How to brush your dog: the right brush for every coat typeQuick answer
Pick the brush by coat, not by brand. Short coats need a rubber curry once a week. Double coats need an undercoat rake plus a slicker two or three times a week, daily during a coat blow. Long, curly, and doodle coats need a slicker and a metal comb, worked in small sections down to the skin, several times a week.
Which brush for which coat
| Coat type | Typical breeds | Main tool | Finish with | How often |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short and smooth | Lab, Beagle, Boxer, Pug | Rubber curry brush or mitt | Soft bristle brush | Once a week, more in spring and fall |
| Double coat | Akita, Husky, German Shepherd, Golden | Undercoat rake | Slicker brush | 2 to 3 times a week, daily during a coat blow |
| Long and silky | Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese | Pin brush | Metal comb | Every 1 to 2 days |
| Curly or doodle | Poodle, Doodles, Bichon | Slicker brush | Metal comb | 3 to 4 times a week, more if they mat easily |
| Wiry | Schnauzer, most terriers | Slicker brush | Metal comb; stripping is a groomer job | Once or twice a week |
How to brush without a fight
- Start dry and calm. Brush after a walk, when your dog is already ready to settle. A wet coat tangles and pulls.
- Go with the direction the hair grows, in short, light strokes. Pressing harder does not remove more fur; it scrapes skin.
- Work in sections. On long, curly, or doodle coats, lift a layer with one hand and brush the hair underneath, working up the body. Brushing only the top layer leaves mats hiding near the skin.
- Keep sessions short. Five minutes with treats beats a 40-minute wrestle. Stop before your dog asks you to.
The comb test
- When you think you are done, run a metal comb through to the skin. If it glides from root to tip, the coat is clear. If it snags, that spot needs more brushing.
- Behind the ears, the armpits, the collar line, and the back of the thighs mat first. Check them every session.
Mats, brush burn, and when to stop
- Small tangles: hold the hair at the base so you are not pulling on skin, and tease the knot apart from the end with the comb or your fingers.
- Tight mats sitting against the skin: do not cut them out with scissors. Skin folds up into tight mats and is easy to nick. A groomer can clip them out safely.
- Brush burn is red, irritated skin from a slicker used with too much pressure or in one spot too long. If you see redness, lighten up and move on.
- Scabs, hot spots, bald patches, or skin your dog will not let you touch are a reason to see your vet, not to brush harder.
Common questions
How often should I brush my dog?
Short coats about once a week. Double coats two to three times a week, and daily while they are blowing coat. Long, curly, and doodle coats every one to two days, or at least three to four times a week.
What kind of brush is best for a double-coated dog?
An undercoat rake to pull out loose undercoat, followed by a slicker brush to tidy the top coat. Never shave a double coat to reduce shedding.
Can brushing hurt my dog?
Yes, if you press too hard or stay on one spot with a slicker. That causes brush burn: red, irritated skin. Use light, short strokes and stop if you see redness.
Should I cut mats out with scissors?
No. Skin gets pulled up into tight mats and is easy to cut. Tease out small tangles with a comb, and let a groomer clip out mats that sit against the skin.
Ready to pick a tool?
Our deshedding comparison matches rakes, slickers, and combs to each coat type, with the trade-offs owners mention most.
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