18 Best Dog Brushes [Updated April 2022]

6. ConairPRO Dog Slicker Soft Brush

This dog brush is a unique design and is just the product you need. The ConairPRO Dog Slicker soft brush comes in two sizes: Medium-sized or small, and you can pick a size depending on your dog’s needs. This brush will keep the coat clean at all times and will eliminate the loose hair.

Gel Handgrip

The ConairPRO Dog Slicker soft brush has a handgrip made of gel. This means that the product is easy to grip and easily fits inside your hand. The grip will also enable you to easily maneuver the brush through the dog’s coat. The handgrip is also sturdy and thick and will provide optimal control.

Oval Construction

Rather than the square-bristle construction, this dog brush has an oval structure, enabling it to work effortlessly. This brush will instantly get rid of all the loose hair, preserve the coat’s shininess, and keep it healthy.

Why we love it

• A Top-rated product
• Gel Grip
• Sturdy Handle
• Oval Construction
• One of the best brushed in the market

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7. Safari Self-cleaning Dog Brush

This Self-cleaning brush by safari is a favorite among dog owners because it is a complete product. This brush is affordable and works with long and short hair. This brush is available in three sizes: Large, medium, and small. Pick the size that matches the dog’s coat.

Bristles

The bristles of this product are made of stainless steel material, which is comfortable and gentle for the dog. These bristles will not irritate the dog’s skin and efficiently clean his court. However, be careful of the sensitive skin regions. The pin mechanism will enable you to use this brush on double coats.

Handle

The handle of this brush is durable and sturdy; it is non-slip and fits easily in the hand.The handle is also easy to clean; and to eliminate the debris, you will need to release the pins. This handle enables the brush to work for all dog breeds regardless of their coat and texture.

Why we love it

• Good quality brush
• Sturdy handle
• Stainless steel bristles
• Pin arrangement feature
• Non-slip

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8. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

This dog brush from Hartz comes with several features and a cheap price tag. These elements make this dog brush an attractive product, especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly dog brush that can easily clean the dog’s coat.

Stainless Steel Pins

This is a dual-sided dog brush and, on one side, has pins made of stainless steel. These pins enable the brush to easily maneuverer through tough areas in the coat.

Bristles

The other side is attached with nylon bristles, which evenly distribute the oil throughout the dog’s coat. These bristles give the coat a smooth texture and a shiny appearance. While the bristles won’t aid in de-shedding, they will eliminate all the dead hair build-up in the coat. These bristles work well with wiry and curly coats.

Why we love it

• Dual-sided brush
• Stainless steel pins
• Nylon bristles
• Affordable
• Compatible with all types of coats

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9. BioSilk Eco Friendly Boar Hair Bristle Brush

If you are looking for a brush that is easy to handle, this product is for you. This brush comes with a strong padded grip, making it easy to hold and maneuver the brush. Due to the grip, you don’t have to alter your stance constantly.

Boar Hair Bristles

The boar hair bristles in this brush work well with dogs that have a sensitive skin. These bristles will enable you to clean the hair around the face easily.

Sleek Finish

This dog brush will give the dog’s coat a fresh look; it is quick and painless. This brush is compatible with all coat types and promotes adequate shine and good circulation.

Why we love it

• Eco Friendly
• Boar hair bristles
• Promotes good circulation
• Compatible with all coat varieties
• Easy to maneuverer

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10. Li’l Pals Coated Tips Slicker Dog Brush

The tips slicker dog brush by Li’l Pals is perfect for small and Toy breeds. The brush is affordable and effective. The brush is 4.9 inches long, which makes it easy to maneuverer through the dog’s coat. The brush effectively reduces the debris without damaging the dog’s skin.

Stainless Steel Bristles

The bristles will prevent the dog from unnecessarily rubbing, which is needed for dogs with a thin coat. The bristles will circulate the blood flow and evenly distribute the oil.

Handle

The handle of this brush is extremely comfortable, and you can easily grip it in your palm.

Why we love it

• Sturdy handle
• Stainless steel bristles
• Promotes blood circulation
• Affordable
• Effective

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11. Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

This is a best-selling brush and is manufactured by Hertzko. This product is a favorite among pet owners and is good at eliminating danger and loose hair from the dog’s coat. This grooming tool is compatible with all dog breeds.

Wire Bristles

The bristles are made of wire and are slightly bent. This enables the brush to gently move through the coat without damaging or irritating the skin.

