Sometimes brushing a dog seems like an impossible mission. Although, let’s be honest, they complain less than our children at the hairdresser’s.
But don’t give up! Brushing your dog isn’t just about keeping him presentable (although that helps). It’s an act of canine love that brings great benefits:
- Getting rid of loose and dead hair, which can help reduce shedding.
- Avoid matting before it becomes painful.
- Distributing your dog’s natural oils, which helps keep coats soft and skin healthy.
- Keeping an eye on their overall health, checking for tangles, lesions, lumps, fleas, or anything else unusual.
And it makes them look great!
What Type of Coat Does Your Dog Have?
Is your dog a long-haired cuddly toy or a hedgehog with soft barbs? Every coat is different! Let’s find out together which brush is right for your furry friend:
Smooth Coat

Short hair doesn’t mean less charm!
Smooth-coated dogs, such as the elegant Greyhound, the spotted Dalmatian, Pinschers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and Weimaraners, have short, shiny coats that look like they’re made of silk. They’re like little models on the catwalk!
Double Coat

Double-coated dogs are basically the fashionistas of the canine world: they always wear two layers, just in case. The shorter undercoat is like their dense, woolly jumper for the cold, while the outer layer is their stylish coat. Many of the most stylish furry dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, wear this double layer with pride – always ready for any weather!
Long Hair

Long-haired dogs are like the celebrities of the canine world: their manes can be silky or coarse, but they always require grooming. Some have an undercoat, some don’t, but all agree that regular brushing is their essential ‘spa session’ to avoid tangles and keep their coats looking great. Among these styling divas are Afghans, Maltese, Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers — nothing short of pure elegance!
Curly Hair

Curly-haired dogs are the kings of style, with their curls ranging from well-defined ringlets to waves with attitude. As they tend to dispense with undercoats, they need regular brushing to prevent their mane from ending up tangled like earphones in a pocket. Among these experts of the look are poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bichon Friesians and Bedlington Terriers — a classy display of curls!
Types of Brushes

Now that we’ve explored dog coat types, it’s time to move on to the ‘toolbox’: let’s have a look at the most popular types of brushes and find out which one is right for your furry friend. Let the dog styling session begin!

Rubber Brush
The rubber brush is like a portable spa for your dog: it removes loose hair from the surface while giving him a royal massage. It’s perfect for short coats, and an ideal choice if your dog is getting a ‘not again’ face from bristle brushes. These brushes are usually hand-sized, with rounded rubber knobs, and come in two styles: the classic ‘stylist’s mitt’ or the handy ‘massage block’.
Recommended rubber brushes: Pet Grooming Glove, Kong Zoom Groom – your dog will appreciate it (even if he won’t admit it)!
Bristle Brush
The bristle brush is the perfect companion to the spiky brush, like the Batman and Robin of dog grooming. This dynamic duo is ideal for short-haired dogs: it removes the finest dirt and leaves the coat so shiny you’ll almost need sunglasses. In addition, regular brushing with bristles stimulates the production of oil in the skin, helping to reduce shedding and give your dog a catwalk-worthy coat.
Recommended rubber brushes: Conair PRODog Pet-It, Hertzko bristle brush – look out for a spotless coat!


Pin Brush
The pin brush is great all-around brush for getting out small mats and tangles from medium and long dogs. They generally have rubber or plastic tips to so they don’t irritate your dog’s skin. On thick or curly coats these are the first choice for getting out knots and matts.
Recommended Pin Brush: FURminator Dual Grooming Brush, ConairPRO Dog Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
The slicker brush is like the private detective of canine grooming: it specialises in finding and removing those pesky mats and tangles, as well as taking care of loose undercoat hair. Ideal for medium to long-haired dogs, this brush features fine angled wire bristles and protective tips, because no one wants a perfect coat at the expense of irritated skin. You do need to be careful about the amount of pressure you apply while brushing and be sure to brush with the direction of the coat.
Recommended Slicker Brushes: Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, Ruff ‘n Ruffus Slick Brush

Brushing Basics
If the budget allows, invest in a quality brush – your dog will thank you (even if it’s with a wagging tail). Remember everything we’ve mentioned in this article when choosing the ideal brush, because your furry friend’s coat and skin is king. And don’t forget to consult your vet – there’s no one better placed to give you expert advice and make grooming at home a luxurious canine experience.