We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The 15 Best Dog Brushes, Tested by Pet Parents Smooth, tangle-free fur is possible By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Theresa Holland is a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with several years of experience covering home, outdoor, pets, travel, and beauty. Her work has been featured in Byrdie, Travel + Leisure, The Spruce, Brides, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 21, 2024 12:00PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know FAQ Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE What Is PEOPLE Tested Photo: People / Sarah Naftzger Dog owners are used to having loose hairs all over their floors and furniture. A good pet hair vacuum can help you control the problem, but a quality dog brush can help you get ahead of the shedding. We tested 27 dog brushes on our pets, including slickers, rakes, de-matting tools, and rubber massagers, to find out which ones left our pups smooth, tangle-free, and ready to play. These are the best dog brushes we tested — with a little help from our own pups. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool at Amazon $40 $25 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best Budget: Ropo Pet Shampoo Bath Brush at Amazon $8 Jump to Review Best Investment: Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush at Amazon $66 Jump to Review Best Slicker: Ruff 'N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for Puppies: Burt’s Bees Small Slicker Brush at Amazon $8 Jump to Review Best Rake: FURminator Grooming Rake at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Bristle: SALE Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush at Amazon $13 $8 Jump to Review Best for Mats: GoPets Dematting Comb at Amazon $47 Jump to Review Best for Shedding: SALE DakPets Pet Grooming Brush at Amazon $16 $13 Jump to Review Best Overall FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool PHOTO: Amazon $40 $25 at Amazon $36 at Walmart $36 at Chewy Star Qualities Grippy ergonomic handle makes it easy to use Effective stainless steel bristles are gentle enough for our pup to enjoy Self-cleaning ejector button Red Flags One of the more expensive options we tested, but we think it's worth it Of all the dog brushes we tested, the Furminator Deshedding Tool was an overall favorite. It feels well-made, with a grippy ergonomic handle and durable stainless steel teeth. The teeth removed a substantial amount of loose hair from the undercoat of the dog we tested it on. They moved smoothly without tugging on the skin and got all the way down to the roots of the hair. This brush didn't get caught on any tangles or cause any pain that we noticed. In addition to loose fur, it picked up some dandruff. The process was quick and efficient, and the dog seemed to enjoy his grooming session! As far as human comfort, this tool feels good in the hand and is easy to maneuver. It's also a perfect size for reaching all around your pup's body. (There are actually multiple sizes available, so you may want to order a smaller or larger version depending on how big your dog is.) The Furminator is also a breeze to clean — just press the eject button to release the captured fur. Though the price is a bit steep, we think it's warranted based on the high-quality, effective design. Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 2 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Rachel Thalhuber PHOTO: People / Rachel Thalhuber PHOTO: People / Rachel Thalhuber PHOTO: People / Rachel Thalhuber Best Overall (Cheaper) Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon Star Qualities Performance rivals pricier options Bristles penetrate double coat to remove tangles and prevent mats Self-cleaning feature saves time and effort Red Flags Head might be too large for mini breeds Some of the best dog brushes are actually quite inexpensive. This slicker brush is under $15 and performed just as well as pricier options — and in many cases, better. The ergonomic handle has a comfortable grip and feels sturdy. We found the rubber-tipped metal bristles strong enough to penetrate a double coat and effective at working out tangles. This dog brush really stands out for its self-cleaning function. The button on the handle retracts the bristles so the collected fur essentially just falls off. Cleaning takes mere seconds, which cuts down on grooming time, as you can get right back to it after removing the hair. The wide head might be a bit too large for miniature breeds, but we still found it easy to use on a small dog. For such a low price, you really can't go wrong. Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.8 x 2.7 inches | Bristle Material: Steel with plastic tips Editors Say “Though our testers thought the brush might be too large for small breeds, my best friend uses this brush for her very small Frenchie and loves it.