Less Shedding? Yes, Please! Your Guide to the Best Dog Brushes to Groom Your Pet

We all want our pets to look and feel their best, and that includes regularly brushing their fur. Much like the perfect dog collar or dog crate, finding the best dog brushes or combs is an important and a highly personal decision based on your pet’s specific needs.

“Breed and personality determine little. Ideally, one will choose the proper dog brush and comb for your dog’s coat type,” says Master Pet Stylist Daryl Conner, owner of FairWinds Grooming Studio in Appleton, Maine.

Brushing your dog’s fur isn’t just about making your pup look pretty. “Your pet’s coat is more than something lovely to pet. It protects the dog’s largest organ: it’s skin,” Conner explains. Not to mention, frequent brushing will cut down on your dog’s shedding—and the fluffy tumbleweeds collecting in the corners of your rooms.

Conner recommends investing in quality tools. Not only will they last the lifetime of your pet (if the tools are well cared for) but “well-made combs and brushes will have smooth, finished teeth or tines that will glide smoothly through the coat and not cause damage as you work.”

We’ve culled the best dog brushes and combs for different coat types to help you identify the most appropriate one for your pet. If you’re still not sure what to pick for your pet, talk to your breeder or groomer for tool recommendations.

Examine your dog’s coat and determine the following:

• Does your dog have long or short hair? Most dogs do well with slicker brushes, while a rake can be handy on double-coated, long-haired dogs (think Malamutes). Rubber curry combs are a good choice for dogs with short hair, such as Pugs, according to Conner.
• Is your dog’s hair prone to tangling? You will likely need to tackle stubborn knots with a combination of both combing and brushing with a slicker brush. “The brush removes the tangle, while the comb finds anything you missed,” Conner says.
• How much does your dog shed? Deshedding brushes can really cut down on loose hair. It’s important, however, to use it with a gentle touch, so you don’t irritate your dog’s skin.
• Does your dog have an undercoat? Rake-style dog brushes are very effective at removing shedding undercoat. For longer coats, look for brushes with longer teeth. For shorter coats, smaller teeth.

Now that you have a solid understanding of your dog’s fur and grooming needs, you’re prepared to shop for the best dog brushes or combs.

Short-haired dogs tend not to struggle with knots, and so usually only need a light brushing. Dog bristle brushes have tightly packed groupings of natural or nylon bristles that sweep away loose fur and distribute their hair oils. If you’re looking for a brush that gives you options, this dual-sided Frisco brush is a smart choice. Use the pin side for fluff drying, and the bristle side for smoothing, shining and softening your dog’s coat.

Metal dog combs are first-rate for tackling unruly coats. Conner says to use a comb after brushing with a slicker dog brush. “A dog grooming comb like this one will show which areas need more brushing.” Start with the wider spaced teeth, and then move to the narrower teeth, making sure you comb every part of the dog, particularly anywhere there is friction. “If you find a knot, go back with the brush to get any tangles out, and then recheck with the combs.” Grooming sprays, like this one, can help remove difficult tangles.

Perfect for: Dogs with medium to long coats, such as Golden Retrievers and Huskies.

Vacuuming nonstop? Give a dog deshedding brush, such as this one from Frisco, a shot. It won’t prevent or clear away mats, but it’s effective at gathering up dead and loose hair. Conner emphasizes that a delicate touch is key, especially on your dog’s spine, shoulders and hips. Ideal for short-hair dogs, “this style brush may also be used every few days on dogs with longer coats (such as Malamutes) during shedding season, in conjunction with a good slicker dog brush and comb,” she says. “Used too vigorously, it can seriously irritate the skin.”

Perfect for: Smooth-coated dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers or Beagles.

The right dog brush for you and your dog will make grooming more pleasant for both of you. When you find a brush that’s effective and comfortable to use, brushing Fido can evolve from being just a task to a bonding activity.

Read More

• A Complete Guide to Brushing a Dog the Right Way, According to a Pro Groomer
• Pet Grooming at Home 101: A Cheat Sheet for When You Can’t Get to a Grooming Salon
• 8 Essential Dog Grooming Supplies for At-Home Grooming
• How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? We Ask the Experts
• A Beginner’s Guide to Grooming a Dog With Clippers at Home