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New puppies are cute, curious, and always learning—which is why puppydom is a great time to introduce your new pal to the routines that will become part of their daily care. One of the most important of these is daily brushing. Not only does it help get your puppy used to handling and keep their coat clean and shiny, but it’s also a great way to bond. The best brushes for puppies are those that can help you with a gentle introduction.
According to fear-free grooming guidelines, your first puppy brushing sessions should last no more than five minutes, says Julia Benning, grooming advisory board leader for Well Groomed Pets. Benning also recommends starting early so your puppy has plenty of time to get used to being groomed as they grow. She adds, though, that you shouldn’t be surprised if it takes more than one session to get a full brush in. Letting your dog get comfortable with your brushes and combs before you even use them, offering lots of treats and praise, and going slowly can all help your pup become comfortable with the process.
Of course, having the right tools is helpful, too. With Benning’s expert grooming advice in mind, we compiled the following list of the best brushes for puppies.
Best Everyday Puppy Brush: Tangle Teezer Puppy Brush
“Brushing can be very stimulating to puppies when they’re first introduced to it,” Benning explains. “Most puppies will not be comfortable with brushing right off the bat; they have to be desensitized to it. Their skin and coat are more delicate than an adult dog’s, so we have to be extra gentle and not use too much pressure when teaching our pups to tolerate brushing.”
With extra-soft plastic bristles and an integrated grip, this Pet Teezer brush is a wildly popular pick for getting a puppy used to being brushed. The all-in-one design makes it easy to maneuver with a squirming puppy, and the bristles span the full length of the brush at nearly 5 inches. That extra bristle coverage helps cut down on grooming time for medium and large puppies.
What to Know:
- One size: 2.17″ x 2.17″ x 4.92″
- Best for light- to medium-shedders
- Soft, double-tiered bristles to gently remove dirt and smooth the hair
- Safe for use on wet or dry hair
- May be too large for tiny puppies
Best for Short Hair: KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush (Verified Review)
Soft curry combs like the KONG ZoomGroom are ideal for short-coated dogs, says Benning. These combs have thick, rubbery bristles to remove loose hair and come in many sizes. If your puppy is and will remain petite-sized, you can get a smaller, flexible one for dainty curves and contours. If you have a big-breed puppy, you can opt for a larger size with a more flexible construction. And, should this easy-to-clean comb somehow become a teething toy, it’s fairly inexpensive to replace.
Safety is critical with any brush, and Benning does warn pet parents to be cautious with their young pup’s delicate skin, even with a “gentle” brush like the ZoomGroom. “While this brush is very soft, it can still cause brush burn due to the friction if you aren’t careful,” she says. “Always be gentle and focus on pulling the coat towards the tail rather than pushing the brush into the skin.”
What to know:
- Two sizes: small (3.75″ x 2.25″) and large (4.75″ x 3″)
- Made of soft plastic
- Features gentle “fingers” that massage the skin and remove loose hair
- Can also be used at bath time to massage shampoo into hair
Best for Long-Haired Puppies: ConairPROPET Soft Dog Slicker Brush
Slicker brushes get deeper into long, thick fur and undercoats, where they remove loose hairs as well as any foreign objects (like burrs or stickers) before they can tangle or create painful mats. Many slicker brushes have long metal bristles, which are super effective but might be uncomfortable for some dogs. That’s why you’ll want to find one that’s more delicately designed for your pup.
“For puppies, it may be best to use a slicker brush with little protective beads on the tips of the pins to protect sensitive puppy skin,” advises Benning. “Be extra gentle on the skin when using these brushes so you don’t accidentally scratch the puppy or irritate their skin.”
This slicker brush has soft coated tips to prevent skin irritation. The memory gel handle also adds a nice touch, offering both comfort and non-slip control.
What to know:
- Two sizes: small (for dogs under 30 pounds) and medium (for dogs 30+ pounds)
- Each bristle has a soft beaded tip to keep your pup’s skin safe.
- Features a memory-gel handle for brushing comfort.
- Requires manual cleaning; not self-cleaning like some slicker brushes
- Best for small- to medium-sized dogs
Best for Double Coats: Mars Coat King Blunt Undercoat Grooming Rake
An undercoat rake is an excellent brush for puppies with double coats—like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Pomeranians—to remove loose hair and debris. When choosing one, Benning encourages pet parents to proceed carefully. “Some undercoat rakes or de-shedding tools are engineered in a way that they cannot truly go under the top coat without damaging it, resulting in the top coat being cut while the undercoat is removed,” she says. “This damages the integrity of the top coat and leads to a damaged coat that will shed more in the long run.”
This simple but effective Mars Coat King rake is designed with blunt, curved teeth that go under the topcoat to pull loose fur and minimize damage. According to Benning, its 10-inch blade works particularly well for double-coated dogs with short—to medium-length top coats. Made of quality materials from Germany, it features high-grade tempered stainless steel blades.
What to know:
- One size: 7.2″ x 0.75″ x 2″
- Designed for dogs with dense/thick double coats
- Works by grabbing loose hair under the top coat
- Long 10-inch blade head and slim wooden handle for easy maneuvering
Best for Wiry/Course Hair: Coastal Pet Safari Wire Pin Brush
Benning says that pin brushes work similarly to slicker brushes. They’re not quite as effective in managing tangles, but they’re even more gentle. Wire pin brushes can also be especially helpful in grooming pups with wiry or coarse hair.
