Originally from Japan but growing in popularity in other countries, the Shiba Inu is a confident, friendly, and active dog. Their white markings and alert expression make them look ‘fox-like’. While their coat is short, it does require frequent brushing especially during heavy shedding season. We’ll look at 5 of the best brushes for Shiba Inus, comparing brush type, quality, and ease of use.
The Best Brush for Shiba Inu2023 Review
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The Best Brush for Shiba Inu
Editor's Choice
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs- Best slicker brush
- Dual flex head
- Both straight and bent bristles
Runner Up
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Pins retract for cleaning
- Anti-slip handle grip
Also Good
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Bristle brush and pin brush in 1
- Great value
In-Depth Reviews of Our Recommended Brushes for Shiba Inus
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs review
Features
- Best slicker brush
- Dual flex head
- Both straight and bent bristles
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs is ideal for detangling your Shiba Inu’s coat and getting rid of loose hair, enabling you to get through those thick layers to ensure there are no mats. The wire bristles are highly effective, with straight bristles on 1 side and bent bristles on the other, making the brush more versatile. The dual flex head moves with the curves of your dog’s body, making your job easier.
I loved that the handle of this brush was so comfortable to hold, with an ergonomic shape and ridges to make it easy to grip for control during grooming. I found that its large size allowed me to brush my dog quicker, while still being thorough. It even has anti-microbial plastic to keep germs to a minimum.
Pros
- Owners found this brush was effective at removing tangles and mats, even for dogs with thick double coats like the Shiba Inu
- Owners found the brush helped to remove loose hair from their dog’s undercoat and reduced shedding around the home
- 2 types of bristles make the brush more versatile, which owners found very useful
- Many found this brush left their dog’s coat looking and feeling healthy
- Owners found the large head of the brush made grooming quicker and more efficient
- Many said this brush was gentle on their dog’s skin and coat when used correctly
Cons
- Bristles can be prone to coming loose or bent after a period of use which owners found frustrating
- Can be difficult to remove hair from the brush as the pins are dense
- Some owners felt the brush was too harsh on their dog’s skin
- Some found the brush didn’t remove as much loose hair as other brushes they’d tried
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush review
Features
- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Pins retract for cleaning
- Anti-slip handle grip
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush is 1 of the best brushes for Shiba Inus, with bristles that curve slightly to allow you to reach the base of your dog’s thick fur and remove loose fur, tangles, and mats, without scratching or irritating their skin. With the push of a button the bristles retract so you can remove hair from the brush easily. I found this cleaning mechanism really easy to use and very convenient.
The brush comes with an anti-slip handle grip to allow you to get a firm hold of the brush and prevent strain during grooming. I felt this brush was high-quality, effective, and comfortable to use.
Pros
- Owners found that the cleaning mechanism made this brush extremely easy to clean, making the grooming process a lot easier
- Even owners of dogs with thick, double coats found this brush could move through their dog’s coat easily
- Owners found this brush was very effective at removing loose hair and dealing with tangles
- Many owners said their dog loved being groomed with this brush, mentioning they felt it was gentle for them
- Many found this brush was durable, stating it had lasted weeks or months of regular use so far
- Some said this brush helped to reduce shedding around the home, even for high-shedding breeds
Cons
- Some owners felt this brush was too harsh on their dog’s skin and coat, mentioning it scratched or pulled
- Some found this brush wasn’t as effective at removing hair as other brushes they’d tried
- Some found the self-cleaning mechanism was prone to breakage after a period of use
- Some found they had to hold down the button while brushing their pet to keep the bristles in the correct position, which was uncomfortable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush review
Features
- Best combo brush
- Bristle brush and pin brush in 1
- Great value
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is a fantastic option, providing 2 brushes in 1. There’s a pin brush on 1 side to remove loose hair and tangles, while the other side is a bristle brush, helping to redistribute your dog’s natural oils, leaving their coat shiny and smooth. The pins have safety tips to ensure it’s gentle on your dog’s skin and coat, making it perfect for daily brushing.
