How to Choose the Right Dog Brush: 28 Models Put to the Test
Selecting the right brush for your dog is more than a matter of convenience—it's a key part of maintaining a healthy coat and minimizing shedding around the house. To help pet owners make an informed choice, our team conducted a month-long, hands-on evaluation of 28 different brushes, including slickers, de-shedding tools, and pin brushes. Testers brushed their dogs at least once or twice a week, following a structured methodology that assessed effectiveness, durability, value, and ease of cleaning.
The testing pool included a variety of breeds, from a Pomeranian with a thick double coat to a border collie with sensitive skin, and even a mini Bernedoodle prone to matting. This diversity allowed us to see how each brush performed across different coat types, from short and wiry to long and curly. The results highlight that no single brush works for every dog, but several standouts emerged for specific needs.
Top Overall Pick: A Pin Brush That Handles Most Coats
The Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Brush earned the highest marks overall. This pin-style brush features stainless steel pins with polished tips, designed to glide through fur without scratching the skin. It comes in three pin sizes—20mm for short coats, 27mm for medium to long coats, and 35mm for long, thick coats—making it a versatile choice for many breeds. Our Pomeranian tester, who is typically wary of grooming, remained calm during brushing with both the 20mm and 27mm sizes, especially when paired with a detangling spray. The border collie tester also showed fewer signs of discomfort with this brush than with others, even around sensitive areas like the legs and ears. The brush's lightweight beechwood handle adds to its durability, and it's easy to clean, though a slicker or comb may still be needed for shedding or mats.
Best Value: A Dual-Sided Brush for Versatility
For budget-conscious owners, the Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush offers a two-in-one solution. One side has stainless steel pins with rounded tips to untangle knots and collect loose hair, while the other side features soft nylon bristles that help distribute natural oils for a shiny coat. In our tests, it performed exceptionally well on dogs with long, fine hair and even on long, matted fur, particularly on a border collie. One tester noted it worked well on her dog's thick butt hair. However, it was less effective on short-haired dogs and isn't designed for undercoat removal. The soft rubber handle provides a comfortable grip, which is a plus for owners of larger dogs. Cleaning is a bit fiddly, especially the bristle side, but the price and versatility make it a solid choice.
Specialized Tools for Shedding, Mats, and More
For dogs with heavy undercoats, the FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool proved more effective and sturdier than similar products we tested. Its stainless steel edge pulls loose undercoat hair without irritating the skin, thanks to a curved guard. One tester, who used the long-hair version on a border collie and the short-hair model on a pit bull, called it “absolutely worth the price.” The tool's ejector button makes cleaning quick, but it's only recommended for double-coated breeds, and sensitive dogs may find it uncomfortable.
For matted fur, the GoPets Dematting Comb is a gentle yet effective option. Its dual-sided design—one side with widely spaced curved prongs for raking through mats, the other with finer teeth for undercoat work—makes it easy to tackle tangles without pulling. The squishy handle improves grip, which is helpful for reaching tricky spots like under the front legs.
The Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush is a professional-grade choice for detangling, especially for curly-coated breeds like doodles. Its thin, curved pins are soft on the skin but powerful enough to prevent mats, potentially reducing trips to the groomer. For a budget-friendly slicker, the Ruff 'N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush offers a retractable bristle mechanism for easy cleanup, and it comes with nail clippers as a bonus.
For short-haired dogs, the Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Dual-Sided Curry Brush is a standout. Its silicone nubs massage the skin and stimulate natural oils while removing loose hair, and it's particularly useful during bath time—our tester found it easy to grip even with soapy hands. The Maxpower Planet Dematting Undercoat Rake is another specialized tool, with two sides (9 and 17 teeth) for working through mats and shedding. One tester was “jaw-dropping” at the amount of hair it removed from a German shepherd mix and a long-haired dachshund, though the sharp blades require caution.
For dogs that enjoy grooming, the HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves are a popular choice, with nearly 15,800 five-star ratings on Amazon. These form-fitting gloves, available in sizes from junior to extra large, are made of waterproof nylon and PVC rubber, making them ideal for bathing. They're better for massaging out loose hair than capturing it, but most dogs seem to enjoy the experience.
How We Tested and What to Consider
Our evaluation involved two rounds of home testing with real dogs over a month. Each dog was brushed at least once a week by their owner, who provided feedback on quality, ease of use, effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Based on this feedback, we ranked and categorized the top picks, many of which are still in use for ongoing observation. When choosing a brush, consider your dog's coat type, sensitivity, and grooming habits. For double-coated breeds, a de-shedding tool is often necessary, but for dogs with sensitive skin, a gentler pin or slicker brush may be better. Regular brushing not only keeps the coat healthy but also reduces shedding in your home, making it a worthwhile investment for both you and your pet.
