Grooming

13 Best Dog Brush for Long Hair Dogs 2026: Match Coat & Tolerance

Which brush actually removes undercoat without hurting your long-haired dog? Find the right tool for your breed and your dog's sensitivity.

Many long-haired dog owners quickly discover that not all grooming brushes handle thick coats the same. Self-cleaning slickers promise convenience but often lose bristles after a few uses. Rakes cut through undercoat but can be too harsh for sensitive dogs.

The real challenge is matching the brush to your dog's coat type and temperament. A double-coated Husky needs a different tool than a curly-coated Doodle, and a dog that flinches at grooming needs a gentler approach.

This guide breaks down the key choices — rake vs. slicker, self-cleaning vs. manual — so you can pick the brush that will actually last and keep your dog comfortable.

1

Paw Brothers Extra Long Slicker

Top Pick
Paw Brothers Extra Long Slicker

Doodles & poodles

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Cleaning requires manual removal
Material
Stainless steel
Bristle Type
Slicker brush
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The Paw Brothers slicker uses 1-inch stainless steel pins that reach deep into curly or double coats to remove undercoat and prevent matting. The sturdy construction and ergonomic handle make it a good pick for daily grooming sessions. It is best suited for doodle and poodle owners who need regular detangling and want a durable tool at a mid-range price. Owners of dogs with thin or very sensitive coats should test gently – the pins can feel too firm for some dogs.

Use a comb to lift hair from the pins between strokes for quicker cleaning.

Bottom line: A dependable daily brush for doodles and poodles that delivers professional detangling without the high price tag.

2

FURminator Large Long Hair

FURminator Large Long Hair

Large long-haired

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Premium price compared to more affordable deshedding rakes with similar results.
  • Handle breakage can occur after extended use, making durability a risk.
Material
Stainless steel, metal
Bristle Type
Blade
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The FURminator Large removes up to 90% of loose undercoat in a single session, making it the benchmark for heavy deshedding on Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and German Shepherds. Its stainless steel blade and FurEjector button deliver fast cleanup that double-sided rakes like the top pick require manual effort for.

This tool is best for owners of large long-haired dogs who want maximum shedding reduction per session. However, some handles have broken after extended heavy use, so a warranty check is wise before purchase — the top pick offers similar performance with more durable construction.

Register the product for warranty coverage in case of handle failure.

Bottom line: If you want the most aggressive undercoat removal for your large long-haired dog and can accept a possible handle replacement down the road, this is still a top performer.

3

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker

Pros & shows

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Premium price does not guarantee longevity; handle and pad can separate after months of use
Material
Wood, rubber
Bristle Type
Slicker brush
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The Chris Christensen Big G delivers smooth detangling and noticeable fluff on curly coats, making it a go-to for show exhibitors and daily grooms. However, reports of the handle or cushioned pad separating after a few months raise questions about long-term value at this premium price. For owners who prioritize performance over durability and can accept potential replacement costs, this brush still delivers results that few others match.

Bottom line: Best suited for professional groomers or dedicated owners of curly-coated dogs who value grooming results over long-term durability and are comfortable with possible replacement.

4

Maxpower Planet Grooming Rake

Maxpower Planet Grooming Rake

Double-coated dogs

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • May pull or irritate dogs with very sensitive skin
  • No self-cleaning release: hair must be manually removed from the teeth after use
Material
Stainless steel, rubber
Bristle Type
Double-sided rake
Double-Sided
Yes
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The Maxpower Planet Grooming Rake cuts through dense undercoat on breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers, pulling out loose hair that ordinary brushes leave behind. Its double-sided design offers a 9-tooth dematting side and a 17-tooth deshedding side, giving you two tools in one without the premium price tag. Owners consistently report a notable reduction in shedding after each session.

This rake is best suited for budget-conscious owners of double-coated dogs who are willing to put in a few extra seconds cleaning the tool. Because there is no self-cleaning mechanism, hair must be picked or combed out of the teeth – a minor inconvenience that does not affect the deshedding power. For dogs with extremely sensitive skin, test gently on a small area first; a small number of dogs may find the rake action uncomfortable.

After grooming, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to pull hair clumps from the teeth – it is faster than trying to brush them out.

Bottom line: If you own a long-haired double-coated dog and want professional-level deshedding without the premium price, this rake delivers. Just plan for a quick manual clean after each session.

