In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best brush for a Flandoodle. Whether your Dood has curly, wavy, or straight hair, we’ve got you covered. In addition to that, here you’ll also learn how to properly take care of your Flandoodle’s coat so that you won’t ever have to shave it off due to matting or pelting.
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Flandoodle: Types Of Popular Flandoodle Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Flandoodle?
- Best Brush For Flandoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Flandoodle: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Flandoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Flandoodle?
- How To Brush A Flandoodle Properly?
- Best Brush For Flandoodle: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Flandoodle: Types Of Popular Flandoodle Brushes
The Bouvier des Flandres-Poodle mix sure has lots of names to choose from – Flandoodle, Bouvidoodle, Bouvipoo, Flanpoo, Poovier. The choice is yours! These large Doodles are incredibly loving and gentle dogs that love to do all sorts of fun activities with their favorite humans.
Flandoodles tend to come with those fluffy and shaggy Doodle coats. Pair their fabulous looks with outdoorsy activities, you can only imagine what will start happening in the depths of the fur. But to be fair, even if your Flandoodle is more of a couch potato, this doesn’t mean that their coat won’t require any brushing or grooming.
Indeed, all Poodle mixes can be quite high-maintenance in terms of their grooming requirements. If you’ve made your way to this guide, we can safely assume that you’re on the right track and taking your responsibility seriously. Brushing, bathing, cutting the hair, it all comes with the territory. But the most important tool you need is a dog grooming brush.
So, what is the best brush for a Flandoodle? Let’s first discuss two different types of dog grooming brushes that are perfect for this precious pooch.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is by far one of the most preferred options when grooming a Flandoodle. Slicker brushes are perfect for those high-maintenance coats that are thick, textured, and prone to matting.
A slicker brush will usually have a wide paddle and an ergonomic handle. This way, you can quickly cover large areas of fur while also taking that excess strain off your hand and arm. Of course, there are tons of different slicker brushes available out there. Some slicker brushes are larger, others smaller. Some have longer pins, others have shorter pins. Likewise, different materials can be used, which can actually make quite a big difference in the quality, comfort, and ease of use.
A good quality slicker brush should be able to penetrate all layers of the fur and effectively detangle the coat. Slicker brushes are also excellent for deshedding the coat. Basically, this type of dog brush can handle even the thickest of coats!
Pin Brush
For Flandoodles, another great choice is a pin brush. Now, keep in mind that pin brushes in general aren’t as effective as slicker brushes. Still, for certain Flandoodle coat types, a pin brush can be the best option.
In terms of the construction, a pin brush looks almost the same as any human hair brush. Still, we do recommend you opt for a pin brush that’s specially designed for dogs. Good pin brushes for dogs should have pins that easily glide through the fur, especially when brushing through all those thick layers of Doodle hair. Their tips should be rounded so that you won’t accidentally hurt your pup in the process.
As with any other dog grooming brush, you can choose between a huge variety of pin brushes. They vary in terms of size and shape, pin length, and they can be made of different materials. For Flandoodles, we recommend pin brushes that have stainless steel pins. Plastic or wooden pins simply won’t do with such a high-maintenance coat.
Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
Wait, there’s more! In addition to a dog grooming brush, your at-home grooming kit should also include a sturdy and durable metal or stainless steel comb. Why is that, you may ask?
A comb is the best tool for working on very stubborn knots and tangles. Naturally, as the brush is quite large and bulky, it won’t be the most effective tool to use on those matted areas where you need a more detailed approach.
Moreover, a comb is oftentimes the best tool to use around the face and other areas that are small and hard to reach. It’s also not uncommon for our canine besties to get slightly frightened when having a big brush around their face and eyes, making the comb the perfect tool for this purpose.
Again, we recommend only very sturdy combs that are made from either metal or stainless steel. As the Flandoodle’s coat is very thick and can get very tangled, plastic and wooden combs usually aren’t sturdy enough.
What Is The Best Brush For Flandoodle?
Now that we’ve discussed the two best dog grooming brush types for Flandoodles, you’d probably want to know how to choose one. There are a few factors to keep in mind when making the purchase, such as:
- What is your Flandoodle’s coat type? Is their coat curly, wavy, or straight? Does your Flandoodle have a double coat? Different coat types require slightly different approaches. We’ll discuss this more in-depth in a moment.
