Every dog is unique, and so is their fur – which means not every dog brush out there is right for your pup. But how do you know which is best?
We’ve found the best dog brushes for various breeds and coat types to help you find the one for your pooch. Let’s dig in!
1. Best Overall Dog Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs shows up on every dog brush review list as one of the best. It is very affordable with a 4.3-star rating on Chewy. This high-quality pet grooming brush is durable with stainless steel bristles, easy to use, easy to clean, and works as a detangling grooming tool for all coat types. But it is especially helpful to use on long-haired dogs with thick coats or curly hair.
What humans like:
- Anti-slip silicone handle for long grooming sessions
- Works well for all dog breeds and all hair types
- The self-cleaning button retracts the bristles, so the loose fur slides right off
- Ergonomic handle
What dogs like:
- Great for dematting and detangling without tugging on your dog’s fur
- Soft bristles that won’t hurt your pet’s skin
- Gently removes knots from your pet’s undercoat
What we don’t like:
- This brush does not disassemble for cleaning purposes
What customers are saying:
“Best brush ever! This brush is a game-changer for my long-haired boy. He enjoys it because he can smell it before & after the grooming session without poking his nose on the tines. Easier for me to clean it as well.”
2. Best Value Dog Brush
DakPets Pet Grooming Brush
The DakPets Pet Grooming Brush is also very affordable, has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, and is a professional deshedding tool that claims to reduce shedding up to 95%. This high-quality pet grooming brush is made with a heavy-duty, non-irritating stainless steel comb that is helpful for dogs with sensitive skin. This dog brush will work on short-haired dogs, as well as dogs with long coats, wiry coats, and even curly coats.
What humans like:
- Detachable rust-resistant comb with quick-release button
- Removes loose hair from topcoat and undercoat
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to clean
What dogs like:
- Non-irritating comb that is gentle on dogs’ skin
- Promotes healthier skin and coat
- Prevents damage to your dog’s topcoat
What we don’t like:
- A metal comb won’t grab as much fur at a time compared to metal bristles
What customers are saying:
“I am still amazed at 2 things: The first is how much hair actually comes out and how it does it. The second is how much my dog liked it.”
3. Best Budget Dog Brush
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush works on dogs with every type of coat, including dog breeds with double coats. This dog brush is only $7.42, and can be used on any type of pet hair.
The side with nylon bristles works especially well on short-haired dogs, like Terriers. Plus, it does a great job of spreading around the natural oils in your pet’s coat as you brush them.
The opposite side has stainless steel pins, and is great for longer-haired breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers, or even for dogs with curly hair like Poodles. The wire pins are also helpful to pull out any dead hair, while the nylon bristles are better for brushing away dander.
What humans like:
- With a bristle brush and pin brush all in one, it can be used for multiple dogs with varying coat types
- The price is very low
- This grooming brush has an ergonomic handle
What dogs like:
- The nylon bristles are soft and gentle on sensitive skin
- The nylon bristles also spread around your dog’s natural oils for a healthier coat and skin
- The stainless steel pins have safety tips for gentle grooming sessions
What we don’t like:
- Does not disassemble for easy cleaning
What customers are saying:
“Great brush. I really like this brush for my Yorkie. It works great for getting the tangles out. The pins have round tips so they do not stick him and the other side is great for brushing after he is de-tangled.”
Pet Pro Tip: When shopping for products for your dog, make sure to also help protect your pooch with best-in-class dog insurance or puppy insurance plans for accidents & illnesses.
4. Best Dog Brush for Long Hair
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is such a popular dog grooming tool for thousands of pet owners. This dog brush works on any type of coat, but is especially great for long-haired dogs with thick coats like Collies, or dogs with double coats and even curly coats. This brush works like an undercoat rake to remove any loose hair. It’s great as a detangling, dematting, and deshedding tool. And the FURminator offers multiple types of dog brushes for small, medium, and large dogs.
What humans like:
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to use and easy to clean
- This brush has a “furejector button” that pushes loose hair off of the brush
What dogs like:
- This brush removes dead hair from your dog’s undercoat
- Regular use of this brush helps with dematting and detangling
- Won’t damage your dog’s topcoat while removing hair from their undercoat
What we don’t like:
- This dog brush is more expensive than others
5. Best Dog Brush for Short Hair
BioSilk Eco-Friendly Boar Hair Bristle Dog Brush
The BioSilk Eco-Friendly Boar Hair Bristle Dog Brush is the perfect choice for your short-haired pooch. This bristle brush is made from eco-friendly, plant-based materials. It has very soft bristles that will help spread your dog’s natural oils across their body, giving your dog a healthier coat and skin.
What humans like:
- Easy-to-use ergonomic handle
- Made from sustainable, plant-based materials
- Removes dander
- Great for maintaining your dog’s topcoat
What dogs like:
- Spiral flex technology to contour to your dog’s body
- Gently removes loose and dead hairs
- Soft bristles feel like your dog is getting a massage
What we don’t like:
- This brush isn’t great for long-haired dogs or dogs with double coats
What makes a good dog brush?
