Dog brush reviews
Best Dog Brush UK 2026: Slicker, Pin & Deshedding
Wrong brush = broken coat or irritated skin. Guide to UK dog brushes by coat type — tested on a Springer and a Lurcher.
By Meg, Dog Product Reviews · Updated 20 March 2026
The single biggest grooming mistake is using the wrong brush. A slicker on a knotted coat rips through tangles rather than working them out. A FURminator on a single-coat dog causes serious topcoat damage.
This guide is about which brush your dog actually needs, and why — not just which brush to buy.
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What actually matters here
- Correct brush type for your dog's coat — slicker, pin, or deshedding tool.
- Pin quality — ground and polished tips to avoid scratching.
- Cushioned pad that flexes during use rather than forcing through the coat.
- Comfortable handle for sessions that can last 20–30 minutes.
- Durability — cheap brushes lose pin shape within weeks.
Why brush type matters more than brand
Pin brushes have wire pins with rounded tips in a cushioned base — they detangle without breaking hair. Slicker brushes have fine, densely packed angled pins — they smooth and remove loose hair after detangling. Deshedding tools reach into the undercoat to rake out dead hair.
Using the wrong one for the wrong coat doesn't just give bad results — it causes damage. A FURminator on a Lurcher's fine single coat would be catastrophic.
Brush guide by coat type
Short smooth coats (Lurcher, Lab): bristle brush or grooming mitt. Medium wavy coats (Spaniel, Golden): pin brush then slicker then comb. Long silky coats (Setter, Afghan): wide-pin brush then slicker then comb. Double coats (Collie, Husky): FURminator weekly plus slicker. Curly/doodle coats: wide pin brush plus slicker — they matt fast if skipped.
How to brush without causing matting or discomfort
Work in sections from head to tail. Start brushing from the ends of the hair inward — tip to root works out tangles progressively without ripping. Use the one-inch lift method: hold the coat above where you're brushing to prevent pulling at the skin.
Always finish with a fine-tooth metal comb through areas prone to matting — behind the ears, armpits, groin, under the collar.
Quick comparison
Recommended picks
Best for: Best slicker brush for medium-to-long coated breeds
Chris Christensen Chris Christensen Mark III Slicker Brush
Approx. price: ~£30 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Flexible stainless steel pins ground and polished at the tips, set in a cushioned rubber head. The quality difference from a cheap slicker is immediately apparent and it lasts years.
Main drawback: £30 for a brush. Not for heavy shedders as a primary tool — this is a slicker, not a deshedding tool.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Flexible pin cushion responds to the coat rather than forcing through it.
- Ground tips mean no scratching.
- Quality lasts years of regular use.
- 4.7/5 from 5,000 reviews — professional groomers buy these.
Cons
- £30 for a brush is the honest reaction most people will have.
- Not for heavy shedders as a primary tool.
- Requires proper technique — detangle first.
Best for: Best budget brush for short-coated dogs
Ancol Ancol Ergo Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush
Approx. price: ~£8 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Two brushes for £8 — the pin side handles tangles in medium coats, the bristle side smooths and finishes. Genuinely all a smooth-coated dog needs.
Main drawback: Pin side isn't firm enough for matted or very thick coats. Plastic handle is less comfortable for long sessions.
Typical price band: £
Pros
- Two tools in one — genuine value.
- Pin side gentle enough for short-coated dogs.
- Bristle side gives a great finish on smooth coats.
- At £8, replacing every couple of years is painless.
Cons
- Pin side isn't firm enough for matted or thick coats.
- Plastic handle less comfortable for long sessions.
- Won't survive aggressive daily use on long-coated breeds.
Best for: Best deshedding tool for double-coated breeds in shedding season
FURminator FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
Approx. price: ~£28 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Stainless steel edge reaches below the topcoat to rake out dead undercoat. The FURejector button releases collected hair. Nothing else comes close for reducing shedding in double-coated breeds.
Main drawback: Overuse damages the topcoat — once a week maximum. Wrong tool entirely for single-coated dogs.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Genuinely reduces shedding by up to 90%.
- FURejector button for easy hair release.
- Build quality and stainless steel edge stays sharp.
- 20,000+ reviews at 4.6/5.
Cons
- Overuse damages topcoat — once a week, 10–20 mins max.
- Wrong tool for single-coated breeds.
- Long hair vs short hair versions matter.
FAQ
What's the difference between a pin brush and a slicker brush?
A pin brush has wider-spaced, rubber-cushioned pins for detangling. A slicker has tightly packed, angled metal pins for smoothing and removing loose hair. Use pin brush first, then slicker.
Can I use a FURminator on my Cockapoo?
No. Cockapoos typically have poodle-influenced curly coats without a true double undercoat. A FURminator can break the curl pattern and damage the coat.
How do I stop my dog hating being brushed?
Start young, keep sessions short, use treats throughout, and stop before they're stressed. Desensitisation works — start by just touching the brush to the body without brushing.
How often should I brush my dog?
Long-coated: every 1–3 days. Medium coats: every 2–3 days. Short coats: weekly is usually enough.