Best Dog Brushes: Our 10 Favorite Picks

Brushing can feel like a losing battle. One minute your dog looks freshly groomed, and the next there’s fur on the couch, your clothes, the car seats, and somehow even in your coffee. I know the struggle all too well.

Finding the best dog brush can make a big difference. The right brush can help with shedding, tangles, bath time, and those little knots that seem to appear overnight. The wrong brush, though? It can turn grooming into a full wrestling match.

So, if you are trying to figure out which brush actually makes sense for your pup, here are some great options for different coat types and grooming needs.

Best Overall: DOG By Dr Lisa Dog Brush

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DOG By Dr Lisa Dog Brush

From Chewy

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The DOG By Dr Lisa Dog Brush is a lovely everyday brush for dog parents who want something gentle and easy to use.

I like this kind of brush for regular coat care because it does not feel like a huge grooming session. It is the brush I would reach for when my dog is relaxing beside me and I want to do a quick tidy-up while giving them some attention.

It is great for removing loose hair, smoothing the coat, and making your dog feel cared for without too much fuss.

Great for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Beagles, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and mixed-breed dogs with easy-to-manage coats.

Pros

• Gentle enough for regular brushing
• Good for quick touch-ups between grooming sessions
• Nice option for dogs who do not love intense brushing
• Helps keep the coat looking neat
• Easy to add into a weekly grooming routine

Cons

• Not the strongest choice for heavy mats
• May not be enough for thick double coats during shedding season

Best for Shedding: Pet Teezer De-Shedding Dog Grooming Brush

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Pet Teezer De-Shedding Dog Grooming Brush

From Chewy

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If your dog sheds like it is their full-time job, the Pet Teezer De-Shedding Dog Grooming Brush is worth looking at.

This brush is made to help remove loose hair from thicker or longer coats. It is especially helpful during shedding season, when you brush your dog and somehow end up with enough fur to build a second dog.

It is a good pick if you want to stay ahead of the hair before it takes over your home.

Great for: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies.

Pros

• Helps remove loose fur before it ends up around the house
• Good for thicker and longer coats
• Helpful during seasonal shedding
• Comfortable shape for regular brushing sessions
• A nice choice for dogs who shed heavily but still need gentle handling

Cons

• Not made for cutting through serious mats
• May be too much for very short or sensitive coats

Best Two-in-One Brush: Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

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Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

From Chewy

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The Safari Combo Brush for Dogs is a nice choice if you want one brush that can do a bit of everything.

One side has pins for working through tangles and loose hair. The other side has bristles for smoothing the coat and giving it a softer finish. As a dog mom, I love anything that saves space and does more than one job.

This is a good starter brush if you are still figuring out what your dog’s coat needs.

Great for: Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, English Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and medium-coated mixed breeds.

Pros

• Two brush types in one tool
• Good starter option for new dog parents
• Pin side helps with light tangles
• Bristle side helps smooth the coat
• Useful if your dog’s coat needs both detangling and finishing

Cons

• May not be strong enough for thick mats
• Not as targeted as a dedicated slicker or de-shedding brush

Best Bath Brush: Bodhi Dog Shampoo Brush

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Bodhi Dog Shampoo Brush

From Amazon

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Bath time can be chaotic. There is water everywhere, your dog is plotting an escape, and you are trying to hold shampoo, rinse, scrub, and stay dry all at once.

The Bodhi Dog Shampoo Brush helps make bath time feel a little easier. Its soft rubber bristles help work shampoo through the coat while giving your dog a gentle massage. It is especially nice for dogs who get muddy, smelly, or love rolling in things they definitely should not be rolling in.

This is not the brush I would reach for when dealing with mats or serious tangles, but for bath day? It is a handy little helper.

Great for: French Bulldogs, Boxers, Beagles, Pugs, Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Pit Bull-type dogs, and Labrador Retrievers.

Pros

• Soft rubber bristles feel gentle on the skin
• Helps work shampoo through the coat
• Nice for bath-time massage
• Good for short-haired dogs and muddy pups
• Easy to use during regular wash days

Cons

• Not made for removing mats or heavy tangles
• Mostly useful during baths rather than dry brushing

Best Pin Brush: We Love Doodles Professional Dog Pin Brush

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We Love Doodles Professional Dog Pin Brush

From Chewy

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The We Love Doodles Professional Dog Pin Brush is a good option for longer coats, doodles, and dogs who need regular brushing to keep tangles away.

