What dog brush is best for my dog?

With so many  grooming tools to choose from, how do you know which dog brush or comb is the best choice for your dog’s coat?

Regular brushing is essential for maintaining your dog’s coat health and preventing matts and skin issues. It not only removes loose fur and dirt, but also stimulates blood circulation and distributes natural oils, keeping the coat shiny and healthy.

That’s why selecting the right dog brush for your dog’s coat type and length is more important than you might think.

Short, smooth coats

A soft-bristled dog brush or grooming mitt is good for short, smooth coats like those found on Boxers,  Staffies and Beagles, as it will be gentle on their skin, whilst removing loose hair and smoothing the coat.

The DGG Hemp Bristle Palm Brush, Silicone Grooming Brush or De-shedding Slicker Glove are my top picks here.

Medium coats

Breeds with medium coats that stick up off the skin an inch or two, can often have a wavy, textured look – think Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles, Border Collies and Huskies.

These can be prone to matts and tangles, and some can have double coats too, so you’ll probably need to have a few different dog brush options on hand to de-tangle and de-shed.

The DGG self-cleaning slicker brush, Detangler brush, 2 in 1 Grooming brush or double sided paddle brush and Deluxe Grooming Glove are great. If they have a double or wiry coat, then you’ll need the shedding rake too.

Curly coats

Curly-coated dogs, such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs, have unique grooming needs due to their curly and often dense fur.

Brushing a few times a week and using pin brushes and de-matting tools when their hair grows longer, are key to keeping their coats healthy and free from painful matts.

I’d recommend a DGG detangler brush, 2-in-1 Grooming Brush or Deluxe Grooming Glove when their hair is shorter, and the self-cleaning slicker brush and Serrated De-Matting Tool for when it gets longer.

When it comes to brushing your dog, be sure to brush them all over, as most matts form behind the ears, under the chin, armpits and their stomachs.

Remember, to make it an enjoyable experience, you need to brush them gently. If they have tangles, use a conditioning spray and work your way through from the ends to the skin, holding the hair at the base.

Head to the DGG website to download their free Grooming Guide and look for the DGG grooming tools at your local pet speciality store, including Petstock.

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog).