your dog more or less once a month. The frequency of baths will be dependent on the location of you home and your dogs favorite pastime. For example, if your dog loves to be outside in the dirt and dust, he will require a bath more frequently than an animals that loves to be indoors. If the dog is an indoor dog, taking a bath every few months will be sufficient.

If you stroke your dog and dust you can see dust waft up, that's a clear signal it's time for a bath. Also, if he is starting to smell, a bath will quickly solve that problem and make him more enjoyable during cuddle time. If the coat is very greasy, that can be another sign that he needs a bath.

Proper shampoo can be important to the dog's coat hygiene. German Shepherds are easily affected by wheat and can have other allergies, so the correct shampoo is essential. For instance, oatmeal shampoo can be calming for your dog but they also cause material to collect on the coat far more easily, so you might have to bathe your dog more often. A shampoo with aloe added might be a good choice if you are not concerned with fleas. Nevertheless, with regular care, your German Shepherd is bound to look beautiful all year long.