Grooming your dog isn’t just about making him look clean. Regular brushing removes loose hair, spreads natural oils to the skin, and allows you to quickly notice things like lumps, ticks, or skin irritation. The right brush helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and significantly reduces the problem of hair that gets scattered around the house.
There are so many brush types on the market that choosing the right brush for your dog’s coat can be a bit confusing. Slicker brushes, pin brushes, bristle brushes, and rubber curry brushes all have different functions. Using the wrong brush for your dog’s coat can cause discomfort, hair tangles, or result in inadequate grooming.
This guide explains the five main brush types available in the UK in a simple way. It also compares the best options available on Amazon UK and AliExpress, and explains which brush is best for which coat type. All the tools covered here are manual, not electric, so you can use them safely and easily at home.
Safety rating: green safe
All the products in this guide are manual grooming tools. They do not have batteries, heat, or sharp cutting blades. The most important thing for safety is brushing method. Always brush in the direction of the hair, avoid applying excessive pressure to the skin, and be gentle on sensitive areas like the belly, armpits, and behind the ears.
Tools are safe, but never leave your dog unattended. Some dogs may chew on the brush handle, which can damage teeth or ingest small bristle parts.
1. Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best for: Dogs with long, thick, or double coats, such as Golden Retrievers, Collies, Goldendoodles, and Poodles.
Chris Christensen considers the Big G to be a very high-quality option among slicker brushes. Professional groomers in the UK and elsewhere often recommend it for dogs with dense, long, or curly coats. This brush has extra-long, tightly packed stainless steel pins that reach deep into the undercoat, but don’t scratch the skin.
What sets the Big G apart from cheaper slicker brushes is the quality of its pins and cushion pad. The tips of the pins are smooth and polished, so they move smoothly through the hair instead of getting caught in tangles. The beech wood handle is comfortable to grip, especially when grooming sessions are a bit longer. This brush comes in 3 sizes: Baby G for small dogs and delicate areas, Medium for more delicate breeds, and Large for big dogs with heavier coats.
The Big G Slicker is especially helpful for fluffing the coat dry after a bath. The long pins separate the hairs of the coat and remove loose undercoat as well. If your dog tends to develop mats behind their ears or in the feathering area of their legs, this brush handles those areas well too.
It’s priced higher than most competitors, usually around £55 to £68 depending on size and retailer. Professional Grooming Supplies and Christie’s Direct stock Big G in the UK. For owners who regularly groom their dogs, its durability and performance may justify the price. Reddit’s dog grooming community also often calls Big G a brush worth spending serious money on.
Price: £55-68 | Where to buy: Amazon UK (Big G Medium) | Amazon UK (Big K Large)
The Spruce Pets also regularly ranks Chris Christensen brushes among its top picks for professional-grade grooming. Flying Pawfect, a groomer-tested review site, also includes the Big G on its recommended list for 2026.
2. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best for: Medium to long coats and normal deshedding, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and Border Collies.
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is one of the best-selling dog brushes on Amazon UK, and the reason is obvious. It does the same job as professional brushes at a much lower price. Its stainless steel fine wire bristles help remove loose hair, tangles, and trapped dirt from medium and long coats.
The most useful feature is its self-cleaning button. Pressing the button on the back of the brush retracts the bristles and removes stubborn fur in one motion. If your dog sheds a lot, this is genuinely helpful, as removing fur by hand with a normal slicker brush can be quite irritating. The anti-slip handle is comfortable to grip, especially when grooming sessions are a bit longer.
The Hertzko Slicker works well on coarser coat types, but is more useful on wavy, curly, and medium-length coats. On very fine or short coats, the fine wire bristles don’t make as much contact with the undercoat. This brush is available in both a standard version and a sensitive version. The sensitive version has plastic-tipped bristles, which may be better for dogs with thin skin or short coats.
WOpet’s 2025 dog brush review ranked the Hertzko among its top picks for everyday grooming. People.com also tested the Hertzko and found it effective at handling tight, curly hair. Build quality is good for the price, but the self-cleaning mechanism can become a bit stiff over time with heavy use.
