The Best Dog Brush Review

Regular dog grooming and brushing isn’t just good for your pet but also for you.

Why? Because using the best dog brush will make your pet’s skin and coat healthier, reducing the hair left around your home.

Regular brushing will also foster your bond with your pet, and most pups enjoy the feel of a good brush for dogs.

The trick to finding the best brush for dogs is to understand what type of coat your pooch has [1].

Your dog’s coat will determine the type of doggy brush you use and how you brush through his hair or fur.

That’s right – some dogs have hair, and some have fur, and you'll need to decide which your pet has before purchasing the best dog brush.

If you don’t know whether your dog has hair or fur, you can tell by its length. Fur grows to a predetermined length, and hair continues to grow, meaning it needs to be cut.

There is a proper way to brush your dog [2] to make his coat look flawless and remove unwanted hair. You need to be sure to brush every part of him, from his neck to his tail.

Did you know that your dog’s coat is a barometer of his overall health and well-being?

His coat and skin are his first defense against the germs and bacteria in the outside world.

If his coat is rough and dry and his skin is overly flaky, chances are your pet has an underlying health issue.

Using the best dog brush for your pet to keep his coat clean and smooth will also foster healthy skin and, in turn, lead to better overall health.

A healthy coat should look shiny and smooth, and healthy skin should be clear and supple.

Proper health and nutrition can increase your dog’s skin and coat health from the inside, but regular grooming is the only way to care for them on the outside.

Many upscale pet salons like owners to think that grooming is a luxury for pampered pets, but it’s essential for all dogs.

*Scroll down to watch our detailed and honest VIDEO REVIEW of the best brush for dogs.

What you should know before buying a dog brush

Proper grooming keeps your pet healthy. Not only will your Fido look and smell better with proper brushing, but it’ll also make him more comfortable and allow you to spot some common health problems before they become a major issue.

Regular brushing allows you the opportunity to check for bumps, injuries, or dry, flaky skin – all minor issues that could lead to something more severe [9].

For short-haired breeds, finding the best dog brush is simple. I prefer a rubber brush, but you can pretty much use any brush that is specifically made for short-haired breeds. It’s a little more complicated for other breeds.

If your dog has long hair, a double coat, or coarse fur, you’ll need to select a brush that will work for his specific coat type.

In most cases, your dog will require more than one brush or comb.

For example, for long-haired breeds, you will want a brush or comb suited for dogs with long hair. You may also want to purchase a de-matting comb and a de-shedding brush.

Slicker brushes are used for de-matting and removing undercoat and dead hair from all coat types.

Pin brushes are used for dogs with longer flowing coats to remove tangles, and bristle brushes are used to remove dirt and debris from wirey or combination coats. They also add shine to the coat.

If you have a dog that sheds a lot, you’ll want to look for a shedding blade, which is used to remove loose, dead hair from flat, short, and combination coats.

You can also try an undercoat rake – a brush with a single row of straight metal tines that remove tangles and the undercoat from dogs with heavy coats or double coats.

RELATED: Types of Dog Grooming Brushes and Their Uses

Your best resource for information on the type of dog brush that is best for your pet is a professional groomer.

They work with dogs of all different coat types, and they’ll know exactly what you need.

Every dog’s coat is unique.

Every Golden Retriever's coat is not the same. Every Labrador's coat is not the same.

You need to learn about your dog’s unique skin and coat before selecting any grooming tools [10], especially the best dog brush.

Choosing the wrong brush will result in poor grooming and may physically hurt your pet.

Take my advice – talk to an expert or do diligent research before choosing a dog brush to use on your pet.

Compare TOP 10 Best Brushes for Dogs (reviewed below):

*Please click on the dog brush brand for more product details and prices. Alternatively, scroll down to read reviews of each product. 

How I chose these top ten best dog brushes

My Top Picks for The Best Dog Brush

The Best Dog Brush: KONG Zoom Groom Dog Brush

If the KONG Zoom Groom isn’t available, I recommend the FURminator Curry Comb. It also features rubber bristles that are ideal for removing dirt and loose hair from your dog’s coat. The rubber bristles are specifically molded to stimulate the production of natural oils, which will help promote the health of his skin and coat. This brush is only for short and medium coats – it should not be used on dogs with long hair.

Runner-up: Best De-shedding Brush for Dogs

A dog’s coat variation is determined by his genes.

Two purebred dogs of the same breed will still have varying coats. Every dog’s skin and coat are just a little different [4], and it’s up to you to figure out which best dog brush your Fido needs.

