8 Best Dog Brushes in 2022 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed)
Brushing your dog not only helps your furbaby look their best but it ensures that they stay healthy and comfortable. Dog brushes, with their many shapes and functions, are a canine essential that removes loose fur or dirt from the surface, removes mats, detangles hair and even gives a soothing massage. The dog brush industry has continued to expand into more varieties and features which could make any pet owner overwhelmed at getting the right brush to use on your dog.
Luckily, we've made a list of the best dog brushes available on Amazon to suit your dog breed, grooming maintenance, and purpose so you don't have to spend much time wondering what the difference is between a slicker or pin brush. Check out our best 8 list of brushes, and don't skip our buying guide, which was reviewed by a veterinary technician, so you know how to choose.
Quick List - Top Dog Brushes
Cheyenne Williams is a Certified Veterinary Assistant, currently enrolled in college for veterinary technology, working in vet hospitals since she was 16. She is also the owner of Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2015. Cheyenne has worked with professionals from pet sitters and groomers to veterinary specialists in a hospital setting.
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How to Choose a Dog Brush – Buying Guide
Unlike humans, choosing a brush for our dog requires a bit more thought because they have different needs and maintenance levels. Let's break down the decision-making process based on your dog's size, coat type, and grooming needs.
Find a Brush That's Right for Your Dog's Fur
Each dog breed has its unique type of coat which requires a specific kind of grooming that would lead to a disaster if applied on another breed. For example, a German Shepherd's coat is very different from a Poodle, and each breed needs different brushes.
There are four main types of brushes or combs for dogs: slicker brushes, rakes, bristle brushes, and pin brushes. We have categorized them based on the application so you have an idea which type to use on your dog!
Bristle Brushes Are Best for Short, Smooth Coats
A bristle brush is perhaps one of the most common brushes you see in every pet store and looks like a house cleaning brush with the tightly-packed bristles. It's perfect for short-haired and smooth-coated dogs that frequently shed because it effectively removes loose hairs on the surface while gently stimulating the skin.
Recommend breeds for this type of brush are Boston terriers, pugs, rottweilers, dalmatians, greyhounds, chihuahuas, and boxers.
The recommended breeds for this brush include Labradors and hounds. It may be cleaned with a comb and washed in warm water. Over time, the bristles on these brushes will show signs of wear, but they can last for many years before needing to be replaced.
Medium to Long Flowing Coats Need a Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is made up of fine, short wires attached to a flat surface which tackle the tangles and mats on a dog's coat. Do be careful when trying to remove stubborn tangles, because too much pressure could lead to discomfort. A slicker brush is essential in achieving a silky smooth look for your medium-to-long-haired dog.
The recommended breeds for this style of brush are golden retrievers, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, and St. Bernards.
Slicker brushes are great for all coats and dogs of all sizes, even double coats like sheepdogs, and Pomeranians. Its main purpose is to get rid of debris by penetrating deep into the dog's coat. Wiry coats (many kinds of terriers) may need slicker brushes for best results. I would emphasize that it is not the most gentle brush to use.
A Pin Brush for Thin, Delicate Coats
A pin brush is often used as a finishing or touch-up brush for dogs because it's not really useful for anything else, nor does it provide many benefits such as skin stimulation.
These brushes look a lot like a hairbrush, with an oval-shaped head containing loosely-arranged flexible wires protected with a pin at the tip. Grab a pin brush if you wish to pick up loose hair on your dog before it ends up onto furniture or clothes or use it fluff the fur after grooming.
Breeds that may work well with a pin brush are dobermans, beagles, Papillons, poodles and other dogs that are sensitive to pointy brushes.
It's indeed the least useful type of brush, however, I would add that it's the most common type found in pet stores. Pin brushes are typically suggested for show dogs with lengthy fur coats since the distance between bristles is wider and brushing without damaging the coat or creating a static charge is possible. Think curly or thin coats (Yorkshire terriers, Maltese, etc.)
Rougher Outer Coats With Soft Undercoats Need an Undercoat Rake
Double-coated dogs require more grooming because of their layers of fur often get tangled or matted. They're designed like a shaving razor, with one or two rows of tightly-placed pins meant to be used with soft pressure on the coat.
