10 Best Brushes for Westies in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
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As one of their defining features, the West Highland White Terrier’s stunning white coat deserves close attention and frequent grooming. The dense double coat and wiry guard hairs can be demanding, and the Westie’s high-energy character adds an extra challenge in keeping them clean. Playful and exuberant, these bold dogs don’t take long to get dirty and develop mats during their daily activities.
With grooming being an essential and exacting chore, you’ll need a high-quality brush to avoid aggravation and ensure a healthy coat. Check out these reviews of the best brushes for Westies in 2023 for better results in less time.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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BaByliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Kenchii Slicker Dog & Cat Brush |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Li’l Pals Coated Tips Dog Slicker Brush |
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Check Price |
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Safari Flexible Dog Brush |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Brushes for Westies
1. BaByliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush – Best Overall
| Construction: | Plastic, silicone |
The BaByliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush is the best overall brush for Westies, with a generous mixture of comfortable handling for you and effective de-matting and smoothing for your dog. The bubble gel handle is contoured and easy on the hand for extended brushing sessions.
The BaByliss brush isn’t ideal for mouthy puppies that might bite it and get gel everywhere, and some consumers have had issues with the handle breaking. But with extra care in use and storage, it can be an exceptional daily brusher. Though the tips are only coated lightly, the pins have some flex, allowing them to detangle and remove hair without causing discomfort.
- Flexible pins for gentle de-matting and hair removal
- Anti-slip bubble gel for comfortable grip
- Low durability
- Messy if the dog chews on it
2. Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush – Best Value
| Construction: | Plastic |
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush is easy on your hand, your dog’s skin, and your wallet. It’s a well-made grooming tool, and the low-priced slicker brush is the best Westie brush for the money. The fine bristles trap loose hair and de-mat without creating discomfort as the soft padded tips make gentle contact against yourdog’s skin. For the user, the ergonomically designed handle ensures your hand won’t tire as you work from head to tail.
The drawbacks to the Hartz slicker brush surround the build quality. Many consumers have noted a few missing tips on their brush’s wire bristles, and it can sometimes tug at hair, which are critical considerations for a sensitive-skinned Westie.
- Relatively inexpensive
- Ergonomic handle shaped for comfort
- Breather holes for flexibility
- May tug at hair
- Bristles sometimes miss tips
3. Kenchii Slicker Dog & Cat Brush – Premium Choice
| Construction: | Wood, metal |
The Kenchii Slicker Dog & Cat Brush’s quality is apparent from the outset, and the sturdy wood build and rounded metal bristles promise long-lasting performance before you even start brushing. Fine metal bristles glide through hair, releasing all the loose fur and mats for an elegantly smooth, shining coat. While the flexible bristles and coated tips stay gentle on the skin, the brush has a cushioned back for enhanced comfort, reducing the chances of irritating brush burn.
The maple wood handle includes a durable rubber grip for more control and ease of use. Some individuals have noted issues with a loose connection between the handle and the head. Though it’s a rare issue, it may be worth double-checking out of the box so you can follow up within the 30-day return window.
- High-quality wood construction
- Rubber grip for better control
- Excellent at removing undercoat
- Cushioned back reduces irritation
- Relatively expensive
4. Li’l Pals Coated Tips Dog Slicker Brush – Best for Puppies
| Construction: | Plastic |
Finding the right brush size for a petite puppy isn’t always easy, especially when you want to keep a light touch around the ears and face. At under 5 inches long, the Li’l Pals Coated Tips Dog Slicker Brush is the perfect match; it’s a small slicker brush to suit the size and skin sensitivities of your young Westie.
The brush’s soft-coated tips delicately massage and stimulate the skin as you detangle and remove loose fur. The pad provides contouring comfort. Though its small size makes handling a bit awkward, the Li’l Pals brush is a positive introduction to grooming that should put your puppy at ease.
- Soft pad stays gentle on the body
- Small size suited for puppies
- Inexpensive
- Can be awkward to handle
- Too small for adult Westies
5. Safari Flexible Dog Brush
| Construction: | Plastic, rubber, metal |
Safari takes a different approach with this contouring slicker brush, trading the curved head for a bendable bed of bristles to easily groom every inch of your Westie. The pins’ tips don’t have a coating, but they are flexible. Alongside the conforming back, the flexible bristles are gentle against the skin. Plus, there are two sides, one soft and one firm, offering a choice for the best feel for your Westie’s sensitivities. A comfortable, non-slip grip completes the design, offering as much comfort for you as it does for your dog.
- Dual-sided soft and firm options
- Flexible, body-conforming head
- Hard to clean
- Non-coated bristles
6. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush
| Construction: | Plastic |
Cleaning the fur from your Westie’s slicker can be an irritating post-brushing chore, but not with the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush. With the push of a button, the brush pad ejects the fur to make cleanup a breeze.
Performance-wise, the Hertzko brush offers everything you and your Westie need to make the experience smooth and satisfying. The rounded bristles reach deep into the fur with rounded tips designed to massage the skin underneath. The trade-off for self-cleaning is missing padding on the bristles, so you may need to be extra careful to prevent scratches. An ergonomic grip eases the process for you, letting you brush your dog’s coat comfortably and confidently.
