Best Dog Brush for Long Hair Dogs

Brush Types for Long Coats: Answer Upfront

Selecting the correct grooming tool is the single most critical factor in maintaining a healthy, tangle-free long coat. Using the wrong brush or only using a single type of brush will inevitably lead to matting and discomfort for the dog. Long-haired breeds require a specialized toolkit.

Slicker Brush

The slicker brush is the essential primary tool for almost all long-haired breeds. It features fine, short wires packed closely together on a flat or curved surface, often with bent tips. Its primary function is the removal of loose undercoat, surface hair, and the initial addressing of minor tangles. For breeds like the Golden Retriever, Collie, or Shih Tzu, the slicker brush is a must-have for daily or near-daily maintenance.

Pin Brush (Long Pins)

Pin brushes resemble human hair brushes but feature widely spaced, long metal or plastic pins, often with rounded tips. This tool is generally less effective at removing deep undercoat than a slicker brush. The pin brush is best reserved for finishing the coat, fluffing the outer layer, and general daily surface brushing on less dense, flowing coats, such as those found on Afghan Hounds or certain types of long-haired Chihuahuas.

Undercoat Rake (Wide Teeth)

For breeds with dense, double coats—such as Huskies, Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, and Collies—the undercoat rake is crucial. This tool features widely spaced, blunt teeth designed to safely penetrate the guard hairs and pull out the deep, dead undercoat that causes bulk and matting. Using a rake during shedding seasons prevents the undercoat from becoming compacted against the skin, which can lead to serious health issues.

Mat Breaker/Dematter Tool

The mat breaker is a specialized, sharp tool featuring curved blades set into a handle. It is designed to be used only on established, tight mats to split them into smaller, manageable sections before brushing. This tool is not a general-purpose brush and must be used with extreme caution to avoid cutting the dog’s skin, which is often pulled tight underneath a dense mat.

Long Coat Grooming Philosophy: Key Takeaways

Effective grooming of a long-haired dog is not just about aesthetics; it is a vital part of preventative health care. Ignoring a long coat can lead to painful skin conditions, mobility issues, and severe discomfort.

Matting Prevention is Primary

The fundamental goal of long-coat maintenance is matting prevention, not mat removal. Long-haired dogs require consistent, daily or every-other-day brushing to ensure that loose hair and tangles are removed before they can bond together. Once tangles become dense, felt-like mats, they pull on the skin and can cause bruising, hot spots, and infection.

Brush in Layers

Surface brushing—running a brush over the top layer of the coat—is the most common mistake owners make. This technique leaves the dense undercoat and tangles near the skin untouched, creating hidden mats. Always brush the coat section by section, starting from the skin and working outward, a technique known as line brushing.

Coat Type Dictates Tool

There is no universal "best brush" for all long-haired dogs; the coat type dictates the necessary tools. A straight, silky coat (e.g., Yorkshire Terrier) requires fine slickers and detangling sprays. A dense, double coat (e.g., Newfoundland) demands a robust undercoat rake and firm slicker. A curly or wavy coat (e.g., Goldendoodle) often benefits from a specialized flexible slicker brush designed to handle curl and prevent breakage.

Long Hair Brushing Checklist

A systematic approach to brushing ensures thoroughness and minimizes the risk of missing critical areas where mats frequently form.

1. Preparation

Always ensure the dog's coat is completely dry before beginning any brushing session. Brushing a wet or damp coat is highly discouraged because moisture causes hair to swell and tightens any existing tangles, making them harder to remove and increasing the risk of hair breakage.

2. Inspect

Before introducing the brush, run your fingers through the dog's coat, paying special attention to high-friction areas. Mats commonly form behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, on the flanks, and around the groin and tail base. Locating these tangles early saves time and prevents pain.

3. Mat Removal (If Necessary)

If you encounter a mat, use a detangling spray to lubricate the area. Use a mat breaker or dematter tool to gently split the mat lengthwise into several smaller sections. Never attempt to forcefully pull or rip a mat out. If the mat is tight against the skin and cannot be easily separated, stop immediately and seek professional assistance, as aggressive home removal can severely injure the dog.

4. Line Brushing

This is the core technique for long coats. Part the hair down to the skin, exposing a small section. Use the slicker brush or undercoat rake to brush this small section, ensuring the pins penetrate all the way to the skin layer. Work systematically across the dog's body, moving the part line slightly each time until the entire section is brushed.

5. Finishing

Once the slicker brush or rake has thoroughly removed all undercoat and tangles, use the pin brush to smooth the outer coat. This step adds shine and helps check for any superficial tangles that may have been missed during the deeper line brushing.

6. Reward

Grooming should be a positive experience. End every session, regardless of length, with enthusiastic praise, a favorite toy, and a high-value treat. This positive reinforcement builds a strong association between the brush and reward, making future sessions easier.

Essential Tools & Products

While the brush types are critical, several supplementary tools and products are necessary to execute a professional-level grooming routine at home.

Slicker Brush

Invest in a high-quality, flexible slicker brush. Flexible brushes (often called "soft" or "cushion" slickers) reduce the risk of "brush burn" because the base of the pins gives slightly under pressure. Look for brushes with bent wire pins, as the bend helps capture and pull out dead hair more effectively.

Undercoat Rake

For double-coated breeds, a rake with wide, rotating pins is highly recommended. The rotating pins minimize friction and prevent the rake from snagging on the coat, making the process more comfortable for the dog and reducing hair breakage.

Detangling Spray/Conditioner

A light application of a specialized detangling spray or leave-in conditioner is essential, especially for fine, silky, or curly coats. These products reduce static electricity and friction, allowing the brush to glide through the coat more easily and minimizing painful pulling and hair damage.

Metal Comb (Greyhound Style)

The metal comb is the final quality control tool. After the entire coat has been brushed, use a sturdy, wide-toothed metal comb (often called a Greyhound comb) to comb through the coat, from root to tip. If the comb passes through the coat easily without snagging, the job is complete. If the comb stops, return to the slicker brush to work out the remaining tangle.

Risks & When to See a Groomer/Vet

While home grooming is essential, owners must recognize the limitations of their skills and tools. Attempting to manage severe coat issues at home can cause significant pain and injury to the dog.

Skin Irritation

Aggressive brushing, particularly with a firm slicker brush used repeatedly on the same spot, can cause "brush burn." This appears as redness, inflammation, and sometimes small abrasions on the skin. Always use gentle, short, lifting strokes, ensuring you are not dragging the brush across the skin.

Tight Matting

If you encounter mats that are dense, large, and feel like they are pulling the dog's skin taut, do not attempt removal at home. These mats cut off circulation, cause pain, and are often too close to the skin to safely cut out. Action: Schedule immediate professional dematting with a certified groomer or, if the mats are severe, consult a veterinarian who may need to sedate the dog for a complete shave-down.

Bleeding/Injury

Accidental injury can occur when using sharp tools like mat breakers or scissors near the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the armpits or groin where the skin is thin and loose. If any tool accidentally cuts the skin, the risk of infection is high. Action: Clean the wound immediately with antiseptic solution and consult a veterinarian to determine if stitches or antibiotics are necessary.

Excessive Shedding/Coat Loss

While shedding is normal for long-haired dogs, sudden or extreme coat loss, patchy baldness, or changes in coat texture can signal underlying health issues. Conditions like thyroid problems, allergies, parasites, or severe stress can manifest through coat changes. Action: If you notice unusual or excessive coat loss beyond normal seasonal shedding, a veterinary consultation is required to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.