Rakes can penetrate through a dog's thick coat and pull out hair, remove tangles or dirt, and straighten the coat with each swipe. You can choose shorter rakes for short-haired breeds or longer ones for medium-to-long-haired dogs.
Breeds that may work well with rake brushes are German shepherds, rottweilers, Alaskan malamutes, shih-tzus, chow chows, samoyeds, Siberian huskies, and collies.
Rakes shouldn't be used as the only way to brush your dog. It is a type of brush that should be used in combination with a pin or slicker brush for best results.
A Slicker or Pin Brush for Short, Wiry Coats
Then we have our short, wiry-coated dogs who have attitudes that match their coat types! It might be confusing which dog brush to use for hair that sticks out in all directions.
Grooming wiry-haired dogs require a combination of a slicker and pin brush to remove tangles and add a nice finishing touch to achieve a sense of coat order.
A combination of brushes may work well with border terriers, Scottish terriers, Irish terriers, and affenpinschers.
Consider the Maintenance and Upkeep of Your Dog Breed
Your dog's grooming and maintenance frequency is another thing to consider when selecting the right brush. You want something that's ergonomically easy to use and stress-free, especially if you need to do everyday brushing or bathing.
A Smooth, Short Coat Requires the Least Amount of Maintenance
A dog with smooth, short coats are maintenance blessings - they require the least amount of grooming. While it is easy to skip the brushing session because your dog's hair looks great even after a week, it is still advised to groom a short-haired dog to remove loose hair, dead skin cells, and distribute natural oils across their bodies.
You won't normally encounter tangles, knots, or mats, which makes brushing a breeze. It's recommended to brush short coats every few days and bathe when needed.
Long Coats Need Everyday Brushing
A long-haired dog requires everyday grooming to avoid unwanted (and unsightly) knots and tangles. Who doesn't want a Lassie Collie that can compete in a hair commercial? Not to mention it's an extra arm workout for you!
Schedule in at least 10-15 minutes a day for brushing and opt for an ergonomic and easy-to-clean slicker brush for the job. A bath once a week can help keep maintenance levels low as well.
Double Coats Benefit from Frequent Grooming
Dogs with double coats require frequent grooming to avoid looking like giant hairballs. You likely will need multiple brushes to maintain the coat of your dog such as an undercoat rake, slicker brush, and pin brush for finishing.
Brushing at least two to three times a week to keep shedding to a minimum (especially if it's shedding season) is recommended. Bathing every four to eight weeks is also suggested, but if your dog is shedding a lot more, frequent baths may be beneficial.
Daily brushing is a must! Not only will it make the routine grooming maintenance easier, but is cost-effective when you do the 4 to 8 week visit to the groomer. I would note it is important to brush your dog when their coat is dry. Wet hair makes mats worse and more difficult to remove. Best results come when you brush before the bath and again once their coat is dry.
Wiry Coats Need Minimal Grooming With an Occasional Professional Touch
The beautiful thing about wiry-coated dogs is that they don't shed a lot! Use a slicker or pin brush and groom in the direction of the coat to remove tangles, knots, and loose hair. Go for a pin brush with shorter wires and apply minimal pressure to avoid touching the skin and causing any discomfort.
Twice a week brushing and occasional bathing is all that's necessary for wire-coat dogs. To ensure your furbaby's coat and overall health stay at optimal levels, it's also advised to get them professionally groomed.
Curly Coats Need Professional Grooming
Curly-haired dogs don't really need much at-home maintenance, but they may need professional grooming more often. They don't shed, but if the wrong brush touches their hair, poof! Choose a detangling comb to gently remove knots without causing frizz. Finish up with a slicker or pin brush to get that nice smooth finishing touch.
Most owners with this type of coats keep it heavily-trimmed to avoid matting and tangled hair, which means frequent trips to a professional groomer. Occasional at-home brushing is great, but be sure to seek out professional grooming for trims.