A great way to do this is to consult with a professional dog groomer. Your veterinarian may have some tips for you as well.

FULL REVIEW: FURminator Dog De-shedding Tool Review

Regular brushing won’t stop your dog from shedding, but it will remove a lot of the unwanted hair so it doesn’t end up around your home or on your furniture and clothes. One of the major concerns for many dog owners is shedding. You can buy deshedding tools to help pull the loose hair out of your dog’s coat.

One of the most highly reviewed canine deshedding brushes is the FURminator De-shedding Tool.

The company has also redesigned the brush to work for virtually any size and breed of canine.

It comes in two styles; one for short hair and one for long. It also comes in five sizes ranging from extra small to giant.

The price varies by size, but typically this brush is a bit more expensive than others on the market.

A brush for a large breed dog with long hair is going to cost you about $34, but remember that you’re getting what you pay for – the mostly highly reviewed and recommended deshedding tool available.

In order to grab the hair and remove it from the coat, the teeth of the FURminator are very close together.

This means that if your dog’s coat has any knots, mats or tangles it will pull them and cause him pain.

It seems like everyone loves this product.

The stainless steel de-shedding brush head reaches deep down underneath your dog’s topcoat to remove all the loose hair and debris.

The teeth aren’t sharp, so they won’t scratch your dog’s skin, and FURminator guarantees that their patented technologies will reduce shedding better than any dog comb, brush or rake on the market.

The hair collects in the small teeth, and you can eject the fur with just a quick push of the FURejector button. That means you can use the brush with one hand and use the other to caress or hold your dog to keep him still.

It’s a great feature if you’ve got a wiggly dog like I do. Saddie sits still while I brush her, but as soon as I take both hands off of her she starts walking around.

The company claims that this brush will reduce your dog’s shedding by up to 90%, and dog owners agree!

This deshedding tool from FURminator is highly recommended by professional groomers, veterinarians and other canine professionals.

In fact, it was designed by a professional groomer to give pet parents professional results at home. The handle is ergonomically designed to make brushing comfortable and easy no matter how many dogs you groom in a day.

It’s guaranteed to reduce shedding [5] better than any other comb, brush, or rake on the market, and is perfect for dog owners, multi-pet homes and professionals.

The impressive response from consumers says a lot about this dog brush.

To get the best results with this brush, you should use it right after bathing and drying your dog.

However, only use it on a completely dry coat. You’ll also need to use a slicker brush or a comb to remove all the mats and tangles from your dog’s coat before using the FURminator De-shedding Tool.

If you don’t, this brush will pull on the knots and mats and cause your dog a lot of pain.

With over 39,000 ratings on Amazon and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating, I think it’s safe to say that consumers agree that the FURminator DeShedding Tool is the best on the market.

Video Comparison of Several Best Brushes for Dogs

Want to know how some of these dog brushes perform on different types of dog coats?

Then, take a look at my extensive comparison/review article and video, where I put to test some of the most popular brushes and de-shedding tools for dogs.

In this comparison video and article, I will also provide you with my personal opinion, observations, and tips on using these pet brushes. However, it all ultimately comes down to you, your preferences, and, of course, your dog and his coat type.

FULL COMPARISON: FURminator vs. DakPets vs. Magic Pro Pet Deshedding Tool

Best Pin & Bristle Dog Brush

If you have a long-haired dog, you will need a pin brush in your grooming toolkit. These dog brushes have metal pins with small rounded tips that cover the sharp ends. They are great for brushing out tangles, and they can go through the topcoat and undercoat. Some pin brushes, like the Safari Pin & Bristle Brush for Dogs, also have a bristle head on the opposite side.

Knowing which type of brush [6] to use on your dog is an essential part of proper grooming.

The back side of this dog brush by Safari is a bristle brush.

It’s a really great all-around brush to keep on hand for most coat types – though it’s especially useful on short-haired dogs with smooth coats.

As a general rule of thumb, the more coarse your pet’s coat, the stiffer the bristles should be.

The bristles on this brush are fairly soft, meaning it would be best suited for dogs with soft to medium coats.

Pin brushes are good for dogs with long coats, like golden retrievers, collies, sheepdogs, and Irish setters. They gently remove mats and tangles without pulling the hair.

The size of the pins varies on these types of dog brushes. Longer pins work better for long coats [7], and shorter pins are best for medium-length coats or dogs with trimmed coats.

