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Best Brushes for Dogs & Cats

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Top picks for dogs

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Breed matters for brush: size, coat, and build change what fits. These are the products we recommend most often across 80 dog breeds — for a list tailored to your pet, pick your breed below.

1

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Best for double-coated heavy shedders (Labs, Shepherds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers)

Recommended in 75 of our 80 breed guides. Stainless steel deshedding edge reaches through topcoat. FURejector button releases hair. Ergonomic handle. Skip it for single-coated dogs (Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus) — can damage coat.

  • ✓ easy to use and clean
  • ✓ reduces shedding and matting
  • ✓ effective at reducing shedding
  • ✕ may be too harsh for sensitive skin
  • ✕ can be expensive
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2

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for medium-to-long coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, Aussies)

Recommended in 80 of our 80 breed guides. Fine bent wire bristles penetrate deep without scratching. Self-cleaning button retracts bristles to release hair. Ergonomic non-slip handle. Skip it for very short single-coat breeds (rubber brush more effective).

  • ✓ easy to clean
  • ✓ effective at detangling
  • ✓ Gentle on skin
  • ✕ may not be suitable for dogs with very thick coats
  • ✕ may not be as effective at removing undercoat
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3

KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush

Best for short single-coat breeds (Boxers, Dalmatians, Beagles, Labrador coats)

Recommended in 51 of our 80 breed guides. Flexible rubber fingers massage while grooming. Removes loose hair on short coats. Can be used wet (in bath) or dry. Skip it for long or double-coated breeds needing deeper penetration tools.

  • ✓ Effective at removing loose hair
  • ✓ Gentle on skin
  • ✓ easy to use
  • ✕ May not be as effective for dogs with thick undercoats
  • ✕ May not be as effective for removing tangles and mats
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4

Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

Best for medium coats needing both detangling and polishing

Recommended in 55 of our 80 breed guides. Dual-sided: pin brush on one side, bristle brush on other. Pin side detangles, bristle side smooths and shines. Wooden handle. Skip it for dense double coats needing an undercoat rake.

  • ✓ Gentle on skin
  • ✓ easy to use
  • ✓ Dual-sided design for versatility
  • ✕ May not be suitable for dogs with very sensitive skin
  • ✕ May not be as effective for removing loose hair
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5

Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush

Best for medium-to-long coated breeds in regular maintenance grooming

Recommended in 48 of our 80 breed guides. Curved head follows body contours. Fine stainless steel pins. Soft-grip handle. Skip it for very heavy double-coat shedding (FURminator needed for undercoat removal).

  • ✓ gentle on skin
  • ✓ easy to use
  • ✓ fine stainless steel pins
  • ✕ may not be suitable for dogs with very thick coats
  • ✕ may not be as effective at reducing shedding
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Best Brushes by breed (dogs)

Top picks for cats

SponsoredHow we choose →

Breed matters for brush: size, coat, and build change what fits. These are the products we recommend most often across 40 cat breeds — for a list tailored to your pet, pick your breed below.

1

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for medium-to-long coats prone to light matting

Recommended in 40 of our 40 breed guides. Fine bent wires detangle gently. Self-cleaning retractable bristles. Ergonomic handle. Skip it for hairless breeds.

  • ✓ Easy to clean
  • ✓ Effective at detangling
  • ✓ Ergonomic handle
  • ✕ May not be suitable for cats with very sensitive skin
  • ✕ May not be as effective at reducing shedding
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2

KONG ZoomGroom Cat Grooming Brush

Best for short-coated breeds (American Shorthair, Russian Blue)

Recommended in 40 of our 40 breed guides. Soft rubber fingers. Massages while removing loose hair. Usable wet or dry. Skip it for long dense coats needing deep undercoat removal.

  • ✓ Gentle on skin
  • ✓ Effective at removing loose hair
  • ✓ Easy to use
  • ✕ May not be as effective at reducing shedding as other brushes
  • ✕ May not be as effective for removing tangles and knots
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3

FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool for Cats

Best for heavy-shedding long-coated breeds (Maine Coons, Persians, Norwegian Forest Cats)

Recommended in 27 of our 40 breed guides. Stainless steel edge reaches undercoat. FURejector hair release button. Reduces shedding up to 90%. Skip it for hairless or very fine-coated breeds (Sphynx, Cornish Rex).

  • ✓ Reduces shedding by up to 90%
  • ✓ Easy to clean
  • ✓ Prevents matting and tangling
  • ✕ May not be suitable for cats with sensitive skin
  • ✕ may be too harsh for some cats
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4

Safari Cat Shedding Comb

Best for long-haired breeds needing matting prevention

Recommended in 36 of our 40 breed guides. Alternating long and short stainless teeth. Lifts loose undercoat and detangles. Rounded teeth protect skin. Skip it for hairless breeds.

  • ✓ Rounded teeth protect skin
  • ✓ Effective at removing loose hair
  • ✓ Gentle on the skin
  • ✕ May not be suitable for cats with very sensitive skin
  • ✕ May not be as effective at reducing shedding as other brushes
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5

DELOMO Pet Grooming Glove

Best for cats that fear brushes (feels like petting)

Recommended in 23 of our 40 breed guides. Silicone-tipped grooming glove. Removes loose hair through petting. Gentle for skittish cats. Skip it for heavy long-coat matting (needs a comb or deshedder).

  • ✓ Easy to use
  • ✓ Perfect for skittish cats
  • ✓ Gentle on skin
  • ✕ May not be as effective at removing loose hair as other brushes
  • ✕ May not be as effective for removing tangles and knots
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Best Brushes by breed (cats)

By need & life stage