Best Brushes for English Setters

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush — best for Reducing matting and tangling in English Setters' long, silky coats. Why it wins: Gently works out tangles and mats.

English Setters boast a stunning, speckled feathered coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. With a moderate shedding volume, it's essential to choose the right brush to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. The breed's long, silky coat can be prone to matting, especially around the ears, tail, and legs, making a suitable brush a crucial tool for any English Setter owner. A surprising fact about English Setters is that their coat can be prone to 'feathering,' where the long hairs on their legs, belly, and tail can become tangled and matted. This unique characteristic requires a brush that can gently work out tangles without causing breakage or discomfort. Regular brushing not only helps to reduce shedding but also distributes skin oils, promoting a healthy and shiny coat. When selecting a brush for an English Setter, it's crucial to consider the coat type, shedding volume, and potential matting issues. The right brush can make all the difference in keeping their coat looking its best, reducing shedding, and preventing skin irritations.

What to look for

Coat Type

English Setters have a long, silky coat that requires a brush specifically designed for this type of coat. Look for brushes with flexible pins or bristles that can gently work out tangles without causing breakage. A brush with a curved or angled head can also help to navigate the breed's feathered areas.

Shedding Volume

Moderate shedders like English Setters require regular brushing to reduce shedding and prevent hair from accumulating on furniture and clothing. A brush with a deshedding edge or a tool specifically designed for removing loose hair can be beneficial.

Matting and Tangling

English Setters are prone to matting, especially around the ears, tail, and legs. A brush with a slicker or pin design can help to gently work out tangles and prevent matting. Look for brushes with rotating pins or flexible bristles that can navigate the breed's feathered areas.

Brush Size and Ergonomics

English Setters are a large breed, and as such, they require a brush that is suitably sized for their coat. Look for brushes with ergonomic handles and comfortable grip sizes to reduce fatigue and make brushing a more enjoyable experience.

Durability and Maintenance

A good brush should be durable and easy to clean. Look for brushes with stainless steel pins or bristles that can withstand regular use and are simple to maintain.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush	Reducing matting and tangling in English Setters' long, silky coats
2	Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush	Detangling and smoothing English Setters' coats
3	FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool	Reducing shedding in English Setters
4	Safari Combo Brush for Dogs	Detangling and smoothing English Setters' coats
5	KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush	Removing loose hair and massaging English Setters' coats

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for Reducing matting and tangling in English Setters' long, silky coats

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is an excellent choice for English Setters, with fine bent wire bristles that penetrate deep without scratching. The self-cleaning button retracts bristles to release hair, making it easy to maintain and clean. This brush is ideal for navigating the breed's feathered areas and reducing matting and tangling.

✓ Gently works out tangles and mats
✓ Self-cleaning feature makes maintenance easy
✓ Ergonomic non-slip handle reduces fatigue

✕ May not be suitable for very thick or matted coats

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Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Best for Detangling and smoothing English Setters' coats

The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is a high-quality tool designed for large breeds like English Setters. The oversized paddle head and long, flexible rounded pins make it ideal for detangling and smoothing the breed's long, silky coat.

✓ Oversized paddle head for fast line brushing
✓ Long, flexible pins prevent coat damage
✓ Lifetime guarantee

✕ May be too large for smaller English Setters

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FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Best for Reducing shedding in English Setters

The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is a useful tool for reducing shedding in English Setters. The stainless steel deshedding edge reaches through the topcoat to remove loose hair, and the FURejector button releases hair, making it easy to clean.

✓ Reduces shedding and hair accumulation
✓ Easy to use and clean
✓ Ergonomic handle reduces fatigue

✕ May not be suitable for very thick or matted coats

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Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

Best for Detangling and smoothing English Setters' coats

The Safari Combo Brush for Dogs is a versatile tool that features a pin brush on one side and a bristle brush on the other. This makes it ideal for detangling and smoothing the breed's long, silky coat.

✓ Dual-sided design for detangling and smoothing
✓ Pin side detangles, bristle side smooths and shines
✓ Wooden handle

✕ May not be suitable for very thick or matted coats

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KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush

Best for Removing loose hair and massaging English Setters' coats

The KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush is a unique tool that features flexible rubber fingers that massage while grooming. This brush is ideal for removing loose hair and providing a soothing massage, but may not be suitable for very thick or matted coats.

✓ Flexible rubber fingers massage while grooming
✓ Removes loose hair
✓ Can be used wet or dry

✕ May not be suitable for very thick or matted coats

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my English Setter?

English Setters require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Aim to brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week, and more frequently during shedding season.

What type of brush is best for an English Setter's coat?

English Setters have a long, silky coat that requires a brush with flexible pins or bristles. A slicker or pin brush is ideal for detangling and smoothing the breed's coat.

Can I use a brush with metal teeth on my English Setter?

While metal teeth can be effective for detangling, they can be harsh on English Setters' coats. Look for brushes with stainless steel pins or flexible bristles that are gentler on the coat.

How can I prevent matting and tangling in my English Setter's coat?

Regular brushing, especially around the ears, tail, and legs, can help prevent matting and tangling. Use a brush with a slicker or pin design and work slowly and gently to detangle the coat.

Can I brush my English Setter when they're wet?

It's generally recommended to brush English Setters when they're dry, as wet coats can be more prone to matting and tangling. However, some brushes, like the KONG ZoomGroom, can be used wet or dry.

When it comes to choosing the right brush for your English Setter, consider their unique coat type and shedding volume. A brush with flexible pins or bristles, like the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, can help reduce matting and tangling, while a deshedding tool like the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool can help reduce shedding. By selecting the right brush and establishing a regular grooming routine, you can keep your English Setter's coat healthy, shiny, and looking its best.

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