German Shepherds and MudBuster Depth Challenges
German Shepherds have big paws and those sturdy legs that often carry mud way up past the pads after a good romp in the dirt. The MudBuster's large version hits 8.85 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide, designed specifically for paws bigger than 3.5 inches, which fits most adult GSDs since their paws typically measure around 3.5 to 4.5 inches across. One owner with a 64-pound GSD said the large didn't fully clean her dog's paws and wished she'd gone with medium for a snugger fit, but that hints more at width than pure height - her dog might have narrower feet. Others report success by filling it halfway with warm water and a drop of pet shampoo, twisting the leg in a few times to get the **silicone bristles** working without the paw scraping the bottom. If your Shepherd stands tall or shifts weight awkwardly during cleaning, the depth might not reach as far up the pastern as you'd like, leaving some mud behind that needs a towel follow-up. Wet paws come out dripping, so keep a towel ready either way. Dogs new to it might resist at first, but treats help them relax into the twist-and-scrub motion.
Deeper Dives for Long-Legged or Active GSDs
Picture this: it's mud season after a rainy hike, and your German Shepherd's legs are caked up to the hocks from plowing through puddles. The MudBuster shines for quick paw rinses right after walks, trapping the mess inside its tumbler so it doesn't hit your floors or car mats. But for GSDs with exceptionally long legs or heavy mud buildup, that 8.85-inch height in the large size might leave the upper leg untouched - you're mostly cleaning the paw and lower pastern. One reviewer mentioned telling a friend with a long-legged dog to grab a taller version, implying the standard large works but isn't perfect for every build. If your Shepherd has sore pads or infections between toes, it doubles as a soak tool without the scrubber insert, which is a win for targeted cleaning. Height isn't the only factor; the portable design means it's lightweight at under a pound, easy to pack for road trips, but you might need to do multiple dips or angle the leg to cover more ground. Some pups get used to it fast and even step in voluntarily after a few dry runs.
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MudBuster Against Other Paw Cleaners
Compared to something like the Arcadia Trail Paw Cleaner, which a Husky owner preferred in a video review for easier paw insertion without hard plastic resistance, the Dexas MudBuster uses softer **silicone bristles** that flex better on sensitive GSD pads but can feel restrictive if the fit's off. The Target up&up Dog Paw Scrub Cleaner is cheaper but lacks the three precise sizes - small at 4.3 inches tall, medium at 6 inches, large at 8.85 inches - so it might bottom out quicker on big Shepherd feet. MudBuster wins on portability and dishwasher-safe parts (though some just rinse), while bulkier tubs like those from Chewy alternatives offer more depth for full-leg soaks but aren't as travel-friendly. For GSD owners, if depth is your main gripe, look at taller homemade buckets with brushes, but they spill more and aren't as mess-contained. Overall, MudBuster holds its own for everyday use, especially at $13.49, without needing fancy extras.
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Grab the large for your German Shepherd, test the fit dry first, and pair it with a good towel routine to handle any leftover moisture or higher mud. Your floors - and sanity - will thank you after the next adventure.
