Finding the best brush for an Australian Labradoodle can be quite an undertaking, to say the least. With so many dog grooming brushes available on the market, how in the world should you be able to choose one?! As it happens, we’ve been in this exact same spot as you, trying to make that big decision for our Doodle pals. For this reason, we decided to dedicate a full guide to the best brushes for Australian Labradoodles where we take an in-depth look at some of the top picks for these fluffy Doods. We also have some grooming tips and tricks written down for you, so let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Intro
- Choosing The Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Types Of Popular Australian Labradoodle Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle?
- Best Brush For Australian Labradoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Australian Labradoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom An Australian Labradoodle?
- How To Brush An Australian Labradoodle Properly?
- Best Brush For Australian Labradoodles: FAQs
- Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Final Thoughts
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Intro
The Australian Labradoodle is a fun twist on the original Labrador Retriever-Poodle mix. Contrary to popular belief, Australian Labradoodles don’t have any Australian dog breeds in their lineage. However, what makes them different from our usual, well-known Labradoodles is that they’re multigenerational Doods with another breed added into the mix – either American or English Cocker Spaniel.
Just like their OG Labradoodle cousins, Australian Labradoodles are fun-loving, affectionate, and friendly dogs that have been bred to achieve low to non-shedding coats. The Australian Labradoodle has been carefully developed over generations since the 1980s to achieve more predictable traits in terms of their temperament and looks, including coat types and hypoallergenic potential.
But even though Australian Labradoodles tend to be a safe option for people with allergies, they also come with the responsibility of routine grooming. To be fair, all Doodles need to be groomed frequently, so there’s no surprise there!
With that being said, your number one priority when it comes to your Australian Labradoodle’s grooming routine is regular brushing. And, of course, for this you’ll need a good quality brush to work through all those thick layers of fur that require regular maintenance. After all, no one wants their gorgeous Dood to end up with matted hair, right?!
Choosing The Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Types Of Popular Australian Labradoodle Brushes
If you’ve made it to this guide, you’ve probably already browsed through all those different dog grooming brushes that are available in pet stores and online, dreading to purchase one in case it’s not the right fit for your pup. We’re here to make this decision of choosing the best brush for your Australian Labradoodle easier for you. So, let’s first take a look at the few different grooming tools that are best suited for Australian Labradoodles and how you can use them.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is easily distinguishable by its wide paddle and ergonomic handle placement. There are tons of different slicker brushes being sold, in various sizes, pin lengths, pin densities, and so forth. The materials used in these brushes can also vary significantly.
The slicker brush is a popular choice amongst Doodle parents and professional groomers for a good reason. These brushes are generally designed for more heavy-duty brushing sessions. This means that they’re great for using on very thick and textured coats – just like the Australian Labradoodle’s coat.
A good quality slicker brush is an excellent grooming tool for detangling the fur, deshedding the coat from loose, dead dog hair, and even for removing any dirt and debris from the fur. If you’ve ever had a dog, you know how much can get stuck inside their fur after a fun day outside!
Pin Brush
Another top pick for Australian Labradoodles is the pin brush. These brushes are more traditional in terms of their handle placement and paddle. But like with any other dog brush out there, there are many-many varieties to the pin brush that you can choose from, depending on your dog’s size and coat length.
Besides the obvious difference in construction and design, slicker and pin brushes also have slightly different purposes. As we mentioned, slicker brushes are more so designed for very dense coats, whereas pin brushes are better suited for dogs that don’t have very high-maintenance coats. Still, a pin brush is an excellent choice for all-round general grooming like deshedding and detangling if your pup has a more relaxed coat type.
Metal Comb
A bonus feature that should be in every Australian Labradoodle’s grooming kit is a sturdy metal or stainless steel comb. Whether your pup has very thick and textured curls or a more relaxed wave to their fur, you’ll absolutely need this grooming tool in your arsenal.
But why is that so? For starters, a metal comb will help you detangle any stubborn knots and tangles that you wouldn’t be able to tackle with a large dog brush. In addition to that, it’s excellent for brushing through areas that need a smaller grooming tool, such as the face, head, and paws.
The key is to choose a high-quality comb that’s made from either stainless steel or metal. A plastic comb won’t be durable enough to work through stubborn knots and tangles, nor will it last you for more than a few uses.
What Is The Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle?
Now that we discussed what are the best brushes for Australian Labradoodles in general, let’s discuss how you can choose one based on your dog’s coat type and hair length.
One of the most important factors to consider is your Dood’s coat type. As we mentioned, pin brushes are excellent for general grooming purposes, whereas slicker brushes are targeted for more heavy-duty grooming needs. But more on that in a moment.
Another thing to consider is your dog’s coat length. A helpful tip is to choose a dog brush with pins that are long enough to reach to the very root of your Dood’s fur. For instance, if your dog generally flaunts longer hair, you should opt for a dog brush with longer pins as well. In contrast, if you usually have your pup’s hair trimmed rather short, you can purchase a brush with shorter pins.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the materials that are used in the construction of the brush, as well as overall ease of use. Australian Labradoodles are often regarded as high-maintenance dogs due to their grooming requirements. So, it only makes sense to invest in a dog brush that won’t break after a short while and that’s also comfortable for you to use.