This brush from Safari is best suited for small to medium breeds, and it has long pins.

The wooden handle is contoured to provide a comfortable grip. According to their reviews on Amazon, customers agree that this brush is versatile and easy to use.

The Best Dog Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes usually have a rectangle-shaped head and very fine metal bristles. They are designed to be used exclusively on dogs with long, thick hair. The fine bristling makes them ideal for removing knots and tangles. Wider slicker brushes can be used on large dogs, and smaller ones are ideal for sensitive areas, including the face, paws, legs, and underbelly.

The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brushremoves the loose hair from your pet’s undercoat without shearing the fur on top.

While brushing, you will also remove dirt and dander from your dog’s coat, leaving it cleaner and preventing skin irritation. This best dog brush will gently remove the mats and tangles from your dog’s coat, too.

Hertzko has equipped this slicker brush with a convenient push-button that retracts the bristles to remove the hair that is caught in them easily.

Trust me, you won’t truly appreciate this self-cleaning feature until you use it, but once you do, you’ll never want to go back to pulling hair out of a brush with your fingers again!

It’s also fitted with a rubber handle, making the brush strong, durable, and comfortable to use, and many Amazon customers were pleased with the results of this de-shedding tool.

The Best Dog Brush for Mats

Mats are densely tangled clumps of fur in your dog’s coat [7]. Sometimes, you can comb out these mats, but if they are left for too long, they will need to be cut. Matting is most common in long-haired dogs, and the best tool to use on a pet with minor matting is a de-matting comb. My research has shown that the Fresh Bailey Dematting Brush is the best on the market.

This dematting comb has one side with 9 computer-designed round teeth that won’t scratch or cut your pet’s skin.

Each tooth has sharp safety edges that cut through tough matts without pulling and hurting your pet.

The other side has 17 rounded teeth, which are best for deshedding and thinning hair.

Fresh Bailey recommends that this dematting comb be used on medium to long hair. The comb has a soft, ergonomically designed grip that the company claims is unbreakable.

I love the matt-busting 9 tooth design of this comb. It makes quick work of tough mats and knots, and the stainless steel teeth prevent rust and are easy to clean.

Heavily matted hair can cut off circulation, hide infected wounds, or affect a dog’s movement [8].

It is imperative to use a dematting comb, and Fresh Bailey is so confident about this one. Customers also seem to agree, as you can see by the reviews they’ve left on Amazon.

Alternatives if my other picks aren’t available

These aren’t the only high-quality dog brushes on the market. There are other kinds of brushes available as well.

Remember to choose a brush that is suited for your dog’s coat and comfortable for you to use.

Nutrition will influence the appearance of your dog’s skin and coat as well [14].

If you feel that you’re maintaining his overall health and well-being well from the outside, you may want to have a chat with your vet about how his health is being maintained from the inside.

A healthy diet and the best dog brush are the two best ways to keep your dog healthy and looking great.

Once you decide which dog brush or brushes your pet’s coat requires, you can start shopping for the best one in that category.

If you’re in doubt, do what I did and buy multiple brushes. Try them out on your dog and keep the one that works best on his unique coat.

PRODogs Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush for Dogs

To remove tangles and brush through short and curly coats, a boar bristle brush is a great option. Full boar bristle brushes are softer than brushes that mix boar bristles and nylon (or synthetic) bristles. The PRODogs Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush for Dogs features 50% boar and 50% synthetic bristles.

It’s a hand-held brush that smooths your pet’s coat and helps to distribute natural oils through his fur.

This best dog brush is designed with Conair’s Palm-Petting Grip technology that fits easily in the palm of your hand.

You can slip the grip through your fingers and hold the brush comfortably in your hand instead of having to grasp a handle firmly.

This prevents hand fatigue while grooming and allows you to use the same motion as petting, which will make your Fido feel more comfortable.

Consumers rave about this brush’s gentle bristles. Especially for dogs with thin, short coats, it can be easy to scratch their skin as there is not much fur protecting them.

Both the boar and synthetic bristles will be soft on your dog’s skin while still strong enough to work through tangles and minor knots.

ShedMonster De-Shedding Tool

If you’ve got a dog with a thick coat or an undercoat that seems to shed constantly, you’ll need a special grooming tool that will reach deep down and remove all the loose and unwanted hair before it is shed around your home.

Excessive shedding isn’t always healthy, but in some cases, like with our chocolate lab Saddie, dogs just shed a lot – there’s nothing wrong with their skin or coat; they are just a dog that tends to shed heavily [14].

