The 15 Best Dog Brushes of 2025: Reviewed & Tested

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Sandra Tashkovska, DVM.

Ever tried brushing your dog only to realize you’re covered in more fur than your pet? You’re not alone. The right dog brush can mean the difference between a quick grooming session and a full-blown fur storm. Beyond keeping your couch hair-free, brushing affects your dog’s skin health, coat shine, and even how close they’ll let you get with a grooming tool next time. But here’s the catch — the “best” brush isn’t the same for every dog. A slicker brush that works wonders on a Golden Retriever might be useless (or even painful) for a Chihuahua. So, how do you choose one that actually works for your dog’s coat type, comfort, and shedding level? In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog brushes for every breed and purpose — from deshedding to detangling — and help you find the one that turns grooming into a bonding moment instead of a battle.

Best Brushes for Dogs by Hair Type

Best Brushes For Dogs

Here are the best brushes for dogs this year.

Best Overall Dog Brush

Why we recommended it: The Chris Christensen Ice Slip Brush uses 20 mm stainless-steel pins that are rounded, ground, and polished to minimize snagging or irritating skin. The pins are anchored in a firm cushion base (with a vent hole that allows flex) so that pressure is buffered rather than transmitted directly to the skin. The handle is solid beechwood and ergonomically shaped for comfort over longer grooming sessions. The narrow, oblong head allows reach into tight or sensitive areas (like armpits or behind ears) while also covering more area when used broadly. Because of its gentle pin configuration and mechanical flexibility, it works well as a daily preventive tool instead of only for severe matting. Users often comment that it “glides” without tugging and handles delicate furnishings cleanly.

What sets it apart from competitors: This dog brush emphasizes rounded, polished pin tips for smooth passage and minimal breakage. Its cushion + vent design lets the pins retract slightly rather than forcibly push through tangles. The beechwood handle gives it a warm, solid feel compared to many plastic alternatives.

Best Premium Dog Brush

Why we recommended it: The Pupwell Slicker Brush uses dense, extra-long stainless steel pins that can reach deeper layers of the coat to help prevent matting and tangling. Its handle is made of wood and finished with a soft velvety coating to improve grip and feel during longer sessions. The design is intended for daily or frequent use. We like how dogs who are typically fidgety or anxious during grooming sessions seem to relax, and brushing even tricky areas like tails or legs becomes much less of a struggle. The brush reduces grooming time while maintaining coat health by distributing natural oils evenly, resulting in softer, cleaner, and healthier fur. 

What sets it apart from competitors: Pupwell brush emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality—its dense pin layout and premium handle give it a more “studio tool” feel than a basic plastic model. The extra length of its pins helps reach deeper tangles without excessive passes over the same spot, lowering irritation risk.

Best Dog Brush for Shedding

Why we recommended it: The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs features a stainless-steel edge that reaches through the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without cutting the skin or damaging the coat. We like that it includes a Furejector button, which instantly ejects collected fur, eliminating the hassle of manually cleaning the tool. Its ergonomic handle reduces wrist fatigue during longer sessions, while the precision edge design helps minimize static and breakage. This tool can reduce loose hair by up to 90% with regular use, according to user feedback and brand testing. It’s ideal for maintaining a clean home environment and healthier coat by promoting natural oil distribution.

What sets it apart from competitors: When used regularly, the FURminator tool noticeably reduces loose fur in the home, minimizing “tumbleweeds” on dark floors and extending the interval between vacuuming. Users commonly find that regular use, about twice weekly for 10–20 minutes, both reduces shedding and keeps coats soft, without damaging the protective top layer. 

Best Dog Brush for Short Hair Dogs

Why we recommended it: The Dipoo Self Cleaning Shedding Brush features soft, rounded plastic-tipped bristles that prevent scratching while efficiently lifting loose hair, dander, and dirt. We like that its self-cleaning button instantly retracts hair from the bristles with a single press, making cleanup fast and mess-free. The brush combines a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) handle with a lightweight, ergonomic grip that prevents hand strain during longer sessions. Its durable stainless steel and rubber build provides longevity while keeping grooming comfortable for both the handler and the dog. Ideal for everyday use, it helps reduce shedding and promotes natural oil distribution for a smoother, healthier coat.

