The best brush for your dog depends on one thing: the coat. A brush that works wonders on a Husky can do nothing for a Goldendoodle, and a de-shedding tool that's great for a Lab can damage a curly coat. Pick the right tool for your dog's coat type, brush all the way down to the skin, and most shedding and mat problems get much easier. Here's a simple guide to every common brush, which coats it's for, how often to brush, and what to do if your dog hates being brushed.
Not sure which coat your dog has? Get a personalized routine in the free 1-min quizStart the Pawfile quiz →- Short, smooth coat: rubber curry brush or grooming glove, once a week.
- Short coat that sheds a lot: rubber brush or glove plus a bristle brush, 2 to 3 times a week.
- Double coat: undercoat rake and slicker brush, then a metal comb, 2 to 3 times a week, daily in shedding season.
- Curly or Doodle coat: slicker brush and metal comb with line brushing, 3 to 4 times a week or daily.
- Long, silky coat: pin brush or soft slicker and a metal comb, daily.
- The comb test: if a metal comb glides from skin to tip everywhere, you're done.
The main types of dog brushes
- Slicker brush. Fine, bent wire pins on a flat or curved pad. The workhorse for curly, wavy, long and double coats: it pulls out loose undercoat and works through tangles before they become mats. Use light pressure; pressing hard can scratch the skin (often called brush burn).
- Pin brush. Straight pins, usually with rounded tips, on a cushioned pad. Gentle on long, silky coats like a Shih Tzu, Yorkie or Maltese for daily brushing, but it won't remove much undercoat.
- Bristle brush. Natural or nylon bristles. Best for short coats: it lifts dust and loose hair and spreads natural oils for shine. It doesn't reach deep enough for thick or curly coats.
- Undercoat rake. One or two rows of long, rounded teeth that reach through the outer coat to pull out loose, dead undercoat. Made for double coats like the Husky, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.
- De-shedding tool. A blade-like edge with fine teeth that grabs loose undercoat. Very effective on heavy shedders, but use it gently, no more than once or twice a week, and never on curly, silky or wire coats, where it can cut and damage the hair.
- Metal comb. Usually with wide and fine teeth on the same comb. Every dog with medium or long hair needs one: after brushing, the comb finds the tangles the brush missed.
- Rubber curry brush or grooming glove. Soft rubber nubs that grab loose hair as you pet your dog. Perfect for short coats, puppies and dogs who don't like brushes.
Pawradise shop: Self-cleaning slicker brush · Stainless steel comb set · De-shedding grooming glove
Mango's guides: a happy coat between grooms
Printable PDF guides from our groomers, with Mango as your coach. Instant download after checkout, anywhere in the US. English and Spanish editions included.
- Mango's Starter Kit: Brushing Guide + Calendar · $19.99 (best value)
- Mango's Between-Visits Brushing Guide · $14.99
- Mango's Grooming Calendar & Checklists · $7.99
Which brush for your dog's coat type
Not sure what coat your dog has? See our guide to dog coat types, or take the free Pawfile quiz above.
Short, smooth coat
Dogs like the Boxer, French Bulldog and smooth Dachshund. Use a rubber curry brush or grooming glove once a week, then a soft bristle brush for shine. That's all they need.
Short coat that sheds a lot
Dogs like the Labrador, Beagle and Pug. Short coats can still have a dense undercoat. A rubber brush or glove loosens the hair, and a bristle brush or a gentle de-shedding tool removes it. Brush 2 to 3 times a week, more in shedding season.
Double coat
Dogs like the Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd and Corgi. Start with an undercoat rake, follow with a slicker brush, and finish with a metal comb, paying extra attention behind the ears, the "pants" on the back legs and the tail. Brush 2 to 3 times a week and daily when they blow coat. Don't shave a double coat to stop shedding; see can you shave a double-coated dog? and our de-shedding guide.
Curly or Doodle coat
Dogs like the Poodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bichon Frise and Cavapoo. These coats shed little but trap loose hair, so they mat fast. Use a slicker brush with line brushing (below), then check every area with a metal comb. Brush 3 to 4 times a week at minimum, daily for longer styles. No de-shedding blades on curly coats.
Long, silky coat
Dogs like the Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Maltese and Havanese. Use a pin brush or a soft slicker, then a metal comb, ideally every day if the coat is kept long. Lightly mist the coat with water or a detangling spray before brushing so the hair doesn't break. Many owners in Florida keep these breeds in a shorter puppy cut to make brushing easier.
