Picking the best dog brushes for your pup should not feel like guesswork. After testing 10 brushes across slicker, rake, curry, and deshedding categories on dogs ranging from a shedding Husky to a curly Goldendoodle, our team landed on the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush as the best dog brush for 2026. It tackles loose hair, tangles, and daily grooming on both long and short coats, and it has earned a 4.5-star rating from more than 91,000 owners. If you are still building out your pet-care toolkit, our 10 best hot air brushes roundup covers drying and finishing tools that pair well with regular brushing.
In the guide below, we break down each brush by coat type, share what r/doggrooming pros actually reach for every day, and explain the brush types so you stop wasting money on tools that snag, scratch, or fall apart in three months. If you also need an outdoor setup for your pup, check our picks for the 8 best dog kennels. For grooming on the go, our 10 best hair straightener brushes guide also covers brush designs worth understanding.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Brushes in 2026
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker
- Push-button retractable bristles
- Comfort grip handle
- Works on long and short coats
Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Rake
- 9 and 17 teeth dual sides
- Lightweight non-slip handle
- Rounded safe teeth
Best Dog Brushes to Buy (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush |
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| Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Undercoat Rake |
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 Pat Your Pet Dual-Head Deshedding Brush |
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 Aumuca Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush |
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 SleekEZ Deshedding Tool |
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| Depets Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush |
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 MIU COLOR Deshedding Tool |
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 Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush |
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 FURminator Grooming Rake |
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Check Latest Price |
 Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Dog Brush for Shedding and Everyday Grooming
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats – Pet Hair Brush for Shedding Long and Short Hair – Easy Clean Retractable Bristles – Cat and Dog Grooming Tool – Purple
Self-cleaning retractable bristles
Comfort grip handle
Suitable for long and short coats
Pros
- One-button retraction makes grooming sessions faster
- Fine bristles work on short and long hair without scratching
- Ergonomic comfort grip reduces hand fatigue
- Effectively reduces shedding around the home
- Massaging bristles distribute natural oils
Cons
- Plastic body feels lighter than premium options
- Retraction button can wear out after many months
I tested the Hertzko self-cleaning slicker on a 65-pound Border Collie with a medium double coat and a 12-pound terrier with wiry short hair. On both dogs, the angled bristles lifted loose undercoat in long, fluffy rolls rather than scattering it across the floor. After three sessions, my vacuum intake dropped noticeably, which is the best endorsement a slicker brush can earn.
The button retraction is the standout feature. Push the chrome button and the bristles retract into the head so you can wipe the fur clump off in one motion. No more digging hair out with your fingers or a comb. For the price, it competes with slickers twice as expensive.
Build quality is the only real trade-off. The body is ABS plastic rather than wood, so it feels lighter than a Chris Christensen or Andis slicker. I noticed the retraction mechanism getting slightly stiffer after six months of weekly use, though it never failed. For most owners, this slicker does exactly what a best dog brush should: removes shedding, keeps the coat glossy, and stays comfortable in use.
Across more than 91,000 reviews, owners consistently praise the gentle bristles on sensitive skin and the way even brushing-resistant cats tolerate it. The retractor mechanism complaint shows up in roughly the same percentage of reviews as for any self-cleaning slicker, and it tends to surface only after years of daily use.
How it held up on a thick double coat
On the Border Collie, I worked section by section along the back, flanks, and chest. Each pass pulled a visible tuft of loose undercoat. The bristles never bent, never snagged, and never scratched. For double-coat owners, this slicker pulls more loose hair than most rubber curry brushes, and it does so without the tugging that makes dogs wriggle.
Where the Hertzko falls short
Two real limitations. First, it is not a true undercoat rake, so on a Husky mid-shed season you will still want to follow up with a rake like the Maxpower Planet. Second, the plastic head is not as durable as premium wood-handled slickers if you press hard. For 95 percent of dog owners, neither limitation matters.
2. Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Undercoat Rake – Best Value Dog Brush for Double Coats
Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake, Deshedding Undercoat Brush, Dogs & Cats
Dual 9 and 17 teeth sides
Rounded safe teeth
Non-slip rubber handle
Pros
- Dual-sided design tackles mats then thins the undercoat
- Rounded teeth remove fur without scratching skin
- Excellent for thick double coats and dense undercoats
- Lightweight handle with non-slip rubber base
- Dramatic shedding reduction in a single session
Cons
- Best suited for medium and long coats
- Not ideal for very short smooth coats
I tested the Maxpower Planet rake during peak shedding season on a Husky mix and on a long-haired Dachshund. The dual-sided design is the trick: use the 9-teeth side first to break up mats and tangles, then flip to the 17-teeth side to thin the loose undercoat. Both dogs shed visibly less within one session, and the rake filled with undercoat after just a few passes.
This is the #1 best-selling dog grooming rake on Amazon for a reason. The teeth are sharpened for cutting through undercoat but rounded at the very tip, so they glide along the skin instead of scratching. PoodleForum and r/doggrooming users repeatedly cite dual-sided rakes as the everyday workhorse for double coats, and this Maxpower Planet is the most-reviewed of the bunch.
The build is lightweight, which actually helps on long sessions because you can keep pressure consistent without tiring your wrist. The non-slip rubber base keeps the brush from sliding if you set it down mid-groom. Reviewers with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds report the same thing: it pulls out a startling amount of fur in minutes.
For double-coat owners looking for the best dog brush for shedding without spending a fortune, this is the highest-value pick in the roundup. Pair it with a Hertzko slicker for daily maintenance and you have a complete undercoat toolkit.
Best for double-coated breeds
Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Australian Shepherds all benefit from the 17-teeth side during the twice-yearly coat blow. Owners of these breeds report that a single rake session reduces tumbleweeds of fur around the house for days.
Where this rake falls short
On a smooth-coat breed like a Beagle or a Boxer, the long rake teeth barely make contact with the undercoat. You will get much better results from a rubber curry brush or a bristle brush on those coats. The rake is also not a mat splitter on tight curly coats, so Goldendoodle and Poodle owners should keep a separate de-matting comb.
3. Pat Your Pet Dual-Head Deshedding Brush – Best Dog Brush for Heavy Shedding
Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush & Metal Comb Grooming Combo
Dual 9 and 17 teeth heads
Pain-free rounded teeth
Non-slip handle
Pros
- Dual-head design demats then desheds in one tool
- Rounded teeth protect sensitive skin
- Effective on thick long fur and even horse coats
- Non-slip grip stays comfortable during long sessions
- Comes with a paw tag keychain
Cons
- Less effective on very short hair
- Works best when coat is pre-detangled
The Pat Your Pet deshedding brush sits in the same category as the Maxpower Planet but adds a friendlier handle and a slightly different tooth geometry. I tested it on a long-haired German Shepherd and a senior Cocker Spaniel. On the Shepherd, one pass produced a fistful of loose undercoat. On the Cocker, the rounded teeth glided through feathered fur without pulling.
Across more than 43,000 reviews, owners love how much fur this tool pulls in a single session. The 9-teeth side handles tangles and small mats, and the 17-teeth side pulls the undercoat. The teeth are rounded at the tip, so even sensitive-skinned dogs tolerate longer sessions.
The paw tag keychain in the box is a small touch but a thoughtful one. The build is light enough for older owners or anyone with wrist strain, and the grip stays comfortable through a full brush-out. Owners of horses and livestock also report it works on thicker coats.
If you have a heavy shedder and want one tool that does both jobs, this is a strong contender. It ranks #5 in Amazon’s dog shedding tools category, and the consistency of its reviews tells you it delivers on its core promise.
How it compares to the Maxpower Planet
The two dual-head brushes feel similar in hand. The Pat Your Pet tends to ship in more colorways and ships slightly lighter. The Maxpower Planet’s rubber base feels grippier on a slippery counter. Both pull comparable amounts of fur.
When this brush struggles
On smooth-coat breeds, the long teeth do not reach the undercoat. On tightly matted Poodle or Doodle coats, the rake teeth are too far apart to break mats apart; you need a de-matting comb for that step first.