Comfortable Grip

The grip of the Hertzko dog brush will not strain your wrist and protects the brush from slipping. Due to this grip, you can use this brush to groom dogs with different coats.

Why we love it

• Self-cleaning function
• Wire bristles
• Comfortable grip
• A favorite among pet owners
• Compatible with all dog breeds

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12. Safari Large Wire Pin Brush

This large pin pet brush is manufactured by Andis Premier and has longer widespread bristles. This brush works well with large-sized canines and dogs with coarser, thicker, or fluffier hair. The design of this product is simple.

Handle

The handle comes with padding, making it easy to grip and maneuver. The brush easily moves through the coat and stimulates the hair to promote growth in the roots.

Efficiency

The Andis Premier large pin pet brush is a cleaning master, efficiently distributing oil throughout the dog’s coat. Once you’ve groomed your dog with this brush, he will look fresh and clean.

Why we love it

• Sturdy handle
• Efficient Cleaning
• Evenly distributes the oil
• Good for large-sized dogs
• Easy to use

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13. Miracle Care Slicker Dog Brush

If you have prone to tangles or matting dog, then this Slicker dog brush by Miracle is for you. The design of this product is perfect for eliminating the tough knots in the dog’s coat to give it a shiny appearance. While this brush works well on long coats, you can use it on short coats.

Handle

You can grip the handle easily, even when it’s wet. The pins in the handle are flexible and contour to the structure of the dog’s body, to make it an irritation-free and smooth grooming session. This handle can withstand tough situations, such as bad tangles and matting.

Dual-Function

This dog brush can also turn into a de-shedding tool and eliminate the access fur at the bottom of the coat. This product is great for dogs that have textured or thick hair.

Why we love it

• Easy to grip
• Great formatting and knots
• Pins are flexible
• Good for long coats
• Simple design

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14. Four Paws Magic Coat Slicker Dog Brush

This Coat slicker dog brush is perfect for small-sized dogs; it is an efficient brush and comes with ultra-fine wires. The handle is easy to hold and enables you to move the brush through the dog’s coat easily.

Wired Bristles

The wire bristles are extremely efficient and lift all the dead skin, debris and dirt from the coat’s surface. These wire bristles enable the skin to remain shiny and fresh.  The Andis Premier large pin pet brush is a cleaning master, efficiently distributing oil throughout the dog’s coat. Once you’ve groomed your dog with this brush, he will look fresh and clean.

Smooth Grooming

Unlike other dog brushes, this brush will easily move through the coat; it will evenly distribute the oil and ensure the coat has a shiny appearance.

Why we love it

• Wire bristles
• Efficient
• Evenly distributes the oil
• It gives the coat a shiny appearance
• Eliminates build-up

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15. Bodhi Dog Pet Shampoo Brush

This Dog pet shampoo brush is manufactured by Bodhi and is designed for use in the bath. Whether you use this brush as it is or with shampoo, it does an incredible job of removing all the build-up and dirt in the coat. The brush also removes all the loose fur from the coat.

Easy to disinfect and clean

This product is straightforward; you can clean it with some water or just use a disinfectant.

Great for sensitive skins

While most dog brushes typically damage the skin, this Bodhi Dog pet shampoo brush is perfect for sensitive skin and won’t cause any irritation.

Why we love it

• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Easy to clean and disinfect
• Perfect for sensitive skins
• Best for short hair dog breeds
• Easy to use

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16. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker

This Chris Christensen Big G Dog slicker is an affordable product and will get the job done for you. The long and dense wires of the brush will go deep into long and thick coats. Tough mats and tangles are no match for this brush.

Ergonomic and Long Handle

The handle of this brush is long and ergonomic, giving you maximum control. The handle will also enable the brush to move smoothly in the coat.

Easily Removes Stubborn Tangles

Tangles can be tough to remove but not with this brush, as it easily removes all the tangles and gives the coat a clean look.

Why we love it

• Ergonomic handle
• Eliminates stubborn tangles
• Handle gives you maximum control
• Good for thick and long coats

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17. PETPAWJOY Slicker Brush

This is a slicker brush and will give your dog a smooth and shiny coat. This brush efficiently removes all the dirt from the fur and is a gentle massaging tool. The brush will take care of the dog’s skin and increase blood circulation.

Best for Small Dogs

While this PETPAWJOY slicker brush is a high-quality product, it is best for small dogs. This brush will easily reach the undercoat and works well on sensitive skin.

