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10 Best Dog Brushes for Undercoats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

havanese dog with brush in the mouth

What do the Pomeranian, Husky, and German Shepherd all have in common? All of these breeds have thick undercoats. Your dog’s undercoat helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it can also be a nuisance for you as their owner.

When the seasons change, the undercoat is what you find all over your clothing, carpets, and furniture. Not all dog breeds have undercoats, but those that do present a unique grooming challenge to their owners. Without the right brush, you’re bound to find clumps of Fido’s loose fur all over your home, yard, and anywhere you can imagine.

If you’re tired of vacuuming up dog hair every spring and fall, you’re in luck. We’ve put together reviews of some of the best undercoat brushes for undercoat grooming currently available. With our list, you’ll be one step closer to a fur-free home.

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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
  • Bristles penetrate down to the undercoat
  • Retracting design makes it easy to remove fur
  • Handle is comfortable to hold
  • Best Value
    Second place
    ConairPRO Palm-Petting Dog Brush ConairPRO Palm-Petting Dog Brush
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Boar bristles add shine and moisture
  • Good for dogs who dislike normal brushes
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush
  • Includes five different brush heads
  • Great for all different coat and fur types
  • Perfect for multi-dog homes
  • HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush
  • Comes in two sizes
  • Helps remove and prevent mats
  • Longer bristles make it easy to reach undercoat
  • Hertzko Soft Pet Brush Hertzko Soft Pet Brush
  • Rounded bristles are gentle on sensitive skin
  • Safe to use on delicate areas
  • Handle features a comfortable grip
  • The 10 Best Dog Brushes for Undercoats

    1. Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Overall

    Hertzko 881314705702 Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Our overall top pick for the best undercoat brush is the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. This Hertzko brush is great for removing loose fur and uncomfortable mats from your dog’s coat, regardless of fur length or type. The individual bristles are designed to get deep into your dog’s coat to lift as much of the undercoat as possible with each stroke.

    When it comes time to remove the collected fur from this brush, you just need to click the button on the handle. The bristles will retract into the plastic handle and make it easy to remove the collected hair. Plus, the handle features a comfortable, non-slip grip.

    Depending on your dog’s skin type, the bristles of this brush may be too sharp. With regular use, the retraction button may stop working altogether.

    Pros
    • Bristles penetrate down to the undercoat
    • Retracting design makes it easy to remove fur
    • Handle is comfortable to hold
    • Works on all fur types
    Cons
    • Bristles are too rough for some dogs
    • Retraction feature isn’t very durable

    2. ConairPRO Palm-Petting Dog Brush – Best Value

    ConairPRO PGRDPIBB Palm-Petting Grip Dog Brush

    If you’re looking to boost your dog’s grooming regimen while saving some cash, the best dog brush  for undercoats for the money is the ConairPRO Palm-Petting Grip Dog Brush. This brush features a mixture of synthetic and natural boar bristles to manage all types of dog fur. The boar bristles are also naturally moisturizing.

    Along with being gentle on your dog’s skin, this brush is comfortable to hold. It fits perfectly into your palm so you can easily groom your dog and is a great alternative for dogs who are scared of traditional brushes.

    If your dog has very sensitive skin, this brush’s bristles might still be too rough. Some owners also found the design difficult to hold.

    Pros
    • Bristles are gentle on all fur types
    • Comfortable to hold
    • Good for dogs who dislike normal brushes
    • Boar bristles add shine and moisture
    Cons
    • May irritate sensitive skin
    • Does not fit in all users’ hands

    3. Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush – Premium Choice

    Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush

    The Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush set includes everything you need to keep your dog’s undercoat groomed and healthy. This set includes one interchangeable handle and five different brush heads suited for a variety of grooming uses. Each brush head easily locks into the handle.

    The brush heads and handle all come in a convenient bag so that you can keep everything in one place. This set comes with multiple heads that are perfect for getting down into the undercoat and removing loose fur before it ends up all over your home. It’s also an excellent investment for households with multiple dog breeds.

    Unfortunately, some owners reported that these brush heads got tangled up in their dog’s long fur. While the interchangeable handle design is clever, the actual locking mechanism seems to be hit-or-miss.