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger Best Budget Ropo Pet Shampoo Bath Brush PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon Star Qualities Under $10 for a pack of two Flexible tips ideal for shampooing and collecting loose fur Easy to clean; prevents drain clogs when bathing in tub Red Flags Not good for removing mats May need to be replaced sooner than later At under $10, this dog brush is among the most affordable options we tried — and it comes in packs of two. Our tester appreciated the flexible rubber tips, which made it easy to lather pet shampoo and remove excess fur while giving their pup a bath. What's more, the adjustable hand strap ensured the brush stayed secure during grooming sessions. Bear in mind this is a bath brush. It came in handy for collecting loose fur on dogs with long, thick coats, but the bristles aren't rigid or strong enough to remove mats — you'd need a slicker brush or rake for that. Our tester found it easy to pull off all the captured hair, so the brush also helped prevent drain clogs when bathing their dog in a tub. Though these brushes may not hold up as long as others, we still think they're worth buying at such a low price. Dimensions: 10.4 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches | Bristle Material: Rubber PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin Best Investment Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon $66 at Amazon View on Chrischristensen.com Star Qualities Comfortable ergonomic handle Effortlessly works through tangles thanks to curved metal bristles Leaves hair soft and fluffy Red Flags Very expensive No protective tips, so you have to use with caution If you're willing to spend a bit more on your fur baby's at-home grooming routine, the Big G Slicker Brush won't disappoint. This tool is clearly well-made: It has a comfortable ergonomic handle and curved metal bristles that do wonders combing through a dog's coat. We tried it on a curly-haired pooch, and it had no problem working through tangles and getting deep into the undercoat. Though the bristles don't have protective tips, they seemed to be gentle enough and didn't appear to cause any discomfort. When you're finished, you can expect your dog's coat to be smooth, soft, and fluffy. The price of this brush might be hard to justify, but if it's within your budget, it's a great investment. Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 2.5 inches, 6 x 3.5 x 3 inches, 9 x 2.5 x 2 | Bristle Material: Metal PHOTO: People / Hannah Freedman PHOTO: People / Hannah Freedman The Best Dog Supplies, Tested by Real Dog Owners Best Slicker Ruff 'N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $15 at Walmart $10 at Chewy Star Qualities Incredibly comfortable handle Protective beaded tips ensure a safe grooming session Self-cleaning design Red Flags Too large for some breeds Doesn't loosen hair very well The best slicker brush we tested comes from Ruff 'N Ruffus. We found the handle incredibly comfortable and appreciated the grippy, non-slip design. The bristles are stainless steel with protective beads at the tips to prevent uncomfortable scratching on your dog's skin. This tool was easy to maneuver and did a great job removing mats and loose fur. After the grooming session, the dog we tested it on had a much softer, smoother coat. He seemed to enjoy it, too, based on the enthusiastic wag of approval. This slicker is also a breeze to clean — just press the button to retract the bristles and release the captured fur. Considering the affordable price, we'd definitely recommend it to just about any dog owner. Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 3.5 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Trevor Kauf PHOTO: People / Trevor Kauf Best for Puppies Burt’s Bees Small Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon Star Qualities Small head maneuvers well around limbs, head, and ears Bristles glide through hair without irritation Sturdy handle stands up to chewing Red Flags Not self-cleaning; may need separate pick If you have a puppy at home, this little slicker brush from Burt's Bees might be your best bet. We used it on a 19-week-old goldendoodle with wavy fur that matts easily. The small head was a good size for accessing all the curves and delicate areas of the body, and the bristles glided through the hair without poking or irritating the sensitive skin underneath. The handle is easy to grip, too, so you can use your free hand to gently hold your squirmy puppy who may still be getting used to grooming. This pet brush is also quite sturdy. Puppies love to chew, and after spending time in the mouth of one, the brush sustained no bite marks. And while it doesn't have a cleaning feature like other slickers we tested, and we had to use a separate comb to get the fur out, this only took a few seconds. Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches | Bristle Material: Metal PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger Best Rake FURminator Grooming Rake PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $9 at Chewy View on Petsupermarket.com Star Qualities Solid construction will last for years Wide stainless steel teeth powers through stubborn knots Easy to clean Red Flags Not a deshedding tool We also liked the Furminator Grooming Rake. This solidly constructed tool has a non-slip ergonomic handle and wide stainless steel teeth that spin around for easy maneuvering. We tried it out on a German Shepherd, and it powered through some pretty stubborn knots without bending or breaking. Bear in mind rakes aren't deshedding tools. However, this one has long enough teeth to get all the way through a dog's thick coat and capture loose fur. It's a great option for removing and preventing tangles a few times a week. And thanks to the wide teeth, cleaning off the captured hair is super easy. Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Devon O Brien PHOTO: People / Devon O Brien The 16 Best Calming Dog Beds, According to Veterinarians and Dog Owners Best Bristle Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush PHOTO: Amazon $13 $8 at Amazon $11 $8 at Walmart $11 $8 at Walmart Star Qualities Dual-sided design makes this two-in-one tool an excellent value Works for dematting and smoothing Easy to maneuver thanks to a cushioned handle Red Flags Nylon bristles are tricky to clean This dual-sided brush has sturdy stainless steel bristles with rounded tips on one side and soft nylon bristles on the other. You can use the steel side to work through mats and detangle knots on longer-haired dogs, then flip it over to smooth and soften their coat. The cushioned handle is comfortable to hold, making the entire thing easy to maneuver from either side. This two-in-one tool is certainly handy, and we appreciate the affordable price point. The only downside is that the nylon bristles are a little tricky to clean, as hair really gets stuck in them. Dimensions: 12.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel, nylon PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot The 6 Best Dog DNA Tests, Tested by Our Dogs Best for Mats GoPets Dematting Comb PHOTO: Amazon $47 at Amazon $69 at Walmart Star Qualities Two-sided design works well for tangles and deshedding Grippy rubberized handle makes it easy to use Pain-free experience for the dog and owner Red Flags On the expensive side When you need to get mats out of your dog's coat, reach for the Gopets Dematting Comb. This rake-style tool has a solid rubberized handle and durable stainless steel teeth. One side has fewer teeth for working through mats and tangles, and the other has more densely packed teeth for raking through the undercoat and helping with deshedding. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it worked for dematting and detangling — and it didn't appear to hurt the dog at all in the process. This tool also picked up a remarkable amount of hair when we used it to comb through the undercoat. It was a breeze to clean by hand too. Other than the steep price, we have no complaints. Dimensions: 9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Mary Amadeo PHOTO: People / Mary Amadeo Best for Shedding DakPets Pet Grooming Brush PHOTO: Amazon $16 $13 at Amazon $40 at Walmart $13 at Chewy Star Qualities Durable non-slip handle is easy to hold and manuever Very effective at picking up hair Good for daily use or pre-bath Red Flags Potentially too sharp Awkwardly shaped You'll be glad to have this dog brush on hand during shedding season. It has a durable, non-slip rubber handle and sharp stainless steel teeth. (Though the dog we tested it on didn't seem bothered, we were a little concerned that the teeth were too sharp and could create abrasions on the skin.) The rake-style design picks up so much loose hair. It's a great choice for daily use and before bathtime. The long, narrow head is somewhat awkwardly shaped in that it's hard to maneuver around some body parts and may not be ideal for smaller dogs. But it worked really well on larger areas and the thickest parts of the dog's coat. We also liked that the head detaches, which makes cleaning easy. Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 4 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot Pro Tip! Establish a regular grooming routine with your dog, and include brushing, bathing, and nail trimming, to keep them healthy and comfortable. — Dr. Carling Matejka, DVM, veterinarian and spokesperson for Solid Gold Best for Sensitive Skin Conair Pro Pet Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Chewy Star Qualities Soft bristles with coated tips that don't poke or scratch Works out tough tangles in just a few passes Comfortable gel-coated handle prevents hand fatigue Red Flags May catch in some curlier areas Rubber tips aren't ideal for deshedding This dog brush has soft plastic bristles with coated tips that work through your pet's hair and around sensitive areas without poking, scratching, or irritating their skin. Though it caught in some curlier zones, we were impressed with how smoothly the pins glided through fur. It only took a few passes to work out tougher tangles. The grippy gel-coated handle made this brush comfortable to hold and enjoyable to use. This helped our testers get through more time-consuming grooming sessions for dogs with thicker, longer