Brushing isn’t just for good looks—it’s essential for your dog’s health. Whether you’re battling seasonal shedding or keeping tangles at bay, the right brush makes all the difference. With so many grooming tools available, how can you confidently choose the best brush for your dog? This guide from the American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a helpful breakdown of brush types by coat.
Let’s break it down by coat type and brush style, so you can confidently groom your pup like a pro.
Why Brushing Your Dog Matters
Brushing your dog regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy, comfortable, and clean between grooming appointments. It:
- Removes loose hair and dander
- Prevents mats that can pull on skin and cause pain
- Strengthens your bond through hands-on care
Additionally, brushing gives you a chance to check your dog for abnormalities. Lumps, cuts, rashes, or signs of parasites like fleas or ticks are often discovered during regular grooming. Spotting problems early allows for quicker care and better results. Consistently Scheduled brushing sessions can make a big difference in your dog’s long-term health.
Understanding Your Dog’s Coat Type
Finding the best brush for your dog starts with identifying your dog’s specific coat. Since different coat textures require different grooming tools and routines, matching the brush to the coat type is key to effective and comfortable grooming.
Short-Haired Dogs
Breeds such as Boxers, Beagles, and Pugs have short, smooth fur that lies close to the body. Although these dogs don’t typically develop mats, they do shed quite a bit. Using a rubber grooming brush a few times a week can help manage shedding and support skin health. In fact, for short-coated breeds, a rubber curry brush is often the best brush for your dog, thanks to its ability to remove loose hair while gently massaging the skin. Even if their coats seem low maintenance, regular brushing helps minimize loose hair around your home and keeps their coat looking polished.
Medium-Haired Dogs
Breeds such as Border Collies and Golden Retrievers have coats that fall in the medium-length range, often with longer fur on their legs, chest, and tail. These feathered areas are prone to knots if not cared for consistently. For this coat type, a slicker brush paired with a metal comb is often the best brush for your dog, helping maintain a smooth, tangle-free finish—especially in the longer sections. Adding a deshedding tool to your routine can also help with any undercoat that may need to be brushed out. It is not recommended to use tools styled like furminator’s, as that style of tool can damage the hair and skin.
Long-Haired Dogs
Dogs with flowing coats, like Afghan Hounds or Shih Tzus, require a more intensive grooming routine. Because their fur grows continuously, it’s highly susceptible to tangling and matting. In this case, a slicker brush followed by a comb is often the best brush for your dog, as it helps prevent knots and keeps the coat manageable. Brushing every day with a slicker brush helps prevent knots from forming. After brushing, a comb should be used to catch any remaining tangles, especially near the skin. If neglected, mats can tighten and become uncomfortable, often leaving shaving as the only humane solution.
Double-Coated Dogs
Some dogs, like Huskies and German Shepherds, grow a thick underlayer of fur beneath their outer coat. These double-coated breeds experience heavy seasonal shedding that can result in excessive loose hair and potential skin irritation. During these periods, an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool is often the best brush for your dog, as it reaches deep to remove dead fur without damaging the topcoat. Regular brushing, particularly during shedding seasons, can reduce discomfort and keep their skin healthy.
Curly-Coated Dogs
Poodles, Doodles, and other curly-coated dogs have coats that can quickly tangle and trap debris if not brushed frequently. Their textured fur requires daily attention, ideally starting with a slicker brush to loosen curls and work through minor knots. For curly breeds, the best brush for your dog is a combination of a slicker brush and a metal comb, which helps catch any tight tangles that may be hiding close to the skin. Trouble spots like armpits, ears, and legs need special care, as mats tend to form there the fastest.
Wire-Haired Dogs
Terriers and Schnauzers have coarse, bristly coats. They benefit from firm bristle brushes or slicker brushes. Some may even need a deshedding tool but not often. If its breed standard, some breeds can be handstripped or carded. This is done by a groomer but can be very costly and time intensive. You’re more likely to find a groomer who can card coats as handstripping is a specialty skill that not all groomers offer. Having the coat taken care of professionally on a regular basis can keep the amount of brushing at home to a minimum.
Types of Dog Brushes: What They’re For & Who They’re For
Slicker Brush
Ideal For: Dogs with medium, long, curly, or dense coats
How It Works: Slicker brushes feature tightly packed, fine wire bristles that help untangle knots, eliminate loose fur, and smooth the coat. When used with care, they glide through the fur without irritating the skin. If your dog is prone to matting or has a longer coat, a slicker brush is often the best brush for your dog to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. For best results, use light strokes and follow the natural direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort.
Undercoat Rake
Best For: Double-coated dogs like Huskies, Labs, and Shepherds
What It Does: This tool has long, straight tines that dig deep into the coat to remove loose undercoat. It’s your secret weapon during spring and fall shedding seasons. Used correctly, it prevents fur clumps from taking over your home.
De-Shedding Tool
Best For: Heavy shedders like German Shepherds, Corgis, or Golden Retrievers
What It Does: A Deshedding tool grabs the undercoat and can be used before or after a slicker brush to get optimum results. They’re often short tines with rounded hook-like tips. Avoid tools like a furminator as the straight steel blade scrapes the hair and damages the top coat. A deshedding tool like the sleek ex has a straight steel blade, but is designed in a way that it doesn’t damage the top coat. This style is ideal on breeds such as labs because they have an undercoat but their hair isn’t very long.
Rubber Curry Brush
Best For: Short-haired breeds like Pit Bulls, Frenchies, and Dalmatians
What It Does: With soft, flexible rubber bristles, this brush removes dirt and hair while giving your dog a relaxing massage. It’s great for bath time, too! Some dogs even view this as a treat due to its massaging effect. you can find them at most pet stores in all sorts of lengths and styles. Always brush with the hair so you don’t irritate the skin.
Metal Comb
Ideal For: Breeds with long or curly hair
How It Works: This tool is best used after brushing to find and remove any missed tangles. Its alternating wide and narrow teeth make it great for both detangling and refining the coat’s appearance. It also helps identify stubborn mats before they become a problem
Bristle Brush
Ideal For: Wire-coated and short-haired breeds
How It Works: This type of brush uses stiff bristles to distribute your dog’s natural oils evenly, promoting a glossy coat. It’s especially effective for surface-level grooming and is often preferred by dogs who find metal brushes too uncomfortable. Quick and simple, it’s perfect for in-between bath touch-ups. Grooming Tip from Ashley
Begin each grooming session by using a comb to gently loosen any knots. Brushing over tangled hair without detangling first can cause pain or damage to the coat.
Pro Tips from Our Groomer
- Always detangle with a comb before brushing to avoid pulling.
- Start brushing in calm moments, like after a walk, to build positive associations.
- Use light pressure—if it feels rough on your inner arm, it’s too rough for your pup.
- Brushing sessions are bonding time—so offer treats and praise to keep it positive.
- Frequency matters: Brush long or double-coated dogs daily, and short-coated breeds weekly.
- Make it part of your routine—even just 5 minutes a day can help keep your dog healthy and happy.
Common Brushing Mistakes Dog Owners Make
Brushing Too Hard
Excessive pressure can scratch your dog’s skin, especially with slicker brushes or undercoat rakes. A good rule of thumb: test the brush on the inside of your forearm. If it hurts you, it’s too harsh for your dog. Use slow, gentle strokes instead.
Brushing a Dirty or Wet Coat
Always brush a clean, dry coat. Brushing dirty or wet fur can cause more tangles, breakage, and discomfort. If your dog is muddy or wet from a walk, wait until they’re fully dry—or give them a bath first.
Ignoring the Belly, Legs, and Tail
These areas are often neglected, but they’re common spots for mats to form. Use a gentle hand and a comb in these sensitive areas, especially behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the tail base. Mats in these spots can quickly become painful or even lead to skin infections.
Skipping Regular Brushing
You don’t have to brush your dog daily (unless they have a long or curly coat), but consistency matters. Waiting too long between brushing sessions can turn minor tangles into full mats that require professional removal. A short daily session is much easier than tackling severe mats later.
Using the Wrong Brush for the Coat Type
A slicker brush may work wonders on a Poodle but won’t do much for a short-haired Bulldog. Matching the brush to the coat type isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for effective grooming and a comfortable experience for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Brushes
How often should I brush my dog?
- It depends on the coat type:
- Short-haired dogs: 1–2 times per week
- Medium or long-haired dogs: Every other day
- Curly or double-coated dogs: Daily or as needed to prevent mats and manage shedding
- If you’re unsure, ask your groomer—they can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s specific coat and behavior.
Can I use a human brush on my dog?
It’s not recommended. Human brushes aren’t designed to handle dog hair types or skin sensitivity. They often don’t penetrate thick fur or remove the undercoat, and they can cause discomfort or even injury if used improperly. Always opt for pet-specific tools.
What brush should I use for my Doodle?
Doodles have dense, curly, often mat-prone coats. The best combination is a slicker brush to remove tangles and a metal comb to find hidden knots. Daily brushing is strongly encouraged to avoid matting, especially in areas like the chest, armpits, and legs.
What’s the best brush for a shedding dog?
For dogs that shed heavily—like Labs, Shepherds, and Huskies—a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake is ideal. These tools reach through the topcoat to pull out dead undercoat hair, especially during spring and fall coat blowouts. Regular use helps reduce fur around your home.
How do I get my dog to like brushing?
Start with short, positive sessions—just a few minutes a day—and use treats or praise to reinforce calm behavior. Let your dog sniff the brush, and avoid starting in sensitive areas. Once they’re comfortable, gradually increase the brushing time. Most pups warm up to brushing with time and consistency.
Final Thoughts: The Best Brush is the One That Works for Your Dog
Every dog’s coat is different—and so are their grooming needs. Choosing the right brush not only keeps their coat clean and comfortable, but it also helps prevent costly trips to the vet or groomer due to mats, skin irritation, or impacted shedding.
Ready to Brush Up on Your Dog’s Grooming Routine?
Finding the right brush is only the beginning—what truly matters is creating a consistent, comfortable grooming experience for your dog. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep their coat clean, healthy, and mat-free while strengthening your bond along the way. Whether your dog is a fluffball, a shed machine, or a sleek-coated snuggler, we’re here to help.
Want hands-on guidance or help finding a brush? Stop by Four-Legged Fun Zone!
Bring your dog (and your brushes!) to your next grooming appointment, and let Ashley, Haley, or our expert team show you exactly how to make brushing a breeze. Not sure where to start? Reach out—we’re always happy to help your pup look and feel their best!
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