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To keep your dog looking and feeling his best, regular brushing is a must. But brushing your dog isn’t just about looks: it’s an important part of your pet’s overall health. The best dog brushes will remove dead hair, eliminate tangles, and stimulate your dog’s skin—all while cutting down on those tumbleweeds dancing around your living room.
Brushing can seem like a chore at times, but once you start to see the benefits, it gets a lot more enjoyable. Here are a few reasons to stick to a brushing routine—and the top five tools for successful grooming.
Why Is Brushing Important for Your Dog?
Regular brushing is an essential part of pet care. A good dog brush will remove dead and loose hairs before they fall (which improves the outlook for fur-besieged furniture).
Routine brushing also keeps your dog comfortable. Since matted fur can be painful (akin to a tight ponytail pulling against your skin), it’s critical to brush out tangles before they turn into a knotted mess. This is especially important for dogs with longer hair.
Getting rid of all that extra fur keeps your dog cooler in hot weather. And it’s good for your dog’s skin, too: brushing helps distribute your dog’s natural oils to keep skin moisturized and coat soft. Going over your dog’s coat on a regular basis also helps you keep an eye out for fleas or lumps that may need more attention.
Keeping airborne hair at a minimum is important for folks who suffer from pet allergies. Plus, brushing is a good opportunity to enjoy quality bonding time with your pooch. Many dogs find brushing to be a relaxing and pleasant experience. And how can we fail to mention: brushing your dog’s coat makes them look oh-so-pretty!
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What Kind of Dog Brush Should I Use?
Now that you know how important it is to brush your dog’s coat, all you need is the right tool(s) to get the job done.
There are five primary types of dog brushes:
- Slicker brushes: These brushes have short wires close together on a flat surface. They’re great for removing mats in your dog’s fur.
- Bristle brushes: Tightly packed bristles help remove loose hair and massage the skin.
- Rakes: These reach deep into thick canine coats to remove tangles and dead undercoat.
- Pin Brushes: These brushes are usually oval-shaped, with a loosely-arranged set of flexible wires with pins on top.
- Rubber Grooming Gloves: Dog grooming gloves are a unique alternative for pets who aren’t fond of traditional brushes. Just pet your dog as you normally would, and remove excess hair in the process.
When it comes to selecting the best brush for your dog, it all boils down to coat type and length. What works for a glossy, short-haired Dalmatian, for instance, may not work for a voluminous Alaskan Malamute. Here’s a basic breakdown of the most common canine hair types and the brushes that suit them best.
1. Short-Haired, Smooth-Coated Dogs
Despite what you might think, short-haired doggos can shed just as much as their longer-locked friends. And they certainly still need regular brushing (albeit less frequently than long-haired dogs). Breeds in this category include Boxers, Greyhounds, Labs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Great Danes, Dobermans, and Corgis.
Slicker brushes work well for short-haired dogs. In fact, they’re a good choice for most hair types. Bristle brushes are also great for distributing oil and promoting a shiny coat. Because they don’t penetrate as deeply as other types of dog brushes, they’re a good choice for short-haired dogs. Your short-haired pet may also enjoy the massage-like effect of rubber brushes or grooming mitts.
2. Long Silky Coats
Breeds with long silky coats include Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Setters. Brushing these types of dogs on the regular is key for removing knots before they become a nuisance. Pin brushes offer a gentle solution for silky locks and sensitive skin. They’re a good way to start your grooming routine. You can also use a bristle brush to smooth out your long-haired lovely.
3. Wiry Coats
Some folks are drawn to wiry-coated dogs because they tend to shed less. However, this doesn’t mean that your wiry Airedale, Terrier, or Schnauzer is off the hook entirely. Weekly brushing should suffice, and you can use a slicker brush with fine bristles for the task.
4. Curly Hair
Curly-haired cuties like Doodles, Poodles, and Bichon Frise will fare well with a slicker brush. You can also use a pin brush to gently work through your dog’s curly coat.
5. Double Coats
Dogs with double coats need a little extra TLC. Breeds include Huskies, Border Collies, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Havanese, Shih Tzus, and even short-haired Beagles. A rake brush is key for pulling out loose undercoat fur. To ensure a thorough brushing that doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin, be careful to match the comb’s teeth to their coat length.
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How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?
The Animal Humane Society recommends brushing every couple of days—regardless of coat length. Certain hair types and lifestyles will need daily brushing to stay tangle- and dirt-free.
For long-haired or curly-haired breeds (like collies or poodles), daily brushing is required to prevent tangles and matting. Shorter-haired breeds can get away with less frequent grooming, but the more often you brush them, the less shedding you’ll have to deal with. Regular brushing also gives you a chance to inspect your dog’s coat, looking for bugs, twigs, or knots that may have developed while they were playing during the day.
To ensure you’re brushing your dog correctly, here are some simple steps:
- Brush down and out, away from the dog’s skin (dogs don’t love when you brush their coats backward).
- Be gentle! No need to scare your dog or damage their coat by pulling or pressing too hard.
- Use coat conditioner for terrible tangles. You may have to leave it on for a while and brush through the tangles with a comb—or for the worst cases, take your pet to a professional.
If you’re careful and make grooming a positive experience, even a comb-averse pup may start to like being brushed. Here are some of the best dog brushes—for every kind of dog.
Slicker Brushes
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Here’s a versatile slicker brush that simplifies cleanup. One click of the button and the brush retracts, so you can easily remove accumulated hair.
This brush features fine, bent wires that really get deep into the undercoat to remove mats and tangles for your pet. Gentle enough that they won’t irritate your pet’s skin, these bristles massage the skin, encourage blood circulation, and lead to shiny, shiny coats.
Features of note:
- Comfortable handle
- Great for pets of all sizes (and even for cats!)