Pin brushes are helpful because they can move through the coat without making it look flat. This one is especially nice for dog moms who want a brush that feels more like a daily coat-care tool than a heavy-duty grooming brush.

Use it for gentle detangling, fluffing, and keeping the coat looking tidy between grooming appointments.

Great for: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Havanese, and Yorkshire Terriers.

Pros

• Good for longer coats and doodle-type coats
• Helps with gentle detangling
• Nice for fluffing and finishing the coat
• Better for daily brushing than harsh pulling
• Helpful for keeping the coat tidy between grooming appointments

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy shedding on its own
• Curly coats may still need a slicker brush too

Best Scrub Brush: Dandylion Scrub Dog Brush

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Dandylion Scrub Dog Brush

From Chewy

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The Dandylion Scrub Dog Brush is a sweet option for dogs who do not love traditional brushes.

It can be used during baths to help lather shampoo, or on dry fur for a gentle scrub. The design feels more like a massage, which can make grooming feel less scary for sensitive pups.

If your dog gives you dramatic side-eye every time you pull out a wire brush, this might be a gentler place to start.

Great for: French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Dachshunds, Pugs, Chihuahuas, and short-haired mixed breeds.

Pros

• Gentle feel for dogs who dislike wire brushes
• Can be used wet or dry
• Good for bath-time lathering
• Feels more like a massage than a grooming tool
• Nice for nervous dogs who need a softer start to grooming

Cons

• Not made for serious detangling
• Not the best pick for long, matted coats

Best Easy-Clean Brush: Pet-Able Easy Release Dog Brush

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Pet-Able Easy Release Dog Brush

From Chewy

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The Pet-Able Easy Release Dog Brush is made for dog parents who do not want to spend ages pulling fur out of a brush.

The easy-release design helps remove collected hair quickly, which makes cleanup much less annoying. It is also a good brush to keep around for regular brushing sessions when you want something simple and quick.

This is the kind of brush I would keep near the door, in the grooming basket, or wherever I usually notice my dog needs a quick brush.

Great for: Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis, Golden Retrievers, and mixed breeds that shed regularly.

Pros

• Easy-release button helps with cleanup
• Good for quick brushing sessions
• Helpful for loose fur and light grooming
• Nice option to keep around for regular use
• Makes it easier to brush often because cleanup is quicker

Cons

• May not be strong enough for thick mats
• Better for routine brushing than major grooming days

Best Budget Slicker Brush: Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

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Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

From Amazon

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The Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a handy slicker brush for loose hair, light tangles, and regular grooming.

The self-cleaning button is a big plus because slicker brushes can fill up fast, especially if your dog has a thicker coat. Instead of picking fur out by hand, you can press the button and clear the brush more easily.

If you are looking for the best dog brush for shedding without spending too much, this one is a strong option to consider.

Great for: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, and medium-to-large mixed breeds.

Pros

• Self-cleaning button makes fur removal easier
• Good for loose hair and light tangles
• Budget-friendly option for regular grooming
• Works well for many medium and larger dogs
• Handy during shedding season

Cons

• Slicker bristles may be too firm for very sensitive dogs
• Brush head may feel large for tiny breeds

Best for Mats and Undercoat: Maxpower Planet Hair Brush

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Maxpower Planet Hair Brush

From Amazon

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The Maxpower Planet Hair Brush is better for tougher grooming jobs, especially mats, tangles, and thick undercoats.

This is the brush I would use carefully and slowly, not as a quick everyday brush. It is helpful for dogs with dense coats, but it is important to be gentle. Mats can pull on the skin, and nobody wants grooming to hurt.

For tight mats close to the skin, I would always go to a groomer rather than trying to force them out at home.

Great for: German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Samoyeds, and Newfoundlands.

Pros

• Good for thick coats and undercoat care
• Helpful for tangles and loose undercoat
• Can be useful during shedding season
• Better for heavier grooming jobs than a basic brush
• A good option for dogs with dense coats that need more than surface brushing

Cons

• Not the best everyday brush for all dogs
• Must be used carefully to avoid pulling

Best for Doodles: Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush

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Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush

From Amazon

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Doodle moms, this one is for you. The Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush is designed for curly and wavy coats, which can mat very quickly if they are not brushed often.

Curly coats can look fine on the outside while hiding tangles underneath. That is why a brush made for doodles can be so helpful. It can reach deeper into the coat and help prevent those sneaky mats behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.

