Combs and Brushes for Dogs

Regular grooming is one of the most important rituals in caring for a dog – and at the same time one of the most underrated. It's not just about a beautiful coat and fewer hairs on the sofa. Regular brushing is preventive healthcare that reveals parasites, skin problems, lumps or injuries before they become serious. It's also time spent with your dog that strengthens your bond and teaches him to tolerate handling – which pays off many times over at vet check-ups or grooming visits.

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Choosing the right comb or brush depends mainly on the length, density, texture and type of your dog's coat. There is no single universal tool suitable for every dog – using the wrong brush can pull at the coat, irritate the skin, or simply be ineffective. Knowing your dog's coat type and equipping yourself with the right tools is the foundation of effective, enjoyable grooming.

Types of dog coats and suitable tools

Short smooth coat (Boxer, Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, Vizsla) – minimal grooming requirements, but regular care keeps the coat healthy and glossy. Ideal tools are rubber brushes or grooming mitts that remove dead hair and massage the skin, complemented by a natural bristle brush for polishing. Frequency: once a week.

Short dense coat with undercoat (Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky) – this group sheds the most. The dense undercoat needs regular removal with a deshedding brush or furminator, especially during shedding season. Frequency: 2–3 times a week, daily during shedding season.

Medium-length coat (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Spaniel) – prone to matting under the arms, behind the ears and in the groin area. Requires a combination of comb and slicker brush. Frequency: 3–4 times a week.

Long coat (Afghan Hound, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese) – the most demanding coat type, requiring daily care. Without regular brushing, the coat mats, which is painful and can require veterinary treatment or shaving. Frequency: every day.

Rough wire coat (Fox Terrier, Schnauzers, Welsh Corgi) – a specific coat type needing special care – so-called stripping or trimming. Stripping knives and coarse brushes are suitable for removing dead hair. Regular combing prevents tangling and maintains the coat's structure.

Curly and wavy coat (Poodle, Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog) – doesn't shed, but the coat grows quickly and tangles easily. Requires regular brushing with a slicker brush and comb, complemented by regular visits to a groomer. Without care, the coat mats and can cause skin problems.

Types of combs and brushes for dogs

• Combs with wide and fine teeth – a basic tool for most coat types. The wide-toothed side is used for rough combing and detangling, the fine side for finer combing and checking. Metal teeth are more durable and effective than plastic ones. An essential item for every owner of a medium-length or long-coated dog.
• Slicker brushes – brushes with dense, short wire pins bent at an angle. They effectively remove dead hair, tangles and dirt from medium-length and long coats. Quality slicker brushes have pins with rounded tips that minimise skin irritation. They are less suitable for very short or fine coats.
• Furminator and deshedding brushes – specially designed tools for removing dead undercoat. A furminator can remove up to 90% of dead hair and significantly reduce shedding around the house. Suitable for dogs with a dense undercoat – not suitable for dogs with silky or very fine coats. Use no more than 1–2 times a week – overuse can over-brush and damage the coat.
• Rubber brushes and grooming mitts – a popular option for short-haired dogs and dogs that dislike a traditional brush. The rubber nubs massage the skin, stimulate circulation and catch dead hair. A grooming mitt lets you brush with a natural stroking motion – the dog experiences it as a cuddle. Ideal for a quick daily brush and massage.
• Natural bristle brushes – gentle brushes made from natural fibre, ideal for polishing short coats and evenly distributing natural skin oils. They give the coat a natural shine and make an excellent finishing step after brushing with a coarser tool.
• Mat splitters and detangling tools – special tools for painlessly working through mats without having to cut them out. An essential aid for owners of long-haired or curly-coated breeds prone to matting. They have blades or specially shaped teeth that gradually break up the tangle without pulling on the coat.
• Stripping knives and trimming tools – special tools for maintaining a wire coat. Stripping removes dead top coat by plucking it out – preserving the coat's natural texture and colour. It's a skill that takes practice – beginners are advised to consult a professional groomer for their first stripping session.

How to brush your dog correctly

• Always brush in the direction the coat grows – brushing against the grain hurts and puts the dog off cooperating.
• Start with less sensitive areas – the back and sides – and work towards more sensitive areas such as the belly, groin, and the face and paws.
• Never force a tangle apart – loosen it first with your fingers or a mat splitter. Rough pulling is painful and will put the dog off brushing for good.
• Brush long coats layer by layer, working up from the skin – lift the top layer of coat and brush the layer underneath. This prevents hidden mats forming at the roots.
• Check the skin regularly while brushing – look for signs of parasites, redness, wounds or unusual changes.

Practical tips for brushing your dog:

• Always brush at the same time and in the same place – dogs are creatures of habit, and consistency reduces their resistance.
• Get dogs used to brushing from puppyhood – short, pleasant sessions with a positive ending create a lifelong positive association.
• Always finish with a reward – a treat or a game straight after brushing reinforces cooperation.
• During spring and autumn shedding season, brush significantly more often – this reduces the amount of hair around the house and prevents matting.
• Regularly clean and disinfect your tools – built-up hair and dirt reduce their effectiveness and can spread skin infections.
• If a dog actively refuses brushing or reacts aggressively, this may indicate sore skin or joints – consult a vet before brushing again.

The right brush or comb and regular care are the foundation of a healthy, beautiful and functional coat – and five minutes of brushing a day is an investment that pays off many times over in a healthy dog and a cleaner home.