Leonberger Shedding — Best Deshedding Tools

A Leonberger blowing their double coat is a serious event — you're not dealing with everyday shedding, you're dealing with what feels like a second dog's worth of fur twice a year. Managing it well comes down to three things: the right deshedding tool for that thick double coat, a consistent brushing routine during the blow (daily, not weekly), and in some cases a diet that supports coat health from the inside. The wrong tool — a basic slicker brush, for example — barely touches the undercoat and you end up fighting a losing battle. So tell me: what does your current brushing setup look like, and how often are you getting through the full coat right now?

That explains exactly why you're struggling. A slicker brush moves surface fur around but doesn't reach the dense undercoat where the real shedding is happening — and on a Leonberger that undercoat is substantial. The mane matting is a separate issue but it's connected: when undercoat builds up and isn't removed properly, it compresses and tangles. What I'd recommend is the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs with Long Hair. It's specifically designed to reach through the topcoat and pull out loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs — which matters on a Leonberger because that outer coat is part of what gives them that lion look. Used correctly, it dramatically reduces the volume of loose fur in the home during a blow. Have you used anything like a deshedding rake before, or has it always been slicker brushes and combs?

Good question. The mane on a Leonberger is thicker and coarser than the body coat, and yes, the FURminator handles it well — but technique matters. You want to use it with the lay of the fur, not against it, and work in sections rather than trying to drag it through the full depth in one pass. For the mane specifically, I'd actually suggest doing a quick pass with a wide-tooth comb first to break up any tangles, then follow with the FURminator to pull the undercoat out. If you go straight in with the FURminator on a tangled mane you'll cause some discomfort and he'll start associating grooming sessions with something unpleasant. How old is the dog and is he generally tolerant of grooming, or does he get fidgety?

Twenty to twenty-five minutes is actually a reasonable window if you're working efficiently with the right tool — you'll get far more out per session with the FURminator than you're getting now with the slicker. During a heavy shed I'd break it into two sessions on the same day if needed: one pass over the body, then come back later for the mane and legs. That keeps each session within his tolerance and means you're not rushing through the dense areas. The FURminator Large Long Hair is the specific version to go for — it's the right width for a dog his size and the longer teeth reach the depth of undercoat you're dealing with. You'll likely see a noticeable reduction in shedding around the house within two weeks of consistent use.

Yes — you can overdo it. The FURminator is effective precisely because it reaches deep, but used too aggressively or too frequently it can thin out the topcoat over time. During a heavy seasonal shed, daily use is fine for two to three weeks while the blow is active. Outside of that, two or three times a week is plenty for maintenance. Always stop if you're pulling out guard hairs rather than the soft cottony undercoat — that's the sign you're working an area that's already been cleared. And keep the comb in rotation alongside it. The FURminator removes volume, but the comb catches tangles before they set, especially in the mane and behind the ears. Those two tools together will make a real difference.