Wire coat
Dogs like the Miniature Schnauzer and Westie. A slicker brush once or twice a week keeps the coat tidy, with a metal comb through the beard and leg furnishings, where mats form. Skip de-shedding blades.
Hairless or very short coat
Dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli. A soft cloth or a rubber glove is enough. Skin care and sun protection matter more than brushing.
How to brush your dog the right way
- Brush before the bath, not only after. Water tightens tangles into mats, so work out knots first. See how to bathe a dog at home.
- Go down to the skin. Brushing only the top layer leaves mats hiding underneath. For curly, long and double coats, use line brushing: hold the coat up with one hand, brush a thin row down and out from the skin, then move up a little and repeat until you've covered the whole dog.
- Use light pressure. Let the pins do the work. If your dog flinches, you're pressing too hard.
- Hit the mat spots. Behind and under the ears, the collar or harness area, armpits, belly, back of the legs, tail and between the toes.
- Finish with the comb test. If the comb snags, go back with the brush. If it glides from skin to tip everywhere, you're done.
How often should you brush your dog?
It depends on the coat: once a week for short, smooth coats, 2 to 3 times a week for shedders and double coats, 3 to 4 times a week or daily for curly, Doodle and long coats. Brushing every day is fine for most dogs as long as you use the right tool and gentle pressure; what causes problems is pressing hard or overusing a de-shedding blade. Short, frequent sessions also keep the coat easier between professional grooms.
If your dog hates being brushed
- Keep sessions short. Two minutes and a treat beats a 20-minute wrestling match. Do one leg or one side at a time.
- Start with what they like. A rubber glove feels like petting, which makes it a good starter tool.
- Give them something to do. A lick mat with a little dog-safe spread keeps many dogs busy while you brush.
- Check for pain. Dogs often hate brushing because the brush is pulling on tangles or scratching the skin. Detangle gently, and see your vet if one spot is always sore.
- Never force it. Holding your dog down makes the next session harder. For nervous dogs, the step-by-step approach in our puppy's first grooming guide works for adults too.
What to do about mats
Small tangles can be worked out with your fingers, a detangling spray and the end of a comb, holding the hair at the base so you don't pull the skin. Never cut mats out with scissors at home: they sit right against the skin, and it's very easy to cut your dog. Tight or widespread mats are uncomfortable for the dog, and a groomer may need to clip the coat short to remove them safely. More tips in how to get mats out of dog hair.
Not sure which coat your dog has? Get a personalized routine in the free 1-min quizStart the Pawfile quiz →Dog brush FAQ
What is the best brush for a dog that sheds a lot?
For short coats, a rubber curry brush or grooming glove plus a bristle brush. For double coats, an undercoat rake and a slicker brush, finished with a metal comb. A de-shedding tool helps heavy shedders when used gently once or twice a week, but not on curly, silky or wire coats.
Slicker brush or pin brush: which one do I need?
A slicker brush removes loose undercoat and tangles, so it's the main tool for curly, Doodle, double and wire coats. A pin brush is gentler and better for daily brushing of long, silky coats. Many long-haired dogs do best with both, plus a metal comb.
Can I use a de-shedding tool on a Doodle or Poodle?
No. De-shedding blades are made for double coats and can cut and damage curly hair. Use a slicker brush with line brushing and a metal comb instead.
Is it bad to brush my dog every day?
No, daily brushing is fine for most dogs and ideal for curly and long coats, as long as you use the right brush and light pressure. Limit de-shedding blades to once or twice a week.
Why does my dog still have mats even though I brush?
Usually because the brush only reaches the top of the coat. Use line brushing to get down to the skin, focus on the ears, armpits, collar area and legs, and check with a metal comb afterward.
Do groomers brush dogs during a groom?
Yes, brushing out the coat is part of a professional bath or groom, but brushing at home between visits is what keeps the coat mat-free. Every Pawradise bath and groom also includes teeth brushing and a nail trim. See what affects dog grooming prices. New to our Boca Raton salon? Get $10 off your first groom with code PAWFILE10 (teeth brushing always included).
This guide is general grooming information, not veterinary advice. For skin redness, sores, hot spots or pain, see your veterinarian. More Pawfile guides.