Good Grip 

The handle of this brush is ergonomic, which makes it sturdy and enables it to clean the coat efficiently.

Why we love it

• Ergonomic handle
• Works well on sensitive skin
• Good for small dogs
• Easy to use
• The brush easily reaches the undercoat.

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18. Frisco Bristle Brush

If you need a basic brush to clean your dog’s hair, you should buy the Frisco bristle brush. This is an affordable product; it is made of soft bristles that gently smoothen the coat and evenly spread the oil around the skin.

Suitable for all types of coats

The Frisco bristle brush is perfect for all coats, making it a versatile grooming tool.

Affordable

Unlike most dog brushes, the Frisco Bristle Brush is an affordable product, so you won’t have to waste a lot of money.

Why we love it

• Ergonomic handle
• Versatile grooming tool
• Affordable
• Evenly distributes the oil
• Soft bristles

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How we selected the best dog grooming brushes

Dog brushes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The blades differ and so does the purpose. You must select one based on the length of your dog’s coat and the intended purpose of using the brush.

Some people need a de-shedding brush that helps control shedding. Others need a de-matting brush that helps detangle knots.

Here’s a brush buying guide to help you make a quick, confusion-free purchase.

Slicker brush: Slicker brushes work best for removing knots in long or medium curly haired dogs. These might also help in removing the undercoat. But an undercoat rake does a much better job at that. Slicker brushes must be used with caution as they can hurt the dog’s skin.

Undercoat rake: An undercoat rake is the most effective grooming tool to prevent shedding. It helps remove the undercoat while keeping the top, protective coat intact. It also helps prevent skin allergies and keeps your dog cool during the summer.

Flea combs: These are a specialized dog grooming tool used only when there are fleas or flea eggs on your pet’s body. These have very fine, closely packed teeth that trap fleas and pull them out. Flea debris isn’t spared either.

Bristle brush: Bristle brushes are perfect for the finishing coat. After you are done removing excess fur with the undercoat rake, just run the bristle brush once for a smooth, healthy looking coat. The size, the density and the type of bristles are chosen depending on the dog’s hair.

Matt breakers: Matt breakers must only be used when there are tough hair knots that are difficult to remove with a de matter. These have very sharp blades and cut right through knotted fur. For this reason, you must be careful not to run this right till the undercoat. Else it may cause bruises or injuries on the skin.

Having worked closely with a dog rescue center and having volunteered countless times for pet rehabilitation, we have had firsthand experience with dog brushes. We have tested, used and reviewed hundreds of dog hair brushes on dogs of all sizes and coat types.

To add to this, we have had unbiased feedback from pet parents who have tried the best dog hair brushes for their pets.

Based on the data that we were able to collate, here are our picks of the lot.

How to Choose an Amazing Dog Brush: A Buying Guide

Choosing the right dog brush may not seem like a big deal to most people. In fact, most people do not consider dog brushes an important enough tool for their dog to even worry about finding the perfect one. But that’s because they don’t understand that there are many different brushes on the market, and that some of them work really well on certain dogs while others do not. If pet owners were more educated about the brushes that they should use, then they would be more apt to pick the perfect one.

If you talk to any dog groomer, they will tell you that they have a variety of brushes and combs that they keep on hand for different breeds and coat types. Some brushes will do a great job on a certain type of coat but will not work for any other type of coat. In fact, some brushes actually do more to tangle up your dog’s hair then combing through it. That’s why you have to understand all of the factors that go into getting a dog brush.

This buying guide is going to help you get the perfect dog brush. We will be going over some of the different brush types, as well as the different dog coat types and what kinds of brushes work best for them. In addition, we will be looking at some of the other tasks related to brushing that you may do with your dog. You should be able to make a much better decision after reading through this buying guide.

Why You Should Brush Your Dog

There are some pretty compelling reasons that you should brush your dog. For dogs that have a dog bed indoors and play in a dog playpen, brushing may not be as important as a dog that spends a great deal of time in an outdoor dog kennel or a dog house in your yard. But even if your dog never goes anywhere without a dog crate, you should still brush your dog because they enjoy it. It also untangles their hair and can remove things stuck in their fur that was making them uncomfortable. If you are planning on giving your dog a bath, brushing their hair regularly helps to make bath time easier.