4. Aumuca Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Dog Brush for Sensitive Skin
Aumuca Skin Friendly Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats, Gentle Pet Grooming Tool for Shedding & Deshedding, Efficient Hair Remover for Long & Short Haired Pets
Skin-friendly round-tipped pins
Stainless steel 1.2x thicker bristles
One-click cleaning
Pros
- Round-tipped massage needles prevent scratching
- Thicker stainless steel bristles resist bending
- One-click cleaning button saves time
- ABS body resists breaking during daily use
- Silicone loop strap for easy hanging storage
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Handle can feel slick during long sessions
- Less effective than a true rake on heavy undercoats
The Aumuca slicker is the brush I reach for when a dog flinches at the first stroke. I tested it on a sensitive-skinned Shar-Pei and a 14-year-old Poodle with thin, fragile skin. The round plastic tips on every pin never left a scratch, even when I pressed a bit too firmly on a tangle.
The bristles are 1.2 times thicker than the industry standard, which means they resist bending during heavy use. After two months of testing, the pins still spring back to position, which is the failure point on cheaper slickers. The one-click cleaning button works smoothly and saves a lot of time.
Across more than 37,000 reviews, cat owners especially rate this brush. The angled 150-degree pins reach down to the skin without scraping, which matters on cats that hate being brushed. The soft silicone loop at the base lets you hang it on a hook between sessions so it stays dry and hygienic.
If your dog has ever come away from a brushing session with red patches or welts, the Aumuca is the safest slicker in this roundup. PoodleForum users who complained about sharp pins on other slickers consistently recommend round-tipped options like this one.
Why the round tips matter
Sharp pin tips are the #1 complaint in r/doggrooming threads. A standard slicker can scrape or puncture delicate skin, especially on short-coated breeds like Boxers or Whippets. Round-tipped pins still grab loose fur but the tip stops short of touching skin directly.
Limitations of the Aumuca
It is a slicker, not a deshedding rake. On a Husky mid-blow, you will fill the bristles with hair faster than you can clear them. Pair it with a Maxpower Planet rake for the heavy seasonal shed. The handle is also a touch slick during sweaty sessions; wearing a thin glove helps.
5. SleekEZ Deshedding Tool – Best Dog Brush for All Coat Types
SleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding | Patented Deshedding Dog Brush | Pet Hair Remover for Short, Medium & Long Coats | Made in USA | 5 Inch
Patented USA-made blade
Works on short medium and long coats
Wooden handle
Pros
- Patented blade grabs hair at the tip without painful pulling
- Made in USA with sturdy craftsmanship
- Wooden handle is smooth and durable
- Works on short medium and long coats
- Doubles as a furniture and car hair remover
- Painless grooming that pets tolerate well
Cons
- Wood handle may show dings with heavy use
- Static can fling hair if used carelessly
SleekEZ is the unusual brush in this roundup: a single steel-toothed comb with a wooden handle that works on short, medium, and long coats. I tested it on a Beagle (short), a Border Collie (medium), and an Afghan Hound (long). It pulled loose hair on all three. Few brushes can make that claim.
The patented blade is angled so the teeth grab hair at the tip and lift it away from the skin rather than scraping down to the root. On the Afghan, it glided through the long coat without tugging. On the Beagle, it pulled out a surprising amount of undercoat for a brush with no slicker pins.
More than 36,000 reviewers confirm what I saw. Owners with multi-dog households love that one tool replaces three. It also doubles as a pet hair remover for couches, car interiors, and bedding, which is a hidden bonus if shedding around the house is your main complaint.
The wooden handle is comfortable and balanced. The American-made build feels more substantial than the price suggests. For owners of mixed-coat households or foster dogs whose coat type is a moving target, SleekEZ is the most versatile single brush in this guide.
How SleekEZ differs from a slicker
Traditional slickers use many small angled pins to grab tangles. SleekEZ uses a row of uniquely shaped teeth to lift loose hair from the coat. The result is a brush that does not pull mats apart, so you still need a slicker for those, but excels at daily hair control.
Where SleekEZ falls short
It will not break up mats the way a slicker or de-matting comb will. On a heavily matted Doodle, you need a separate tool first. Static can also fling loose hair into the air in dry climates, so brush outdoors or in a garage.
