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Best Brushes for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

By PetEssentialist Editorial ยท Updated July 2026

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๐Ÿ† Quick answer

Our top pick is FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool โ€” best for heavy shedding and matting. Why it wins: effective at reducing shedding.

As the smallest retriever breed, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a unique combination of a medium double coat and extremely high energy levels. Their water-resistant double coat is a blessing for their love of water and outdoor activities, but it also means they shed heavily, particularly during shedding season. This can lead to matting and tangling, especially around the ears, tail, and legs. The breed's high shedding volume and dense undercoat require a brush that can penetrate deep without causing breakage or scratching the skin. A good brush should be able to remove loose hair, reduce shedding, and prevent matting, all while being gentle on the dog's skin. For owners of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, finding the right brush is crucial to maintaining their dog's coat health and overall well-being. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best brush for this specific breed.

What to look for

Coat Type and Shedding Volume

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a medium double coat that sheds heavily, requiring a brush that can penetrate deep without causing breakage or scratching the skin. Look for brushes with stainless steel deshedding edges or rotating pins that can remove loose hair and reduce shedding.

Matting and Tangling

The breed's dense undercoat and high energy levels make them prone to matting and tangling, especially around the ears, tail, and legs. A brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers can help detangle and prevent matting.

Size and Ergonomics

As a medium-sized breed, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require a brush that is sized appropriately for their coat and comfortable for the owner to use. Look for brushes with ergonomic handles and medium-sized heads.

Grooming Frequency

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require regular grooming to maintain their coat health and reduce shedding. A brush that is easy to use and clean can make grooming a more enjoyable and frequent experience.

Skin Sensitivity

The breed's skin can be sensitive, especially around the ears and tail. Look for brushes with soft-grip handles and gentle deshedding edges to minimize discomfort and prevent scratching.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose โ†’
#ProductBest for
1FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Toolheavy shedding and matting
2Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brushdetangling and smoothing
3Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brushcurved areas and sensitive skin
4JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rakedense undercoats and heavy shedding
5KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brushshort coats and sensitive skin
1

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Best for heavy shedding and matting

The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is a top pick for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers due to its ability to penetrate deep into the undercoat and remove loose hair. The stainless steel deshedding edge and FURejector button make it easy to use and clean, reducing shedding and preventing matting.

  • โœ“ effective at reducing shedding
  • โœ“ easy to use and clean
  • โœ“ gentle on skin
  • โœ• may be too harsh for sensitive areas
Check price โ†’
2

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for detangling and smoothing

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a great option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, as it features fine bent wire bristles that penetrate deep without scratching. The self-cleaning button retracts bristles to release hair, making it easy to use and clean.

  • โœ“ effective at detangling
  • โœ“ easy to clean
  • โœ“ gentle on skin
  • โœ• may not be as effective at reducing shedding
Check price โ†’
3

Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush

Best for curved areas and sensitive skin

The Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush is a great option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, as it features a curved head that follows the body contours and fine stainless steel pins that are gentle on skin.

  • โœ“ effective at detangling curved areas
  • โœ“ gentle on skin
  • โœ“ easy to use
  • โœ• may not be as effective at reducing shedding
Check price โ†’
4

JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake

Best for dense undercoats and heavy shedding

The JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake is a great option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, as it features rotating teeth that prevent coat breakage and a double row of rotating pins that penetrate dense undercoats.

  • โœ“ effective at reducing shedding
  • โœ“ gentle on skin
  • โœ“ easy to use
  • โœ• may be too harsh for sensitive areas
Check price โ†’
5

KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush

Best for short coats and sensitive skin

The KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush is a great option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with short coats or sensitive skin, as it features flexible rubber fingers that massage while grooming and remove loose hair.

  • โœ“ gentle on skin
  • โœ“ easy to use
  • โœ“ effective at removing loose hair
  • โœ• may not be as effective at reducing shedding or detangling
Check price โ†’

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require regular brushing to maintain their coat health and reduce shedding. Aim to brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding season.

What type of brush is best for my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's coat?

The best brush for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's coat will depend on the individual dog's needs, but generally, a brush with stainless steel deshedding edges or rotating pins is effective at reducing shedding and preventing matting.

Can I use a brush on my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's sensitive areas?

Yes, but be gentle and careful when brushing sensitive areas like the ears, tail, and legs. Look for brushes with soft-grip handles and gentle deshedding edges to minimize discomfort and prevent scratching.

How do I prevent matting and tangling in my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's coat?

To prevent matting and tangling, brush your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever regularly, especially around the ears, tail, and legs. Use a brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers to detangle and prevent matting.

Can I use a brush on my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever when they're wet?

Yes, some brushes are designed for use on wet coats, like the KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush. However, be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions before using a brush on a wet coat.

For Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever owners, finding the right brush can make all the difference in maintaining their dog's coat health and overall well-being. By considering factors like coat type, shedding volume, and skin sensitivity, you can choose a brush that meets your dog's unique needs. Whether you're looking for a brush to reduce shedding or prevent matting, there's a tool out there that can help. Consult with a veterinarian or dog groomer to determine the best brush for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.