10 Best Brushes for Double-Coated Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

When it comes to dog brushes, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Every dog has a unique coat, even by breed standards. Double-coated dogs especially can be a challenge because their coats are so thick. You need not just one but multiple brushes to do a job well done. Plus, it cuts down on the fur in the house if you do it right.

That’s why, with these reviews, we’re giving you different brushes to choose from. You don’t need many brushes for your dog, but there are a few you’ll want to have on hand for different reasons so that your dog has the best coat all year round. Let’s dive in.

A Quick Comparison of Top Picks in 2024

The 10 Best Brushes for Double-Coated Dogs

1. FURminator Deshedding Tool – Best Overall

Our best overall option for double-coated dogs is the FURminator Deshedding Tool. It’s a little expensive, but this brush is the real deal.

With a curved edge for extra comfort and effectiveness, the stainless-steel teeth reach deep into the undercoat and remove all of the loose wooly furs that a pin or bristle brush can’t reach. The ejector button helps remove the clogged fur from the brush with the push of a button, so you don’t have to pick individual hairs out of the brush all the time.

Some buyers have said the teeth are too sharp, so be careful when using this brush (this should not be used on cats). Others have said the handle slides off easily. But ultimately, it’s a double-coated dog’s best friend.

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2. Kong Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush – Best Value

It’s a good idea to brush your dog after bathing, which is why the Kong Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is our best option for the money. This is a latex-free brush suitable for wet and dry use. Start a bath and, while you shampoo, massage the brush into your dog’s coat to remove fur. You can use it as a dry brush as well.

This brush is affordable as much as it is adorable, but it’s not good for detangling, so we don’t recommend it for long fur lengths. However, paired with a detangling comb, this brush can work wonders.

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3. Frisco Dematting Double-Sided Rake – Premium Choice

If your dog struggles with thick, stubborn matts, the Frisco Double-Sided Rake could be the brush for you. This rake features two sides: one for de-shedding and one for de-matting. The side with the wider teeth helps brush dense matts, while the de-shedding side removes the undercoat furs to prevent more matts. There’s also a comfortable grip handle so your hands don’t grow weary of brushing.

The rake features rounded teeth for safety, but some owners have mentioned that the brush works a little too well and removed more fur than they would have liked. Start small with this brush and use it with caution.

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4. PET LIFE Knuckler Handheld Grooming Rake

The Pet Life Knuckler Handheld Grooming Rake is a nice gentle option for both you and your dog. This comb has a unique oval shape that fits snugly around your knuckles for a comfortable grip. It’s also conveniently travel-sized if you need to take it with you on a road trip. The rake is long and flexible, moving with the contour of your dog’s body rather than against it. But don’t be fooled; the rake is strong enough to penetrate deep into your dog’s undercoat for a good brush.

Because it’s so small and expensive, we don’t recommend using this on a large breed. This comb is best for small and medium breeds, or puppies!

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5. FURminator Finishing Comb

The FURminator Finishing Comb won’t penetrate the undercoat, but it will loosen the top coat, detangling surface matts and removing debris. The teeth are rounded and rotate as you brush, so you don’t need to worry about scratching your dog’s skin or tugging on the fur. This is a nice comb for long fur lengths, or to pair with a de-shedding rake.

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6. Conair Pro Pet Dog Undercoat Rake

For a satisfying undercoat brush, the Conair Pro Pet Rake delivers. It’s much more affordable than the FURminator and features a non-slip, memory-grip gel handle for a firm, comfortable grasp. This brush doesn’t have spinning teeth, so it won’t conform to your dog’s shape as well as other brushes. The brush also breaks easily. But it’s affordable and leaves you with a professional-looking brush.

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7. FURminator Firm Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes are nice for thick areas around your dog’s butt. They’re also great for small, double-coated breeds or dogs that have never been groomed before. The experience can feel invasive, and a nice, gentle slicker brush offers a more relaxed experience, almost like the dog is getting petted and not groomed.

Slicker brushes bend naturally to your dog’s body contours but they still work effectively at removing matts, tangles, and loose undercoat furs without damaging the coat. You won’t get as deep of an undercoat brush, but sometimes you don’t need to.

With the FURminator Firm Slicker Brush, you can do all these things in one brush. The bent bristles help remove the undercoat fur while the straight bristles smooth the top coat. Plus, it comes with a protective cover, so it should last you a while.

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8. Safari Shedding Comb

The Safari Shedding Comb is a simple, straightforward, and lightweight comb that works with all matts and tangles. The different-sized teeth go deep into the undercoat while loosening the top layer of matts and tangles. This is a great de-shedding tool for small- to medium-sized dogs with long fur. Dogs with short or medium-length fur won’t reap the benefits of this comb as much.

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9. Safari Bamboo Pin and Bristle Brush

The Safari Bamboo Pin and Bristle Brush won’t remove matts or de-shed your dog’s undercoat, but it’s the perfect brush to add finishing touches on a deep brush. The pin side removes mild tangles and feels great on your dog’s skin, while the bristle side distributes natural oils, giving your dog’s coat a beautiful natural shine.

