iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you.
Double-coated dogs are undoubtedly beautiful, but their magnificent coats also come with a unique set of grooming challenges. These dogs have a dense undercoat beneath their longer top coat, which helps insulate them from both the heat and cold. However, it can also lead to lots of shedding, matting, and a generally unruly appearance if not properly maintained. A high-quality brush specifically designed for double coats is a must-have in your grooming toolkit. This article will explore some of the best brushes available for double-coated dogs to help you keep your canine companion looking their best.
#1 – Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs Cats Small Animals, Dog Brush for Shedding Hair Fur, Pet Grooming Brushes for Long Short Haired Dogs Cats Deshedding Brush Cat Brush for Shedding Rake Comb
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a versatile grooming tool for dogs, cats, and small animals. It has been voted as the Best Overall brush for 2022 by Spruce Pets, making it a trusted tool for fur parents. This brush not only helps to remove shedding hair and detangle fur, but it also effectively removes dirt and debris, leaving your pet’s coat shiny and healthy. Its smart design includes retractable bristles and an easy-to-clean feature, making grooming sessions quick and hassle-free.
#2 – GoPets Professional Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush for Dogs & Cats Grooming Comb Cleans Pets Shedding & Dirt for Short Medium or Long Hair
The GoPets Professional Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush is a versatile grooming tool for dogs and cats of all coat types. With its double-sided design, it is suitable for pets with short, medium, or long hair. The brush is designed to be comfortable for pets, with rounded ends on the pin brush and a non-slip handle for easy grip. It effectively removes loose hair and dirt, while also helping to eliminate mats and tangles without scratching the pet’s skin. Users have praised its simplicity and effectiveness.
#3 – FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool for Large Short Hair Dogs 23-41 kg Clear
The FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool is designed for large dogs with short hair. It effectively removes up to 90% of loose hair without damaging the topcoat. The tool features a stainless steel deShedding edge, a curved shape for comfort, and a FURejector button for easy hair release. It also has an ergonomic, non-slip handle for safe and convenient grooming.
#4 – Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush – Double Sided Shedding and Dematting Undercoat Rake Comb for Dogs and Cats, Extra Wide, Blue, Dog Grooming Brush, Dog Shedding Brush
The Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush is a double-sided shedding and dematting comb for dogs and cats. It features a dual-sided design with 9 teeth for stubborn mats and tangles and 17 teeth for thinning and deshedding. The brush is designed to be skin-friendly, with sharpened but fine rounded teeth that allow for easy and safe removal of mats, tangles, and loose hair without irritation or scratching. It is lightweight and has a non-slip rubber handle for comfortable holding and stability, making it a great gift for pet lovers.
#5 – Dog rake deshedding dematting Brush Comb – Undercoat rake for Dogs, Cats, matted, Short, Long Hair Coats – Brush for Shedding, Double Row Stainless Steel pins – Reduce Shedding by 90% (Blue)
The Dog Rake Deshedding Dematting Brush Comb is a top-quality grooming tool suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other furry pets. With its double row of stainless steel pins, it effectively reduces shedding by up to 90% after just one session. This brush is recommended by professionals and promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat while minimizing irritation and allergic reactions. Its innovative design allows air to reach the pet’s skin and the handle is durable and non-slip.
#6 – Self-cleaning Slicker Brush, shedding and grooming tool for pets, remove loose hair, Fur, Undercoat, Mats, Tangled Hair, and knots for large medium small sensitive long, or short hair dogs, cats, rabbits
The Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a shedding and grooming tool for pets that effectively removes loose hair, fur, undercoat, mats, tangled hair, and knots. It features plastic tips on the bristles to provide a gentle massage for pets and promote blood circulation. The brush is easy to use and clean, with an ergonomic design and a button that allows the pins to retract for easy hair removal. It is a durable and economical option that is suitable for all pets and helps to keep the house free of pet hair.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Brush for a Double-Coated Dog?
When choosing a brush for a double-coated dog, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Type of Brush: Double-coated dogs benefit from two types of brushes: an undercoat rake and a slicker brush. The undercoat rake is designed to reach deep into your dog’s fur to remove loose hair from the undercoat, while the slicker brush helps remove tangles and mats from the top coat.
- Size and Design: The brush size should be appropriate for your dog’s size. Also, the design should be comfortable to hold for extended periods to prevent hand fatigue during longer grooming sessions.
- Quality of Materials: Look for a brush with sturdy, durable construction that can withstand repeated use. The bristles should be robust enough to manage the dense undercoat but gentle enough not to scratch your dog’s skin.
- Ease of Cleaning: Consider brushes that are easy to clean. Some brushes come with a self-cleaning feature, where you press a button to retract the bristles, making it easier to remove the collected hair.
- Comfort for Your Dog: Last but not least, the brush shouldn’t cause discomfort to your pet. Choose a brush that has rounded or protected tips to prevent scratching the skin.