This Coastal Pet Safari pin brush ranks high as one of the best for puppies. The ergonomic, non-slip handle makes it easy to hold steady, gently removing loose hair and debris. Thanks to the soft stainless steel bristles, the brush also helps redistribute the natural oils from your dog’s coat. Available in two sizes, it’s a versatile option for either small or large pups.
What to know:
- Two sizes: small/medium (8.5″ x 2.06″) and large (9.25″ x 2.5″)
- Handle made of plastic material, so it’s easy to rinse and dry when needed
- Works well to manage tangles and matting in both short and long-haired pups
- For serious tangles, a slicker brush or comb might be a better option
Best for Tiny Pups: Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush for Small Dogs
If your new puppy is itty-bitty, you’ll need a brush well-suited to their petite frame. Many of the brushes on this list say they are intended for dogs of all shapes and sizes, but this slicker brush is truly designed for smaller pups. The uniquely shaped head is especially helpful for getting into tight corners, and the wire bristles are coated at the ends for gentler use, as Benning recommends above. Plus, it’s a cinch to wash in warm, soapy water.
What to know:
- Size: 3.25″ x 1.63″ x 9″
- Specially designed for small dogs of all coat types
- Unique eye shape and ergonomic handle make brushing small pets easier
- Fine, plastic-tipped bristles for gentle brushing
- Requires manual cleaning; not self-cleaning like some slicker brushes
Best for Smooth, Shiny Fur: Burt’s Bees for Dogs Palm Bristle Brush
Soft bristle brushes might not seem like they do much, especially if your puppy is long-haired or has a double coat. But they do serve an important purpose. Bristle brushes are great for removing dust and debris from the surface of your puppy’s fur. They’re also helpful in moving natural oils around the coat. This redistribution of oils ensures that there’s no build-up anywhere to keep hair shiny—think of it like a “polisher” in your dog’s grooming routine.
Bristle brushes also just feel good, making them a choice option to helping your puppy get used to grooming. Because the bristles aren’t too scratchy, you can also use a soft bristle brush in more delicate places, like around the face and on the belly. Made of natural hemp, bamboo, and recycled material, this Burt’s Bees brush offers an eco-friendly option for restoring luster to your pup’s coat. The canvas strap on the back adds a thoughtful element, helping keep the brush effortlessly in place.
What to know:
- One size: 7.09″ x 5.51″ x 1.5″
- Best used to remove surface debris or as a finishing brush to keep your pup’s coat smooth and shiny
- Made with natural hemp bristles and bamboo
- Designed to be held in the palm, with a canvas strap for extra security
- May be too large for smaller dogs
Best Brushing Gloves: HANDSON All-in-One Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves are an alternative for pups uncomfortable with brushing. After all, it’s just like petting your puppy—with a little extra brushing benefit to boot.
These gentle gloves are designed with silicone tips to help remove and detangle fur—use them on long and short, wet or dry coats. They’re also decently easy to clean. To remove hair, simply rub your palms together. You can also rinse the gloves under water to remove any additional hair and debris.
For human comfort, the gloves come in several sizes and feature an adjustable Velcro band at the wrist for a more custom fit.
What to Know:
- Five sizes: junior to x-large
- These gloves may be soothing to dogs uncomfortable with brushing
- Gently removes loose fur or hair
- Can be used on puppies, adult dogs, and cats of all sizes
Best for Bath Time: Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush Pro (Verified Review)
Part curry comb and part shower head, this two-in-one brush is perfect for bath time. The gentle silicone bristles are great for working shampoo into and out of your puppy’s coat, stimulating the skin with a gentle massage while releasing loose fur.
As we discovered in our review of the Aquapaw Pro, the brush is easy to install both indoors and outside. It offers two water speeds and is suitable for pups of all sizes. We especially like that you can stop the water completely as needed, giving your puppy time to get comfortable with the whole bath experience.
What to Know:
- Size: 108″ x 4″ x 2″
- Integrate curry brush and shower head for easier bath time
- Can be installed on an existing shower head or with a hose
- Features two water speeds: high and low
- Integrated hand strap allows for a secure fit
Best Detangling: Shiny Pet Dog Comb Grooming Tool with Stainless Steel Teeth
“This tool is the crucial final piece of the puzzle for keeping your puppy tangle-free,” says Benning. “Brushes often brush over the top of a tangle or mat, so it might appear the puppy is tangle-free until you check with your metal comb.”
In addition to working out knots, this Shiny Pet comb is ideal for getting out any “stuff” caught in a dog’s coat. Puppies get into everything, and you might find all sorts of stuff in their fur, like stickers, bark, food, or dried mud. You can use this stainless steel comb frequently, too, since it has rounded teeth that prevent scratching. Plus, it’s easy to clean in the sink or dishwasher.
This comb’s two-in-one design offers different tooth arrangements for tighter or looser combing, and the no-slip grip gives more control and confidence while brushing delicate areas such as muzzles, chins, or leg feathers.
What to know:
- One size: 7.28″ x 1.85″
- Rounded stainless steel teeth to prevent scratching
- Two-in-one comb with two different teeth arrangements for tighter or looser combing
- Non-slip handle for greater control
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with grooming experts, including Julia Benning, grooming advisory board leader for Well Groomed Pets. We particularly prioritized Benning’s advice while also considering the wide range of puppy brushing needs. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
