The Best Brushes for Thick Coats2026 Review

Things to Look for in Best Brushes for Dogs with Thick Coats

To help you pick the best brush for your dog, you should keep the following in mind:

Brush Type

With lots of brush types on the market, it can be confusing to figure out what’s right for your dog. A pin brush or combination brush are good choices for daily grooming. Slicker brushes help to remove mats and tangles, which is great for keeping your pooches’ coat in good condition.

A comb can be helpful to detangle mats you find during grooming. A comb can also be used on feathered areas, meaning hair that’s typically longer than the rest of the coat behind the ears, chest, legs, and tail. Rubber or plastic grooming brushes can be helpful to gently remove excess hair and massage your dog to stimulate natural oil production.

De-matting and de-shedding tools can be very useful to tackle mats and get rid of loose hair. These should be used less often and with care. They’re especially useful when your dog is going through a period of heavy shedding.

High-Quality Materials

A brush made from high-quality materials is likely to last longer and generally be better quality for your dog. Look for high-quality plastic or wooden backs. Brushes with wires, pins, or bristles should be sturdy yet gentle on your dog.

Sturdy and Durable

Since you’ll be doing a lot of grooming and since their coat is thick, you need a brush that’s sturdy and durable. It should be able to perform well and last over time.

Easy to Grip Handle

Brushing can be time-consuming and quite labor-intensive (especially during shedding season), so it’s important you have a brush that’s easy to hold and that feels comfortable for you.

Correct Size of Brush

Since many of these dogs are medium or large in size, brushes with large heads will help you to get through their coat quickly and easily.

The Importance of Brushing Your Dog

It’s crucial to regularly brush your dog on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important:

• Regular brushing prevents mats which can be uncomfortable for your dog
• Brushing gets rid of tangles and helps keep your dog’s coat in top condition
• It removes loose hair and prevents their hair from getting all over your home, especially during heavy shedding season
• Brushing helps remove dirt, dead skin, and build up from your dog’s coat
• The brushing process massages your dog’s coat and skin, helping to improve circulation and stimulate natural oil production
• Regular grooming allows you to spot any problems with your dog’s health, including skin irritation, injuries, lumps, rashes, fleas, and ticks
• Grooming is a bonding experience between you and your dog, allowing you to enjoy time with one another and deepen your connection
• Grooming helps to keep your dog smelling and looking their best

How to Groom Your Dog with a Thick Coat

When your dog is shedding normally, you should brush them at least once a week. Daily is better if possible. During shedding season, it’s crucial you brush them daily.

You can gently back-brush their coat to begin with, especially if there’s lots of dirt and debris in your dog’s coat (this is likely if your dog has been out exploring). You should then brush in the direction of their coat all over their body to get out any tangles.

If your dog’s coat is very tangled, you can use a detangling spray or some water before brushing. If it’s quite smooth and fairly tangle-free, you can brush them dry. It’s important you always brush them both before and after a bath.

Keep sessions short and use lots of praise and treats to ensure your dog doesn’t get frustrated. It’s better to do a few short sessions rather than 1 long one if your dog isn’t enjoying being brushed. It’s best to start grooming your dog when they’re a puppy to get them used to the process: that way they’ll find it less stressful.

Additional Grooming

As well as brushing, there are other steps to the grooming process you need to carry out regularly. Unless your dog is competing in shows, is a working dog, or gets particularly muddy, a bath once a month is sufficient to keep them clean.

Since the hair is so long and thick, you should rinse them twice to ensure you get all of the shampoo out. You should then towel dry them. Due to their thick coat, it’s best to use a dog-safe hair drier to dry them off after a bath.

You should keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Clipping their nails once a month should be enough to keep them in good condition. They should also have a regular teeth-cleaning routine to ensure you keep plaque and tartar at bay.

In regard to cutting your dog’s hair, you can trim your dog’s coat instead or thin it out using thinning shears if you prefer. You should also trim the hair between the pads on their feet to keep them tidy and ensure your dog has plenty of grip during exercise.

