How to Choose a Brush for Long-Hair Dogs

How to Choose a Brush for Long-Hair Dogs

Long-hair dogs are undeniably beautiful—their flowing coats, feathered tails, and plush textures make them stand out in any crowd. But with that beauty comes responsibility. Without the right grooming tools, especially the right brush for long-hair dogs, their coats can quickly develop tangles, mats, and uncomfortable debris buildup. Choosing the proper brush isn’t just about keeping your dog looking good—it’s about keeping them healthy, comfortable, and mat-free.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the best brush for long-hair dogs, the types of brushes you should consider, what features matter most, and how often you should groom your dog. Whether you have a Golden Retriever, Afghan Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Shih Tzu, or any fluffy mix, this guide will help you pick the right grooming tool with confidence.

Why Long-Hair Dogs Need the Right Brush

Long coats are more prone to:

  • tangles

  • mats

  • shedding

  • trapped dirt and allergens

  • hair breakage

  • skin irritation

Without regular brushing, your dog can develop painful mats that pull at the skin, restrict movement, and cause infections. The right brush makes grooming easier, more effective, and more comfortable for your pet.

Understanding Long-Haired Dog Coat Types

Not all long coats are the same. The type of brush you need depends on whether your dog has:

1. Silky Long Hair

Found in breeds like:

  • Afghan Hounds

  • Yorkshire Terriers

  • Irish Setters

These coats flow smoothly and look luxurious, but they tangle easily. They require gentle, frequent brushing.

2. Double Coats with Long Outer Hair

Found in breeds like:

  • Golden Retrievers

  • Border Collies

  • Great Pyrenees

These dogs have a soft undercoat beneath longer guard hairs—meaning they shed heavily and need tools that reach both layers.

3. Curly or Wavy Long Hair

Found in breeds like:

  • Poodles

  • Doodles

  • Portuguese Water Dogs

Curly coats trap tangles and debris quickly and need structured brushes that can detangle without pulling.

4. Long Plush or Cotton-Like Coats

Found in breeds like:

  • Shih Tzus

  • Lhasa Apsos

  • Havanese

These coats matt easily and require daily maintenance with the right tools.

Types of Brushes for Long-Hair Dogs

Let’s break down the best brushes used by professional groomers and why they’re essential for long-hair breeds.

1. Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is the #1 go-to tool for long-hair dogs. It has fine metal bristles angled to glide through thick coats.

Benefits:

  • detangles knots

  • removes loose fur

  • smooths outer coat

  • helps prevent matting

  • ideal for long-haired double-coated breeds

Slicker brushes come in soft, medium, and firm levels. Dogs with sensitive skin may prefer a soft or flexible version.

2. Pin Brush

A pin brush resembles a human hairbrush with metal pins and rounded tips.

Benefits:

  • great for finishing and fluffing

  • gentle on sensitive coats

  • ideal for silky coats

  • good for daily brushing

Pin brushes don’t remove deep mats but are excellent for smoothing and maintaining coat shine.

3. Undercoat Rake

An undercoat rake reaches deep into double coats to remove loose fur trapped underneath.

Benefits:

  • reduces shedding

  • prevents compacted undercoat

  • ideal for long-haired double-coated dogs

This tool is essential during shedding seasons.

4. Dematting Comb or Dematting Tool

For stubborn knots, a dematting tool gently cuts through mats without pulling excessively.

Benefits:

  • breaks up mats safely

  • ideal for breeds prone to heavy matting

  • works well on long plush coats

  • reduces discomfort for your dog

Use it sparingly and follow up with a slicker brush.

5. Deshedding Tool

Tools like metal deshedders or multi-blade rakes help reduce heavy shedding in breeds like:

  • Golden Retrievers

  • Collies

  • Shepherd mixes

Benefits:

  • removes stuck undercoat

  • reduces tumbleweed fur

  • prevents matting caused by loose fur buildup

6. Comb (Wide and Fine Tooth)

A comb is essential for finishing touches and checking for tangles.

Benefits:

  • detects small knots

  • smooths and straightens coat

  • reaches behind ears and under legs

Pro groomers rarely work without one.

