10 Best Brushes for Australian Shepherds – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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The Australian Shepherd is an athletic and intelligent dog. They love the outdoors and thrive on ranches where they can put their herding instincts into practice. These high-energy dogs aren’t going to let a bit of dirt get in their way, and you’re going to find plenty of twigs and other debris in their coats once they’re ready to settle down for the night. As stunning as these dogs are with their mixed-colored coats, you can expect to find hair around your home due to their dense waterproof, double-layered coats, especially in fall and spring. Therefore, it’s essential to have the correct brushes to keep your dog’s coat looking good and to keep their shedding to a minimum.
The tricky part is knowing which brushes to get for your Australian Shepherd. We’re here to help you, so we’ve listed reviews of some of the best brushes for this breed to keep them untangled and dirt free.
A Quick Look at Our Top Picks of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs & Cats |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush |
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Check Price |
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Burt’s Bees Puppy Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush |
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JW Pet Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Brushes for Australian Shepherds
1. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush – Best Overall
| Brush type: | Combo brush |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Size: | Medium |
For a great two-in-one option, consider Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush. This combo brush is double-sided and equipped with stainless steel pins and nylon bristles. The pins are excellent for removing tangles, debris, and loose hairs, as it reaches deep into the coat. The pins all have safety tips on them to ensure no damage occurs to your dog’s skin.
The bristle side of the brush is soft and can be used afterwards to smooth the coat, soften it, and spread the natural oils to bring out the shine. These bristles do get clogged quite quickly, so prepare to give them a clean after every few brushes.
Although you get double the benefits from this brush, it is also affordable, which is why it is our choice for the best overall brush for Australian Shepherds.
- Affordable
- Double-sided for convenience
- Coated pins are gentle on the skin
- You will need to clean out the hairs from the brush after every few brushes
2. Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs & Cats – Best Value
| Brush type: | Comb |
| Material: | Metal |
| Size: | All |
Another affordable product from Hartz that we recommend is the Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs & Cats. This comb has metal pins, but they’re coated with safety pins so as not to hurt your dog’s skin. A comb is essential to separate your dog’s hair and remove fleas, eggs, and debris from the coat. Slicker brushes are necessary for grooming, but they are often too big to remove tangles from your Australian Shepherd’s delicate areas, such as their face and paws. However, this comb is small, controlled, and effective enough to get the job done.
The comb cannot be used before your dog is brushed because it is not strong enough to get through tough mats, and the teeth will likely bend. It has a plastic, ergonomic handle, which is easy and comfortable to hold and gives you good control when tackling specific areas. All in all, this product is our pick for the best brush for Australian Shepherds for the money.
- Affordable
- Effective at brushing delicate areas
- Removes fleas and debris
- The handle is comfortable to hold
- Teeth are quite weak
- Cannot be used to brush through the entire coat like a slicker brush
3. Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush – Premium Choice
| Brush type: | Slicker brush |
| Material: | Steel |
| Size: | Medium |
If you like convenience, the Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush is a great option for you. This slicker brush has a self-cleaning push-button that retracts the pins and exposes the hairs so that you don’t have to dig the hairs out with your fingers after your brushing session. Although pricier than some other slicker brushes, it will save you plenty of time!
This brush is your friend when it comes to removing loose hairs and anything else that shouldn’t be in your dog’s coat. It’s great for coat health and will bring out the shine. It doesn’t have coated pins and can be a bit rough on the skin, but it reaches deep into your dog’s coat to give them a thorough brushing. It’s got a comfortable rubber handle to make the job even easier.
- Easy to use
- Self-cleaning
- Effective
- Comfortable handle
- Pricey
- No coated tips, so it might be a bit rough on your dog’s skin if pressed too hard
4. Burt’s Bees Puppy Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush
| Brush type: | Combo brush |
| Material: | Wood |
| Size: | Small |
We know you want the best for your puppy, and Burt’s Bees Puppy Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush is a top choice. It is a combo brush with a pin side and a bristle side. These bristles are made from soft hemp, ideal for smoothing your pup’s fluffy coat while removing loose hairs. The pins are coated and gentle on their delicate skin. This combo brush is small but well-designed to reach all over your puppy’s body as they get used to the feeling of a brush.
Not only is this brush good for puppies, but it’s also eco-friendly and made in the United States. This product is made from recycled materials and has a bamboo handle, which is easy to hold. However, it is on the pricier side when compared to other small brushes.