5

Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker

Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker

Medium to long

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Bristles may feel too stiff for dogs with sensitive skin
Material
Stainless steel, TPR
Bristle Type
Self-cleaning slicker
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Self-cleaning
Read the full review

The Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker delivers on its core promise: a near-perfect self-cleaning mechanism that releases all trapped hair with one button press. Unlike cheaper self-cleaning brushes that bend or fail, this one holds up to regular use.

Best suited for owners of medium to long-haired pets who prioritize cleanup speed over heavy-duty dematting. Dogs with very sensitive skin may find the bristles too stiff – test on a small area first. For severe matting, a dedicated dematting tool is a better fit.

Test the brush on a small area first if your dog has sensitive skin – the bristle stiffness may be noticeable.

Bottom line: A straightforward self-cleaning brush that trades heavy-duty dematting for effortless cleanup – ideal for weekly maintenance on long-haired dogs that tolerate a firmer bristle.

6

Docrok Grooming Combo

Docrok Grooming Combo

Long-haired, mats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Not effective for tightly packed, severely matted coats
  • Rake may cause discomfort on sensitive dogs
Material
Stainless steel, TPR
Bristle Type
Rake & comb set
Double-Sided
Yes
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

This two-tool set combines a double-sided rake with a metal dematting comb, handling both undercoat removal and detangling in one purchase. The rake's wide side addresses tangles while the dense side pulls loose hair, and the comb's fine teeth catch remaining debris for a thorough groom.

Best for long-haired dogs with moderate matting who tolerate grooming tools well. Some dogs find the rake uncomfortable, so test on a small area first. This combo is not intended for severely matted coats that need professional shaving. Owners appreciate having both a rake and comb without buying separate tools.

Start with the comb side on sensitive areas to gauge your dog's reaction before using the rake.

Bottom line: Works well for owners who want a rake and comb in one purchase, provided their dog tolerates the rake's pull.

7

FURminator Grooming Rake

FURminator Grooming Rake

Sensitive-skinned

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Single row of tines slows progress on very thick double coats
  • Not designed for severe mat removal
Material
Metal teeth, rubber
Bristle Type
Rotating rake
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The rotating teeth on this rake glide through medium to long double coats without snagging, praised by owners of fussy dogs. It's noticeably gentler than the faster double-sided rakes, but the single row of tines means you'll work more slowly on very thick coats. This is a daily maintenance tool for double-coated breeds with sensitive skin – not a solution for heavy matting or speed-focused grooming.

Bottom line: Owners who value a gentle, irritation-free experience for their long-haired sensitive dog will find this budget rake effective, provided they're willing to spend a few extra minutes per session.

8

SleekEZ Deshedding Brush

SleekEZ Deshedding Brush

Multi-pet homes

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • May not remove mats or knots
Material
Stainless steel, painted
Bristle Type
Blade
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

This blade-style deshedder excels at clearing loose undercoat from a range of coat lengths, but it is not a detangling tool. For long-haired dogs, expect heavy shedding reduction, but mats and knots will need a separate comb. The sharp blade requires careful handling to avoid nicks on skin.

Bottom line: Works well for shedding maintenance on long-haired dogs, but you will need a separate dematting comb for tangles.

9

Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush

Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush

Cats & dogs

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Can cause discomfort for sensitive pets; test gently before use
Material
Stainless steel, rubber
Bristle Type
Double-sided rake
Double-Sided
Yes
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

At a budget-friendly price, this double-sided rake effectively removes undercoat and feels solid in hand. Its main limitation is that the teeth can cause discomfort for some dogs, so test gently. For sensitive pets or heavy dematting, the top pick Maxpower Planet is a better fit.

Bottom line: Best for owners on a tight budget whose dogs tolerate rake-style brushes and who need a secondary grooming tool.

10

POODLIE Dematting Comb

POODLIE Dematting Comb

Occasional mats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Blade sharpness varies between units - some arrive dull and need sharpening
Material
Stainless steel, rubber
Bristle Type
Dematting comb
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

The POODLIE Dematting Comb handles occasional mat removal on poodles and doodles well, thanks to its serrated 2.5-inch steel blades that slice through tangles. However, blade sharpness varies between units - some arrive dull and require manual sharpening. The rubber handle offers good grip but has been known to snap after limited use, making this best for owners who need an infrequent dematting tool and are comfortable with some unit-to-unit variance.