What to Look For in the Best Brush for Long-Hair Dogs

Choosing a brush for long coats involves more than grabbing the first one you see. Here are the key features to consider:

1. Brush Type That Matches Coat Needs

For example:

  • Silky coats → pin brush + slicker

  • Double coats → undercoat rake + slicker

  • Curly coats → slicker + dematting tool

  • Plush coats → comb + gentle slicker

Matching the brush to the coat keeps grooming effective and comfortable.

2. Bristle or Pin Quality

High-quality tools have:

  • bent metal teeth that glide smoothly

  • protected tips for sensitive skin

  • durable, rust-resistant materials

Cheap brushes can scratch your dog or break easily.

3. Ergonomic Handle

Grooming long-hair dogs can take time. Look for:

  • non-slip grips

  • comfortable handles

  • lightweight construction

Your hands will thank you.

4. Size and Shape

Brush sizes matter:

  • small breeds → smaller brushes for tight areas

  • large breeds → wider brushes for quicker grooming

  • curved slickers → better contact with body shape

A properly sized brush reduces effort and discomfort.

5. Skin Sensitivity

If your dog has sensitive skin, look for:

  • soft-pin slicker brushes

  • coated-pin brushes

  • flexible heads

  • gentle dematting tools

Always avoid harsh pulling or scraping.

How Often Should You Brush a Long-Hair Dog?

The frequency depends on your dog’s coat type:

Daily Brushing

  • Shih Tzus

  • Maltese

  • Afghan Hounds

  • Doodles

3–4 Times a Week

  • Golden Retrievers

  • Collies

  • Aussies

Weekly Deep Grooming

  • Long-haired mixed breeds

  • Seasonal shedders

Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and prevents painful matting.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush a Long-Hair Dog Properly

A good brushing routine protects both coat and skin health.

1. Start With a Detangling Spray (Optional but Recommended)

Detangling sprays help loosen knots, reduce pulling, and condition the fur.

2. Begin at the Ends, Not the Roots

Work from the ends of the hair toward the skin to avoid pulling and discomfort.

3. Use a Slicker Brush for Detangling

Gently glide the slicker brush through the coat in small sections.

4. Use a Comb to Check Your Work

Run a wide-tooth comb through the coat.
If it catches, return to the slicker.

5. Address Mats Carefully

Use a dematting tool or your fingers to break up stubborn mats. Never yank—this stresses your dog and makes grooming unpleasant.

6. Finish With a Pin Brush

The pin brush adds shine and smooths the coat beautifully.

Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid

Prevent discomfort by avoiding these mistakes:

❌ Brushing Only the Top Layer

Mats form underneath—deep brushing is essential.

❌ Using the Wrong Tools

A short-hair brush won’t help a long-haired dog and may cause pulling.

❌ Brushing Too Aggressively

Gentle, consistent brushing is better than forceful strokes.

❌ Ignoring High-Mat Areas

Always check:

  • behind ears

  • under legs

  • tail base

  • chest and armpits

❌ Skipping Brushing Between Baths

Wet fur mats faster.

Best Brush Combinations for Popular Long-Hair Breeds

Here’s a quick guide for what works best:

Golden Retrievers

  • slicker brush

  • undercoat rake

  • deshedding tool

Yorkies

  • pin brush

  • soft slicker

  • fine-tooth comb

Afghan Hounds

  • pin brush

  • metal comb

  • detangling spray

Shih Tzus

  • slicker

  • comb

  • dematting tool

Bernese Mountain Dogs

  • undercoat rake

  • slicker

  • deshedding tool

Doodles

  • slicker

  • dematting tool

  • metal comb

When to Replace Your Dog’s Brush

Replace grooming tools when you notice:

  • bent bristles scratching your dog

  • lost pins

  • buildup that won’t clean

  • worn handles

  • reduced brushing effectiveness

A worn-out brush damages the coat over time.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Brush Keeps Your Long-Hair Dog Healthy and Happy

Finding the right brush for long-hair dogs is essential for keeping your pet’s coat beautiful, comfortable, and mat-free. With the correct tools—slicker brushes, pin brushes, combs, undercoat rakes, and gentle dematting tools—you can easily maintain even the thickest or most tangle-prone coats.

Regular grooming strengthens the bond between you and your dog, reduces shedding, prevents mats, and keeps skin healthy. Whether you have a fluffy doodle, a silky toy breed, or a majestic long-haired working dog, the right brush makes grooming easier and far more enjoyable for both of you.