- 2-in-1 brush
- Soft help bristles and coated pins
- Small enough to reach hard-to-reach spots
- Eco-friendly
- Expensive compared to similar small brushes
5. JW Pet Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake
| Brush type: | Undercoat rake |
| Material: | Rubber |
| Size: | All |
Although excellent for your Australian Shepherd, the JW Pet Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake can also be used on other dogs in your home because it is suitable for all hair types. This rake has two rows of teeth, making it twice as effective as some other rake options.
The teeth are thick, blunt, and turned 90 degrees away from your dog’s skin to prevent any pain or discomfort when in use. It is ideal for removing loose hairs from the undercoat of your dog’s double coat while keeping the topcoat smooth. However, the teeth aren’t great at holding the hair, so brushing your dog outside might be necessary to keep your home hair-free.
This rake has been designed with you in mind too, as it features a non-slip handle that is padded for your comfort and gives you better control when raking through matted coats. This undercoat rake is a favorite among dog owners thanks to its effectiveness and affordability.
- Suitable for all hair types
- Two rows of teeth for extra effectiveness
- Affordable
- Handle is non-slip and padded
- Curved teeth are blunt and thick to be gentle on the skin
- Doesn’t keep hairs on the rake
6. Miracle Care Slicker Dog Brush
| Brush type: | Slicker brush |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Size: | Large |
One of the most important brushes your Australian Shepherd needs is a slicker brush, and the Miracle Care Slicker Dog Brush is a good one. It brushes deep into your dog’s coat and reaches their undercoat to remove loose hairs. It comes in sizes small and large, so you can use the small one on a puppy and the large one on an adult. The pad is soft, and the pins are angled and flexible so as not to irritate your dog’s skin while you brush out their tangles and mats.
The handle is thick with a non-slip grip for your comfort, allowing you to brush through your dog’s coat frequently without hassles. The black color looks sleek and can be used on all hair types. However, it is expensive and doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature.
- Various sizes
- Soft pad
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- Comfortable handle
- Expensive
- No self-cleaning feature
7. Burt’s Bees Palm Bristle Brush
| Brush type: | Bristle brush |
| Material: | Wood |
| Size: | All |
Burt’s Bees Palm Bristle Brush is a great option for dogs who are afraid of or who don’t like to be brushed. Puppies and some older dogs are unfamiliar with brushes and may run away when one is brought out. However, this bristle brush is hidden in the palm of your hand and is secured with a soft fabric strap so that your pup can enjoy the rubs without the stress of a brush.
These bristles are made from hemp and are designed to clean and smooth the topcoat, after the use of a slicker brush. The rest of the brush is made of bamboo and recycled materials. Some users report that the bristles fall out quite easily, so keep that in mind when considering this brush.
- Stress-free palm brush
- Soft fabric secures the brush to your hand
- Made of recycled materials
- Bristles tend to fall out
8. Babyliss Pro Pet Pet Comb
| Brush type: | Comb |
| Material: | Metal |
| Size: | All |
If you’re looking for a versatile comb, check out the Babyliss Pro Pet Pet Comb, which has closely spaced teeth on one half and widely spaced teeth on the other. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel and is coated with a rose gold color. Each tip is rounded for a gentle touch.
This comb is used by dog owners and professional groomers alike and is excellent at stimulating hair follicles that contribute to a healthy coat. The teeth are long and reach right down to the skin, exposing debris and parasites along the way without pulling the fur or getting stuck. It can be used for coarse and fine combing and removes excess hair. Although the comb is durable, some users aren’t impressed with the coating, which tends to peel off easily. Also, when compared to similar products, this comb is on the higher end in price.
- Versatile
- Durable
- Rounded tips are gentle on the skin
- Expensive
- Coating tends to peel off
9. ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake
| Brush type: | Undercoat rake |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Size: | Medium |
ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake removes excess hair from your dog’s undercoat to keep shedding to a minimum and prevent mats from forming. It has a memory gel handle, which is soft and comfortable in your hand, but it can “melt” and become quite messy. There are two rake options available, which are short tooth and medium tooth, but for your Australian Shepherd, the medium tooth option is recommended.
Unfortunately, it only has one row of teeth, unlike other options that have two rows. However, it does a good job and grabs plenty of hair in its teeth without allowing the fur to fly off.
- Reduces shedding
- Comfortable handle
- Various size options
- Keeps the fur on the rake
- Gel handle can become messy
- Only one row of teeth
10. Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
| Brush type: | Pin brush |
| Material: | Pin brush |
| Size: | Large |
For a standard pin brush that you can use every day, try the Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs. It’s a good tool for spreading your dog’s natural oils across their coat for an extra shine while removing dirt and loose hairs. It can be used for all dogs, regardless of their breed or coat type, but it will need to be used with other brushes, such as the slicker brush and rake.