For breeds like this, the ShedMonster De-Shedding Tool will be a big help.

I highly recommend this tool for dogs with an undercoat. The teeth are designed to reach into the undercoat and remove hair that would otherwise be stuck underneath harboring dirt and bacteria.

This best dog brush from Oster is equipped with curved stainless steel teeth that easily reach through the topcoat to penetrate deep down into the undercoat.

The teeth look intimidating, but the smooth, round edges actually provide a massaging action that stimulates your dog’s skin.

Many pet owners who purchased this brush said their dog enjoyed being groomed with it.

The one-piece handle provides a sturdier design than other similar products.

The ShedMonster is equipped with an ergonomic handle that is covered with a non-slip grip.

Not only will this brush provide de-shedding action, but it also detangles your dog’s coat as well.

It works great on dogs with short or long coats, and Oster also promises a 90% reduction in shedding if you use this tool on your dog daily.

FURminator Dog Dual Brush

Another top choice for dogs with a short, silky coat is the FURminator Dog Dual Brush. One side is a pin brush, and the other is a soft bristle brush. The pin brush can be used to remove knots and tangles, and the bristle brush smooths the coat and gives it a gorgeous shine. This brush is specifically designed to follow the natural contours of your dog’s body and head.

You may think that your short-coated dog doesn’t need regular brushing, but that’s not the case at all.

Research has shown that a proper diet can do wonders for the health of your dog’s skin and coat [15], but he’ll still need regular grooming.

Dogs with short hair still shed, and that can be helped with regular brushing.

Using a brush like this one from FURminator will also remove dirt and debris from your dog’s fur, aiding in his overall health and well-being.

This best dog brush only comes in one size, and many consumers were displeased – saying it was too small for their dog.

It seems to work well for small and small/medium breeds, but owners with large/medium, large, and extra-large breeds were disappointed.

The brush measures 8.2 inches long, the brush head is 2.6 inches across, and it is 1.6 inches wide.

Petmate FurBuster 3-in-1 Grooming Glove for Dogs

For most of us, dogs are our best friends and part of our family. But for those with dog allergies, they can be torture. Although there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic pet [16], regular brushing can reduce some of the hair and allergens that can cause guests in your home to have an allergic reaction. For pet owners looking for something a little different than the traditional deshedding brush, you can try the Petmate FurBuster 3-in-1 Grooming Glove for Dogs.

The grooming glove features interior straps to accommodate groomers with smaller hands and ensure a universal fit for all consumers. It also has an adjustable wrist strap to keep the glove secure.

One major benefit of this best dog brush is that it can be used wet or dry. The mesh outside allows water to flow through, encouraging quick drying of your dog’s coat.

Like the KONG Zoom Groom, you can use this grooming glove from Petmate as a shampoo brush to scrub and massage your Fido in the bathtub.

If your dog has anxiety about grooming, this would be a great product to start using on him.

It’s one of the gentlest grooming tools on the market, and because it’s a glove, it feels just like you’re petting him.

The physical closeness that this best dog brush fosters may help ease his anxiety.

A pick for dogs with undercoats

Canines are an amazing species.

They have one of the widest ranges of physical characteristics of any species, and researchers are constantly studying their genetics [17].

As far as scientists are concerned, this wide range of physical characteristics is fascinating, but as far as dog owners are concerned, that’s a challenge.

One of the downfalls to many of the best dog brushes I have listed is that they work well for dogs with thin coats, but they aren’t designed for thick or double coats.

I mentioned that I use an undercoat rake on my lab Saddie, and the Mars Coat King Double Wide De-matting Rake is the one that I prefer. Undercoat rakes have specially designed teeth that strip the dead hair and shedding undercoat out of the dog and leave the topcoat undisturbed. The long, sharp blades of an undercoat rake separate the fur and dig through the coat to draw any loose clumps out.

You need to be careful not to use too much force when grooming your dog with an undercoat rake.

This rake does have rounded ends on the teeth to help prevent skin irritation, but if you press too hard, you may still end up causing your dog some discomfort or cutting into his skin, a common issue with all dog undercoat rakes.

This undercoat rake will also work out minor tangles and mats without having to use a dematting comb. Take it from me, this will save you a lot of time and hassle.

I did a lot of research on this product before purchasing it, and for the money, you won’t find anything better on the market.

You can buy this rake for about $39.99 on Amazon, which is comparable to other products in the market.