Some of the other reasons that you may want to consider brushing your dog regularly includes the benefit of reducing the amount of hair that your dog will shed inside your home. It is a lot easier to groom your dog and get the hair off of them then it is to remove it from sticky places like your couch or your carpet. You may not get rid of all of the hair that they spread through your house, but you will notice a significant reduction. Plus, brushing your dog’s hair removes dirt and debris and stimulates a shinier and healthier coat.

How to Groom Your Dog

So, how do you groom your dog after you have found the best shedding brush? The first thing you want to keep in mind is that you need to be gentle and brush slowly. Remember, if you pull too hard on your dog’s hair, it is going to hurt. That’s the same as if you were brushing someone else’s hair that was tangled or had mats. You should be just as gentle with your dog’s hair because they can feel every tug.

Be especially careful if your dog’s hair is tangled or has a lot of mats in it. You want to make sure that your brushing experience as positive for your dog. If you pull at their hair too many times and you notice them yelping or nipping at you, then you’re going to make it into a negative experience and they will never want to be brushed. The whole point of brushing is to get their hair looking great while still building your relationship with your puppy.

Of course, you also want to pick the right type of brush that feels good on your dog’s skin. We will be looking at a few different types of brushes and which coats they are best for shortly. Finally, make sure that you are inviting your dog to be brushed rather than forcing him or her into it. Even if you have the best dog brushes, you still want your dog to make the decision to be brushed rather than feeling as if you are making them do it.

Understanding Dog Coats

The first thing that you should understand is that every dog has a coat that is a little bit different. However, for the purposes of brushing, dog coats can be divided into six basic categories. We will be looking at the six categories in detail to help you choose the best dog brush for shedding, the best dog grooming brush or the best dog brush that will give them comfort and make for a positive experience.

Short & Smooth: Short and smooth coats are the first type of dog codes that will be looking at. Short and smooth coats can be found in most of the retrievers that are out there as well as hounds, and Chihuahuas are another breed that has the short and smooth coats. You will notice that when you run your hand along the coat, if you go in the direction of the grain, it will be a very soft and smooth experience. The way you want to brush this coat is with a soft medium-bristle brush that has bristles that are placed closely together.

Short & Wiry: On the other hand, a short and wiry coat requires a different technique. You will find short wiry coats on dogs like Terriers, as well as a few other breeds, and the way that you brush this coat is to go with the grain using either a slicker brush or really firm bristle brush. Choose a bristle brush that has the bristles spaced really close together for this type of coat.

Medium Coats: Medium-length coats are also going to be brushed with the grain, and the best brush to use on these coats is either a wire pin brush or a really soft bristle brush that has long bristles that are spaced wider apart. You can use a slicker brush if you want on these types of coats if the dog’s coat is really matted or tangled.

Long Coats: When it comes to long coats, you want to use the same with the grain technique, and again a wire brush with pins or a medium strength bristle brush with long bristles and wider spaces is the perfect type brush to use on this type of dog. Golden retrievers, English setters and spaniels are some of the dogs that fit into this category.

Soft Inside: Dog coats that are soft on the inside but coarse on the outside require a different technique. This type of coat can be found on collies, German shepherds, chalice, Pomeranians and English sheepdogs. You want to brush with the grain on the outer coat, but you want to go against the grain on the inner coat. The best type of brush to use on the undercoat is a wire pen brush. You can also use a bristle brush with wide space bristles and a slicker brush to get out tangles. You can use just about any brush on the outer coat.

Thin Coats: Some dogs have really thin coats which require you to use a wire pen brush or a soft slicker brush to get out tangles. You should brush with the coat grain. You can find these coats on Yorkies, Maltese and a few other breeds.

The Four Brush Types

There are four basic types of brushes that you are going to want to become familiar with if you’re going to be brushing your dog. We already mentioned some of the different brush types out there in the section explaining different dog coats. But let’s delve into the types of brushes available in a little more detail.

Slicker Brushes: Slicker brushes are a type of dog brush that has very fine wires that are located on a flat surface. The best way that you can use slicker brushes is to remove mats and tangles from your dog’s fur. They work best on curly-haired dogs and dogs with really thick coats. There are quite a few different models of slicker brushes on the market, but most of them will work for removing tangles.

Rakes: Rakes are kind of similar to slicker brushes, but they have longer bristles that are intended to penetrate into really thick fur and remove tangles and hair that is already been shed. You want to be very careful when you’re using rake brushes because they get really close to the skin and if you are too rough with them you’re going to be poking your dog in a very sensitive area. If you use a rake press carelessly, it is entirely possible that you will be bit.