Ensure Your Furry Friend is Comfortable with the Brush Material
Dogs are creatures of habit and love routines. Introduce something new and it may cause curiosity and even anxiety. Hence, it's important to slowly get them acquainted with a new brush before grooming so that they won't associate the activity with something negative.
Properly Introduce a Brush or Comb to Your Dog
Your secret weapons are treats and praise. With the brush in one hand, let your dog smell the item. Then give him a stroke or two before rewarding him for good behavior! This helps in convincing your dog that the brush is a friend.
I would also add that slow introductions and taking frequent breaks will help make the pet feel more comfortable.
Go for a Hand-Shaped Brush to Mimic Your Touch
If a typical brush is still making your dog jumpy, try a hand-shaped one to help ease them into the process. They will recognize your scent on the glove and may be more inclined to let it come near them. Once they relax and realize that nothing bad is happening with all the stroking, the next brush will likely be easier to introduce.
A Rubber Brush Relaxes a Dog With a Massage
Many dog owners have rubber brushes on hand for extra detangling without tugging during a bath. They're waterproof, soft, and give your dog a soothing massage. Don't be surprised to see them falling asleep mid-bath! This is another way to get your dog acquainted with a brush's stroking motion.
8 Best Dog Brushes
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush | | The Slicker Brush That Protects itself and Your Dog's Fur | |
2 | ConairPRO Dog Boar Bristle Brush | | A Brush That Allows You to Move Easily through Your Dog's Fur | |
3 | HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves | | The Dog Brush That Gives Your Dog an Extra Massage | |
4 | SleekEZ The Original Grooming Tool | | The De-Shedding Tool That Pet Owners Adore | |
5 | Hertzko Pin Brush | | An Ideal Brush for Everyday Grooming | |
6 | Safari Dog Flea Comb | | Control Fleas and Spot Skin Problems with This Comb | |
7 | Le Salon Essentials Rubber Grooming Brush | | Your Best Grooming Buddy During Bath Time | |
8 | Home of Paws Dog Brush for Grooming | | A Pin Brush That is Soft to the Touch |
The Slicker Brush That Protects itself and Your Dog's Fur
This brush is a technological advancement in dog grooming history. Someone actually thought of a way to remove the collected hair from the bristles easily!
Not only does this brush removes loose hair, tangles, knots, and dander, it's also easy to clean. Just click a button, and the bristles retract so that you can pick up the hair with zero effort. No more endless picking through the brush to collect a loose ball of hair!
Although this brush is user-friendly, it might cause your dog some discomfort as there are no pins at the tip of the bristles. Reviewers commented that their short-haired dogs found this to be a bit too harsh on the skin.
A Brush That Allows You to Move Easily through Your Dog's Fur
This brush fits nicely in the palm of your hand so you can efficiently brush your short or curly-haired dog. Made with 50% natural boar hair and 50% synthetic bristles, this brush is gentle on the coat and glides on smoothly while it distributes your pet's natural oils all over with each stroke.
Users recommend going for a softer brush if your dog is smaller-sized even though the brush itself is tiny. The bristle tends to be too stiff for sensitive dogs like chihuahuas.
The Dog Brush That Gives Your Dog an Extra Massage
What better way to give your dog a belly rub than with a rubber glove that takes out loose hairs at the same time? The scrubbing nodules on the gloves stimulates circulation while massaging your dog all over. The glove is a must-have for every owner with shedding dogs.
This is also a great first step to introducing a brush to dogs that don't like pointy brushes, as it's shaped like your hand and, thus, associated with love and care.
Those that have used the product were quite disappointed at the cleaning process of the brush. Even though it seemed like it was easy since the nodules are widely-spaced, you have to build up the collected hair before it comes off with one grab.
The De-Shedding Tool That Pet Owners Adore
The brush might look ineffective with its teeny tiny teeth, but there's a reason why this brush boasts it's the best! The patented wave pattern of the blade grabs the tip of the hair without the painful tugging. You'll be able to brush away loose fur, dirt and dander while keeping your dog calm.
The brush is also ergonomically designed with its easy-grip shape and short bristles that allow hair fall to the ground instead of getting stuck on the brush. You could even use this on furniture covered with dog fur, like carpets, dog beds, or car seats.