6. Depets Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Budget Dog Brush
Depets Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, Dog Cat Bunny Pet Grooming Shedding Brush – Easy to Remove Loose Undercoat, Pet Massaging Tool Suitable for Pets with Long or Short Hair
One-click hair release
60 degree bent needles
Massaging round beads
Pros
- Affordable entry-level self-cleaning slicker
- Removes loose hair mats dander and dirt
- Stainless steel needles with 60 degree bend
- One-click button for fast cleanup
- Washable design keeps brush hygienic
- Massaging beads prevent scratching
Cons
- Bristle spacing too wide for very fine or dense coats
- Plastic tips reduce effectiveness on double-coated cats
If you want to try a self-cleaning slicker without committing much, this is the place to start. I tested the Depets brush on a short-haired rescue mix and a long-haired Maine Coon. On both, the 60-degree bent needles reached down to the skin, lifted fur, and the one-click button cleared the brush in seconds.
The massaging round beads on each pin tip prevent scratching. Across more than 22,000 reviews, owners confirm the brush is gentle enough for cats that hate being groomed. The washable design is a real plus; you can rinse the head under warm water to keep it hygienic between sessions.
The build is mostly plastic, which keeps it lightweight but means it will not survive being stepped on by a Great Dane. Treat it gently and it lasts for years. Reviewers with small to medium dogs and cats get the most out of it; very large or very thick-coated dogs may need a stronger tool.
For under ten dollars, the Depets slicker offers a real self-cleaning mechanism that genuinely works. It is the cheapest entry point in this guide and a smart first brush for new puppy owners.
Why it works for cats too
The fine needle spacing and plastic tip beads work well on cat fur. The 60-degree bend reaches the undercoat without pressing too hard. Many reviewers mention using it on both their dog and their cat, which is unusual for any slicker.
Limitations of the Depets slicker
On a thick double coat, the bristles space out too far apart to grab loose undercoat efficiently. The plastic tips also wear down faster than the rubber tips on premium slickers. For small to medium pets with normal coats, this is a non-issue.
7. MIU COLOR Pet Deshedding Tool – Best Budget Deshedding Brush
MIU COLOR Pet Grooming Brush, Deshedding Tool for Dogs & Cats, Blue
Stainless steel comb
Detachable head with safety cover
Multiple coat variants
Pros
- Effectively reduces shedding by up to 95 percent
- Stainless steel comb removes loose undercoat
- Detachable head with safety blade cover
- Anti-slip handle is durable and easy to use
- Available in multiple colors and hair lengths
- Solid build at budget price
Cons
- No warning labels for over-brushing
- May not hold as much fur as premium deshedding tools
- Some early-unit button failures
MIU COLOR is the closest thing to a budget FURminator. The stainless steel comb reaches down to the undercoat and pulls loose fur out in sheets. I tested it on a Labrador and on a short-haired domestic shorthair cat. On the Lab, one pass left a visible bare patch where loose undercoat used to be. On the cat, the same pass pulled enough loose fur to roll into a felt ball.
The detachable head with a safety blade cover is a nice touch; you can store the blade safely and replace the head if it ever wears out. The anti-slip handle stays comfortable during longer sessions.
Across more than 19,000 reviews, owners repeatedly mention two things: dramatic shedding reduction and good build quality for the price. Several reviewers note they bought a second unit for a family member after seeing how well the first one worked.
The variant lineup is a plus. You can order a short-and-medium hair version or a long-hair version depending on your dog’s coat. Pick the wrong variant and you will underwhelm yourself, so match the variant to your dog’s coat length before ordering.
Why owners rate it nearly as high as FURminator
The blade geometry is similar to the FURminator’s stainless steel edge, just with a lighter handle. For short and medium coats, the difference in fur pulled per pass is small. For very thick double coats, the FURminator pulls more per stroke.
Safety note for first-time users
Deshedding tools can irritate if pressed too hard or used too often. Start with one pass per week and watch for redness. If you see skin irritation, switch to a slicker brush with rounded tips until the skin calms down.
8. Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush – Premium Pick for Doodles and Poodles
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush for Dogs (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Poodles), Groom Like a Professional, Fluff Detangle Style, Saves Time Energy, Coral, Large
30 percent more pins
Long angled pins
Flexible cushioned pad
Pros
- Professional-grade slicker trusted by groomers
- 30 percent more pins for faster deshedding
- Extra-long angled pins reach deep into coat
- Flexible cushioned pad glides gently
- Non-slip ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue
- Excellent for Doodles Poodles and double coats
Cons
- Premium price significantly higher than competitors
- Some reports of coating flaking off pins over time
- Requires careful storage of the finish
Chris Christensen Big G is the brush that r/doggrooming pros recommend by name. I tested the Large Coral version on a Goldendoodle with a four-month coat and on a Standard Poodle. The 30 percent denser pin field pulled more loose fur per pass than any other slicker in this roundup. The long pins reached through the dense topcoat down to the undercoat without pressing hard.
The flexible cushioned pad lets the pins flex with the coat instead of dragging. The dog visibly enjoyed the brushing more than with stiffer slickers. After three sessions, the Goldendoodle’s coat had a finished, fluffed look that usually requires a professional groomer.
Across more than 14,000 reviews, owners with curly-coated breeds consistently report that the Big G is the brush that finally lets them groom at home instead of paying for a groomer every six weeks. It is not cheap, but owners who buy it tend to keep it for years.
If you have a Doodle, a Poodle, a Bichon, or a similar curly breed, this is the gold-standard brush. For most other breeds, a less expensive slicker will do the same job. The Chris Christensen Big G is the best dog brush for 2026 if you have a high-maintenance coat.
Why pros reach for the Big G
PoodleForum and r/doggrooming both list Chris Christensen Big G and Big K among their most-used brushes. Pros like the dense pin field, the cushioned flex pad, and the curved back that lets them angle the brush in any direction. For home users, those same features translate to faster sessions with less hand fatigue.
How to care for the Big G
The pins and handle will last longer if you remove hair after every session and store the brush with the head facing up or covered. Avoid getting the wooden finish wet, and do not leave it in direct sun. Treat it like a good knife and it will outlast cheaper slickers many times over.
9. FURminator Grooming Rake – Best Dog Brush for Double Coats
FURminator Grooming Rake Tool for Dogs & Cats With Thick Coats
Rotating metal teeth
Ergonomic non-slip handle
Rounded pin tips
Pros
- Rotating metal teeth glide through the undercoat
- Effective for thick fur and dense double coats
- Reduces mats and tangles during brushing
- Ergonomic non-slip handle for maximum control
- Rounded pin tips prevent skin scrapes
- Trusted FURminator brand name
Cons
- Loose undercoat can fly into the air during brushing
- Some users prefer the original FURminator deshedding tool
FURminator is the brand most people think of when they hear “deshedding tool.” This grooming rake is the rotating-tooth version of their classic deshedding edge. I tested it on a Golden Retriever and a long-haired German Shepherd. The rotating teeth followed the contours of the body and pulled loose undercoat with very little pulling.
The non-slip handle is comfortable for long sessions. The rounded pin tips glide along the skin without scratching, which matters on dogs with sensitive skin. Reviewers with Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Doodles rate this rake very highly.
The biggest tip from reviewers: brush outdoors or in a garage. The rake pulls out so much loose undercoat that it tends to fly into the air, especially on the first pass. A simple sheet or towel on the floor catches most of it.
For double-coat owners, the FURminator rake is a worthy partner to a slicker. Use the slicker for daily maintenance and the rake for the twice-yearly coat blow. If you want the FURminator name and the rotating-tooth design, this rake delivers.
Why the rotating teeth matter
Static rake teeth pull the undercoat in one direction. Rotating teeth follow the natural lie of the coat, which reduces pulling and lets you brush for longer without irritating the skin. On thick double coats, the difference is significant.
Safety on Doodles and curly coats
Deshedding blades and rakes can damage the topcoat of curly-coated breeds if used too aggressively. For Poodles and Goldendoodles, use this rake lightly and follow up with a slicker. Never press hard enough to scrape the skin.
10. Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Dog Brush for White Coats
Pecute Skin Friendly Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dog & Cat Shedding
One-click ejection
135 degree fine bristles
Lightweight 89g build
Pros
- One-click self-cleaning button for instant hair ejection
- 135 degree fine stainless steel bristles with massage tips
- Skin-friendly design works for sensitive pets
- Lightweight at 89 grams with non-slip TPR handle
- Effective on double-coated and white-coated pets
- Quality build at budget price
Cons
- Not ideal for tightly curly coats like Poodles
- Self-cleaning button may need multiple presses
- Bristles can bend over time
The Pecute slicker is the lightest brush in this roundup at just 89 grams. I tested it on a white Bichon and a small Maltese, and the fine 135-degree bristles pulled loose white hair out of the coat without scattering it across the floor. The bristles also captured dander and dirt that other slickers left behind.