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodles Based On Their Coat Type
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, Australian Labradoodles are bred over numerous generations to achieve more predictable personality traits and coat types. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that all Australian Labradoodles are born with the same coat type. Like with many other Poodle mixes, Australian Labradoodles can have one of three coat types – wool coat, fleece coat, or hair coat.
The wool coat most resembles the purebred Poodle with its curly, textured hair. This coat type is the most high-maintenance of them all, and it’s also the most prone to matting. Because of that, the best brush for an Australian Labradoodle with the wool coat would be a heavy-duty slicker brush. The upside of the wool coat is that much like the purebred Poodle’s curly coat, this coat type is generally single-layered, very allergy-friendly, and doesn’t shed much.
Then we have the fleece coat that’s silky and soft to touch. The fleece coat can either come with more relaxed waves or have a more curled appearance. Due to its softer texture, the fleece coat generally isn’t as prone to matting, but still requires regular brushing and grooming. Thanks to this, the best brush for Australian Labradoodles with the fleece coat is the pin brush. Still, if you prefer the slicker brush more, you can very well use that too!
Lastly, although not as common, the Australian Labradoodle can also inherit the hair coat. This coat type tends to be the least allergy-friendly, as it usually comes with a shedding undercoat. The fur can be either straight or slightly wavy, and it typically has a more coarse feel. Again, the best brush for Australian Labradoodles with the hair coat could be either a pin or slicker brush.
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
If you’re on the search for the absolute best brush for your Australian Labradoodle, then look no further than the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. This slicker brush is the creme de la creme, the absolute rockstar of dog brushes. It comes in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
The Big G was specially designed for more demanding coats, such as the wool coat. It easily works through all layers of textured curls, getting rid of any knots and tangles, dirt and debris, and loose dog hair.
What we love about this brush is how sturdy and durable it is whilst providing a good grip with its non-slip ergonomic handle. The wide paddle is so comfortable to use around all areas of your dog’s body, helping you get the job done in no time.
Pros
- Designed for very dense and textured coats.
- Excellent for deshedding.
- Wide and flexible paddle for easy and smooth brushing sessions.
- Non-slip, ergonomic handle.
- Available in three different sizes.
Cons
- Although Chris Christensen dog brushes are on the pricier side, they’re well worth the investment.
The verdict: Chris Christensen’s Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Australian Labradoodles with very dense, curly, and textured coats.
Bonus tip: For Australian Labradoodle puppies, you can’t go wrong with the smaller Baby G.
Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
If your pup isn’t as high-maintenance, then you might find the Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush a better choice. This traditional-looking pin brush is by no means your regular hair brush. This lightweight brush is very durable and sturdy, and provides you a good grip while you’re brushing your pooch.
The highlight of this brush is that it has rounded pins with polished tips. Not only will this make the whole brushing process more comfortable for your pup, the pins quite literally glide through the coat like nothing you’ve ever seen.
But as we mentioned earlier, pin brushes in general aren’t the best pick for very thick and textured coats. Still, for more relaxed wavy and straight coats, this brush can be an excellent tool for deshedding, detangling, and removing any dirt and debris from the coat.
Pros
- Great brush for general grooming purposes, such as detangling and deshedding.
- Rounded tips for your pup’s safety and comfort.
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths.
Cons
- Although a super high-quality pin brush, these types of brushes usually aren’t the best option for very thick and textured coats.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the best brush for Australian Labradoodles with wavy or straight coats that aren’t as prone to matting.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
We’ve mentioned quite a few times how you must have a good quality comb in your at-home grooming kit. Our list wouldn’t have been complete without this excellent comb – the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb.
For such a good price, you’ll get a sturdy stainless steel comb that will most likely last you a lifetime. It’s super sturdy, high-quality, and durable. Even the toughest of knots will bow down when you have this one at hand!
What makes this comb so wonderful is that it has two sides – one with narrow set teeth and another with wider set teeth. So, whether you need to work through some nasty knots, comb through the fur on the face, or simply want to fluff up your dog’s fur, this comb has got you covered.
Pros
- Made from sturdy and durable stainless steel.
- Great for very stubborn knots and tangles.
- Excellent for grooming more delicate, hard-to-reach areas.
- Two sides for various grooming purposes.
Cons
- None.
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Honorable Mentions
We also have some other excellent brushes worth mentioning in this guide. So, if you’re still on the hunt for the best brush for your Australian Labradoodle, then be sure to check out some of these options below:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Australian Labradoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
The downside of the amazing Australian Labradoodle is that these Doods (like other Poodle mixes) are prone to matting. So, how do you keep Australian Labradoodle hair from matting? The answer is simple – by frequently brushing out any dirt, debris, loose dog hair, knots, and tangles.
Therefore, the most important grooming tool in your grooming kit will be a good quality dog brush. As we mentioned earlier, when choosing the best brush for your Australian Labradoodle, you have to take into account your dog’s coat type. If you’ve got a very curly-haired, a.k.a wool haired Australian Labradoodle, then you’ll likely need something heavy-duty like a slicker brush. For wavy and straight-coated Doods, both pin and slicker brushes can be a great option.