It boasts an ergonomic handle that has a secure grip, which makes brushing possible for people with wrist problems and arthritis. It is a good quality brush, but it can be irritating for some dogs because it has untipped ends. However, if your dog doesn’t mind the scratchiness, be sure to apply only light pressure so as not to hurt their skin.
- Can be used on any dog
- Ergonomic handle with a secure grip
- Good quality
- Untipped ends can be irritating to some dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Brush for Australian Shepherds
Having the right brushes for your Australian Shepherd will help you have a moment each day where you can bond with your dog while effectively removing loose hair and spreading the skin’s natural oils. Having the wrong brushes can result in damaged hair and irritated skin while still struggling through an excessive shedding problem. Let’s take a deeper look into the brushes your Australian Shepherd needs and why.
Do Australian Shepherds Require Extra Grooming?
This breed of dog indeed requires more grooming than some other breeds, and that’s because of their double-layered coats. Some breeds only have one coat layer, making them easier to groom as there is less fur to work with, but these dogs don’t do as well in the cold.
Dogs with double coats, such as the Australian Shepherd, do better in the cold because the double layer insulates them well. This same double layer is also effective at cooling the dog in warmer months by trapping in the cool air. The downside is that they’re harder to groom, mostly because they have an extra layer to work through.
The layer closest to the skin is soft, short, and thick and is known as the inner coat. The top layer is longer and harder and known as the guard layer. The Australian Shepherd’s guard coat layer or “outer coat” is waterproof and prevents your dog from getting sunburnt, allowing your energetic herding dog to stay outside for as long as they like during the day. It’s also effective at protecting the skin from snow and dirt.
Unfortunately, all this extra hair does get loose, and if you don’t brush your dog often or with the correct brushes, it’s going to fall out all around your home and on your furniture. This isn’t ideal for those suffering from allergies, as the dander can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Are the Benefits of Brushing My Australian Shepherd?
When the weather warms up, the inner coat will release more and more fur, and you may find clumps of it in areas where your dog hangs out. This is referred to as seasonal shedding, and it happens in fall and spring. Brushing your dog more frequently during these periods will help them get rid of their dead hair.
Another reason to brush your Australian Shepherd as frequently as once a day is to rid their coats of dirt, grass, twigs, and other debris they may have picked up while playing outside or herding sheep. If this debris is left in their coat, it’ll build up and start causing problems for your dog over time.
Regular brushing stimulates new hair growth and brings out the natural oils in your dog’s coat. It also keeps you in the loop about your dog’s skin health and will allow you to see any cuts that your dog may have sustained while outdoors. This is important because you’ll be able to treat it and prevent infection. The same is true with ticks and fleas. The earlier you treat the problem, the less chance of it developing into something worse for you and your dog.
Types of Brushes Needed for An Australian Shepherd
There are several brushes that are beneficial for getting your dog’s coat looking and feeling good. Take a look at the different options for your Australian Shepherd’s double-layered, medium-length coat below.
- Slicker brush – Helps remove debris, mats, and loose hairs from the guard layer. It shouldn’t be able to touch the skin and should always be brushed in the direction of the coat. It’s used on medium to long coats. The brush has wire pins which can hurt the skin if pressed too hard.
- Pin Brush – A pin brush is similar to a slicker brush because it has pins that are placed far apart. They’re good at spreading the natural oils and removing debris from the coat.
- Undercoat rake – Helps remove thick hair from the inner coat during the shedding season because it’s able to penetrate both layers easily. It’s effective at reducing excessive shedding all year, but especially during fall and spring.
- Comb – It can be used to part your dog’s hair to expose their skin when looking for ticks, fleas, wounds, and debris. It’s also useful for brushing right down through both layers and good at untangling small knots.
- Bristle brushes – These can be used on double-layered coats after using your slicker brush and undercoat rake to smooth out the coat and give it a bit of a shine.
Conclusion
An Australian Shepherd has a stunning coat, but their double layers can make grooming a bit more challenging. We recommend the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush because it is affordable and convenient as you get two types of brushes in one. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb for Dogs & Cats is an affordable option that has metal teeth and allows you to reach the skin of your dog to look for fleas and eggs. The Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush is an excellent slicker brush for its self-cleaning function, making brush time easy and efficient.
We trust that these reviews will help you on your way to finding the best brush for your Australian Shepherd!
Featured Image Credit by: Cespedes G, Shutterstock