You can cut your dog’s nails at home, as well as trim their fur if you feel confident. If you are inexperienced or lacking in confidence, you can always take them to a professional groomer regularly. You should ideally take them every 6 to 8 weeks.

Brushes for Dogs with Thick Coats FAQs

What is the best brush for a dog with a thick, double coat?

The best all-around option is a de-matting comb like the Safari De-Matting Dog Comb, which uses stainless-steel serrated blades to cut through mats without damaging the undercoat. For daily maintenance rather than mat removal, a slicker brush such as the FURminator Firm Slicker Brush or a rubber brush like the KONG ZoomGroom works well. Most owners of thick-coated breeds keep two tools on hand: one for detangling and one for everyday brushing.

How often should you brush a dog with a thick coat?

Brush a thick-coated dog 3–7 times a week, moving to daily brushing during shedding season (usually spring and fall). Dogs with a dense undercoat mat and shed faster than their owners expect, so skipping more than a few days at a time can undo a week of progress.

What type of brush is best for removing undercoat and loose hair?

A slicker brush or rubber curry brush is best for pulling loose undercoat hair without cutting the topcoat. Slicker brushes with fine, closely-spaced pins (like the FURminator) reach deep into a double coat, while rubber brushes such as the KONG ZoomGroom are gentler and double as a bath tool.

What’s the difference between a slicker brush, a pin brush, and a de-matting comb?

– Slicker brush: fine wire pins for removing loose undercoat and light tangles; used most days.
– Pin brush: wider-spaced rounded pins for smoothing the topcoat and finishing a grooming session.
– De-matting comb: serrated stainless-steel blades designed to cut through established mats and tangles; used only as needed, not daily.
A combo brush (pin on one side, bristle on the other, like the HH combo brush covers two of these steps in one tool.

How do I remove mats from a thick-coated dog without hurting them?

Work the mat loose gently with your fingers first, then use a de-matting comb to cut through it from the outer edge inward — never pull straight through a mat with a regular brush, as this hurts the skin. If a mat is tight against the skin or your dog is in pain, have a professional groomer remove it rather than cutting it yourself.

Can I use a de-shedding tool on any thick-coated breed?

De-shedding and de-matting tools are safe for most double-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Leonbergers), but should be used less frequently than a regular brush — a few times a week at most — since overuse can strip the topcoat’s natural oils. They’re not recommended for single-coated or very short-haired breeds.

Should I brush my thick-coated dog wet or dry?

Brush your dog dry first to remove loose hair and tangles, then again after bathing once towel- or blow-dried. Brushing a fully wet, matted coat can tighten mats rather than loosen them. Rubber brushes like the KONG ZoomGroom are the exception — they’re designed to be used in the bath to work in shampoo.

How do I stop my dog’s hair from getting all over the house?

Regular brushing — daily during shedding season — is the most effective fix, since it removes loose undercoat hair before it falls out on its own. Pair this with a de-shedding session once or twice a week using a tool designed to pull loose undercoat, such as a slicker brush or de-matting comb.

What should I look for when buying a brush for a thick-coated dog?

Look for: stainless-steel pins or blades (rust-resistant and durable), a flexible or dual-sided head that follows your dog’s body shape, an ergonomic non-slip handle, and a head sized for a medium-to-large dog so you can cover more coat per stroke. Rounded pin tips are a safety must for slicker and pin brushes.

How often should a thick-coated dog get a full groom?

A full groom — bath, brush-out, nail trim, and coat tidy — every 6–8 weeks is standard, whether done at home or by a professional groomer, with brushing maintenance in between every few days.

Conclusion

When searching for best brushes for dogs with thick coats the right dog brush can make all the difference, while making your life easier as a dog owner. With regular grooming, your dog’s coat will be looking fluffy, tangle-free, and beautiful!