Remember, brushing your dog regularly not only keeps their coat healthy and shiny but also reduces the amount of hair shed around your home. It’s a win-win!
What Dogs Breeds Have Double Coats?
A wide variety of dog breeds have double coats, which consist of a denser undercoat and a longer overcoat. This type of coat is particularly common in breeds that were originally bred for outdoor work in colder climates, as the undercoat provides extra insulation against the cold. Here are a few examples of breeds with double coats:
- Siberian Huskies: These dogs were bred for sled-pulling in Siberia, a region known for its extreme cold.
- Alaskan Malamutes: Similar to Huskies, Malamutes have thick double coats to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- German Shepherds: This breed has a dense undercoat and a thick overcoat which protect them from weather extremes.
- Golden Retrievers: They have water-repellent outer coats and a dense undercoat to protect them from cold water during retrievals.
- Shetland Sheepdogs: Also known as Shelties, these dogs were bred for herding in the cold, wet climate of the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs: Originating in Switzerland, these dogs were bred for work in the cold mountainous region, and thus have a thick double coat.
- Samoyeds: These dogs were bred for hard work in the coldest places on earth, and have an incredibly thick, double-layer coat.
- Australian Shepherds: Despite the name, this breed was developed in the United States and has a coat designed to protect against cold weather and precipitation.
- Newfoundlands: These dogs have a water-resistant double coat, which helps them in their original job of rescuing drowning people.
- Labrador Retrievers: Labs have a dense, water-resistant undercoat that provides insulation and a short, thick overcoat.
Keep in mind that double-coated breeds typically “blow” or shed their undercoats twice a year, which can result in a significant amount of hair. Regular brushing is essential for managing shedding and preventing matting and tangles in these breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushes for Double-Coated Dogs
- What is a double coat on a dog? A double coat consists of two layers: a dense and soft undercoat beneath a coarse and water-resistant top coat. This type of coat offers protection from the weather and temperature extremes, making them common in breeds that originated in cold climates.
- Why do double-coated dogs need special brushes? Double-coated dogs need special brushes because their undercoats can become dense and matted. Regular brushes may not be able to reach or effectively remove loose hair from the undercoat. Specialized brushes, like undercoat rakes and slicker brushes, are designed to penetrate the top coat and gently remove loose hair from the undercoat.
- How often should I brush my double-coated dog? The frequency can vary depending on the breed and the individual dog, but a good rule of thumb is to brush your double-coated dog at least once a week. During shedding season, which usually occurs twice a year, you may need to increase the frequency to daily brushing.
- What types of brushes work best for double-coated dogs? An undercoat rake is ideal for removing loose hair from the undercoat without damaging the top coat. A slicker brush can also be effective at detangling and smoothing the fur. Some owners also use a dematting tool for stubborn tangles and mats.
- Should I shave my double-coated dog in the summer to keep them cool? No, shaving a double-coated dog is generally not recommended. The double coat provides insulation from both cold and hot weather, and shaving can actually make your dog more susceptible to overheating and sunburn. Instead, regular brushing to remove loose hair can help keep your dog comfortable in the summer.
- Why is my double-coated dog shedding so much? Double-coated dogs naturally shed their undercoats twice a year in a process called “blowing coat.” This can result in a significant amount of loose hair. Regular brushing can help manage this shedding. If your dog seems to be shedding excessively or constantly, it could be a sign of a health issue, and you should consult your vet.
- Can I use a de-shedding tool on my double-coated dog? Yes, de-shedding tools like the Furminator can be used on double-coated dogs. These tools reach down to the undercoat to remove loose hair. However, they should be used sparingly and gently to avoid damaging the coat or irritating the skin.
- What’s the difference between a slicker brush and an undercoat rake? A slicker brush has fine, short wires close together and is used to remove tangles and mats from both the top coat and undercoat. An undercoat rake has fewer, longer, and widely spaced tines designed to penetrate the top coat and remove loose hair from the undercoat.
- Why does my double-coated dog have mats and tangles? Mats and tangles can occur if loose hair from the undercoat isn’t regularly removed. This loose hair can get caught up with the top coat, leading to mats. Regular brushing helps prevent this by removing loose hair before it can mat.
- How can I remove mats from my double-coated dog’s fur? Start by using a slicker brush to try to gently work out the mat. If the mat is too tight, you may need to use a dematting tool or a mat splitter. For severe matting, it’s best to consult a professional groomer to avoid hurting your dog’s skin.
Conclusion: Best Brushes for Double-Coated Dogs
Maintaining your double-coated dog’s fur is an integral part of their overall health and well-being. It not only keeps them looking great but also promotes skin health and reduces shedding around your home. While grooming a double-coated dog requires a little more effort, having the right brush can make a world of difference. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into selecting the best brush for your furry friend. Always remember, regular grooming is not just a chore, but a great opportunity to bond with your dog. Happy grooming!
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you.
Toledo, United States.
