Having the best dog brush for your dog’s specific breed and coat needs is a must-have part of your at-home dog grooming kit. The right tools are essential for maintaining your pampered pooch’s well-groomed appearance as well as contributing to your hound’s overall coat health. We know not all dogs are fans of being groomed but introducing your pup to regular brushing as part of a grooming routine from an early age will help them to form a positive relationship with the equipment and products used. With a gentle approach and lots of treats to hand, grooming won’t look so scary to your pooch and will be a better experience for you both.
Whether you’re whipping out the dog shampoo and the grooming scissors at home to give it a go yourself or taking them to a local groomer for their beauty treatments, making sure your dog is groomed regularly is important, and coat maintenance is a big part of that routine. Even if you aren’t tackling your dog’s full grooming yourself, you’ll still want to be brushing your dog at home in between appointments. Giving your dog’s coat a good old brush helps to prevent mats and tangles in your dog’s coat while removing the loose and dead hair.
Best dog brush at a glance:
• Best slicker dog brush: Pets at Home Short Pin Firm Slicker Brush – view on Pets at Home
• Best de-shedding dog brush: Pets at Home Deshed Tool – view on Pets at Home
• Best brush for short-haired breeds: Mikki Bamboo Moulting Massage Palm Brush – view on Amazon UK
Not only does brushing help with your dog’s overall appearance, but it can also aid with detecting any underlying health problems. Regular brushing means you’ll be getting up close with your dog’s skin so you’ll be able to spot if any suspicious lumps or bumps are hiding underneath so you can raise any concerns you have with your vet. You’ll also be able to see if your dog has got a pesky flea or tick infestation so you can get started with flea treatments the moment you spot the pests.
In order to select the best dog brush for your pooch, you first need to understand what exactly your pooch needs from one. All dog coats have different requirements. Some may be double coats that require a brush that will strip the undercoat while removing tangles from the outer coat. Others may be short-haired coats that need a hand to get rid of dead hair. Other coats may be prone to matting so they need a brush that will be able to keep their hair tangle-free. There are so many dog brushes out there that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a guide of the different types of brushes and got Pets at Home’s Senior Grooming Development & Expertise Trainer, Shona Tumilty, to answer all your dog brushing questions to help you.
Best dog brush
Best slicker dog brush
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Suitable for woolly and double coat types, the Pets at Home Short Pin Firm Slicker Brush will help you to remove loose hair from both the topcoat and undercoat leaving it looking clean and healthy. By using a gentle stroking action, the slicker pins will ease through any mats and tangles to help you maintain your pup's coat in between grooms. The brush is specially developed with your comfort in mind, as it has a cushioned handle to give you a more comfy grip.
Our review: "As Barney is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador, his hair is smooth like a Lab but as thick as a Golden Retriever, so this brush has been vital for us to get through it all. It does a great top of smoothing his coat out while also helping to get rid of the loose hairs. While the pins are hard, they don't seem to affect Barney in the slightest and is always excited as soon as the brush comes out"
Pros
- Great for helping with mats and tangles
- Comfy grip, flexible cushioned handle for your comfort
Cons
- Surface area of brush could be bigger
Best de-shedding dog brush
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Does your little bundle of fluff moult hair EVERYWHERE? You need to try the Pets at Home Deshed Tool. The stainless steel edge penetrates your hound's topcoat safely, removing loose hair from their topcoat and undercoat without scratching their sensitive skin. Designed to be used once a week, by brushing out the dead hair you'll reduce the amount of shedding around your home to keep your floors and furniture fluff-free for longer.
Our review: "Due to the nature of Barney's coat, he sheds constantly and leaves a trail of fluff wherever he goes. Since we've been using the Pets at Home Deshed Tool, the amount of moulting has drastically reduced. This tool manages to get through all his layers of fluff and strips the loose hair with ease. His coat always feels lighter after we've used this, and there's no more getting covered in fur every time you stroke him."
Pros
- Removes dead hair
- Strips hair without being too harsh on skin
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies
Best brush for short-haired breeds
AmazonAs short-haired breeds don't have as much hair, you'll want to choose a brush that can provide a groom that is gentle on their skin while also getting loose hair out. The Mikki Bamboo Moulting Massage Palm Brush is just the ticket, as it has rubber teeth that will loosen dead hair from the coat while massaging the skin to leave a smooth and shiny finish. It's designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand so you can just groom your pet as if you were stroking them, which will make it a more enjoyable experience for your pooch and strengthen the loving bond between you both.
Customer review: "A great brush for my tiny dog. Lifts out loads of loose hair and dander, and my Bette loves being brushed with it. A neglected rescue, she was terrified of any kind of dog brush until now. Excellent!"
