The intelligent, graceful (yet sometimes goofy) Poodle is a wonderful breed. They’re well known for being hypoallergenic and don’t shed in the typical sense. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need to be brushed regularly. We’ll focus on the best brush for Poodles, comparing 5 brushes including brush type, value, and general quality.
The Best Brush for Poodles2023 Review
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The Best Brush for Poodles
Editor's Choice
JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin- Best slicker brush
- Ergonomic handle
- 90-degree pins to prevent scratching
Runner Up
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and slicker brush in 1
- Excellent value
Also Good
Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs- Best pin brush
- High-quality, durable handle
- Great for light brushing
More Detailed Poodle Brush Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin review
Features
- Best slicker brush
- Ergonomic handle
- 90-degree pins to prevent scratching
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best brush for Poodle coats, the JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin is a great option. This slicker brush has stainless-steel pins designed to help you tackle tangles, prevent mats, and remove dirt and loose hair from your Poodle’s hair. The pins are angled at 90 degrees, designed to run parallel to your dog’s skin so they don’t scrape your pup’s delicate skin during brushing.
The plastic, ergonomically designed handle has a non-slip grip to fit perfectly in your hand. I found this grip made using the brush very comfortable to use. I felt that the brush head was a good size, and I generally felt this brush was high-quality especially for the low price.
Pros
- Owners of dogs with curly hair, including Poodles and Poodle mixes, found that this brush helped to get rid of the loose hair that wasn’t being shed
- Most owners found this brush helped to tackle mats and tangles, even with curly-haired breeds like Poodles
- Owners felt the brush was gentle on their dog’s skin, unlike other slicker brushes they’d tried
- Owners generally felt this brush was good quality and were pleased with their purchase
- Some owners stated their dogs enjoyed being brushed with this brush, even those who usually hate being groomed
- Many said this brush was comfortable in their hand and easy to hold during use
- Several owners said this was the best brush they’d tried, and they would recommend it to others
Cons
- Some felt the pins were too stiff and closely packed which they didn’t like and worried wouldn’t be comfortable for their dog
- Some stated this brush wasn’t comfortable to hold during grooming
- Some owners felt this brush wasn’t good quality and were disappointed with their purchase
- Some owners found the brush didn’t get rid of as much loose hair as they’d hoped
- Some felt this brush was too harsh on their dog’s hair
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush review
Features
- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and slicker brush in 1
- Excellent value
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is a great option, providing 2 brush types in 1. The pin brush side helps to remove tangles and loose hair, while the bristle brush side is designed to distribute natural oils through your Poodle’s coat and enhance shine. I feel the dual-side aspect of this brush makes it very handy and great value for money.
I appreciated the easy to hold handle and lightweight feeling of this brush. If you’re looking for the best brush for Poodle mixes this combo brush is a great option. It even comes at a great low price.
Pros
- In general, owners found this brush helped to remove tangles and mats, as well as removing loose hair
- Many owners said this brush left their dog’s coat in excellent condition
- Owners found the dual-sided aspect of this brush handy and felt it made the brush great value for money
- Owners of dogs with thick or curly coats, like the Poodle, found this brush moved through their dog’s hair easily without pulling at it
- Many said this brush was easy to use and comfortable to hold during grooming
- Some said their dog loved being groomed with this brush, even those who usually don’t like being brushed
Cons
- Some felt this brush wasn’t gentle enough for their dog, especially owners of short-haired breeds
- Some said this brush wasn’t as effective at removing loose hair and tangles as they’d expected
- Some said the bristle side of the brush was too harsh for their dog
- Some owners experienced breakage after a period of regular use and stated the brush wasn’t good quality
- Some found the brush hard to clean, especially when their dog was shedding heavily
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs review
Features
- Best pin brush
- High-quality, durable handle
- Great for light brushing
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs is a great choice for day-to-day grooming of your Poodle. The pins are great for brushing out dirt and loose hair and tackling light tangles. You can use it alongside other brushes for heavier matting.
It’s designed to distribute your Poodle’s natural oils throughout their coat as you brush, leaving it in a healthy, shiny condition. The handle is designed to be durable and comfortable to hold. I felt this pin brush was excellent quality, easy to use, and good value given its low price.