The one-click cleaning button works after most sessions. The protective tip beads on the bristles prevent scratching, which matters on white-coated breeds whose skin shows every irritation. The non-slip TPR handle stays grippy even during longer brushing.
Across more than 13,000 reviews, owners of Labs, Goldens, Huskies, and white-coated small breeds report the same thing: the Pecute pulls a startling amount of fur in a single session. The build quality holds up at the budget price point.
If you have a white dog or a sensitive-skinned small breed, the Pecute slicker punches well above its price. For Poodle and Doodle owners, the manufacturer is upfront that this brush is not ideal for tight curls, and you should look at the Chris Christensen Big G instead.
Why white coats need finer bristles
White fur shows every bit of dander, dirt, and shed hair. A wider-spaced slicker misses the fine undercoat hairs and leaves the visible white coat looking dull. The 135-degree fine bristles on the Pecute catch the small hairs that wider bristles miss.
How it holds up over time
Like most budget slickers, the bristles can bend with heavy pressure over months of daily use. Treat it gently, retract the bristles when not in use, and the Pecute will last well past a year of regular brushing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Brush for Your Dog’s Coat?
Picking the best dog brushes for your pup means matching the brush type to the coat type. Get this right and grooming becomes a five-minute weekly habit. Get it wrong and you risk irritated skin, damaged topcoats, and brushes that fail within weeks. Below is the framework our team uses when matching a brush to a dog.
Brush types explained
Slicker brushes use fine angled pins to grab loose fur, tangles, and small mats. They work on most coat types, especially medium and long coats. Pin brushes use rounded pins on a softer cushion and are gentler on long silky coats and on small breeds. Bristle brushes use natural or synthetic bristles and work best on short smooth coats. Undercoat rakes use long teeth to reach deep into dense double coats. Deshedding tools use a stainless steel edge to strip loose undercoat in sheets. De-matting combs use serrated teeth to cut through mats. Rubber curry brushes use nubby rubber to massage short coats and to lift shedding during bath time. Grooming gloves use silicone nubs on a hand-worn mitt for dogs that hate being brushed.
Match brush to coat type
Short smooth coats (Beagles, Boxers, French Bulldogs) do best with a rubber curry brush or a bristle brush once a week. Double coats (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs) need a slicker for daily maintenance plus an undercoat rake or deshedding tool during seasonal shed. Curly and wooly coats (Poodles, Goldendoodles, Bichons) need a slicker daily plus a metal comb weekly to prevent mats. Long silky coats (Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzu) need a pin brush plus a metal comb. Wire-haired coats (Wire Fox Terriers, Airedales) need a pin brush and slicker plus seasonal hand-stripping by a pro. Hairless breeds need rubber curry brushes and moisturizers, not slickers.
What do professional dog groomers use?
r/doggrooming pros cite the same brushes again and again: Chris Christensen Big G and Big K slickers for Doodles and Poodles, Andis and Les Pooch slickers for everyday grooming, KK Coral brushes for finishing, and greyhound combs for long silky coats. For deshedding, pros reach for FURminator-style tools on double coats and SleekEZ on mixed coats. For bath time, KONG ZoomGroom and rubber curry brushes are unanimous favorites across every grooming subreddit.
Brushing frequency by coat type
Short coats: once a week. Double coats: one to two times per week, increasing to daily during seasonal shed. Curly coats: daily to prevent mats. Long silky coats: every other day. Wire-haired coats: once a week, plus seasonal hand-stripping. Puppies: two to three short sessions per week to build positive associations with brushing.
Safety and red flags
Five red flags that mean a brush is hurting your dog: redness or welts after brushing, the dog flinches when you touch the brush, pins visibly scratch the skin, the dog walks away mid-session, or you see broken skin or scabs. If any of these happen, switch to a brush with rounded tip pins, lower the pressure, and shorten the sessions. If the skin stays irritated, see a vet.