Given the 2 brush types and the low price, I felt this brush was excellent value. I found the ergonomic handle made it easy and comfortable to use. It was also very gentle on my dog’s skin and coat.
Pros
- Owners loved that they got 2 brushes in 1, feeling it was both practical and excellent value
- Most owners found this brush helped to remove loose hair, tackle tangles and mats, and leave their dog’s coat in good condition
- Many found the brush moved through their dog’s double coat with ease
- Owners typically felt the brush was easy to use and mentioning that the handle was comfortable to hold
- Some found their dog enjoyed being groomed with this brush, even for dogs who usually don’t like being brushed
Cons
- Some found this brush wasn’t effective enough at getting through thick coats or tackling tangles and mats
- Some felt the bristles on the bristle brush side were too harsh for their dog
- Some felt the brush wasn’t gentle enough overall on their dog’s skin and coat
- Some owners found the brush broke after a period of use
- Some found the brush hard to clean, particularly during shedding season
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake review
Features
- Best undercoat rake
- Removes loose hair and tangles
- Rotating metal teeth
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The FURminator Dog Grooming Rake is an excellent way to reach your dog’s undercoat, removing mats, tangles, and loose fur with ease during heavy shedding. The metal teeth rotate to improve effectiveness, as well as to reduce tugging and skin irritation during use. I found this rake was easy to use and highly effective, with little effort.
The ergonomic handle allows you to get a good grip of the rake, giving you control as well as keeping your hand and arm comfortable during grooming. Antimicrobial plastic keeps germs at a minimum. I felt this tool was high-quality and helped when grooming my double coated breed.
Pros
- Most owners found this brush was very effective at removing loose hair from their dog’s undercoat
- Owners found this brush was comfortable to hold even during long grooming sessions with large breeds
- Owners typically felt this tool was gentle on their dog’s skin and not too harsh on their coat, in particular mentioning the rotating teeth
- Many found this rake moved through their dog’s thick, double coat with ease
- Many owners found this tool helped to reduce shedding around the home
Cons
- Some owners felt this tool was too harsh for their dog, in particular mentioning it pulled at their dog’s fur
- Some found the tool didn’t help to remove loose hair from their dog
- Some stated that the tool broke after a short period of use, especially the handle which several owners mentioned didn’t stay in place
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool review
Features
- Best deshedding tool
- Removes loose hair
- Easy to use
Ann-Marie Sharpe
During shedding season, the FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is a fantastic way to remove loose hair from your dog’s undercoat. Designed specifically for short haired dogs with a double coat, the stainless-steel edge reaches smoothly through the top coat to ensure it does a thorough job. It can even help to reduce shedding around the home when used regularly.
The curved edge is designed to fit with the shape of your dog’s body. The handle is ergonomic to ensure your comfort, and I found it was easy to hold. I found this tool helped to remove a lot of loose hair and I loved the quick release button, helping to release the hair which had gathered in the tool.
Pros
- Most owners found this tool was highly effective at removing loose hair from their dog’s coat, especially during shedding season
- Many owners found this tool helped to reduce shedding around the home
- Owners liked the quick release button, saying it helped them to clean the tool easily
- Many owners felt this tool was gentle on their dog’s skin when used carefully
- Owners typically found this tool easy to use and comfortable to hold during grooming
Cons
- Some found the quick release mechanism was prone to breakage
- Some felt this tool was too harsh for their dog and worried it would hurt them
- Some found the tool didn’t remove as much loose hair as expected
- Some owners were worried this tool would damage their dog’s undercoat
Things to Look for in a Brush for a Shiba Inu
You should keep an eye out for the following when looking for the best brush for a Shiba Inu:
Brush Type
With lots of different brush types on the market, it’s important you choose the right type to get the best results. In general, a slicker brush, pin brush, deshedding tool, and occasionally a comb will be the best choices for your Shiba Inu.
High-Quality Materials
A brush made from high-quality materials is more likely to be effective and safe for your dog, as well as being more durable.