- Gently massages your dog—so they’ll actually enjoy being groomed
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Li’l Pals Coated Tip Slicker Brush
This aptly named brush is perfect for your tiny “lil’ pal.” At 4.9 inches, it’s just right for puppies and smaller dogs like Chihuahuas and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Flexible wire pins go over your pet’s fur smoothly to remove debris and loose hair, while protective plastic tips prevent irritation.
Features of note:
- Small size is perfect for smaller dogs
- Flexible wires contour to your dog’s body
- Super affordable
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Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker
If you’re not put off by the steep price, this high-quality dog slicker by Chris Christensen means business. The dense, long wires are able to go deep into long, thick coats. Tough tangles and mats are no match for this brush. We also love that it’s comfortable to hold: with an extra long, ergonomic handle, your arm should be able to handle even the most arduous brushing sessions.
Features of note:
- Long, ergonomic handle with GroomGrip rubber coating
- Allows for quick brushing
- Removes stubborn tangles with ease
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PETPAWJOY Slicker Brush
This slicker brush gives your canine’s coat that soft, shiny look and removes dander and dirt. Easy to grip (even for little hands), this tool is gentle and helps massage your pet’s skin and increase blood circulation. Best for smaller dogs, this brush reaches the undercoat without doing any damage, but it still tackles tangles and mats.
Features of note:
- Ergonomic handle makes for a good grip
- Great for dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs
- Company lets you try it for 30 days and return it if you’re not satisfied
Bristle Brushes
Safari Bamboo Pin & Bristle Combo Dog Brush
This two-for-one is great for multi-dog households with a variety of hair needs. It’s also a good choice for long-haired dogs who may require more than one type of brush to get the job done. You can use the wire pin to remove loose hairs, and then follow-up with the bristle brush side for a shiny finish.
Features of note:
- Eco-friendly bamboo handle for comfy grip
- Dual-sided brush is perfect for addressing different grooming needs
- Available in medium and large sizes
Frisco Bristle Brush
If all you need is a basic, no-frills bristle brush for everyday use, this affordable Frisco brush will happily oblige. Designed with soft bristles, this brush gently smooths out fur and spreads skin-protecting oil. The Frisco is suitable for all kinds of coats, making it a versatile inclusion in your your grooming arsenal.
Features of note:
- Comfy, ergonomic handle
- Can be used on various hair types
- Budget-friendly
Undercoat Rakes
FURminator De-shedding Tool
The Furminator name is well-known—and for good reason. This popular grooming tool is designed specifically for bigger dogs (generally more than 50 pounds) and is perfect for getting through long hair. It easily works through your dog’s overcoat and undercoat to remove loose hair that would otherwise land on your clothing, floor, or couch. As a nice bonus, this brush also has a “furjector” button that releases all of the gathered hair for easy cleanup.
Features of note:
- Best for large breeds (50+ pounds) with longer hair
- Ergonomic handle makes it comfy to hold
- Easy cleanup
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Ordermore Undercoat Dog Rake
This sturdy grooming rake gets deep into long coats to gently remove dead hair, mats, and tangles. It’s gentle on pet skin but works even on the thick fur of Collies, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Chow Chows. Made from sturdy wood and metal, it’s carefully built to hold up to regular brushing sessions.
Features of note:
- Great for large dogs and long hair
- Crafted from high-quality, durable materials
- Round pins are comfortable on your pup’s skin
Rubber “Massage” Brushes
Bodhi Dog Pet Shampoo Brush
The brush is designed for use in the bath. Whether you’re using it with shampoo or on its own, the Bodhi does an incredible job of removing dirt, dead skin, and loose fur from your pet. The rubber tups offer dogs a gentle, relaxing massage. And when you’re all done, this brush also makes cleanup easy: simply turn over and tap to get rid of all of the hair collected.
Features of note:
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Great for dogs with sensitive skin
- Best for breeds with short hair
- Can also be used for cats, rabbits, etc.
- Satisfaction guaranteed—if you’re not happy, you can get a full refund
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Gentle De-shedding Brush Glove
With 255 silicone grooming tips, these gloves are popular because they give your dog a thorough grooming while also giving them a comforting, relaxing pet. These brush-gloves are easy to slip on and excellent at removing dirt and loose fur. Hair sticks to the glove (making it a cinch to discard) and soft rubber ensures that your pet’s skin is never irritated.
Features of note:
- Eco-friendly materials
- Works for dogs of all sizes, and hair of all lengths
- Great for in the bathtub or on dry land
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
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KONG ZoomGroom Grooming Brush
This KONG brush has a bit of a cult following, with some reviewers on Amazon declaring it the best way to stop shedding—even for super-furry and big dogs. It easily removes loose hair, stimulates blood flow, and encourages natural oil production that makes pet coats shiny and healthy. Essentially, you’re giving your pup a massage that saves your couch from the usual piles of fur.
Features of note:
- Easy to hold onto (and cute to look at)
- Works for all sizes of dogs, and even for cats
- Very gentle on your dog’s delicate skin
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An Unusual Solution: The Neabot Pet Vacuum
When we first heard about this product, we thought it was a joke. But someone took our secret wish to just vacuum our pets seriously and invented the Neabot, a grooming vacuum that we were astonished to discover actually works.
This small canister vacuum comes with a slicker-style grooming brush, a Furminator-style deshedding tool, a bristle-style “cleaning” brush that works on pups and clothes alike, and electric clippers for dogs who need regular trimming. We think it’s a game changer in the world of at-home grooming (and fun to boot).
Features of note:
- Variety of attachments for multipurpose grooming
- A range of power settings
- Relatively quiet
- A clipper adjustable to lengths of 6, 12, 18, and 24 millimeters