Price: £12-18 | Where to buy: Amazon UK (Standard) | Amazon UK (Sensitive Version) | AliExpress (Self-Cleaning Slicker)
Due to high demand for dog hair brushes, some products may occasionally go out of stock, so you may want to choose another option of the same type. If you check on AliExpress, there is currently a 53% discount. I can’t say for sure whether this will continue later or not. This discount is currently available.
Prices for some products may be higher when buying from Amazon UK, especially when demand is high. I wouldn’t recommend AliExpress for dog food, as there may be quality issues. However, for dog gadgets and accessories, AliExpress is considered a good budget option.
3. Hertzko Pin Brush for Long Coats
Best for: For daily brushing of long and silky coats, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, and Setters.
A pin brush resembles a human hairbrush. It has straight wire pins set in a rubber or cushioned pad. The Hertzko Pin Brush is designed for dogs with long or medium-length coats that require gentle detangling. It feels softer than a slicker brush. The rounded tips of each pin prevent scratching the skin.
This brush is great for daily use. It smooths the topcoat, removes light tangles, and is easily tolerated by most dogs. In dogs with silky coats, this brush helps maintain shine and prevents hair from sticking to the body.
The Hertzko Pin Brush is not the best tool for removing dense undercoats or handling serious matting. A slicker brush or proper dematting tool is better for such tasks. However, in a regular grooming routine, this pin brush is very helpful in keeping long coats neat between deeper grooming sessions.
Groomers Online recommends long-pinned pin brushes, 25mm or longer, for long-coated breeds, as the extra pin length helps the brush reach the skin level within the coat. According to The Fussy Pup, pin brushes are important grooming tools for tangle-free, silky coats in breeds with finer hair texture.
Price: £10-15 | Where to buy: Amazon UK | Amazon UK (Chris Christensen 20mm Pin Brush – Premium Option) | AliExpress (Pin Brushes)
For owners seeking a premium option, the Chris Christensen 20mm Oblong Pin Brush is a strong choice. It features ground and polished stainless steel pins, and offers 30% more pins than traditional pin brushes. The price is higher, but its build quality and performance feel clearly superior for dogs with demanding coats.
While researching the best brushes, I noticed that most of the people had the same problem that their dogs get hurt while brushing. So, keeping this in mind, I am going to tell you about the solution of this thing, Pet Grooming Brush Solid Wood Handle Stainless Steel Pin Air Cushion for Dogs and Cats Brushes that do not harm their skin.
4. Mikki Bamboo Bristle Brush for Short Coats
Best for: Dogs with short, smooth, or single coats, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boxers, French Bulldogs, and Dalmatians.
A bristle brush is the softest type of dog brush. The Mikki Bamboo Bristle Brush has natural boar bristles mounted on a bamboo handle. These bristles gently massage the skin and spread natural oils into the coat, leaving short-haired dogs with a healthy and shiny coat after brushing.
This brush is best for breeds with short, smooth coats that don’t require deep undercoat removal. Soft bristles gently remove loose surface hair, dust, and dander without causing discomfort to the dog. Many short-haired breeds don’t like the feel of wire pins on their skin, so a bristle brush is more comfortable for them.
Its palm-sized design fits easily in the hand, and the bamboo handle feels good to hold. Mutts & Hounds, a UK-based luxury grooming retailer, says their soft bristle palm brush works well on smooth-haired breeds like Dachshunds, especially for dogs that don’t like hard brushes.
A bristle brush can also help with gentle shampooing during bath time. It distributes the shampoo evenly through the coat without tangling the hair. D for Dog recommends a standard bristle brush for shorter coats, as it gives the coat a nice finish and helps remove loose hair or dust.
Price: £8-14 | Where to buy: Amazon UK (Mikki Large) | Amazon UK (Double-Sided Bamboo Brush) | AliExpress (Bristle Brushes)
Amazon UK’s double-sided bamboo brush option offers both a pin side and a bristle side in a single tool. This is handy for homes with dogs with multiple coat types, or dogs with medium coats that benefit from both brushing styles.
