THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOES NOT HAVE extensive grooming requirements and is not considered a high-maintenance dog. If your shepherd has a double coat — hard guard hairs over a downy undercoat — he is quite literally a wash-and-go dog. Not all shepherds have a double coat, however, and at some point, regardless of your shepherd's coat type, he will need a bath — not to mention regular brushing, toenail trimming, and other routine maintenance.