    Pros
    • Includes five different brush heads
    • Great for all different coat and fur types
    • Perfect for multi-dog homes
    Cons
    • Some brush heads get tangled in long fur
    • Locking handle design doesn’t always work

    4. HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush

    HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush

    Next on our list of the best undercoats brush for dogs is the HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush, which is simple yet effective at working loose fur out of your dog’s undercoat. This brush comes in two different sizes and is specifically designed to prevent and remove mats that start deep in your dog’s coat. Despite this, the bristles are gentle enough to avoid irritation or pain during use.

    This brush is great for dogs with both thick and thin fur. Plus, the handle is cushioned and ergonomically designed for added comfort.

    While the overall design of this brush is pretty straightforward, there do seem to be some issues with quality. Multiple owners reported that the brush broke at the handle after only a few uses. The bristles are also too sharp for some dog’s skin.

    Pros
    • Comes in two sizes
    • Longer bristles make it easy to reach undercoat
    • Helps remove and prevent mats
    Cons
    • Tends to break at the handle
    • Bristles are too sharp for some dogs
    • Doesn’t pick up extra-fine hair

    5. Hertzko Soft Pet Brush

    Hertzko HPP-47 Soft Pet Brush

    For dogs with extremely sensitive skin, the Hertzko Soft Pet Brush might just be the best undercoat brush available. This brush features long bristles that reach down into even the thickest undercoats, but the rounded tips ensure they don’t scratch, cut, or otherwise irritate your dog’s skin. This design also means you can use this brush on your dog’s face, paws, and other delicate areas.

    Along with removing loose dirt and fur, this gentle brush can add shine and moisture to your dog’s coat. The anti-slip handle is also cushioned to extra comfort. With some patience, this brush is excellent at removing mats and tangles.

    Depending on your dog’s fur type, this brush may not penetrate all the way through their undercoat. The rounded bristles can also make it difficult to pick up loose fur and debris. The small size means that brushing medium or large dogs will be an even longer task.

    Pros
    • Rounded bristles are gentle on sensitive skin
    • Safe to use on delicate areas
    • Handle features a comfortable grip
    Cons
    • Not as effective at grabbing loose hair as other brushes
    • Too small for large dogs
    • Does not reach through extremely thick coats

    6. SoLID Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

     

    SoLID Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

    The SoLID Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is another option for dog owners who are tired of hard-to-clean combs and brushes. This brush removes loose hair and other debris from the undercoat, eliminating excess shedding and keeping your dog clean between baths. The fine bristles work to massage away dead skin cells without being too rough on your dog’s skin.

    This brush features a comfortable handle with a cushioned layer. The retraction button makes it easy to remove collected fur from the brush’s bristles, even if you only have one free hand.

    One of the most common complaints about this brush is the sharpness of the bristles. The button is difficult to press for long periods of time and can get stuck in the retracted position.

    Pros
    • Easy to clean collected fur from the bristles
    • Keeps skin and coat healthy and looking great
    • Cushioned handle
    Cons
    • May break with moderate use
    • Bristles are quite sharp
    • Retraction button can be faulty

    7. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Ruff 'n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    The Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is another dog brush with convenient retracting bristles. The bristles clear away loose fur from the undercoat with ease. This brush also comes with a grooming comb and nail clippers for all of your dog grooming needs.

    Again, this brush features a retraction button for easy cleaning. The handle is cushioned for comfort and frees up your other hand for holding treats or comforting your dog during grooming. The bonus undercoat comb for dogs is also a great tool for getting hard-to-reach mats and tangles located deep in your dog’s undercoat.

    Like many other dog brushes, the bristles on this model are just too sharp for dogs with sensitive skin. The handle is also prone to breaking, even with very little use. If your dog is small, this brush might be too big.

    Pros
    • Retracting bristles are easy to clean
    • Comfortable handle
    • Includes grooming comb and nail clippers
    Cons
    • Bristles are too rough for sensitive skin
    • Handle may break
    • Not for small dogs

    8. Friends Forever Pin Bristle Dog Brush

    Friends Forever PET66-0021 Pin Bristle Dog Brush

    The Friends Forever Pin Bristle Dog Brush is another grooming brush designed with an interchangeable handle and heads. This set includes two dual-sided brush heads and a cushioned handle.