If you want to choose a dog grooming brush from AliExpress, I have a good option. If you’re looking for a hair remover or grooming brush for your puppy, the True Eco-Friendly Pet Shaving Hair Removal can be quite useful for pets with medium to long fur.
Many people keep cute puppies, but their grooming and care is just as important. Regular brushing removes loose hair, keeps the coat clean, and reduces the problem of hair that gets scattered around the house. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly grooming option from AliExpress, you might want to consider this brush.
5. KONG ZoomGroom Rubber Curry Brush
Best for: Short coats, bath time, and massage, such as Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Jack Russells, and Mastiffs.
The KONG ZoomGroom is a rubber curry brush that’s very popular with UK dog owners. It’s made of durable rubber and has 19mm rubber fingers. It gently massages the skin while also collecting loose hair. It’s one of the few brushes that many dogs actually enjoy, as the rubber fingers feel like a soft massage.
The ZoomGroom is most useful in 2 situations. At bath time, its rubber fingers help spread the shampoo deep into the coat, much better than just the hand. On dry coats, it removes a lot of loose hair from short-haired breeds, especially during seasonal shedding. Hair clumps on the rubber surface, making it easy to remove and dispose of in the bin.
The ZoomGroom is available in two sizes: standard, which is suitable for larger dogs, and small, which is for toy breeds and puppies. Its design is simple, with no breakable mechanical parts. KONG is known for durable dog products, and this grooming tool can last for years with regular use.
Reddit’s grooming community often recommends the ZoomGroom as a bath-time essential. Mumsnet users also say this is a good starting point for owners starting their first grooming kit. Scent Hound, a US-based grooming resource, confirms that brushes with rounded edges are popular for short-haired breeds, as they are gentler on the skin.
Price: £10-14 | Where to buy: Amazon UK (ZoomGroom Red) | Amazon UK (ZoomGroom Blue) | Amazon UK (Small Size)
6. Dog Bath Brush,Dog Grooming Shedding Soothing Massage Rubber
If you are looking for a budget option, this grooming brush might be right for you because it gives you dog brushing and dog grooming all in one and it is easy to use.
The best part is that it fits snugly in your hand, so you can easily control the pressure while washing your dog. For pets that are a little nervous, this may not feel like rough brushing, but more like a gentle hand massage. It also helps the shampoo spread better through the coat, especially on dogs with short to medium fur.
For normal dog owners, this type of brush is useful because it simplifies grooming, saves time, and can reduce the problem of loose hairs sticking to clothes, carpets, and furniture. It’s not a magic solution to heavy shedding, but as a budget-friendly grooming tool, it can make bath time cleaner, easier, and more comfortable for both dog and owner.
Which brush type suits your dog’s coat?
Choosing the right brush depends entirely on your dog’s coat type. For many dogs, it’s better to have more than one brush type in their grooming kit. Check out this quick guide:
- Slicker brush: Best for long, thick, double, or curly coats. It reaches deep into the coat, removes tangles, and removes loose undercoat. Good for medium and large breeds with heavy coats.
- Pin brush: Best for long, silky, or fine coats. Useful for daily gentle detangling. Helps keep the coat neat and smooth between deep grooming sessions.
- Bristle brush: Best for short, smooth, or single coats. It spreads natural oils, removes surface dust, and removes loose hair. It’s the gentlest option for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Rubber curry brush: Best for short coats and bath time. It massages the skin, collects loose hair, and helps distribute shampoo evenly through the coat. Ideal for breeds that don’t like wire bristles.
Grooming tips for beginners
Start grooming sessions when your dog is calm, such as after a walk and a little tired. Initially, keep the sessions short, about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, once the dog gets used to the routine, you can gradually increase the time.
Always brush in the direction of the hair and apply light pressure. If you find tangled hair anywhere, use your free hand to hold it near the root to avoid pulling the skin. Then, slowly remove the mat from the tip.
For double-coated breeds that shed heavily, line brushing is the best technique. Part the coat in a line down to the skin, brush that exposed section, then part the next section and repeat the same process. This ensures the brush reaches the undercoat, not just the top.
Give the dog treats and praise during and after grooming. As the dog begins to perceive grooming as a positive thing, the process becomes easier for both over time. If the dog shows signs of pain, such as whimpering, skin flinching, or growling, stop immediately and check the area for mats, tangles, or skin issues.
How often should you brush your dog?
How often to brush depends on your dog’s breed and coat type. Long-coated and double-coated breeds are best brushed daily or once a day to prevent tangles and keep shedding under control.
Short-coated breeds are usually brushed once or twice a week. In spring and autumn, when seasonal shedding is more frequent, dogs of all coat types should be brushed a little more often to prevent loose hair from littering the house.
Regular brushing can also reduce trips to the professional groomer, saving money throughout the year. And while brushing, you also check the dog’s body for any new lumps, skin issues, or grass seeds stuck between the toes.
Reviews from other websites
The Spruce Pets tested and ranked 11 dog brushes for 2026. The Four Paws Magic Coat Curry Brush for short-haired dogs came out on top, and the FURminator was the overall favorite pick. People.com tested 13 brushes and praised the FURminator for its comfortable grip and strong loose hair removal performance.
WOpet’s detailed review included the Hertzco Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush and the Andis Premium Pin Brush among its top three picks for 2025.
Flying Pawfect, a groomer-tested review site updated for 2025, says the Chris Christensen Big G is still the top choice of professional groomers for serious coat work. Happy Hounds Grooming tested 8 brushes and highlighted the Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Rake for thick and wiry coats.
The Fussy Pup provides separate buying guides for each brush type, and makes the point that investing in good quality tools is better for both the dog’s coat and comfort over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a human hairbrush on my dog?
No. Human hairbrushes are not made for dogs. They are for human hair, which is usually finer and simpler than dog coats.Dogs have different coat types; some are short, some thick, some curly, and some have a double coat. Dog brushes differ in pin length, bristle softness or stiffness, and cushion design based on the dog’s coat.
Using the wrong brush can cause discomfort to the dog and may not properly remove loose hair or tangles.
Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?
It’s best to brush before bathing. Brushing removes loose hair and tangles, which can otherwise tighten and form mats once wet.
After bathing, use a slicker brush or rubber curry brush while the coat is drying. This makes the coat fluffy and removes any remaining loose hair.
My dog hates being brushed. What should I do?
Try a rubber curry brush like the KONG ZoomGroom, as its massaging feel is more comfortable for sensitive dogs. Initially, keep sessions very short, use high-value treats, and avoid brushing areas where the dog feels uncomfortable. Let him or her become comfortable with the process first.
If your dog reacts negatively to each brushing, consult a vet to rule out any hidden problems like skin pain or sensitivity.
How do I clean my dog’s brushes?
Remove any loose hair from the brush after each use. A comb works well for slicker and pin brushes, as it easily removes hair stuck between the bristles.
Occasionally, wash brushes with warm soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. Let them air dry completely before next use. Hertzko’s self-cleaning button makes this task quite easy.
Are expensive brushes really worth the money?
For dogs with demanding coats, yes, a premium brush may be worth it. The Chris Christensen Big G may seem more expensive initially, but it lasts longer and works much better than budget brushes on thick, curly, or double coats.
But if your dog has a short coat and needs occasional brushing, a budget-friendly bristle brush or rubber curry brush will do the job just fine.
Where can I find cheaper alternatives online?
All the brushes reviewed in this guide are available on Amazon UK, and prices are usually competitive. Budget options for slicker brushes, pin brushes, bristle brushes, and rubber curry tools can be found on AliExpress.
Because these are all non-electrical manual tools, buying from AliExpress is less risky than buying electrical or edible pet products. Just be sure to check seller ratings and customer reviews before purchasing.