Bristle Brushes: Bristle brushes are brushes that are made of thin hairs grouped together. You are familiar with bristle brushes already. Bristle brushes of the type of hairbrushes that you most often find in people’s bathrooms. In fact, the very same bristle brushes that you use on your own hair, or the same type of bristle brushes that you use to scrub your tile floor, can be used on some dogs. It is important to remember the bristle brushes are pretty rough; use them as gently as you can.

Pin Brushes: Pin brushes work on certain types of dogs, usually medium to long-haired dogs, and they are similar to many of the hairbrushes that you will find in the bathrooms of humans. You have probably seen them, as they are the counterpart to the bristle brush is that we just discussed. Pin brushes have widely spaced thick, stiff wires that are flexible but still strong. They will pick up loose hair before to shed on your furniture and are a great finishing tool when it comes to grooming your dog.

Dog Combs

Of course, there are also dog combs out there that you should be aware of. Although brushes are usually the best tool to use for grooming dogs, combs can be pretty useful too. If you get the right comb, then you can easily remove tangles and mats in your dog’s fur. The problem with combs is that they can snag a group of tangled hair pretty tightly and make it almost impossible to extract the comb. This is not only inconvenient for you, but it might cause your dog a great deal of pain. Most professional groomers do keep combs handy, so you may want to have a couple that are intended for your dog’s fur to help you when tangles get too bad.

Shampooing Your Dog

Besides brushing, your dog needs shampooing once in a while. You should have a number of tools on hand like dog shampoo and a dog hair dryer that will allow you to clean your dog when necessary. Cleaning your dog is one of the best things that you can do when it comes to hygiene, although various medications can help with keeping the fur clean and preventing fleas, brushes are also useful. Some of the alternatives that you have for preventing fleas on your dog include fish oil for dogs, OTC dog flea treatment, coconut oil for dogs, essential oil for dog fleas and other medications for dogs.

Giving your dog a regular puppy shampoo and making sure that you include some of the above treatments for fleas or probiotics for dogs to ensure their health is one of the best ways that you can keep your puppy healthy. Shampooing your dog should be done regularly, but the frequency with which you shampoo depends upon the particular breed. Of course, you should just go ahead and shampoo even if it’s not a scheduled day if your dog gets into something nasty. Dogs rely on odor, so they do not particularly like baths; but you should still give them one every once in a while.

Professional Groomers

Taking your dog to the professional groomers once in a while can be a pretty useful thing. Professional groomers are people that work with dogs of all shapes and sizes and varying coats on a daily basis. They can make sure that your dog is completely cleaned and totally hygienic, and they have the tools to detangle your dog’s coat if it is been a while since you did a grooming. You may want to pressure dog yourself, but if your dog hasn’t been brushed in many months or years, taking them to a professional groomer can allow all those knots to get worked out and your dog to have a healthy coat for you to start brushing. Of course, the downside is that you have to pay for the professional groomer service.

Other Dog Care & Hygiene

Some of the other things that you want to do for your dog may include some products for dental health such as giving them a dog treat that is good for their teeth like one of the dental chew products that are out there. You may also want to get some nail clippers for dogs if you want to take care of your dog’s nails, although many people prefer to take their dog to the professional groomers when it comes to nail trimming because it is a delicate process that can cause your dog pain if you do not do it properly.

Of course, there are also products like a vacuum for dog hair, dog ear cleaners or toothbrushes for dogs that you may want to use as well. The fact is that there are plenty of products out there for dogs, and you will have to decide which ones you want to take care of your dog completely. You’re probably going to need most of the ones listed here to make sure that your pup gets the care that he or she deserves.

Dog Brush Review Conclusion

The bottom line is that there are a lot of options out there when it comes to the best dog brushes. Whether your dog is shedding all over the house or you just want to build a better relationship with your dog, there are plenty of brushes out there to choose from. But not all of them are going to be appropriate to your particular breed of dog or the kind of coat that they have. It is also worth noting that dogs shed during the warm weather and collect their fur during the cold weather. Some dogs do this more so than others, but all dogs shed to a certain extent. You may need different brushes or combs for different times of the year, but the information listed here should give you some good ideas on how to choose the best one.

Recommended Reading:

• Best Dog Grooming Scissors
• Best Dog Grooming Gloves
• Best Soft Bristle Dog Brush
• Best Dog Brushes for Long Hair
• Best Wired Dog Brush

Sources:

Dogtime

Cuteness

Pets4Homes