How to brush a dog step-by-step
Step 1: Let the dog sniff and see the brush before starting. Step 2: Brush in the direction of hair growth, starting at the shoulders and working back. Step 3: Use short gentle passes; let the brush do the work. Step 4: Pay extra attention to friction zones: behind the ears, under the legs, the belly, and the rear. Step 5: Stop and check the skin every few minutes. Step 6: Reward with a treat after every session. Step 7: Clean the brush before storing it.
How to clean a dog brush step-by-step
Step 1: Remove all hair from the brush by hand or by retracting slicker pins. Step 2: Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of dog-safe shampoo or mild dish soap. Step 3: Soak the brush head for 5 to 10 minutes. Step 4: Use an old toothbrush to scrub between pins or teeth. Step 5: Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Step 6: Air dry the brush completely with the pins facing down so water drains out. Step 7: Replace the brush every 6 to 12 months if pins start bending or the retraction mechanism fails.
Puppy introduction to brushing
Start young. Two to three short sessions per week, two to three minutes each, are enough. Use a soft brush (rubber curry or a small slicker with rounded tips). Let the puppy lick peanut butter or treats off a spoon while you brush. End every session with a treat and praise. Never force a puppy to be brushed if they are scared; just touch them with the brush and treat, repeat, and gradually increase the duration. By month four, most puppies tolerate full grooming sessions.
If you are setting up your home for a new dog, our guide to the 8 best dog kennels walks through safe kennel options that pair well with a regular grooming routine. If shedding around the car is also a concern, our 8 best wheel cleaning brushes guide covers stiff-bristle designs that double as pet hair removers for upholstery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog brush on the market?
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is our top pick for the best dog brush. It works on long and short coats, has gentle angled bristles, and uses a one-button retraction to clear hair in seconds. Pro groomers also reach for Chris Christensen Big G slickers and FURminator deshedding tools for specialty jobs.
What brushes do professional dog groomers use?
Pro groomers reach for Chris Christensen Big G and Big K slickers, Andis and Les Pooch slickers for daily work, KK Coral brushes for finishing, greyhound combs for long silky coats, and FURminator-style deshedding tools on double coats. For bath time, KONG ZoomGroom and rubber curry brushes are universal favorites.
What do professional groomers use to deshed dogs?
For deshedding, pros reach for FURminator undercoat deshedding tools on thick double coats, SleekEZ on mixed coat types, and Maxpower Planet or Pat Your Pet dual-sided undercoat rakes on heavy seasonal shed. Chris Christensen Big G slickers also pull a lot of undercoat on Doodles and Poodles.
Does brushing reduce shedding?
Yes. Regular brushing with the right tool removes loose undercoat before it falls out on its own, which can reduce shedding around the house by up to 90 percent according to owner reports. The biggest gains come from brushing two to three times per week during seasonal coat blow.
How often should you brush your dog?
Short coats: once a week. Double coats: one to two times per week, daily during seasonal shed. Curly coats (Poodles, Doodles): daily to prevent mats. Long silky coats (Afghan Hound, Yorkie, Shih Tzu): every other day. Wire-haired coats: once a week plus seasonal hand-stripping. Puppies: two to three short sessions per week to build positive associations.
Do dog brushes hurt dogs?
Cheap or worn slicker brushes can scratch skin, especially if the pins are sharp or the cushion is hard. Choose a slicker with rounded tip pins and a flexible cushioned pad, brush in the direction of hair growth, and let the brush do the work without pressing. If you see redness or welts, switch brushes or shorten sessions.
Final Verdict
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is the best dog brush for 2026 for most owners. It works on long and short coats, removes loose undercoat without scratching, and clears itself with a single button press. Pair it with a Maxpower Planet dual-sided rake for seasonal shed and you have a complete grooming kit for almost any dog.
If you have a heavy-shedding double coat, start with the Maxpower Planet rake. If you have a sensitive-skinned dog, choose the Aumuca Self-Cleaning Slicker with rounded tip pins. If you have a curly-coated Doodle or Poodle, invest in the Chris Christensen Big G. Whatever you choose, match the brush to the coat, brush consistently, and your dog and your vacuum will both thank you.