- How long is your Dood’s hair? For long-haired Flandoodles, we recommend brushes with longer pins. For Flandoodles that prefer a shorter look, you can get a brush with shorter pins.
- How big is your Flandoodle? Are they a puppy or a full-grown adult? For obvious reasons, it’ll be easier to brush a large adult Flandoodle with a larger dog grooming brush, and vice versa.
- What material is the brush made of? Not all dog brushes are made of the best quality materials. Higher quality also translates in the ease and comfort of use. Likewise, higher quality materials tend to last longer.
Best Brush For Flandoodles Based On Their Coat Type
The key thing to consider when choosing the best brush for your Flandoodle is their coat type. As it’s usually the case with any hybrid breed, the Flandoodle can take more after the Poodle parent or the Bouvier des Flandres parent. Or, some pups fall somewhere right in between.
Obviously, different types of hair will also need to be approached differently. Both in terms of their grooming needs as well as choosing the right kind of grooming tools.
Curly Coat
Curly-coated Flandoodles inherit their coats from their Poodle parents. Like the Poodle’s curly coat, the Flandoodle’s curly coat is usually the most hypoallergenic of them all. This coat type is usually single-layered, meaning that there’s just one single layer of fur.
The great thing about single coats is that there isn’t a shedding undercoat. The downside of this coat type is that it’s also the most prone to matting. Curly coats become very easily tangled and those knots and tangles will start developing into mats if not brushed out.
Likewise, any dirt, dust, and debris will easily get stuck inside a curly coat. Again, this is the perfect start for those nasty mats that seem to be impossible to get out.
The best brush for Flandoodles with curly coats is a slicker brush. As we discussed earlier, slicker brushes are best for very high-maintenance and thick coats that require a more intensive approach.
Wavy Coat
The wavy coat is probably the most common hair type we see in Flandoodles. This combination coat is neither curly or straight, and it’s usually easier to maintain than the curly coat. What you must remember with the wavy coat is that it might come with a lightly shedding undercoat. Fortunately, wavy-haired Flandoodles typically shed much less than purebred Bouviers.
That being said, if you don’t brush out that loose undercoat, it can lead to matted fur. Not only will this prevent matting, it’ll also prevent your dog shedding too much on your clothes, furniture, and floors.
As wavy-haired pups are generally easier to manage than curly coats, the best brush for your Flandoodle with a wavy coat is the pin brush. Pin brushes are perfect for both detangling and deshedding wavy coats.
Straight Coat
Then there are some Flandoodles that lean more on the purebred Bouvier des Flandres’ side of their lineage. Their hair is more straight and it comes with a shedding undercoat. But again, as there are also Poodle genes in the mix, these Doods are still better in terms of shedding than purebred Bouviers.
Although Flandoodles with straight hair are the least allergy-friendly of the bunch, they are generally easier to groom than curly-haired Doods. Their coats are still thick, but the straight hair doesn’t become tangled as quickly and easily. Nonetheless, as with double-layered wavy coats, any loose hair that isn’t brushed out can start to tangle and lead to matting.
For straight-coated Flandoodles, both slicker and pin brushes are great options. Although slicker brushes are more ideal for very textured and tangle-prone coats, you can just as well use a pin brush for deshedding the coat.
Best Brush For Flandoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
If you’re looking for the *perfect* brush for your Flandoodle, then this just might be it! The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is an absolute hit amongst professional dog groomers and Doodle owners. This brush can really do it all – it’s great for deshedding and detangling even the thickest, most textured coats, and the quality is truly unmatched.
The brush itself has a wide paddle and long, bended pins that are perfect for covering large areas of fur on a larger Dood like the Flandoodle. It also has an extra long ergonomic handle that provides you with a good grip and prevents arm fatigue.
Pros
- Designed for very heavy-duty grooming needs;
- Wide paddle and long pins for quick results;
- Extra long handle to prevent arm fatigue;
- Premium materials used in the construction;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- A bit expensive, but the quality and ease of use is worth it.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Flandoodles with curly coats. If you’ve got a smaller Flandoodle or a Flandoodle puppy, opt for the Baby G brush.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
For more relaxed hair types, the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush is the perfect pick. It’s an affordable, high-quality, no fuss, no muss pin brush that gets the job done every time.
