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There’s no such thing as the “best dog brush” overall. What dog brush to pick really depends on the dog. You need to consider 2 factors when picking a dog brush: your dog’s coat and your dog’s attitude towards brushing and grooming. If your dog enjoys getting brushed, then you can focus on what the coat requires. But if your dog doesn’t like getting brushed, you need to find a tool that will get the job done and also convince your dog that this is something worth sitting still for.
First, the coat. Does your big dog have a thick undercoat? Does he shed? Is it a long or short coat? Is it prone to matting? Answers to those questions will determine what tool you need.
• Dogs with thick undercoats will shed, either year-round or twice a year. To remove the undercoat, a dog brush for shedding will do the trick. Most other brushes won't even reach that undercoat.
• Longer coats are more prone to matting, so a dog dematting tool is a great way to remove knots before they get too bad. (Never bathe a dog before brushing it. If your dog has mats forming and then you bathe him, the bath will make them far worse. Many dogs need to be shaved at that point.)
• Long coats can also benefit from rotating-tooth dog combs. These combs have tines that rotate within the comb, making it an easier glide through the hair so it’s less painful for your dog. Short coats and coats that lie flat are easier; a slicker brush for dog grooming will do the job just fine.
Now, the attitude. If your big dog isn’t a fan of grooming, you’ll have to find ways to make it less traumatic. Let him sniff the dog brush before you get started so he knows what he’s feeling. The less mystery there is, the less nervous your dog will be. Use a calm voice and offer treats for sitting still. And of course, the best dog brush will be comfortable. This is part of why the rotating-tooth comb is handy: its rotating tines make it less painful so your dog won’t fuss and dread the next grooming. Even if your dog’s coat is not prone to matting, removing loose hair before the bath will make the bath more efficient and prevent your drain from getting clogged.
The best dog brush really depends on your dog's coat and what it needs. What works best one one of your dogs may not work best on one of your other dogs, so make sure you choose carefully to get the most benefit out of your dog brushes.
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