Pros
- Massages while removing dirt
- Fits in the palm of your hand
Cons
- Although described as a moulting brush, reviewers mixed results on the amount of hair it strips out
Best bristle brush
AmazonTo get rid of loose hair, dirt and debris from your pup's hair, you need a bristle brush such as this DDSHUN Wooden Dog Brush. It will get your pooch's coat looking lovely and shiny by distributing your dog's natural oils from their skin as your brush. Not only do you get a head with bristles on this brush, but there's also a side with rounded pins that will aid with daily combing. Made of wood, it's lightweight and comfortable to hold.
Customer review: "This is the only brush that really works for our dog, it's great at getting out any tangles and leaves her coat looking sleek"
Pros
- Double-sided brush
- Great for improving coat appearance
Cons
- Reviews are mixed on the overall quality of the brush
Best puppy dog brush
AmazonYou may be familiar with Tangle Teezer for their human hair brushes, but did you know they also have a pet range? The Pet Teezer For Puppies has the brand's signature soft-flex teeth that are designed to delicately glide through fur to ensure a gentle and effective grooming experience for your pup. The two-tiered design of the teeth not only detangles but also brushes away dirt and debris to keep your pup's coat smooth and shiny. Specifically crafted for use behind the ears, beneath the tail and in leg creases, it's ideal for use on sensitive spots.
Customer review: "Perfect for introducing my puppy to being groomed, fits in the hand beautifully, handy hollow centre, very easy to clean, gentle on all areas of puppy, great buy."
Pros
- Soft bristles
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- The size of it may be intimidating for small/young pups
Best dog grooming glove
AmazonAs some pooches get anxious about being groomed, you may want to opt for an alternative to traditional brushes and choose a grooming glove or mitt instead. These Kennels & Kats Pet Grooming Gloves offer a spa-like grooming experience for your pooch as they're designed to collect hair while you stroke them, which will ultimately help softly massage your pet, improve their circulation and distribute natural oils for a gorgeously shiny coat. They feature 260 silicone tips to gently collect loose pet hair while you pamper your pup. To ensure they're enjoyable for you to wear, they're made with a breathable mesh and an elastic spandex fabric to allow for a good fit.
Customer review: "Great to have a pair, can use on both hands to groom my two Jack Russell's. Gets all the loose hair out and so none on my car seats."
Pros
- Ideal for nervous dogs
- Popular with other pet owners with over 13,000 reviews
Cons
- Not made for removing tangles
Best dog comb
AmazonUnlike other dog combs with sharp teeth, the Shiny Pet dog comb features rounded teeth that will break up tangles and effectively remove loose hair, dander and dirt trapped beneath fur. As the comb is anti-scratch too, it's gentle on your dog's skin, and it'll naturally help to boost circulation while you comb through your pup's hair. Finished with a rubbery grip and a non-slip coating, it ensures you have greater control and grip while grooming.
Customer review: "Really easy to grip, and brushes all knots out of my dogs fur really easy. My dog loves to be brushed using this product. Would definitely recommend!"
Pros
- Has rounded teeth to be more gentle
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Bigger than some reviewers expected so might be too big for smaller breeds
Best brush for Cockapoo
AmazonFor any owner that has a Cockapoo or any 'Doodle' breed, the Mikki Dog Comb and Hard Pin Slicker Brush and Comb will help keep your pooch's coat in tip-top condition. It's been specially developed with thick or particularly curly coats in mind to provide a tough on knots and tangles but soft on-skin groom. The hard, long-length pins are designed to reach down into the underlayers of their coat to get knots out with ease, while the comb will glide through their hair to loosen tangles.
Our review: "Being a Cockapoo owner, I'm well aware of how easy it is for their coat and undercoat to get tangled so they definitely require regular brushing out so their coat can stay knot-free. This Mikki Dog Slicker Brush has made brushing Bella an easier experience for both of us. I found it best to work in small sections so that I could concentrate on those tougher knots without causing Bella distress. Not only does it work great for detangling my Cockapoo, but it's also worked well for de-shedding my Labrador Retriever cross, Barney. "
Pros
- Includes a brush and a comb
- Offers a tough but gentle groom
Cons
- One customer reviewer says removing the hair from the brush once grooming is finished isn't easy
FAQs
What are the different types of dog brushes?
As no dog and their coat are the same, they need different things from a dog brush, which is why there are various types. Here are the main styles of brushes used in dog grooming and what they are used for:
Slicker brush
This type of brush is designed to remove loose hair and tangles from a dog’s coat without damaging it. A good all-rounder, they’re ideal for use on dogs with medium to long hair, curly coats and double coats, which is why Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers often feel the benefits of being groomed with this style of brush.
Bristle brush
If you’re after a brush that will remove loose hair while also leaving your dog’s coat glossy and healthy, consider a bristle brush. Commonly used on breeds with smooth coats, such as Beagles, Dachshunds, and Boxers, their main use is for distributing natural oils produced by your dog’s skin throughout their coat to keep it in tip-top condition. Bristle brushes also get rid of loose hair, dirt, and debris from the surface of the coat and help to minimise shedding while grooming.
Pin brush
Well-suited for dogs with medium to long hair, pin brushes are often used on breeds with double coats and hair that is more prone to tangling. As the pins on this style of brush are longer and more flexible compared to the bristle of other brushes, they’re able to reach through topcoats to gently brush the undercoat, too.
Deshedding brush
If you feel like your pup leaves a trail of fluff behind them wherever they go, giving them a good brush out with a de-shedding brush will help. They have a unique design that can penetrate the topcoat to reach the loose hairs in the undercoat and strip them out. They’re often angled or curved so they can effectively remove hair without causing your pooch any discomfort.
Comb
There are many different uses for a comb and they’re suitable for most hair types and breeds, so it’ll be an essential tool in your grooming kit. They remove debris from a dog’s coat, detangle hair and can be used to check and remove fleas, ticks and eggs from their fur.
Rubber brush
This style of dog brush is typically made with soft rubber or silicone bristles to be as gentle as can be on the skin. Suitable for short-haired dogs with smooth coats, rubber dog brushes remove hair while massaging the skin and stimulating blood flow.
Grooming glove
Some dogs are naturally nervous about being groomed, so if you want to ease them in gently, a grooming glove is a good idea. Your pup will think they’re getting all the fuss and attention as you stroke and pet them while wearing the glove, but actually, you’re removing loose hair, dirt and debris from their coat all while giving them a little massage. They’re great for introducing a puppy to brushing and are suitable for adult dogs with short or medium-length hair.
Regardless of your brush of choice, we'd recommend doing it outside or away from furniture to save you from getting the pet hair removers out!
Dog brushing Q&A
We put all of the most frequently asked dog brush questions to Shona Tumilty, Senior Grooming Development & Expertise Trainer at Pets at Home's 'The Groom Room'.
Is it best to brush dogs wet or dry?
“Dogs can be brushed when the coat is wet or dry. However, long hair can get matted when wet, so it’s best to brush through the coat after a wet walk to remove the knots and prevent heavy matting. Gently squeezing the coat with a towel, rather than rubbing to remove excess water, is also recommended to prevent matting.”
When is the best time to brush your dog?
“The time of day isn’t particularly important, but brushing long-haired dogs after a walk daily is recommended, alternatively, this can be done when they are relaxed. A good conditioning spray is advisable for all coat types to help minimise damage and ensure the coat remains in a good condition.”
What is the best way to brush my dog?
“This depends on the dog. Ideally, they would be stood up so you can reach every part of the coat and body. This prevents matting in the hard-to-reach areas like inside the legs or under the belly.”
What is the best dog brush?
The best dog brush for your pooch will depend on their breed and their coat, that’s why we’ve asked Shona to share The Groom Room's recommendations for different brushes for dogs with specific coat types.
What is the best brush for a short hair dog?
“We would recommend a silicone brush or a grooming mitt as they gently remove all of the dead, stray hair on short-haired dogs.”
What is the best dog brush for long hair?
“A short pinned slicker brush could be recommended for dogs with long hair as this will keep the larger knots at bay without damaging the coat. You may also want to use a combination comb after brushing to prevent those tiny tangles.”
What is the best brush for a double-coated dog?
“For a double-coated dog, we’d recommend a long pin slicker brush as the extra-long angled pins penetrate dense coats to help remove mats from the undercoat. The slicker pins will ease through any mats and tangles, removing the dead or unwanted hair from both the topcoat and the undercoat, leaving it looking clean and healthy.”
What is the best brush for shedding dogs?
“The best brush for shedding dogs depends on the length and type of coat your dog has. For smooth-haired dogs, a Deshed Tool is great as it’ll penetrate your pet’s topcoat safely, removing loose hair and undercoat without scratching their sensitive skin. For longer-haired breeds, we would recommend a long pinned slicker brush for similar reasons as it will not damage your dog’s coat when used correctly.”
What’s the best brush for matted dog hair?
“Matting can be quite painful for your dog and can cause skin and coat issues, so it’s crucial to address it with care. Trying to brush matts out yourself can end up doing more harm than good, so we’d recommend going to your local pet groomer, such as The Groom Room, for advice on how to deal with it. The skilled and knowledgeable groomers can provide personalised advice, suggesting suitable brushes and services tailored to your individual pet's needs.”
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.