It pulls clumps of hair from Saddie, and consumers say it has the same effect on breeds, including huskies, golden retrievers, and long-haired shepherds.

FAQs about dog brush

Can the best dog brush improve my dog’s health?

The answer is actually yes – let me explain. Dog breeders have been focused on breeding canines for aesthetic beauty for decades.

Canines have coats with longer and thicker fur or hair than ever before [11]. Although a healthy coat may be a sign of genetic royalty, an unhealthy coat can be equally as telling.

Your pet’s skin and coat are his first line of defense against the germs and toxins of the outside world, and without regular grooming those bacteria and contaminates can fester in His coat for long periods of time.

Nutrition affects the health of your pet’s coat from the inside [12], but grooming is the only way to benefit his skin and coat from the outside.

Removing dirt and debris by grooming your dog’s coat regularly will prevent them from entering his body when he licks himself.

Brushing also stimulates the capillaries in your dog’s skin, promoting the release of oils that will aid in the health of his coat.

In short, a healthy coat leads to a healthy dog.

Who should buy dog brushes?

If you haven’t guessed yet, every pet parent should buy at least one best dog brush.

As I mentioned, your dog’s coat may require more than one, but even if you have a short-haired pet, you should have at least one brush in your grooming toolkit.

No matter what size or breed your dog is, you need to invest in a dog brush – even if you take him in for regular grooming.

Your dog should be brushed every day for optimum health benefits.

Just because your dog’s hair doesn’t get tangled doesn’t mean that it won’t get dirty.

Bathing is great, but unless you give your Fido a bath every day, you need to brush him daily to keep his skin and coat clean and healthy.

Daily brushing removes dead hair and skin cells, and it also gives you the opportunity to spot any unwanted parasites that may be trying to feed on your pet.

What to look forward to?

Technology is always changing, and researchers are discovering new things about canines every day.

We’ll surely see these two forces come together in the near future to bring us new and improved grooming tools for our furry friends.

As we learn more about coat types, skin conditions, and illnesses that affect our pet’s skin and coat, we gain a better understanding of the tools that we need to care for them properly.

Deshedding tools have grown in popularity in recent years, and I believe many more will be released soon.

Just be sure to do your research first. You don’t want to waste your money on a new product just to find out it doesn’t work.

The Best Dog Brush: Before You Go…

Proper grooming reduces shedding and allergens, cleans your dog’s coat, and aids in his overall health and well-being [18].

Every dog requires basic brushing, no matter what length or type his coat is.

You need to purchase the best dog brush that meets the needs of your individual dog.

You’ll have to consider his coat and skin in your decision.

Depending on your pet’s needs, it is likely that you will need more than one type of dog grooming brush or comb.

If your dog’s coat requires a de-shedding brush, de-matting comb, slicker brush, or other specific product, look for it among the best dog brushes to ensure you get a quality product.

Speaking with your veterinarian or a professional groomer will give you excellent insight into the types of brushes and grooming tools you’ll need to care for your dog.

I’ve learned that the hard way, and I don’t want you to follow in my footsteps. Don’t make your brush selection based on price alone.

Everyone loves a good deal, but when it comes to dog brushes, the cheaper options won’t work as well, and they may not be as safe.

Once you decide what type of dog brush you’ll need, buy the best dog brush in that category. You won’t be sorry.

Related Articles:

• Dog Shedding Tools: Tips on Choosing the Best Dog Brush
• New Silicone Dog Brush Pulls Off Loose Hair and Massages
• Best Brushes for Shih Tzus: Shih Tzu Grooming Tools 101

References and further readings

1. Dog Coat Types
2. How to Brush Your Dog
3. Benefits of Grooming
4. Coat Variation in the Domestic Dog Is Governed by Variants in Three Genes
5. The Science of Fur
6. How to Choose the Right Dog Brushes for Your Pooch
7. Grooming Longhaired Breeds
8. Matting: The Truth & Consequences
9. Does Matting Matter?
10. Why Grooming Your Dog is Great for His Health
11. Learn About Coat Types
12. Genetics and the Coat of Many Colors
13. Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Dog
14. Excessive Dog Shedding: When You Should Worry
15. Dog Skin and Coat
16. Hypoallergenic Pets
17. Genetic Differences Among Dog Breeds

Photos of the KONG Zoom Groom and the video review of best dog brush by Samantha Randall © Top Dog Tips. All rights to the content are reserved. 

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