Although the product states that it works well on double-coated dogs, users still recommend a rake when going for the undercoat. This deshedder does not penetrate the bottom layer well.
An Ideal Brush for Everyday Grooming
This slicker-type brush won't scare your dog because of the small pins at the tip of each wire. It gently removes trapped dirt and hair without damaging your dog's sensitive skin. The anti-slip handle and thumb rest spot allow you to have a good grip while brushing those pesky tangles.
Reviewers appreciate that this brush, unlike other pin brushes, doesn't scratch their dog's skin. They report that dogs enjoy getting brushed since it's very gentle!
For longer-haired dogs, reviewers recommend a different brush with a handle that fits in your palm. It could become uncomfortable pulling in one direction all the way to the tip of the coat.
Control Fleas and Spot Skin Problems with This Comb
If you've noticed your dog scratching frequently, fleas might be the cause of discomfort. A flea comb is effective in controlling fleas and identifying any other skin or coat problems.
We recommend using this after detangling to avoid getting the comb stuck in between knots. Dip the comb in a tub of water with a mild detergent or flea shampoo solution in between strokes to kill the fleas in the process.
Reviewers commented that although the double-rowed teeth are effective in catching the fleas, cleanup can be a hassle because they sometimes get stuck in between the tines.
Your Best Grooming Buddy During Bath Time
This is the scrub brush you need for your dog during bath time! It's soft, fits in your hand nicely, and allows you to get into every hard-to-reach corner of your pet. Rub with extra gusto to get soap suds through fur or make a brushing motion to remove loose hair.
The only complaint from reviewers regards the size of the brush. When used with dogs that shed a lot, the brush gets full fast and needs to be emptied frequently.
A Pin Brush That is Soft to the Touch
This brush is perfect for the pickiest and most sensitive of dogs. If dogs could see color, they would appreciate the creative design, too!
The irregularly-shaped wires are made of plastic and are soft, so they don't irritate your pup's skin. They bend to the shape of your dog's body and coat direction, too! The handle is made of bamboo, a material that is solid, durable, and has antibacterial properties.
Since it works like a normal hairbrush, this product works great at removing excess fluff. However, it may not do much else. Reviewers were disappointed that the brush could not remove tangles and knots. It does give a light massage, though!
Cheyenne's Recommended Dog Brush
My personal favorite brand is the FURminator. They have many different types of brushes. I use the deshedding version. The undercoat deshedding tool may be used on virtually any animal that sheds, including dogs, cats, and other pets with an undercoat.
Non-shedding breeds or pets with particularly sensitive skin should not be treated with the undercoat deshedding tool. It should be used in combination with other brushes, depending on the breed. Dogs with long coats and undercoats would love this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Cheyenne took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about dog brushes.
How do I brush my dog?
Cheyenne advised us, "Make sure you have the right tools and a good brushing technique now that you've got the appropriate equipment. Here are some pointers to get you started:
Always brush away from the dog's skin, not against it. Always brush in the same direction as your dog's hair grows; dogs don't like to be brushed backwards. Untangle any snags gently, just as you would if your comb became caught in your child's hair.
If you have mats, use a coat conditioner or mat spray and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb or a mat-splitting tool to remove the tangle. Mats can irritate a dog's skin, so be careful when removing them."
How often should I brush my dog?
"You should brush your dog every couple of days no matter the length of his coat. Some breeds do require brushing daily. Sometimes your brushing can have a specific purpose, such as removing hair mats or helping your dog shed his seasonal coat, but most often you'll be doing general-purpose brushing or combing," Cheyenne says.
Shop for Other Furry Friend Essentials!
How many times have you promised yourself only to get milk and eggs in the supermarket only to find yourself in the pet section? We've all been there! Spoil your furbabies with highly-rated toys and necessities.
Top 5 Dog Brushes
No. 1: Hertzko｜Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
No. 2: ConairPRO｜Dog Boar Bristle Brush
No. 3: HandsOn｜Pet Grooming Gloves
No. 4: SleekEZ｜The Original Grooming Tool
No. 5: Hertzko｜Pin Brush
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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