    With this set, you can easily groom your dog’s undercoat and remove tough mats and tangles deep in their fur. The two-sided brush head is great for full-body grooming while the comb head allows you to target specific spots on your dog’s coat. The teeth are made from stainless steel and won’t rust over time.

    Sadly, the locking mechanism between the handle and brush heads seems to be prone to breaking. Some owners reported that only one or two of the brush head styles worked on their dog’s coat.

    Pros
    • Interchangeable handle and dual-sided brush heads
    • Cushioned handle for comfort
    • Won’t rust with use
    Cons
    • Locking mechanism is weak
    • Brush heads don’t work on all fur types
    • Too large for smaller breeds

    9. Boshel Dog Hair Brush

    Boshel Dog Hair Brush

    If your dog’s coat gets tangled up in fine-toothed combs and brushes, the Boshel Dog Hair Brush might be the answer. This gentle brush features long, rounded bristles that reach deep into the undercoat without causing unnecessary pain or discomfort.

    This brush will work on all fur types and is great for dogs with sensitive skin. The handle is also designed with a soft, cushioned grip for your own personal comfort. Plus, the other side of the brush head removes loose fur from clothing, furniture, and other surfaces. You can even use this second side to remove loose fur from the top of your dog’s coat.

    Because the bristles on this brush are placed extra-wide, it may not pick up loose fur as effectively as other brushes. The plastic handle is also prone to breaking, even with minimal use. This brush won’t work well on tough mats or debris stuck in your dog’s undercoat.

    Pros
    • Rounded bristles are extra-gentle on skin and fur
    • Back of brush head removes fur from furniture and other surfaces
    • Features a cushioned handle
    Cons
    • Wide bristles aren’t as efficient as other brushes
    • Prone to breaking
    • Doesn’t work on thick, matted undercoats

    10. Novelty Wares Dog Brush

    Novelty Wares Dog Brush

    The Novelty Wares Dog Brush rounds out our list with its self-cleaning design that’s perfect for dogs with long, thick coats. This brush passes through curly, tangled fur with ease while causing minimal discomfort for your dog.

    The metal bristles on this brush penetrate into your dog’s undercoat to remove debris, loose fur, mats, and more. Releasing the easy-to-reach button retracts the bristles into the handle so you can wipe away the collected fur and continue one with your dog’s grooming. The ergonomic handle also ensures you stay comfortable while brushing your dog.

    While this brush works well on long-haired pups, it’s not the best option for those with short or fine coats. The metal bristles may be too rough on some dogs’ skin and can actually rip out fur if you’re not gentle. The attachment point between the handle and brush head also isn’t very secure and can rotate during use.

    Pros
    • Great for thick coats
    • Retractable bristles are easy to clean
    • Ergonomic handle design
    Cons
    • Not recommended for dogs with short hair
    • Rough on delicate skin
    • Faulty handle attachment point
    • May rip out fur
    • Must hold down the button while brushing

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    Conclusion

    You want your dog to be comfortable, happy, and beautiful, right? If so, investing in a high-quality undercoat brush is a great place to start.

    Our number one pick is the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. This brush features bristles that easily reach the undercoat and work on all types of dog fur. Plus, the handle is comfortable and the retracting design makes your job just a little bit easier.

    For dog owners shopping on a budget, our favorite brush is the ConairPRO Palm-Petting Grip Dog Brush. This brush is a great option for pups who are nervous around traditional brushes and is comfortable to use. The natural boar bristles help add shine and moisture to your dog’s fur while removing excess hair.

    If you’re looking for an all-in-one dog brush, our top pick is the Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush. This set includes an interchangeable handle and five different brush heads for all different grooming needs and fur types. It’s great for dogs with hard-to-manage coats or households containing multiple different breeds.

    At the end of the day, maintaining a regular grooming schedule is just as important as the brush you choose. But with the help of our reviews, you’ll be one step closer to keeping your dog looking their best without the stress.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock

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