PawBench · Best Picks

Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools

Q: What is the best dog brushes & deshedding tools?

Based on our research, Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is our top pick. The Hertzko earns its massive review count honestly — the one-click retractable cleaning mechanism turns a tedious chore into something almost satisfying. It handles daily brushing and light mat removal better than slicker brushes at three times the price. If you only own one brush, this should probably be it.

Slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and deshedding tools for every coat type.

Differences only

Spec	#2 💰 Best Budget Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Owner rating4.5	#4 💰 Best Budget FURminator Grooming Rake Owner rating4.6	#50 ⭐ Best Value FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Large Dog, Long Hair) Owner rating4.7	#50 ⭐ Best Value Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush Owner rating4.7
Buy	Buy on Amazon · $16.95	Buy on Amazon · $16.19	Buy on Amazon · $35.27	Buy on Amazon · $59.99
PawBench Scoremethodology →	79B+ Effectiveness 75 Ease of Use 67 Build Quality 72 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 89	80B+ Effectiveness 83 Ease of Use 74 Build Quality 74 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 81	82A− Effectiveness 85 Ease of Use 76 Build Quality 76 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 90	80B+ Effectiveness 79 Ease of Use 82 Build Quality 76 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 85
Buyer sentiment	Ease Of Cleaning Effectiveness Hair Removal Brush Quality Buyers praise ease of cleaning, effectiveness, hair removal and brush quality. Based on 31,586 user mentions	—	Effectiveness Hair shedding Quality Value for money Buyers praise effectiveness, hair shedding, quality and value for money. Based on 2,014 user mentions	Quality Effectiveness Suitable For Doodles Undercoat Removal Durability Buyers praise quality, effectiveness, suitable for doodles and undercoat removal. Mixed feedback on value for money. Some flag durability. Based on 4,486 user mentions
Tool Type	Slicker brush (fine bent wire pins)	—	—	—
Dog Size	All sizes (small–large)	—	Over 50 lb (per maker)	—
Coat Types	All coat types	—	—	—
Self-Cleaning	Yes (retractable button)	—	—	—
Handle	Anti-slip comfort grip	—	—	—
Best For	Daily brushing, detangling, finishing	—	Heavy shedders	Dematting & fluffing
Type	—	Undercoat rake	Deshedding tool	Slicker Brush
Teeth	—	Rotating	—	—
Coat	—	Medium to dense double coats	—	—
Brand	—	FURminator	—	—
Power Source	—	—	Manual	Manual
Coat Type	—	—	Long hair, double coats	—
Best Coat Type	—	—	—	Medium to Long Coats
Ease of Use	—	—	—	Easy — Lightweight

* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.

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Find the right pick in 5 seconds

Budget:

Runner Up · Editorial

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

💰 Best Budget

Owner rating4.5

The Hertzko earns its massive review count honestly — the one-click retractable cleaning mechanism turns a tedious chore into something almost satisfying. It handles daily brushing and light mat removal better than slicker brushes at three times the price. If you only own one brush, this should probably be it.

Buy on Amazon · $16.95 Compare with FURminator Grooming Rake →

Pros

✓Retractable bristles make cleaning effortless
✓Fine bent wire pins detangle without pulling
✓Comfortable anti-slip grip handle
✓Works on all coat types and lengths

Cons

✗Pins may be too firm for very sensitive dogs
✗Not as effective on heavy undercoats as a dedicated deshedding tool

79B+PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Tool Type

Slicker brush (fine bent wire pins)

Dog Size

All sizes (small–large)

Coat Types

All coat types

Self-Cleaning

Yes (retractable button)

Handle

Anti-slip comfort grip

Best For

Daily brushing, detangling, finishing

#4 · Editorial

FURminator Grooming Rake

💰 Best Budget💎 Best Value

Owner rating4.6

An undercoat rake, which is the one tool type this subcategory was missing — the three picks above are a deshedding blade and two slickers. Rotating teeth are meant for working through a dense double coat and loosening tangles a slicker skates over.

Buy on Amazon · $16.19 Compare with FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Large Dog, Long Hair) →

Pros

✓Rotating teeth are designed to work mats rather than skim them
✓Covers double coats the slickers here struggle with
✓Cheapest FURminator tool in this subcategory

Cons

✗A rake will not replace a slicker for finishing a coat
✗Wrong tool for a short single-coated dog

80B+PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Type

Undercoat rake

Teeth

Rotating

Coat

Medium to dense double coats

Brand

FURminator

#50 · Editorial

FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Large Dog, Long Hair)

⭐ Best Value

Owner rating4.7

The FURminator is the default deshedding tool for long-haired, double-coated large dogs. Used weekly, it pulls out loose undercoat that would otherwise end up on furniture and floors. A strong buy for Golden Retriever, Husky and German Shepherd owners.

Buy on Amazon · $35.27 Compare with Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush →

Pros

✓Stainless deShedding edge reaches through the topcoat to loose undercoat (per maker)
✓FURejector button clears the hair off the edge
✓Sized for dogs over 50 lb with long hair

Cons

✗Overuse thins the coat; the maker recommends weekly sessions
✗Not for short coats; FURminator sells a short-hair version

82A−PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Type

Deshedding tool

Power Source

Manual

Coat Type

Long hair, double coats

Dog Size

Over 50 lb (per maker)

Best For

Heavy shedders

#50 · Editorial

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

⭐ Best Value

Owner rating4.7

The Chris Christensen Big G is the Rolls Royce of slicker brushes. The flexible pin technology detangles without pulling, and the ergonomic bent handle is genuinely more comfortable over long grooming sessions. For dogs with medium or long coats, the quality difference is immediately obvious.

Buy on Amazon · $59.99

Pros

✓Salon-quality results at home
✓Ultra-flexible pins prevent scratching
✓Ergonomic bent handle reduces fatigue

Cons

✗Overkill for short-haired dogs
✗Premium price

80B+PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Type

Slicker Brush

Power Source

Manual

Best Coat Type

Medium to Long Coats

Ease of Use

Easy — Lightweight

Best For

Dematting & fluffing

How to Pick the Right One

The right brush depends entirely on your dog's coat type. Slicker brushes (fine wire pins on a flat base) work on most coat types and are great for removing mats and loose fur. Pin brushes look like human brushes and work best on long-haired breeds. Bristle brushes distribute natural oils on short-coated breeds like Beagles and Boxers.

Deshedding tools like the Furminator reach through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair before it ends up on your couch. They're incredibly effective on double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) but should NOT be used on single-coated breeds (Poodles, Maltese) — they can damage the coat.

Brush your dog at least weekly, more during shedding season (spring and fall). Regular brushing prevents mats, distributes skin oils, gives you a chance to check for lumps or skin issues, and reduces the hair tumbleweeds in your house by 80%+. Start slow with puppies and pair brushing with treats to build a positive association.

← Back to Grooming Tools

Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools

Side-by-Side Comparison

Find the right pick in 5 seconds

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Pros

Cons

FURminator Grooming Rake

Pros

Cons

FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Large Dog, Long Hair)

Pros

Cons

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Pros

Cons

How to Pick the Right One

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How to Brush a Dog's Teeth (the Right Way, Without a Fight)

Is My Dog's Shedding Normal? When to Worry