Types of Dog Brushes and Combs – Which is best?

There are many different shapes and sizes of dog brushes, but there is more to it than that. It’s really important to do a bit of research or some trials to fix up which is best for your hero.

Furminator Hair Brush:

The FURminator is most effective when used on a regular basis. FURminator is an excellent creation that can dramatically reduce shedding in most dogs. It is made up with High-quality stainless steel teeth in rake-like design and usually comes with ergonomic, easy-grip rubber handle. Most Furminators have FURejector button that easily removes hair from tool, it is kind of push button. During high shedding times, it is ideal to use the FURminator every few days remove the buildup of dead hairs. Now, Furminators come in different sizes and different blade levels. It is imperative that you choose a best size based on your dog breed and the hair type to get best results.

Slicker brush:

A brush with fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. It is used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. Slicker brushes are typically used after primarily brushing with a bristle or a wire pin brush. They are used to smooth the coat and to take out mats and tangles. They consist of fine wire pins that are secured to a flat base. The pins are bent at an angle approximately halfway down the pin. For heavier and thicker coats, it is recommended to use a brush with stiffer pins. This type of brush comes in a wide range of sizes and degrees of pin stiffness.

Curry brush:

A tool made of rubber or plastic with short “teeth.” The tool is rubbed (or “curried”) over the dog’s coat to loosen dirt, hair, and other detritus, and stimulate the skin into producing natural oils. They are more commonly used on dogs that have large amounts of shedding, like German Shepherds. They are also used for untangling knots in certain parts of the dog’s body, such as ears, paws, or tail. Using a currycomb must be done carefully, as the action of this type of tool can harm the skin of the dog if pulled too hard.

Shedding blade:

A metal blade (or “sweat scraper”) with short, dull teeth that is used to remove dead hair from certain types of harsh coats, as well as remove matted fur. The shedding blade is not used to cut the hair.

Rake Brush:

Brush designed to penetrate into a dog’s thick coat and remove tangles and dead undercoat near the dog’s skin. It is often shaped like a shaving razor and features one or two rows of tightly-spaced pins. Rakes are important grooming tools, especially for double-coated dogs, such as Newfound lands or Siberian Huskies.

Bristle brush:

One of the most widely used types of brushes due to its versatility. Typically, the bristle brush is used on dogs with long coats to finish the coat and to bring out the natural luster and shine. It is commonly used in daily grooming, as it removes surface dust and dirt. It is important to note that bristle brushes are a finishing tool; they generally do not penetrate the coat. Dogs brushed with a bristle brush only will frequently appear well groomed but will be matted beneath the outer layer. As a general rule, longer and widely spaced bristles are suitable for dogs with longer coats, and shorter and tightly-packed ones are better to use on dogs with short hair.

Wire pin brush:

Has an oval shape and metal bristles set in a flexible rubber base. It is useful in separating and untangling the hair of long, wavy, wiry, and curly coated dogs. Some wire pin brushes have polished or coated pins, which prevent scratching the dog’s skin during use. Because the coating or polish may wear off over time, the pins should be replaced periodically. Pin brushes come in a variety of sizes, textures, and fullness.

Mat comb:

Designed to ‘cut’ matted hair from the dog’s coat without leaving a bald spot.

Stripping combs/knives:

Tools used to help grab the longer hairs on a harsh coat and pull them out by the root. Helps maintain a proper coat in many terriers and schnauzers. Most often used on show dogs.

Combination pin/bristle brush:

This brush has two different sides – one with bristles, which can be successfully used for grooming the short hair areas of the coat, and another side with pins that can be used for long-coated and double-coated dogs.