What sets it apart from competitors: It has an efficient self-cleaning button: push once and collected hair is released, simplifying cleanup after each session—resulting in less mess and faster grooming routines.

Best Dog Brush for Long Hair Dogs

Why we recommended it: The Petqueen Dog Slicker Brush for Large Dogs features fine, angled stainless-steel pins designed to penetrate deep into dense fur while staying gentle on skin. We like that its 8-inch wooden handle provides a comfortable, slip-free grip for better control during extended grooming sessions. The 3.8” x 3.2” oval head covers a large surface area, reducing grooming time while effectively removing tangles, mats, and loose hair. Its pin design also helps aerate the coat and distribute natural oils, promoting shine and a healthy texture. The brush is particularly useful for maintaining coat volume in wavy or curly dogs that need fluffing after baths or trims.

What sets it apart from competitors: This brush combines professional-grade metal pins with a solid wood body, giving it salon-level durability and comfort. Its extra-deep pin length ensures it reaches through layers of long hair without causing static or breakage. It’s also specifically optimized for “Doodle” coats—those hybrid, high-maintenance curls—making it a standout for pet parents who need a heavy-duty yet gentle grooming tool.

Best Dog Brush for Double-Coated Breeds

Why we recommended it: The KIZO ESLO Oversized 2-Sided Dog Brush / Undercoat Rake features dual stainless-steel blade faces: a wide-tooth side for loosening mats and tangles, and a finer side for deshedding and thinning. The teeth are rounded to help glide through fur gently, reducing the risk of scratching the skin. Its manufacturer claims it can reduce shedding by up to 97.9 %, based on internal testing. The handle is crafted from sapele wood (or similar hardwood) to give a comfortable grip and durability through repeated use. Because of its large head width and number of teeth (13 on one side, 27 on the other in some models), it covers more area faster—a useful feature during seasonal heavy shedding.

What sets it apart from competitors: The dual-sided design here (wide + fine) allows one tool to handle both rough tangles and fine undercoat removal. Its oversized head means fewer passes over the coat, which can reduce grooming time for large dogs.

Best Dog Brush for Bathing

Why we recommended it: The UGNEL 2PCS Pet Grooming Tool combines a double-sided brush and a bath scrubber, offering a complete grooming solution in one package. The stainless-steel pin side removes loose hair and tangles, while the nylon bristle side adds shine and helps spread natural oils across the coat. The included silicone bath brush features an adjustable ring handle for a secure grip, making it easy to lather shampoo and massage the skin—stimulating circulation and reducing shedding. Made from food-grade silicone and TPR rubber, both tools are soft, safe, and durable, ensuring they won’t scratch the skin or damage sensitive coats.

What sets it apart from competitors: Double-sided design: one side for shampooing and massaging, the other for collecting hair and exfoliating. Their soft, flexible silicone material provides universal suitability for all coat types and bathing routines, avoiding the risk of scratches that come with plastic or metal bristles. It’s also backed by a 2-year warranty, which is rare for grooming tools in this price range. This combination of comfort, safety, and practicality makes it one of the best-value brush sets for bath-time grooming.

Best Slicker Brush for Dogs

Why we recommended it: The Chris Christensen Big K Dog Slicker Brush uses extra-long, angled stainless-steel pins that reach deep into thick coats to remove undercoat hair and tangles without cutting or damaging the fur. We like that its pins are sparsely spaced to glide through heavy coats more efficiently and are set into a flexible cushioned pad to reduce pulling or discomfort. The brush’s curved back and ergonomic rubber handle minimize wrist strain, making long grooming sessions easier. It effectively detangles, fluffs, and adds volume—making it a favorite for show dogs and at-home maintenance alike. Regular use helps prevent matting and reduces the need for costly grooming visits.

What sets it apart from competitors: Its design focus on deep coat penetration—achieved through sparse, 27mm pins and a flexible cushion—enabling effective removal of knots, tangles, and undercoat with minimal stress. 