- Self-cleaning easily releases fur
- Excellent undercoat removal and detangling
- Ergonomic comfort grip
- Bristles may be too abrasive
- Self-clean button may wear out
7. Safari Curved Firm Slicker Brush
| Construction: | Plastic |
The Safari Curved Firm Slicker Brush is a high-quality product from an established brand, offering dependable performance during your West Highland Terrier’s daily brushing routine. The coated bristle tips benefit your dog, allowing you to dig deep into their two-inch coats without harming the skin. With the curved head, you can easily navigate trickier areas on your Westie’s underside and around the head.
Professionals and owners alike enjoy the Safari slicker brush’s effective de-matting. The grip is a notable highlight, and the conforming anti-slip hold makes grooming pain-free for everyone.
- Curved head eases brushing
- Coated tips gently massage skin
- Firm yet forgiving detangling
- Removing fur can be difficult
8. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Pet Slicker Brush & Nail Clippers
| Construction: | Rubber, metal |
You get nearly everything you need for your regular grooming sessions with the Ruff ‘N Ruffus Upgraded Self-Cleaning Pet Slicker Brush & Nail Clippers. Alongside the de-matting and hair-removing slicker, the kit includes a stainless-steel grooming comb for finishing and safety clippers.
Though the brush is a bit larger than is ideal for a Westie, the rubber-tipped bristles provide painless detangling, skipping the scratching that comes with other slicker brushes. The gel handle is pleasantly soft and offers a sure grip. None of the pieces are high-quality designs, but the overall package is well-built and an excellent value.
- Coated tips are gentle on skin
- Self-cleaning function
- Includes comb and safety clippers
- Conforming gel grip
- Bristles are stiff
- Brush is slightly larger than ideal
9. Evolution Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush
| Construction: | Plastic |
Evolution’s Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush has the perfect size, shape, and function to make brushing and cleanup quick and hassle-free. Like the Safari brushes, Evolution’s brush features a curved head to ease de-matting in those tricky spots around the underside, tail, and head. Though the pins can sometimes get bent out of shape, they provide excellent deep-down hair removal and detangling.
At the end of the job, a button forces the hair past the bristles for faster cleaning. While that removes the practicality of soft coated tips, the anti-slip grip, curved head, and small size provide enough handling control to ensure you don’t hurt your dog. The brush comes in an extra-small or small/medium size, allowing you to get the perfect fit for your Westie.
- Curved head for easier brushing
- Self-cleaning feature
- Ergonomic anti-slip grip
- Bristles may bend easily
10. Bass Brushes De-Matting Slicker Style Dog & Cat Brush
| Construction: | Wood, rubber |
Enjoy a professional look and feel in a Westie-sized package with the Bass Brushes De-Matting Slicker Style Dog & Cat Brush. Alloy metal pins efficiently remove the loose undercoat fur while picking apart mats. The ergonomic handle features a rubber grip along the all-wood construction. While the bristles can be coarse against the skin, the compact head on the extra-small size is easy to navigate around a Westie’s body.
- Attractive wood construction
- Rubber anti-slip handle
- Challenging to clean
- Bristles may be too sharp
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Brush for Westie
The West Highland White Terrier has a double layer of fur featuring a long wiry topcoat and a plush, thick undercoat. They’re low–moderate shedders, but the dense, twisty coat is susceptible to matting. We recommend a quality slicker brush for a smoother coat and daily defense against uncomfortable mats. Pin brushes can also work well for removing tangles and smoothing coats.
Combs, deshedders, and clippers complete the set necessary to maintain a well-groomed West Highland White Terrier. You’ll want a few combs to address missed tangles, but choose a product based on the fineness of your Westie’s hair. After brushing, a deshedder can remove the loosened fur to finish the job.
You can go through the artful practice of stripping to maintain the wiry, show-quality coat as needed. For most pet Westies, clipping is far more convenient and equally valuable. Some owners swear that hand-stripping is the only way to go, while others state clipping is perfectly fine. Clipping doesn’t remove old hairs, and the coat loses its wiry texture, but it can save time and money at the groomer.
What to Look for in a Brush for Your West Highland White Terrier
Westies can have sensitive skin, requiring you to find a balanced brush that is an effective de-shedding and de-matting tool but doesn’t scratch and irritate them. A quality slicker brush with decent flexibility and/or coated tips will supply the penetrating reach and de-matting capability without making your dog uncomfortable. Since Westies are only about 15–20 pounds, the brush should be smaller for easier use around the head and legs.
How Often Should I Brush My Westie?
Plan to brush your Westie once a day if possible. Otherwise, brushing at least 2–3 times per week should keep matting down and prevent the discomfort and grooming issues that come with intense tangled patches. You’ll maintain healthy skin and a smooth, luxuriously wavy coat using the appropriate tools, including a slicker brush and a suitably sized comb.
Conclusion
The BaByliss Pro Pet long pin brush takes the top spot in our reviews of the best brushes for Westies, remaining comfortable for you and effective against your dog’s matted, shedding coat. As the low-priced Hartz Groomer’s Best slicker brush and the premium Kenchii show, there’s a high-quality brush to meet any budget. The West Highland White Terrier can be sensitive to brushing, but with an established routine, positive reinforcement, and a quality brush like the ones ranked here, grooming time can become a favorite part of their day.
- See also: 7 Types Of Dog Brushes (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Elena Sineglazova, Shutterstock