If you have a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, or Poodle mix, this may be the best brush for your grooming routine.

Great for: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Aussiedoodles, Sheepadoodles, Cavapoos, Cockapoos, and Poodles.

Pros

• Made with curly and wavy coats in mind
• Helps reach deeper into doodle coats
• Good for preventing hidden tangles
• Useful between grooming appointments
• Helpful for areas that mat easily, like behind the ears and under the legs

Cons

• May be more brush than a short-haired dog needs
• Needs gentle handling around sensitive areas

How to Choose the Best Dog Brush for Your Pup

The best dog brush depends on your dog’s coat, how much they shed, and how patient they are during grooming.

For short-haired dogs like French Bulldogs, Beagles, Boxers, and Dachshunds, a soft brush, scrub brush, or bath brush usually works well. You do not need anything too intense.

For long-haired dogs like Shih Tzus, Maltese, Havanese, Cocker Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers, a pin brush or combo brush can help keep tangles under control.

For curly-coated dogs, especially Poodles, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and Cavapoos, a slicker brush made for longer or denser coats is often a better choice.

For heavy shedders like German Shepherds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Corgis, and Australian Shepherds, a de-shedding brush, slicker brush, or undercoat tool can help collect loose fur before it ends up all over your house.

For bath time, a silicone scrub brush or soap-dispensing brush can make shampooing much easier, especially for dogs who love mud, puddles, and rolling in things they absolutely should not roll in.

FAQ: Dog Brushes

What kind of brush is best for a shedding dog?

For a shedding dog, a de-shedding brush, slicker brush, or undercoat rake usually works best. These brushes help collect loose fur before it ends up on your clothes, floors, and furniture.

What is the best dog brush for short hair?

Short-haired dogs usually do well with a soft bristle brush, rubber brush, silicone scrub brush, or grooming mitt. These tools help remove loose hair without being too rough on the skin.

What is the best dog brush for long hair?

Long-haired dogs often need a pin brush, slicker brush, or comb. A pin brush can help with daily brushing, while a slicker brush can help with light tangles. A comb is useful for checking smaller areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.

What is the best dog brush for matted hair?

For matted hair, a dematting tool or slicker brush may help with small, loose tangles. Tight mats close to the skin should be handled by a professional groomer because pulling on them can hurt your dog or irritate the skin.

How often should I brush my dog?

Short-haired dogs may only need brushing once or twice a week. Long-haired, curly-coated, or heavy-shedding dogs may need brushing several times a week. Some doodles and curly-coated dogs may need daily brushing to help prevent mats.

Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?

It is usually best to brush your dog before a bath, especially if they have tangles. Water can make mats tighter and harder to remove. After the bath, you can brush again once the coat is dry or mostly dry, depending on your dog’s coat type.

How do I brush a dog that hates being brushed?

Start slowly and keep the sessions short. Let your dog sniff the brush, then brush one small area for a few seconds and reward them. Choose a gentle brush, avoid pulling on tangles, and stop before your dog gets overwhelmed. Over time, brushing can become part of a calm routine.

Are slicker brushes safe for dogs?

Slicker brushes can be safe when used gently. Do not press hard, and avoid brushing the same spot too many times. They are helpful for loose hair and tangles, but rough brushing can irritate the skin.

What dog brush is best for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, choose a soft bristle brush, silicone brush, rubber brush, or gentle pin brush. Avoid sharp or very firm bristles, and always brush with light pressure. If your dog’s skin looks red, flaky, sore, or irritated, check with your vet before continuing.

Final Thoughts

As a dog mom, I think the best grooming tool is the one your dog will actually let you use. Some dogs love being brushed. Others act like you have personally betrayed them the second the brush comes out.

If you want one good everyday option, try the DOG By Dr Lisa Dog Brush. For shedding, the Pet Teezer De-Shedding Dog Grooming Brush and Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush are great picks. For doodles, the Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush is made with curly coats in mind. And for bath time, the Pet-Able Soap Dispensing Dog Grooming Brush and Dandylion Scrub Dog Brush can make washing less messy.

The right brush can turn grooming from a stressful chore into a little bonding moment. And honestly, anything that means less fur on my clothes is a win.

Fluffy Editorial

Fluffy Editorial is our in-house team of writers and dog nerds. We research every topic carefully, talk to professionals when needed, and focus on sharing honest advice we’d follow with our own dogs.

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