Pros
- Owners generally felt this brush was great for dealing with tangles, mats, and shedding in a range of dog breeds
- Many stated that this brush was very durable and held up well over time
- Some said they felt the flexible pins didn’t pull on their dog’s hair and were gentle on their dog’s skin and coat during grooming
- Owners found the brush was easy and comfortable to hold and allowed them to get a good grip during brushing
- Many owners said this brush left their dog’s coat in great condition
- Owners generally felt this brush was good quality and good value
Cons
- Some owners felt this brush was too harsh on their dog’s skin and coat
- Some owners experienced breakage after a period of regular use, in particular mentioning the handle cracking or the pins coming loose
- Some owners of thick or double-coated dogs found this brush didn’t go through their dog’s fur and wasn’t good at getting rid of loose hair
- Some felt this brush wasn’t good quality and weren’t happy with their purchase
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Li'l Pals Double-Sided Dog Comb review
Features
- Best comb
- Double-sided for versatility
- Loosens mats
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Li’l Pals Double-Sided Dog Comb is a fantastic choice to get rid of tangles from your Poodle’s hair. With 2 sides: 1 with closely packed pins and the other with looser pins, this comb is very versatile. As well as detangling, you can use it to lift dirt, pests, and loose hair out of your Poodle’s coat.
This comb is small so is more suitable for tackling stubborn, matted spots in Standard Poodles used alongside a brush. Alternatively, for toy and miniature Poodles this is the perfect size for all-over grooming if you choose. I found this comb easy to use and felt it was great value.
Pros
- Owners generally felt this comb was gentle on their dog’s fur and skin during grooming
- Useful tool for removing dirt and debris from your dog’s coat, especially around delicate areas like the face
- Owners appreciated the double sides, feeling it made the brush more versatile
- Most owners felt this comb was comfortable to hold and generally easy to use, even owners with medical issues that make it hard to grip items
- Owners of toy and small breeds felt this comb was the perfect size for their pup
- Owners of a variety of breeds found this comb was great for removing tangles around the ears and eyes
Cons
- Comb is small, with some owners finding it was far too small for their dog
- Some experienced breakage, in particular mentioning the teeth of the comb breaking
- Due to the small size, some owners found the handle too small to hold comfortably
Ann-Marie Sharpe
HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing & Grooming Gloves review
Features
- Best grooming gloves
- Can be used wet or dry
- Relaxing way to groom
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing & Grooming Gloves are an excellent gentle option, perfect for use both wet and dry. I loved that these could be used during bath time to massage in shampoo or to gently brush my dog when they were dry. I felt they were multi-use and my dogs enjoyed being groomed with them.
The gloves massage your dog and mimic a stroking action, while rubber nodules along the fingers and palm brush through your dog’s coat and get rid of loose hair. If your dog isn’t a fan of being brushed, this is a perfect way to get them used to the process while keeping them relaxed. While these grooming gloves are slightly pricier than other options, I feel they’re high-quality and worth the investment.
Pros
- Most owners found these gloves were highly effective at removing loose hair, both when used during bath time and when used dry
- Even owners of dogs who don’t usually like grooming found their dog enjoyed the sensation of being groomed with these gloves, with many stating their dog loved the attention and feeling of being stroked rather than brushed
- Owners loved that you get 2 gloves in this set, allowing them to use both hands at once during grooming
- Many owners stated these gloves were well worth the investment given their effectiveness and high-quality
- Owners felt these gloves were comfortable for both them and their dog during grooming
Cons
- Hair doesn’t stick to the gloves in the same way as it does with a brush and instead falls to the floor which some owners didn’t like
- Some found it difficult to clean the hair off the gloves after use
- Some found these gloves didn’t remove as much loose hair from their dog as they expected
- Some felt the raised nubs on these gloves were too harsh for their dog’s skin
- Some owners found these gloves weren’t as effective as a traditional brush
Things to Look for in a Brush for a Poodle
It’s a good idea to keep the following factors in mind when searching for the best brush for Poodle hair:
Brush Type
Typically, slicker brushes, pin brushes, rubber brushes, and combs are best for grooming your Poodle. These brushes help to detangle your Poodle’s hair, preventing matting and keeping their coat in great condition.
Since Poodles don’t lose much hair, a de-shedding brush isn’t usually required but they can be used occasionally if you really want to prevent hair fall around your home.
High-Quality Materials
Choosing a brush made from high-quality materials is more likely to stand up to wear well. It’s also more likely to help you groom your Poodle effectively.
Easy Grip
Since grooming your Poodle’s beautiful hair can take a little while and is a regular occurrence, a brush that’s easy to grip and comfortable to hold is essential.
Correct Size of Brush
If you’re looking for the best brush for standard Poodles, you’ll want the head of the brush to be bigger to make grooming time efficient. However, if you need the best brush for toy Poodles, a smaller brush will be more suitable and ensure you can access those hard-to-reach areas.