fur. The bristles work well on dry or wet hair, which is convenient post-bath or for regular grooming sessions. Compared to classic slicker brushes and rake-style grooming tools, this brush isn't very good at accessing the undercoat, so we wouldn't recommend it for deshedding. Still, the gentle design is an excellent choice for pets with more reactive skin. Dimensions: 7.9 x 3.9 x 3.2 inches | Bristle Material: Plastic PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac Best for Bath Time Bodhi Dog Bath Brush PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $25 at Walmart View on Thebodhidog.com Star Qualities Waterproof, so you can use it before bath time and during bath time Massages and stimulates skin Easy to maneuver and clean Red Flags Doesn't remove mats, but excellent at deshedding You're wise to brush out your dog's coat before bathtime, and this tool is up for the task. It's made entirely of rubber and has soft (yet not too flimsy) tips that work through your pup's hair while massaging and stimulating their skin. It's also waterproof, so you can use it dry before the bath, as well as in the bath as a dog shampoo-lathering device. We found this brush user-friendly and easy to maneuver. It has a loop on the back for your finger to help it stay in place, and the small size allows you to work all around your dog's body. Though it doesn't remove mats, we were impressed by how many loose hairs it picked up — and how much more came off in the bath compared to when it wasn't used. To clean this tool, all you need to do is run warm water over it. Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches | Bristle Material: Rubber PHOTO: People / Ciara McCune PHOTO: People / Ciara McCune PHOTO: People / Ciara McCune Best Glove Mr. Peanut's Pet Grooming Glove PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $11 at Chewy View on Mrpeanutspetcarriers.com Star Qualities Soft, strong bristles make for an effective yet enjoyable grooming session Loosens fur and dander Comfortable, adjustable fit Red Flags Not great for detangling Hard to clean since the hair sticks to the silicone This grooming glove was also a hit during our tests. It comes in a set of two, so you can use just one or wear both at once. The silicone bristles are soft yet strong enough to really get into your pet's coat and loosen up fur and dander. Though they aren't great for detangling, they also help stimulate the skin, so it's almost like giving your dog a massage. The gloves are comfortable and have adjustable velcro wristbands to ensure a secure fit. After using this product, the dog's coat was softer and shinier, and we noticed an overall reduction in shedding. They're a little tricky to clean since hair sticks to the silicone, but considering the affordable price, we really can't complain. Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inches | Bristle Material: Silicone PHOTO: People / Anna Pattison PHOTO: People / Anna Pattison Best for Short Hair HOP Short Hair Dog Brush PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $13 at Walmart Star Qualities Nylon bristles smooth coat and reduce shedding Silicone side collects fur and massages in shampoo Tolerated by typically sensitive dogs Red Flags Somewhat stiff; not ideal for fidgety dogs Too large for smaller breeds If your dog has short hair, this dual-sided grooming tool might be the way to go. One side features nylon bristles (similar to a hairbrush for humans), which can be used to reduce shedding and smooth the coat. The other side has small silicone spikes that came in handy for collecting loose fur and massaging in shampoo during baths. Removing fur from both sides of the brush was quick and easy. We tried this brush for a dog who's typically sensitive to grooming, and she didn't mind it at all. However, the nylon bristles are somewhat stiff, which a fidgety pup may not appreciate. Also, you might want something with a smaller head if you're grooming a miniature breed. The price is about average for a dog brush. But, with a sturdy wooden handle and an all-around durable design, we think the quality matches the cost. Dimensions: 9.5 x 3.2 x 2.1 inches | Bristle Material: Silicone, nylon PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin PHOTO: People / Deirdre Galvin Best Pin Chris Christensen Oval Dog Brush PHOTO: Amazon $43 at Amazon View on Chrischristensen.com Star Qualities Great at detangling and collecting excess fur Smooth tips prevent discomfort Ideal size and shape for all parts of your dog's body Red Flags A pricer option, but we think it's still a great value This pin brush from Chris Christensen looks a lot like a human hair brush — and could probably be used as one — but it's perfect for dogs with double coats. The sturdy yet lightweight design has a wooden handle and stainless steel bristles with smooth tips to prevent discomfort. It's an ideal size for brushing all over your dog's body, and the narrow oval shape makes it easy to work through the tail and hard-to-access areas. We found this brush very effective at not only detangling but also collecting