To keep your dog healthy and happy, it’s important to take care of their skin and coat with regular grooming and hygiene maintenance.
The best dog brush depends on your individual dog’s coat. Whether your dog is long-haired or short-haired will determine which type of pet grooming brush they need. Dogs that shed too much will need a detangling, dematting, or de-shedding tool. Whereas dogs with shorter hair will require something with soft bristles. Some dogs have skin problems that need to be treated before beginning your dog grooming at home. If your dog has sensitive skin, speak with your veterinarian first.
Slicker brushes, metal combs, undercoat rakes, and brushes with stainless steel pins are all best for long-haired dogs, or dogs with double coats, thick coats, and curly coats. However, if you have a short-haired dog, the best type of brush for your pooch would be one with nylon bristles or soft bristles made from boar’s hair.
Any grooming brush that offers an easy-to-clean mechanism is especially helpful. Be sure to look for brushes with ergonomic handles, so that your hand doesn’t hurt or get tired from frequent grooming sessions.
Expert buying tips
When searching for your new dog brush, there are certain features and keywords that you will want to look for. Is dematting, detangling, and de-shedding mentioned in the tool’s description? Are the metal pieces made from stainless steel? Does it have a non-slip, ergonomic handle to keep your hand from hurting or getting tired during numerous dog grooming sessions?
If your dog isn’t keen on dog brushings, you could start them out with a curry brush or a grooming glove. They both use flexible rubber or soft plastic nubs. These don’t work as well as the other types of dog brushes. But they are better than nothing if your dog won’t let you brush them.
If you have short-haired dogs, you’ll want to look for nylon bristles and boar bristle brushes. These soft bristles will work best on their short hair while being gentle on your dog’s skin.
If you have long-haired dogs, or dogs with double coats, thick coats, or curly coats, then choosing stainless steel slicker brushes, pin brushes, metal combs, and undercoat rake brushes are best.
As with any online product purchase, make sure to check out the customer star rating, as well as the actual customer reviews of any product you’re considering buying.
The truth about dog brushes
Your dog brush won’t last forever. Over time and with lots of use, you’ll need to eventually replace it. Here are some signs to watch out for that it’s time for a new dog brush:
- The boar hair or nylon bristles are starting to fall out
- The stainless steel pins or slicker brush wires are bending, breaking, or falling out
- Part of the metal comb breaks
- The silicone in the ergonomic handle begins to wear out and deteriorate
- Any button mechanisms stop working or begin to stick
The good news is that dog brushes aren’t very expensive, and typically range from $7 – $40. So replacing them once every 1-3 years won’t break the bank.
Dog brush FAQs:
What kind of brush is best for my dog?
There are many different types of dog brushes. And the right one for your dog depends on your dog’s coat type. Nylon bristles and boar bristle brushes are best for short-haired dogs, and slicker brushes, pin brushes, metal combs, and undercoat rake brushes are best for long-haired dogs, or dogs with double coats, thick coats, and curly coats.
What is the best brush for shedding dogs?
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs, the DakPets Pet Grooming Brush, and the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool are the best dog brushes for deshedding your dog. They are all slicker brushes or metal comb dog brushes, which work best for dogs that shed a lot.
Are dog brushes good for dogs?
Yes, brushing your dog is essential for proper dog hygiene and keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Not only will brushing your dog help with detangling, dematting, and de-shedding, but it also helps to clean the dirt out of your dog’s fur. Plus, brushing your dog will spread their natural oils across their body, promoting healthy skin and shiny coats.
Is a brush or comb better for dogs?
A brush is helpful for regular maintenance of your dog’s fur coat, but a comb works as a detangling, dematting, and de-shedding tool. Choosing a brush versus a comb will depend on your dog’s coat type and grooming needs. You could purchase both types of dog brushes so that you are fully prepared each time you give your pooch a grooming session at home.
Should I brush my dog’s hair every day?
Thankfully, dog owners don’t need to worry about brushing their dogs every day. However, long-haired dogs or dogs with double coats, thick coats, and curly coats can greatly benefit from being brushed weekly, or a few times per week. This will depend on how much your dog needs help with detangling and dematting.
Taking care of your dog’s coat and skin health is an important part of caring for their overall wellbeing. After all, you only want the best for your sweet pooch! That’s why it’s important to consider Pumpkin Dog Insurance as a part of your care plan for your pup. Knowing that your pet insurance can help pay back 90% of your eligible vet bills will help you feel secure about your dog’s health long-term.
FTC Disclaimer of Endorsement
Pumpkin independently researched, reviewed and selected the best products featured in this article. If you purchase a product through this article, we may earn a commission. While we do our best to update links often, prices and deals are subject to change.