Correct Size
While a larger brush will help you cover more of your dog’s coat quickly, it’s important the brush isn’t too big to get into those hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s coat. It’s crucial to be thorough and brush their whole coat to ensure there are no mats or tangles left behind.
Easy and Comfortable to Hold
Since you’ll be brushing your dog a lot, it’s important you’re comfortable. A lot of brushes will have ergonomic handle with grips to give you plenty of control and comfort during grooming.
Easy Cleaning
Your brush will get full of hair and dirt, so it’s important it’s easy to clean. You can check the reviews for indications of this. Some brushes will even have self-cleaning mechanisms to make your life easier.
Durability
A durable brush will stand up to use over time and be better value for money. Material quality is key here, and you can check reviews to see if other owners found the brush you’re considering durable.
Shiba Inu Coat Basics
Shiba Inus have a short, thick double coat, meaning they have an outer layer and a thick undercoat. Their double coat helps them to regulate their temperature. The breed tends to shed a lot twice a year, but a lot of owners find this shedding lasts for months at a time.
To tackle shedding and keep their coat healthy, regular brushing is key. Unless your Shiba Inu has a long coat, which is not as common as the shorter coat, they are unlikely to mat a lot, however frequent brushing is still essential.
Shiba Inus can be very strong willed and tend not to be a fan of grooming, so it becomes even more important to get them used to grooming as early on as possible. This will reduce stress for both them and you.
Regular grooming also gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on their health, allowing you to spot signs of skin concerns early. It can also be a great bonding experience for you and your dog.
How to Brush Your Shiba Inu
When your Shiba Inu isn’t shedding, you can brush them once a week, or more if you choose. During periods of heavy shedding, daily brushing is best to reduce shedding around your home and keep their coat healthy.
During brushing, use 1 hand to hold your dog’s skin taut while using the other hand to brush with firm, short strokes in the direction of their coat. Work your way through their whole body and be thorough. Use more gentle pressure if you’re using a deshedding tool or rake, and around more delicate areas: you’ll learn how much pressure is needed.
If you come across a tangle, work it loose from the end of the hair gently and hold the hair at the base to reduce tugging on your dog’s skin. You can use a conditioning or detangling spray before you brush your dog to help loosen tangles and keep your dog’s coat in good condition.
Don’t be afraid to take plenty of breaks to give both your dog and you a rest. Praise your pup a lot and consider offering treats during grooming to make it more pleasant for your pooch.
Additional Grooming
As well as regular brushing, your dog will also need to be bathed every month or 2, depending on how dirty they get. Use a high-quality dog shampoo that’s conditioning for your dog’s coat.
Your dog shouldn’t need their coat trimmed and should never be shaved, as this can damage their beautiful coat. They should regularly have their nails trimmed; however, this can be a difficult task as the breed tends to object quite a bit! If you can’t do this at home, you can take them to a professional groomer when needed.
You should regularly clean your dog’s eyes and ears to keep them healthy. They should also have their teeth brushed regularly to keep them free of plaque and tartar, and to keep their gums healthy.
Shiba Inu Brush FAQs
What type of brush is best for a Shiba Inu?
Typically, a slicker brush or pin brush is best for regular brushing. You may also need a deshedding tool and a comb in your grooming kit for occasional use.
Do Shiba Inus like being brushed?
Shiba Inus can be very strong willed and stubborn at times, so can sometimes object to being groomed, although this varies depending on the dog. Getting them used to grooming early on is very beneficial.
Conclusion
Regular brushing with a quality brush helps to keep your Shiba Inu’s beautiful coat looking at its best and keeps your dog healthy.
The Best Brush for Shiba Inu
Editor's Choice
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs- Best slicker brush
- Dual flex head
- Both straight and bent bristles
Runner Up
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush- Best self-cleaning slicker brush
- Pins retract for cleaning
- Anti-slip handle grip
Also Good
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Bristle brush and pin brush in 1
- Great value