Likewise, make sure that you carefully study how long the pins are on the brush. If you prefer a longer and shaggier look on your dog, then you’ll also need a brush that has longer pins. Otherwise, the pins might not reach through all layers of fur, leaving behind knots and tangles that can quickly lead to mats.
What’s more, you should also make sure that the brush is appropriately sized compared to your Doodle. If you’ve got a larger dog, opt for a larger brush, and if you’ve got a smaller Mini Australian Labradoodle, the largest option likely won’t be the best for your pup.
And lastly, we cannot stress enough that quality does really matter. Make sure you choose a dog brush that’s made from quality materials – you don’t want to replace the brush every few weeks. Similarly, the pins should be made of materials that glide through the fur with ease.
How Often Do You Have To Groom An Australian Labradoodle?
Now, you might be wondering – how often should you brush an Australian Labradoodle? As Doodles are prone to matting, the best way to prevent it is to brush your dog daily. Yes, indeed, daily.
Although daily brushing might seem like a tedious task, it’s actually going to benefit you and your pup in the long run. For example, if you’re regularly brushing out anything that could lead to knots, tangles, and matting, your brushing sessions will likely be that much shorter, too.
Think of it this way: would it be easier for you to deal with very tangled hair every few weeks, spending hours trying to get rid of all the knots hiding inside the fur? Or, maybe it would be much easier to maintain your dog’s coat daily with no stubborn knots?
Nonetheless, sometimes things happen and you might miss a few days, or even weeks of brushing sessions. No judgment here, it happens! For those instances, the line brushing technique will help you sort out your pup’s coat.
Daily brushing has many other benefits for your pup other than keeping their fur tangle-free. Firstly, routine brushing helps distribute natural skin oils throughout the fur. This is like your dog’s very own natural conditioner that’ll keep their hair strong, nourished, and give it a beautiful shine.
Secondly, by regularly brushing your Dood, you can actually extend the time in between your pup’s baths. As you constantly brush out any dust, dirt, and debris, your pup will stay cleaner for longer. And you won’t have to deal with a smelly puppy trying to snuggle up on the couch with you every night!
See Also:
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Can You Over-Brush An Australian Labradoodle?
No, if you’re using the correct brushing technique and the right grooming tools, you cannot really over-brush your Australian Labradoodle. The key thing is to make sure that the brush you’re using can effectively brush through all of the fur and get rid of any knots and tangles.
Additionally, make sure that you’re not using too much pressure when brushing your dog. Even though many dog brushes have rounded tips for safety, they can still injure and irritate the skin if you’re applying too much pressure.
How To Brush An Australian Labradoodle Properly?
Now that you know which one is the best brush for your Australian Labradoodle, it’s time to talk about how to properly brush your Dood. Make sure you have your slicker or pin brush, a metal comb, and a dog detangler spray. The last one is optional, but it will certainly help you get the job done faster and easier.
Before you start brushing away, you should first run your fingers through the fur. If you’re feeling any knots, first work on each of them individually with your comb. You can also use a dog detangler spray on those areas. Regardless if you’re working with your comb on individual knots or brush through larger areas, make sure to always start from the tip of the hair and gradually move up towards the root.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the most stubborn tangles, it’s time to start brushing with your pin or slicker brush. Again, you can spray on some dog detangler spray all over to make the process smoother for the both of you.
We recommend you start brushing from the paws and move your way up towards the legs, neck, belly, sides, and finally finishing with the back. Don’t forget to spend some extra time on areas that tend to get tangled more easily, such as behind the collar and ears, between the paws, and around the bum and tail area. Here is a super helpful illustration that you can use as a cheat sheet:
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodles: FAQs
The best brush for Australian Labradoodle is a pin or slicker brush, depending on your dog’s coat type. If your dog has very dense, textured, and mat-prone hair, opt for a slicker brush. In addition to that, you should also invest in a good quality metal or stainless steel comb for more delicate areas, and for detangling more stubborn knots.
The easiest way to have that consistent fluff to your Australian Labradoodle’s fur is by regularly grooming them. This includes daily brushing sessions, regular baths, and routine haircuts. You should also use grooming tools and bathing products that are suitable to your dog’s unique coat type and skin condition. Get a good quality dog shampoo (make sure it’s specially formulated for dogs!) and dog conditioner, blow dry their hair after washing them, and fluff up the fur either with a comb or brush after you’ve finished grooming them.
The only difference to consider when grooming a puppy is their smaller size. You’ll need a smaller brush that you can comfortably use on a smaller dog, as well as be extra cautious with the pressure you apply. Keep in mind that puppies have even more delicate skin, so you should ensure that you’re being very gentle with the skin and fur. And even though it might seem scary to groom such a tiny little delicate creature, the sooner you start, the more comfortable your pup will be with brushing and other grooming activities in the future.
Best Brush For Australian Labradoodle: Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, choosing the best brush for an Australian Labradoodle can be a difficult task. Especially if you’re not exactly sure which dog brush you should choose out of all the possible options out there. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choice based on your dog’s coat type and hair length. Happy grooming!
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