Durability
A durable brush is more likely to last longer when you’re using it regularly for grooming sessions. The material quality and the reviews are usually a good indication of durability.
Basics of a Poodle Coat
A Poodle’s coat is well known. It’s coarse, curly, and beautiful. Their coat is single-layered, meaning it doesn’t have an undercoat.
Poodles are known for being hypoallergenic because they don’t shed much. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t lose any hair at all. Just like our hair, as their hair grows some of it will fall out. It’s part of the natural hair cycle.
Due to their hair’s curly texture, often loose hair will stay caught in their coat, so you won’t see as much hair fall around your home. So, although we can say Poodles don’t shed in the traditional sense, they still do lose some hair.
Poodles have 3 main types of coats:
- Curly coat: This is simply their natural coat when it’s been allowed to grow out
- Corded coat: Instead of brushing the hair, people separate the mats into individual ‘cords’. Essentially, this is like giving your Poodle dreadlocks. However, this style is harder to maintain than regular brushing.
- Clipped coats: There are a wide range of types of ‘hair-dos’ your Poodle can have. Many people take their poodle to a professional groomer to get their coat clipped in a particular style.
Poodle Puppy Coat vs Adult Coat
When your Poodle is a puppy, their coat will look very different to their adult coat. Poodle puppies have very soft coats which are usually straight or slightly wavy. Miniature and toy Poodles take up to 24 months to develop their adult coat. Standard Poodles take around 12 months for their adult coat to fully come in.
When your Poodle still has their puppy coat, it’s very susceptible to mats and tangles. If the mats become severe, they’ll need to be clipped out which can ruin your puppy’s coat as it’s maturing. Therefore, it’s crucial to brush your Poodle puppy daily.
The Importance of Brushing Your Poodle
Brushing your Poodle is important because:
- Regular brushing prevents mats and tangles in your Poodle’s coat
- Their curly hair easily catches debris, dust, and dead skin, so it’s important to brush it regularly to keep it clean
- Loose hair gets caught in their curls rather than it shedding onto the floor as with other breeds. This can cause mats if you don’t brush the loose hair out.
- Brushing keeps your Poodle’s coat healthy and looking great
- It massages your dog’s skin and coat, stimulating natural oil production to keep them healthy, as well as increasing blood circulation
- During brushing, you have the chance to spot any health problems such as ticks, fleas, lumps, scratches, bites, rashes, or skin irritations
- Brushing allows you and your Poodle to spend time together and strengthens your bond
How to Groom Your Poodle
Brushing Your Poodle
In general, you should aim to brush your Poodle around twice a week, more if you prefer. If your Poodle is very adventurous and is often running through undergrowth or getting muddy, it’s best to groom them daily. As we mentioned earlier, their curly hair can hold onto debris and mud, which without brushing can cause tangles, mats, and hygiene issues.
Use short, gentle strokes of the brush but with a firm enough pressure to reach the base of your Poodle’s coat. You don’t want to be scraping their skin, but you do want to ensure they don’t get any mats at the base of their hair.
Take your time and use your hands to feel for any tangles along the way to guide you. You can always split a brushing session up into smaller sessions if your dog is getting frustrated (or if you are). Try to get your Poodle used to brushing and other grooming tasks as early as possible to reduce stress for you both.
Additional Grooming
As well as brushing, your Poodle will need baths occasionally. You can give baths as often as you feel they’re needed, but usually a bath every 6 to 8 weeks is plenty.
Your Poodle’s hair will need to be trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks depending on how short you keep it and what ‘hair-do’ you choose. You can do this at home if you’re experienced or feel confident following guidance online. Alternatively, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed (using a clipper or a grinder) every few weeks to keep them short and comfortable for your dog. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, you can get it done at a professional groomer.
Your Poodle should have a regular oral hygiene routine, including teeth brushing and something to chew on. You should also clean their ears regularly using an ear cleaning solution and a cotton pad. Some people also choose to trim or pluck the hair inside their Poodle’s ears to prevent wax build-up developing.
Brush for a Poodle FAQ
How often should you groom your Poodle?
You should brush your Poodle twice a week. They should be bathed and trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks.
Do Poodles shed?
Poodles have a single coat and don’t shed as much as other breeds. However, they will still lose some hair.
Conclusion
With the right brush and a bit of effort, your Poodle’s curly coat will be looking classy and cute in no time!
The Best Brush for Poodles
Editor's Choice
JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin- Best slicker brush
- Ergonomic handle
- 90-degree pins to prevent scratching
Runner Up
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and slicker brush in 1
- Excellent value
Also Good
Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs- Best pin brush
- High-quality, durable handle
- Great for light brushing
