PawBench · Best Picks

Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools

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

Based on our research, FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Large) is our top pick. The FURminator didn't create the deshedding category by accident — it's genuinely that effective. No other tool pulls as much loose undercoat in a single session, and the difference on your furniture is noticeable within a week. Just follow the instructions and don't over-brush, or you'll thin the coat more than intended.

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

Differences only

Spec	#1 ⭐ Best Value FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Large) 4.6	#2 💰 Best Budget Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush 4.5	#3 💰 Best Budget VIP Home Essentials Combo Pin & Bristle Grooming Brush 4.2	#4 💰 Best Budget FURminator Grooming Rake 4.6
Buy	Buy on Amazon · $38.96	Buy on Amazon · $15.99	Buy on Amazon · $8.89	Buy on Amazon · $16.19
PawBench Scoremethodology →	83A− Effectiveness 89 Ease of Use 80 Build Quality 80 Value 77 Owner Satisfaction 86	79B+ Effectiveness 75 Ease of Use 67 Build Quality 72 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 89	68B− Effectiveness 72 Ease of Use 72 Build Quality 66 Value 84 Owner Satisfaction 52	80B+ Effectiveness 83 Ease of Use 74 Build Quality 74 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 81
Buyer sentiment	Hair Removal Effectiveness Ease Of Use Buyers praise hair removal, effectiveness and ease of use. Based on 38 user mentions	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	—	—
Tool Type	Deshedding tool (stainless steel blade)	Slicker brush (fine bent wire pins)	—	—
Dog Size	Large (51–90 lbs)	All sizes (small–large)	—	—
Coat Types	Short or Long Hair versions	All coat types	—	—
Self-Cleaning	Yes (FURejector button)	Yes (retractable button)	—	—
Handle	Ergonomic non-slip grip	Anti-slip comfort grip	—	—
Best For	Double-coated breeds, heavy shedders	Daily brushing, detangling, finishing	—	—
Brand	—	—	VIP Home Essentials	FURminator
Type	—	—	—	Undercoat rake
Teeth	—	—	—	Rotating
Coat	—	—	—	Medium to dense double coats

* 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:

Top Pick

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Large)

⭐ Best Value

4.6

The FURminator didn't create the deshedding category by accident — it's genuinely that effective. No other tool pulls as much loose undercoat in a single session, and the difference on your furniture is noticeable within a week. Just follow the instructions and don't over-brush, or you'll thin the coat more than intended.

Buy on Amazon · $38.96 Compare vs #2 →

Pros

✓Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use
✓Stainless steel edge reaches deep through topcoat
✓FURejector button cleans hair from tool instantly
✓Ergonomic handle for comfortable extended grooming

Cons

✗Can damage coat if overused or pressed too hard
✗Not suitable for dogs without an undercoat

83A−PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Tool Type

Deshedding tool (stainless steel blade)

Dog Size

Large (51–90 lbs)

Coat Types

Short or Long Hair versions

Self-Cleaning

Yes (FURejector button)

Handle

Ergonomic non-slip grip

Best For

Double-coated breeds, heavy shedders

Runner Up

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

💰 Best Budget

4.5

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 · $15.99 Compare vs #3 →

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

Great Value

VIP Home Essentials Combo Pin & Bristle Grooming Brush

💰 Best Budget

4.2

A dual-sided pin-and-bristle combo brush that fills the same basic coat-maintenance role at a low price.

Buy on Amazon · $8.89 Compare vs #4 →

Pros

✓Two-sided dog brush with bristles and round-tip pins
✓Breaks up mats and tangles and removes dead undercoat
✓Ergonomic durable handle grip for extra comfort and control
✓Suitable for use on larger pets with all coat lengths

Cons

68B−PawBench
Score

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Value

Owner Satisfaction

How we score →

Brand

VIP Home Essentials

FURminator Grooming Rake

💰 Best Budget

4.6

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

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

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

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Large)

Pros

Cons

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Pros

Cons

VIP Home Essentials Combo Pin & Bristle Grooming Brush

Pros

Cons

FURminator Grooming Rake

Pros

Cons

How to Pick the Right One

Related Reading

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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