Best Deshedding Tool for Dogs

Why we recommended it: The Augwind 3PCS Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush & Pet Grooming Rake includes three versatile tools: a self-cleaning slicker brush, a double-sided grooming rake, and a silicone bath brush. We like that the rake’s 9-tooth side loosens tough mats while the 17-tooth side thins excess hair and removes loose undercoat. The slicker brush uses stainless-steel pins with a push-button retracting system, allowing for quick and hygienic cleanup. Its ergonomic silicone handles provide a non-slip grip, making grooming sessions more comfortable. The included bath brush with an adjustable ring handle helps remove dirt and dead hair during baths while massaging the skin, improving circulation, and coat shine.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many single-tool kits, Augwind’s 3-piece set covers detangling, deshedding, and bathing all bundled in one. The dual-sided rake tackles both mats and loose undercoat without shifting tools, while the self-cleaning slicker brush keeps hands cleaner and grooming time quicker than conventional slickers.

Best Dog Brush for Sensitive Skin

Why we recommended it: The ARTERO Nature Collection Protected PIN Slicker Brush comes with fine pins that are tipped with a protective finish, which helps reduce scratching and irritation on sensitive skin. The pins are seated on a cushioned air base, allowing the brush to flex slightly and contour to a dog’s body rather than pressing sharply. The brush body is made of ergonomic bamboo, giving a warm, tactile feel and minimizing wrist strain over long grooming sessions. Because each pin’s tip is specially finished, it reduces micro-abrasions and is, according to Artero, recommended by veterinarians for animals with sensitive skin. In practice, many users report that it glides through fur smoothly and is gentler than traditional slickers.

What sets it apart from competitors: A unique combination of protected pin tips, air cushion technology, and eco-friendly bamboo construction. Unlike slickers with uncoated pins, this brush is genuinely engineered to avoid scratching while still opening and untangling coats efficiently. 

Best Dog Brush for Puppies

Why we recommended it: The Les Pooches Finishing Brush Soft Flexible Head contains ultra-polished, extra-soft stainless steel bristles that are double the density of typical grooming brushes, all set into a flexible head that contours to a puppy’s body. This unique layout cushions pressure and makes brushing gentle enough to avoid pulling, breakage, or even minor irritation, helping you deshed, style, and maintain a healthy coat with minimal risk. We recommend this brush because it excels during the critical transition to adult grooming habits: it establishes positive brushing routines, especially after baths or quick outdoor romps, thanks to its pain-free, light-touch smoothing. The therapeutically rounded bristle tips mean you can use firmer strokes if needed, without worrying about scratching sensitive skin.

What sets it apart from competitors: Its design is uniquely focused on finishing and fluffing rather than heavy-duty mat removal, giving it a niche edge. Also, the protected, rounded pin tips and made-in-USA craftsmanship help distinguish it from mass-market, low-cost alternatives.

Best Dog Brush for Curly or Wavy Coats

Why we recommended it: The Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush features long stainless-steel pins that penetrate deep into curly coats, removing mats, tangles, and loose fur without pulling or scratching. We like that its curved brush head follows the body’s contours, reducing wrist fatigue and brushing pressure on the skin. The cushioned base provides flexibility while brushing, making it gentler on sensitive dogs who usually dislike grooming. It’s endorsed by professional groomers and regarded as an affordable alternative to high-end tools like Chris Christensen or Les Pooches, offering comparable detangling performance at a fraction of the cost. The wooden ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control during long sessions, and consistent use helps maintain coat softness and prevent mat formation.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike generic slickers, it’s trusted by professional groomers and doodle parents due to its gentle detangling action, comfort-focused build, and ability to preserve a dog’s fluff while preventing matting. 

Other Brushes for Dogs

The Bottom Line

Brushing your dog shouldn’t feel like a chore — it’s one of the simplest ways to keep their coat healthy, their skin comfortable, and your bond stronger. The right brush can transform grooming from a dreaded task into a moment your dog actually looks forward to. Whether you’re dealing with tumbleweeds of fur, stubborn tangles, or just want that post-groom shine, choosing a brush suited to your dog’s coat type makes all the difference. So before you grab the first tool you see online, think about your dog’s needs — short hair or long, thick undercoat or sleek and smooth — and invest in the one that truly fits. A few minutes of brushing can mean fewer vet visits, less shedding, and one very happy, good-looking pup.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.