Bottom line: For occasional mat removal on poodles or doodles when you get a sharp unit, this budget comb delivers - but don't rely on it for daily grooming or heavy use.

11

Dipoo Self-Cleaning Brush

Dipoo Self-Cleaning Brush

Short-medium hair

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Bristle hardness may cause discomfort for dogs with sensitive skin or thin coats.
Material
Stainless steel, TPR
Bristle Type
Self-cleaning slicker
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Self-cleaning
Read the full review

This brush handles light shedding on short to medium coats with a convenient push-button cleanup. The plastic-tipped stainless bristles pop loose hair off quickly, and the build holds up well for the price. However, the bristles can feel too hard on sensitive skin, and the brush does not retain hair well between cleaning cycles. For a buyer specifically needing detangling and undercoat removal on a long-haired dog, this tool falls short — it is better suited for quick maintenance sessions on breeds that shed moderately.

Bottom line: Good for occasional grooming on short to medium-coated pets on a tight budget, but skip it if you need to detangle long hair or remove heavy undercoat.

12

Depets Self-Cleaning Slicker

Depets Self-Cleaning Slicker

Short-haired budget

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Not very effective on thick long-haired coats or heavy undercoat
Material
Stainless steel, plastic
Bristle Type
Self-cleaning slicker
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Self-cleaning
Read the full review

An affordable self-cleaning brush that picks up loose hair from short coats with a click-button release. It lacks the power for thick long-haired coats or undercoat removal, and bristle softness varies. Best suited for short-haired cats and dogs.

Bottom line: A budget-friendly option for short-haired pets, but not the tool for long-haired dogs needing detangling or undercoat removal.

13

EasyGroomer Deshedding Brush

EasyGroomer Deshedding Brush

Short-medium coats

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Removed fur scatters during brushing
Material
Hardened steel, wood
Bristle Type
Blade
Double-Sided
No
Cleanup Method
Manual
Read the full review

This blade-style deshedder removes loose undercoat without scraping – dogs and cats often enjoy the sensation. However, the flying fur creates a mess and the simple construction makes the mid-range price feel steep. For long-haired dogs that need detangling and dematting, this tool lacks the necessary design – it is best reserved for short to medium coats during heavy shedding seasons.

Bottom line: Best for owners of short to medium-coated dogs dealing with seasonal shedding who do not mind a messy brushing session – not a fit for long-haired dogs needing detangling.

How to Choose

Bristle Type: Rake vs Slicker vs Blade

Rakes use rigid metal teeth that dig deep to remove undercoat from double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds. Slicker brushes have fine, angled wires that detangle and fluff curly coats on poodles and doodles. Blade-style tools like the FURminator slice through loose hair but cannot handle mats.

The trade-off: rakes can feel rough on sensitive skin, while slickers struggle with thick undercoat. Choose based on your dog's primary coat texture.

Cleanup Method: Self-Cleaning vs Manual

Self-cleaning brushes retract bristles into the handle to release trapped hair with a button. This is convenient for quick cleanups, but the moving parts often lead to bristle bending or breakage within weeks.

Manual brushes require you to pick hair from between the teeth using a comb or your fingers. They are more durable because they lack complex mechanisms. For heavy daily use, a manual rake typically outlasts a self-cleaning model.

Material and Build Durability

Stainless steel teeth and rubber or wooden handles resist wear better than all-plastic constructions. Brushes with metal cores or reinforced handles are less likely to snap when used on thick coats.

Check user reports for handle breakage and bristle bending before buying. Many cheaper self-cleaning brushes have plastic components that fail under pressure from dense long hair.

Double-Sided Design

Double-sided rakes feature coarse teeth on one side for dematting and finer teeth on the other for deshedding. This eliminates the need for two separate tools and works well for dogs with both tangles and heavy undercoat.

The downside: they are slightly bulkier than single-sided brushes. For dogs that only need one type of grooming, a single-purpose tool may be simpler to handle.

Suitability for Coat Types

Double-coated dogs (Golden Retrievers, Huskies) benefit from rakes that reach the undercoat. Curly-coated breeds (Doodles, Poodles) need slicker brushes to detangle without breaking the curl. Sensitive-skinned dogs require tools with rounded tips or rotating teeth to avoid irritation.

Using the wrong type can either fail to remove hair or cause discomfort. Identify your dog's coat category before shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions