Best Dog Grooming Brushes (2026): De-Shedding & Undercoat Picks
Most dogs shed year-round, and the right brush is the difference between a house full of fur and a weekly 10-minute routine. The catch: different coats need different tools. De-shedding tools reach the undercoat, slicker brushes finish the topcoat, and the right technique stops you scraping your dog's skin. Here's what actually works.
Which brush for which coat?
- Double coats (Labradors, Huskies, GSDs): a de-shedding tool to lift undercoat, then a slicker for the topcoat.
- Long silky coats (Yorkies, Shih Tzus): a slicker brush daily to prevent mats, plus a comb for finishing.
- Short smooth coats (Boxers, Beagles): a rubber curry or soft de-shedder once or twice a week.
- Curly coats (Poodles, Doodles): slicker brushes and combs — never de-shedding blades, which ruin curls.
The 4 best dog grooming brushes of 2026
1. Best for shedding: FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Large, short hair)
~£30–£45
The original and still the best-known de-shedding tool. Its stainless steel edge reaches deep into the undercoat and lifts loose fur before it hits your sofa, removing up to 90% of loose hair. The FURejector button releases the collected fur in one click. Size it to your dog's coat length and weight.
2. Best for long coats: FURminator deShedding Tool (Medium, long hair)
~£30–£45
The long-hair version of the classic, with deeper-set teeth that glide through longer coats without tugging. Ideal for collies, spaniels and long-haired mixed breeds that shed heavily. Same FURejector convenience, gentler on feathering and furnishings.
3. Best self-cleaning slicker: Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
~£10–£16
Round-tipped pins glide through the topcoat, remove mats and pick up loose hair — and the retractable mechanism cleans the brush in one push, so you're not picking fur out of the bristles by hand. The rounded pins make it much harder to scratch skin. A great all-rounder for most coats.
4. Best gentle option: Bugalugs De-Shedding Brush
~£12–£18
A wide, shallow-toothed comb that removes loose fur and tangles without cutting or scratching — especially good for sensitive dogs and puppies that hate grooming. The extra-wide head covers ground fast, and it works on short, medium and long coats alike. A favourite of groomers for nervous dogs.
How to brush without hurting your dog
- Brush in the coat's direction first, then against it to lift the undercoat.
- Keep the brush flat against the skin and use short strokes — never dig the tips in.
- Reward often: short, positive sessions beat long stressful ones.
- Bathe first for heavy shedders: de-shedding tools work best on clean, dry coats.
Bottom line
Heavy shedders need the FURminator (size it to your dog). Long-haired dogs should use the long-hair version, most owners benefit from a self-cleaning slicker for maintenance, and sensitive dogs will tolerate the Bugalugs best. Brushed right, your dog's coat stays healthy and your home stays fur-free.