excess fur. While there's no release button, the fur comes off really easily when it's time to clean it. The price is slightly steep for a dog brush, but in the end, we think it's a good value. Dimensions: 8.5 x 4 x 2 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel PHOTO: People / Anna Mejorada PHOTO: People / Anna Mejorada What to Know About Dog Brushes Brush Type The different types of dog brushes include rakes, combs, slickers, soft-bristle brushes, pin brushes, rubberized massagers (a.k.a. curry brushes), and silicone gloves. According to Dr. Matejka, the right option will ultimately depend on your pet's coat and what you're trying to achieve when brushing them. "Some dogs may benefit from specific grooming devices, such as shedding blades or deshedding tools to help reduce excessive shedding," she says. Bristle Material and Type Many dog brushes and grooming tools have stainless steel teeth or bristles, which are usually very effective at detangling and deshedding. As with the Ruff 'N Ruffus Slicker Brush, some have protective silicone or rubberized tips to make them a little gentler on your pup's skin. "Dogs with thick or curly hair may benefit from a pin brush, which has longer bristles to reach the undercoat and remove loose fur," says Dr. Matejka. There are also options with soft bristles like the Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush that help smooth the coat and distribute natural oils in your pet's hair. Hair Length When browsing grooming tools, consider your dog's hair length. "Dogs with short hair can usually be groomed effectively with a rubber brush or grooming glove, while dogs with longer hair may require a slicker brush, which can penetrate deep into the fur and remove tangles and mats," says Dr. Matejka. People / Anna Mejorada Frequently Asked Questions What do groomers use to brush dogs? The tools groomers use to brush dogs depend on the animal's breed, hair length, hair condition, and what they're trying to achieve. Soft-bristle brushes (with nylon or boar hair bristles), curry brushes (with rubberized points), and grooming gloves are often used for bathing and smoothing out shorter coats. Slicker brushes and deshedding tools might be used for dogs with longer, thicker hair prone to shedding. How often should you brush your dog? According to Dr. Matejka, how often to brush your dog depends on their coat and individual grooming needs. "Dogs with short hair may require brushing once or twice a week to remove loose fur and dirt, while dogs with longer hair may require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats," she says. Do dog brushes hurt dogs? Most dog brushes are designed to be gentle on your pet's hair, meaning they can work through mats and pick up loose fur from the undercoat without tugging on their skin. Rakes and slicker brushes typically don't hurt, but if you're worried about scratching your dog, look for a grooming tool with protective rubber tips. Behind the Scenes We researched the best dog brushes available today and selected 27 to try firsthand. First, we carefully examined all components of each tool, including the head, bristles, and handle. Next, we tested them out on at least one dog, starting on their backs, making our way down to their legs, then the tail, and finally, the underside. If the brush was also intended for use during a bath, we tried that out too. We rated the dog brushes on a scale of 1 to 5 (worst to best), based on the following qualities: Effectiveness: To get top marks in this category, the brushes had to make grooming easy — for us and our furbabies. The best brushes were easy to use and comfortable to hold. The ones that blew us away cut down brushing time, so could spend more time playing and snuggling with our pups and less time working through mats and tangles. Durability: Brushes with high-quality materials and sturdy construction earned high ratings in this category. We want our grooming tools to last, so we preferred brushes that seemed like they were in it for the long haul. Ease of Cleaning: What’s more satisfying than getting rid of all that pesky dog hair for good? The best brushes made it easy to say good riddance — we were able to clean the brush easily and quickly. Overall Value: We love a good deal, so we made sure to consider cost in our evaluation of these brushes. We weighed the pros and cons to make sure every brush on our list is worth the buy. People / Elizabeth Theriot Why Trust PEOPLE? Theresa Holland is a writer for PEOPLE covering a variety of topics from beauty and fashion to home and pets. For this article, she interviewed veterinarian Dr. Carling Matejka, on what to look for when choosing a dog brush. She also consulted our testing insights where we evaluated different dog brushes on a variety of coat lengths and temperaments. Our Expert Panel Dr. Carling Matejka, DVM, is a veterinarian and spokesperson for Solid Gold. Matejka is a mixed animal veterinarian, working with pets like dogs and cats as well as large animals like horses and cows. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.