How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Dog’s Coat Type

Grooming is essential to keeping your dog’s coat healthy, shiny, and free from painful tangles. But with so many different brushes on the market, how do you know which one is right for your furry friend? Using the wrong brush can lead to discomfort, ineffective grooming, or even damage to your dog’s coat.

At Angela’s Tailz, we believe that every dog deserves personalized care, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the perfect grooming tool for your pup’s unique coat type. Plus, you can find grooming sets tailored to different coat types available on our website, making it easier than ever to keep your dog's coat in top condition!

Understanding Different Coat Types

Before choosing a brush, it’s important to identify your dog’s coat type. Different textures require different grooming techniques and tools.

• Short, Smooth Coats (Pugs, Beagles, Boxers, etc)

• Long, Smooth Coats (Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, etc)

• Curly or Wavy Coats (Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs, etc)

• Wire Coats (Terriers, Schnauzers, Dachshunds)

• Thick and Double Coat (Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds, Husky, etc)

You can find out more about identifying your dog's coat type by reading the info on this page.

The Best Brush for Each Coat Type

1. Short, Smooth Coats

Best Brush: Soft Bristle Brush, Rubber Curry Brush and Shedding Blade

These coats are easy to maintain, but they still shed!

• Bristle brush removes loose fur and distributes natural oils for a healthy shine.

• Rubber curry brush helps massage the skin and remove dirt effectively.

• Shedding blade is great for short-haired dogs that shed heavily, as it quickly removes loose fur before it spreads all over your home.

2. Long, Smooth Coats

Best Brush: Pin Brush and Metal Comb

• Pin brush gently detangles without pulling on delicate fur.

• Metal comb helps smooth out the hair and prevent knots, especially behind the ears and legs.

3. Curly or Wavy Coats

Best Brush: Slicker Brush, Metal Comb & De-Matting Tool

Curly coats are prone to matting, so daily brushing is key!

• Slicker brush removes tangles and debris.

• Metal comb helps prevent mat formation.

• De-matting tool is essential for breaking up stubborn tangles without causing discomfort.

4. Wire Coats

Best Brush: Slicker Brush & Stripping Knife

Wire-coated breeds require hand-stripping to maintain coat texture.

• Slicker brush removes loose hair and detangles.

• Stripping knife helps maintain the coat’s natural, coarse texture.

5. Thick and Double Coats

Best Brush: Undercoat Rake & Slicker Brush

These dogs have dense fur prone to shedding and matting.

• Undercoat rake removes trapped fur and reduces shedding.

• Slicker brush smooths the outer coat and removes minor tangles.

• De-shedding blade removes loose undercoat.

• De-Matting tool removes trapped fur and tangled hair.

  
  

Pro Grooming Tips for Best Results

✔️ Brush Regularly: Avoid mats and tangles by brushing your dog a few times a week—or daily for high-maintenance coats.

✔️ Be Gentle: Use slow, gentle strokes to prevent discomfort, especially for sensitive-skinned dogs.

✔️ Check for Mats: Pay extra attention to common trouble spots like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

✔️ Use the Right Tools: Investing in the correct brush will make grooming easier for both you and your dog.

Need a Personalized Grooming Plan?

At Angela’s Tailz, we’re happy to help you create a customized home grooming plan that fits your dog’s specific needs! Whether you’re unsure about the right tools or need advice on coat maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Want more expert grooming tips? Stay tuned for the upcoming digital products—designed to make at-home grooming easier than ever!

📅 Book a grooming appointment today or reach out with any coat care questions. Your pup deserves the best!