This brush is expensive, but it’s totally worth it for a gorgeous, professional look.

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10. Lil Pals Double Sided Comb

The Lil Pals Double-Sided Comb isn’t for all dogs. This is a small-dogs-only kind of comb. But it works great at removing matts and tangles for small dogs with long fur. You can also use it for those hard-to-reach sections on your large dog if needed.

This brush has a cozy rubber handle or comfort, but the only people who can really appreciate this are those with small hands. The prongs also fall out easily. It’s not everyone’s brush, but for some, it’s the perfect choice.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Brush for Double-Coated Dogs

What Is a Double Coat on a Dog?

Dogs with double coats have two layers: a dense, wooly undercoat and a longer protective coat on top. Double coats provide extra protection against harsh elements. The top layer chases away dirt and moisture while the bottom layer adds insulation from hot and cold weather.

One look at a dog’s coat is all it takes to know if a dog is double-coated.

Typically, working and sporting breeds have double coats (but not all do). Mankind bred these dogs to perform heavy-duty tasks, so their double coat is vital to their health.

A good example is the Husky. Huskies are well-known as sled dogs. Their thick double coats protect them against the frigid wind and snow while also repelling excess moisture.

Other double-coated breeds include:

The only exception is the Poodle. Poodles don’t have double coats and, instead, have thick, curly fur that protects their body from the elements.

A general rule is the fluffier the outside coat, the denser the undercoat. Akitas have fluffy, wispy fur, so their undercoat is quite thick. On the other hand, German Shepherds’ fur lays flat, so their undercoat is less dense.

What Kind of Brushes Do I Need?

Thick double coats typically require more grooming since there’s more fur involved. If you don’t at least brush your dog’s double coat, the undercoat furs stick to the top layer furs and cause matts. This just means more work for you, and it’s painful for your dog, so make brushing your dog part of a weekly routine.

But you don’t want just any old brush; you need a brush that digs down deep into your dog’s fur and removes the loose strands in the bottom layer a normal brush can’t reach.

Here are a few brushes that could be of use:

At the very least, you want an undercoat grooming rake. This will help prevent matts until you can get your dog to a professional groomer.

The Secrets to Grooming a Double-Coated Dog

Like humans, dog breeds require different needs for their various coat types, and double-coated dogs are no different.

Shampooing & Conditioning

Brushing a dog’s coat is much easier when it’s clean and conditioned, so start with a bath first. To wash your dog, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prepare the fur for de-shedding. Finish off with a conditioning spray to loosen the undercoat once more. Next, start brushing.

Brushing (Without Matts)

Technique is everything when brushing a double-coated dog. Without proper technique, you never remove and shine as much fur. Even if you don’t have all the proper tools, using the correct technique improves your chances of a better shine in your dog’s coat.

The best way to brush a dog’s double coat is to use the line method. Below is a great example of what the line method looks like.

If your dog has shorter fur, you can still use this method. Simply start with the belly, move up the back, brush the hind legs, brush the front legs, then brush the tail.

Brushing (With Matts)

You may find some matts in your dog’s coat. Don’t attempt to brush these with a grooming rake or pin brush—it will be painful for your dog. Instead, grab a wide-toothed comb and conditioning spray. Spray the matt and gently pick the outer layer of the matt. Work your way in until the matt is untangled.

How Often Should I Groom My Dog’s Coat?

Double-coated breeds require a deep brushing at least once per week. Schedule an appointment with your groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for a professional grooming session if you can.

If you can’t, find a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, spray, and grooming rake, and do the best you can.

Other Grooming Tasks That Make a Difference

Grooming doesn’t stop at shampooing and brushing. Earn some extra credit with these additional grooming tasks to make your pup shine.

Why Can’t I Shave My Dog’s Double Coat?

A big mistake some pet owners make is to shave their dogs’ double coats. It’s important to remember that a double coat protects a dog not only from cold weather but from hot weather, too. It’s natural insulation and protection and shouldn’t be removed.

Sometimes a medical reason, like an ultrasound or surgery, requires a dog to be shaved, and this is fine, but it should never be done for convenience.

Conclusion

In this review, we covered 10 of our top picks for double-coated dog brushes. Our favorite is the FURminator rake because it penetrates deep into the undercoat and works well for long-haired dogs. Our favorite affordable option is the Kong Dog ZoomGroom brush. You can get a head start on your dog’s coat by using this brush during bath time. It can also be used as a dry brush. If you want to spend a little extra money, the Frisco de-matting double-sided rake is excellent for tough matts and thick undercoats.

See also:

• 7 Types Of Dog Brushes (With Pictures)
• 10 Best Dog Brushes for Undercoats – Reviews & Top Picks

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Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Zaykov, Shutterstock