Although this pin brush is considerably cheaper than the Big G Slicker Brush, no corners have been cut in the quality. The pins are made from high-quality stainless steel and their polished tips glide through the fur with such ease. It’s also very gentle and forgiving on the skin. The solid, but very lightweight beechwood body is very comfortable to grasp as well.
Pros
- Very affordable;
- High-quality, durable construction;
- Very smooth, rounded pins;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths – 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- Pin brushes generally aren’t the best choice for very thick and textured coats, such as the curly coat.
The verdict: Chris Christensen’s Pin Brush is the best brush for Flandoodles with wavy and straight coats that are generally easier to maintain than curly coats.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
The absolute hero of dog grooming combs – the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb – is by far our best recommendation for Flandoodles. Sturdy, durable, and reliable, this comb will get any job done. The comb has two sides so you can easily switch between them for your desired results. Although it’s quite slim, it actually provides a good grip. And as the whole comb is made from stainless steel, it won’t bend, snap, or crap in your hands!
Pros
- Extremely high-quality and durable;
- Two sides for different purposes;
- Perfect for stubborn knots and tangles;
- Slim enough to work on smaller and more delicate areas;
- Very affordable and long-lasting.
Cons
- None!
Best Brush For Flandoodle: Honorable Mentions
Indeed, the Big G Slicker Brush is on the pricier side. So, if you’re looking for more pocket friendly alternatives that can be just as good, check out these brushes we have picked out for you:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Flandoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
It’s no secret that the Flandoodle’s thick coat is prone to matting, regardless if your pup is single or double-coated. The easiest way to prevent matting is to brush out any knots and tangles, dirt, dust, and debris from the coat on a regular basis.
For those routine brushing sessions, it only makes sense to invest in a high-quality dog grooming brush that’s both effective and will last you for a while. Not all dog brushes are made from good, sturdy materials, nor are all of them as effective at their job.
As we discussed earlier, when choosing the best brush for your Flandoodle, you have to understand your dog’s coat type. For curly-coated Flandoodles, the best choice is a slicker brush that’s specially designed for those heavy-duty grooming sessions. For wavy and straight-coated Doods, both slicker and pin brushes are good options. That’s simply because wavy and straight coats are easier to manage, since they’re slightly less tangle-prone.
What’s more, one key thing that Doodle owners often miss is the size of the pins on the brush. If you want to prevent matting, you have to make sure that the pins on the brush are long enough to penetrate all layers of the fur. Especially since the worst mats tend to hide in those deepest layers inside the coat.
We also recommend you choose a dog brush that’s appropriately sized. For instance, if you’ve got a larger Flandoodle, a small brush isn’t exactly reasonable. You’ll spend twice as much time on brushing your dog and inevitably your arms will get tired in the process.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Flandoodle?
How often you should brush your Flandoodle depends on their coat type. We recommend you brush your Flandoodle daily. For curly, mat-prone coats this is the most effective way to prevent matting. For less tangle-prone coats – wavy and straight coats – this also doubles as a great way to minimize shedding. But, if you’re not keen on brushing your Flandoodle every single day, try to do it 3 to 4 times a week, at least.
The thing with brushing your dog is that the more often you do it, the shorter those grooming sessions will be. Needless to say, if you’re brushing out any tangles and loose dog hair from the fur daily, the next day you won’t have to deal with impossible mats, either. It’s definitely another story when you’ve not brushed your Dood for a few weeks.
But there are also other benefits to brushing your pup daily. For starters, this is a great way to keep your Dood’s coat cleaner for longer. When you brush out any dirt and debris from the fur on a daily basis, the coat will naturally stay cleaner and won’t require washing as often.
Secondly, brushing is a great way to promote good circulation under the skin as well as distribute your dog’s natural skin oils throughout the coat. These oils will act as a natural conditioner, giving your Flandoodle’s coat an extra boost in shine and strength.
What To Do When You Haven’t Brushed Your Flandoodle In A While?
We’re not here to shame you for missing a couple (or more) brushing sessions. Life gets in the way, we get busy, or sometimes just lazy. These things happen! We’ve all seen and heard those stories when a Doodle’s coat is so insanely matted and pelted that there’s no other way than to shave it all off. Indeed, the good thing is that a Flandoodle’s hair can grow pretty fast, so it’s only going to be temporary.
But before you reach for those clippers or ask your pup’s personal groomer to shave it all off, try the line brushing technique first. Line brushing is a very thorough brushing method that will take a bit more time, for sure, but it’s a great remedy when dealing with very matted fur.
Can You Over-Brush A Flandoodle?
If you’re super enthusiastic about your Flandoodle and keeping its coat healthy and free from mats, you might be worried if you can accidentally over-brush it. The answer to that is – NO. You cannot over-brush your Flandoodle.
A whole other thing, however, is the technique and grooming tools you use. Just make sure that the brush and comb are suited for your Flandoodle’s coat type, don’t pull on the hair, and don’t apply excess pressure onto your dog’s skin. That’s it, you’re good to go!
How To Brush A Flandoodle Properly?
One side of the equation is the brush you choose for your Flandoodle. The other side is *how* you use it. Don’t worry, there’s nothing complicated about it. Rather, there are a few simple steps we recommend you follow for the best, lasting results.
Step #1
Before you start, make sure you have all of your grooming tools at hand. Get your slicker or pin brush, a comb, and we also recommend purchasing a dog detangler spray. Detangler sprays are amazing when working on very dense and textured, tangle-prone coats. Just make sure to opt for a detangling spray that’s specially formulated for dogs. This will prevent any skin irritations and adverse reactions.
Step #2
Now that you have all of your grooming tools right there in your reach, and your pup sitting still, it’s time to get to work.
First, run your hands through all areas of the coat to feel if there are any knots hiding inside the fur. The most tangled areas tend to be behind the collar or where the harness sits. Likewise, pay attention to the hair behind the ears, around the bum and tail, and around the paw pads.
If you can feel that there are bigger knots inside the coat, first work on each of them with your metal comb. Now, this process can be a bit uncomfortable for your pooch. An easy solution is to hold the knot in one hand and comb them out with your other hand, taking the pressure off of the root of the hair. You can also spray on a little bit of detangling spray for faster results.
When working with a brush or comb, make sure to start from the tip of the hair, slowly moving up towards the root. This way, the tangles will loosen up much quicker and it’ll also prevent dullness and hair breakage.
Step #3
When you’re done working with your comb, you can start brushing out larger areas with your dog grooming brush. If your Flandoodle’s coat is very textured or hard to manage, use a dog detangling spray beforehand.
Start from the areas that are closest to the ground. So, first the paws and feet, then legs, then chest and neck, and then the belly and bum. Then you’ll move onto the sides and tail, and finish brushing the fur on the back.
For the fur on the face, it might be easier to use a comb instead of a brush. Simply because a comb is easier to control around those smaller areas.
You can use this illustration as your guide:
Step #4
After you’ve finished brushing your Flandoodle, it’s time for those finishing touches. You can either use your comb or brush, whichever you prefer, and gently fluff up the coat with upwards motions. This will tease the hair and give it a nice boost of volume.
Best Brush For Flandoodle: FAQs
The two best brushes for Flandoodles are either the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush or the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. You also need a sturdy and durable stainless steel comb for working on stubborn knots and tangles.
The shaggy, fluffy Doodle look we all love to see is down to regular, proper grooming. Daily brushing sessions, regular haircuts, and bathing will all contribute to that voluminous fur. Another tip is to use a blow dryer after washing your Flandoodle. Just make sure that you’re using the lowest setting so as to not hurt your pup with the heat. In addition to that, you can fluff up the coat with a comb or dog brush after you’ve finished grooming your dog.
When grooming a Flandoodle puppy, you’ve got to be extra gentle. Their skin is very delicate and can easily get injured if you’re not being careful. We also recommend you use a smaller dog brush, since Flandoodle puppies are that much smaller than full-grown dogs. Other than that, you can follow the exact same instructions that we listed above.
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