The Best Brush For Your Pup’s Coat Type

Ever found yourself wandering down the pet care aisle, utterly baffled by the variety of dog brushes? Choosing the right brush for you pup not only helps you keep their coat glossy and healthy, but can help minimise the fur they lose when they shed.

We’re put together an easy to follow guide on the right brushes for your dog’s specific coat type. Whether you’re the proud parent of a spiky-haired Jack Russell Terrier or a silky-haired Yorkie, we’ve got the hairy details.

Dogs with fur

The terms “hair” and “fur” are often used interchangeably when it comes to dogs, but there are some distinctions based on growth patterns, texture, and care needs.

The main difference lies in the growth cycle and the structure of the coat. Dogs with ‘hair’ have hair that tends to grow longer and continuously and sheds minimally. Think Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Dogs with fur have shorter, dense coats that they shed and grow seasonally. Think Beagle, Boxer, smooth-haired Jack Russell Terrier and Doberman Pinscher. There are also double-coated dogs with fur, which we discuss more later.

Dogs with fur can cause a hairy problem! They’ve got a lot of it, and when it all comes off it sticks onto clothing and material in a way that makes it quite hard to get off. If you’ve ever had a Jack Russell Terrier shed in the winter, you’ll know what we’re talking about!

Brushing your furred dog regularly can help get rid of hair so it doesn’t end up on your favourite jumper. Here are the best brushes to use:

Best dog brushes for fur

• Rubber grooming mitt: This tool is excellent for furry breeds as it gently removes loose hair and dirt from their coat while massaging the skin. It’s also very effective in distributing your pup’s natural oils throughout their coat, giving them a healthy shine.

• Bristle brush: A soft to medium bristle brush is also good for furry dogs. The spacing and softness of the bristles are important so that you don’t scratch their skin.

Grooming needs

As mentioned, brush them regularly to help remove their loose hair, especially in winter. Unlike some long-haired breeds that might require frequent bathing, short-haired dogs generally need baths less often.

Bathing should be done as needed, depending on their activity level, lifestyle, and any specific skin conditions. Generally, bathing every 4-6 weeks is fine for your short-haired pup.

If having to remove pet fur is a constant battle – check out our handy guide: “How to Remove Pet Fur Off Clothes and Furniture.”

Dogs with ‘hair’

Dogs with hair usually have a single layer coat and you’ll want to use a different brush depending on whether its curly, wavy or straight (more on this below).

These pups are often referred to as hypoallergenic, as they typically shed less and produce less dander, which is a common allergen for many people. Here’s more on dog or cat allergies and how to deal with them.

Best dog brushes for dogs with straight/wavy hair

These include the Yorkshire Terrie, Shih Tzu, and Afghan Hound.

• Slicker brush: Ideal for long-haired breeds, a slicker brush has fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. It’s great for removing mats, tangles, and loose hair.

• Pin brush: With long, flexible pins, this brush is gentle on the skin and effective for detangling and smoothing out the coat, making it a good choice for daily maintenance.

Best dog brushes for dogs with curly hair

These include the Poodle, Spoodle, Cavoodle, Goldendoodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese.

Metal comb: After brushing them with a slicker or pinbrush, a metal comb with wide and narrow teeth can be used to further detangle and smooth the coat, especially in areas prone to matting like behind the ears and under the arms.

Grooming needs

As mentioned, these pups’ hair can grow quite long and will require trimming to maintain a manageable length. Many pet parents opt for a “puppy cut,” which is a short, even length all over the body, to reduce grooming time. Regular visits to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks can keep their coat in top shape.

Daily brushing is a good idea to prevent tangles and mats. This daily bonding time is not only good for their coat but also for your relationship with your pup.

Double-coated dogs

The Labrador, Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute are considered double coated. They have a dense undercoat of short hair (for warmth) and a longer topcoat (for protection).

These breeds typically shed more because they go through a process called “blowing their coat” during the change of seasons, especially in spring and autumn.

Best dog brushes for double coats

• Undercoat rake: Designed to reach through the outer coat and remove loose fur from the dense undercoat without damaging the skin. It’s especially useful during shedding seasons to help manage the amount of loose fur.

• For general maintenance, you can use a slicker brush or pin brush to remove tangles and mats from the outer coat.

Grooming needs

Brushing is the cornerstone of grooming for double-coated dogs. Aim to brush your dog at least a couple of times a week. Daily brushing is ideal during their shedding seasons (spring and autumn) when they “blow” their undercoat.

It might be tempting to shave your double-coated dog in the summer, but their coat is designed to protect them from the heat as well as the cold. Shaving can interfere with their natural temperature regulation and even cause the coat to grow back improperly. Instead, keep up with regular brushing to help air circulate through the coat, keeping them cool.

While you shouldn’t shave their coat, some trimming for hygiene and comfort is okay. Pay attention to areas like their paws (to prevent slipping), behind the ears (to avoid mats), and their rear end (for cleanliness).

A note on corded dogs

Oh, corded hair dogs! They’re like the rock stars of the dog world and always make heads turn at the dog park. These include Pulis, Komondors and the lesser known Bergamasco Sheepdog.

If you’re lucky enough to share your home with one, you know their grooming needs are a bit different from your average pup.

Corded dogs don’t get brushed. Running a brush or comb through their cords would actually damage and unravel them, which is the opposite of what you want! Here’s a comprehensive guide on the grooming needs of corded dogs.

Insure your pup from head to toe

Taking care of your pup is holistic. It includes small thing like making sure you’ve got the right dog brush for their coat, to big things like getting them covered with dog insurance.

Insurance reimburses you (potentially for thousands of dollars a year) for all kinds of medical bills for accidents and illnesses. It also helps cover costs for damage your pets do to other people or their property.

When you know PD Insurance offers one or more months of free dog insurance for your furkids if you sign up online, why wait a moment more? Go on, get your fur kid a soft landing – it’ll take less time than removing the fur they’ve covered your home with!