Best Brushes for Shetland Sheepdogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool — best for reducing shedding and matting in Shetland Sheepdogs. Why it wins: reduces shedding and matting.

Shetland Sheepdog owners are all too familiar with the daily struggle of tangling and matting that comes with their dog's thick double coat. The breed's long, flowing hair is beautiful, but it requires regular grooming to prevent knots and skin irritation. With their high shedding volume, Shetland Sheepdogs need a brush that can handle their dense undercoat and prevent matting. A good brush can make all the difference in keeping a Shetland Sheepdog's coat healthy and looking its best. The right tool can reduce shedding, prevent matting, and even help to distribute skin oils for a healthy coat. But with so many brushes on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. For Shetland Sheepdogs, a brush that can penetrate the dense undercoat and remove loose hair is essential. A brush with flexible pins or a deshedding edge can help to reduce matting and tangling, while also preventing skin irritation.

What to look for

Coat Type

Shetland Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so a brush that can handle this type of coat is essential. Look for a brush with flexible pins or a deshedding edge that can penetrate the undercoat and remove loose hair. A brush with a curved head can also help to follow the contours of the dog's body and prevent matting.

Shedding Volume

Shetland Sheepdogs shed heavily, so a brush that can remove loose hair is crucial. A deshedding tool or a brush with a deshedding edge can help to reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere. Look for a brush that can handle the breed's high shedding volume and has a mechanism for releasing hair.

Matting and Tangling

Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to matting and tangling, especially around the ears and tail. A brush with flexible pins or a slicker brush can help to prevent matting and tangling by gently working out knots and tangles. Look for a brush that is designed to prevent matting and tangling and has a gentle touch.

Size and Ergonomics

Shetland Sheepdogs are a small breed, so a brush that is designed for small dogs is essential. Look for a brush that is ergonomic and comfortable to hold, with a handle that fits comfortably in your hand. A brush that is too large or cumbersome can be difficult to use and may not be effective.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool	reducing shedding and matting in Shetland Sheepdogs
2	Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush	preventing matting and tangling in Shetland Sheepdogs
3	Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush	smoothing and finishing the coat of Shetland Sheepdogs
4	JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake	removing loose hair and reducing shedding in Shetland Sheepdogs
5	Safari Combo Brush for Dogs	detangling and smoothing the coat of Shetland Sheepdogs

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Best for reducing shedding and matting in Shetland Sheepdogs

The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is a must-have for Shetland Sheepdog owners. Its stainless steel deshedding edge reaches through the topcoat to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. The FURejector button releases hair, making it easy to clean and maintain. This tool is perfect for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can handle their dense undercoat and prevent matting.

✓ reduces shedding and matting
✓ easy to clean and maintain
✓ ergonomic handle

✕ may be too harsh for some dogs

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Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for preventing matting and tangling in Shetland Sheepdogs

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a great tool for Shetland Sheepdog owners who want to prevent matting and tangling. Its fine bent wire bristles penetrate deep without scratching, and the self-cleaning button retracts bristles to release hair. This brush is perfect for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can gently work out knots and tangles.

✓ prevents matting and tangling
✓ easy to clean and maintain
✓ gentle on the dog's skin

✕ may not be as effective for heavy shedding

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Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush

Best for smoothing and finishing the coat of Shetland Sheepdogs

The Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush is a great tool for Shetland Sheepdog owners who want to smooth and finish their dog's coat. Its curved head follows the contours of the dog's body, and the fine stainless steel pins are gentle on the dog's skin. This brush is perfect for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can help to distribute skin oils for a healthy coat.

✓ smoothes and finishes the coat
✓ gentle on the dog's skin
✓ easy to use

✕ may not be as effective for heavy shedding or matting

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JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake

Best for removing loose hair and reducing shedding in Shetland Sheepdogs

The JW Pet GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake is a great tool for Shetland Sheepdog owners who want to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Its double row of rotating pins penetrates the dense undercoat, and the non-slip handle is comfortable to hold. This rake is perfect for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can help to reduce shedding and prevent matting.

✓ removes loose hair and reduces shedding
✓ easy to use
✓ comfortable handle

✕ may be too harsh for some dogs

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Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

Best for detangling and smoothing the coat of Shetland Sheepdogs

The Safari Combo Brush for Dogs is a great tool for Shetland Sheepdog owners who want to detangle and smooth their dog's coat. Its dual-sided design features a pin brush on one side and a bristle brush on the other, making it perfect for detangling and smoothing the coat. This brush is perfect for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can help to prevent matting and tangling.

✓ detangles and smooths the coat
✓ easy to use
✓ dual-sided design

✕ may not be as effective for heavy shedding or matting

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my Shetland Sheepdog?

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

What type of brush is best for a Shetland Sheepdog?

A brush with flexible pins or a deshedding edge is best for Shetland Sheepdogs, as it can penetrate the dense undercoat and remove loose hair. A slicker brush or a pin brush can also be effective for preventing matting and tangling.

How can I prevent matting and tangling in my Shetland Sheepdog's coat?

To prevent matting and tangling, brush your Shetland Sheepdog regularly, using a brush with flexible pins or a deshedding edge. You can also use a detangling spray or conditioner to help make brushing easier and less painful for your dog.

Can I use a human brush on my Shetland Sheepdog?

No, it's not recommended to use a human brush on your Shetland Sheepdog. Human brushes are designed for human hair, which is much finer and less dense than dog hair. Using a human brush on your dog can cause breakage, matting, and tangling, and may even be painful for your dog.

How can I reduce shedding in my Shetland Sheepdog?

To reduce shedding in your Shetland Sheepdog, brush your dog regularly using a brush with a deshedding edge or a slicker brush. You can also use a deshedding tool or a furminator to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Regular grooming and brushing can help to reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere.

For Shetland Sheepdog owners, a good brush is essential for maintaining their dog's thick double coat and preventing matting and tangling. The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is a top pick for reducing shedding and matting, while the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is great for preventing matting and tangling. By choosing the right brush for your dog's specific needs, you can help to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.

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