With all those different dog brushes available for you to purchase online and in pet stores, choosing the best brush for a Morkiepoo might become a more difficult task than you initially thought. Which one should you choose? Does it even matter which one you buy for your pup? And how about the matting and shedding, what can you do to prevent those issues? In this article, we’re going to answer all of your questions on this topic so that you can choose the right kind of dog grooming brush for your Morkiepoo.
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Morkiepoo: Types Of Popular Morkiepoo Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Morkiepoo?
- Best Brush For Morkiepoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Morkiepoo: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Morkiepoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Morkiepoo?
- How To Brush A Morkiepoo Properly?
- Best Brush For Morkiepoo: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Morkiepoo: Types Of Popular Morkiepoo Brushes
The Morkiepoo is not your regular Doodle, but a triple hybrid cross consisting of the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Poodle breeds. Fluffy and adorable, tiny in size, and hypoallergenic, the Morkiepoo sure is a perfect companion for people looking for a small apartment-friendly, affectionate, and low-shedding pet.
Morkiepoos are usually bred by crossing a Morkie, a.k.a the Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier hybrid cross with a Toy Poodle. And if there’s a Poodle in the mix, the Morkiepoo is considered a Doodle breed.
But the thing with Poodle mixes is that they’re just as high-maintenance dogs as purebred Poodles. Their thick and textured coats can easily get tangled, which makes them quite prone to matting. But do not fret! You can easily prevent matting and excessive shedding in your Morkiepoo by regularly grooming them.
Along with regular haircuts, the most important step in your Morkiepoo’s grooming routine is brushing. Which brings us to the main questions of this guide – how should you choose a grooming brush for your Morkiepoo?
Before we get into the details, let’s talk about the two different dog brush types that work best on the Morkiepoo’s coat.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is the best brush for any Morkiepoo, regardless of your Dood’s coat type or hair length. A slicker brush is the most effective dog brush you can find to prevent matting and reduce shedding. These brushes are specifically designed for tackling very thick, dense, and textured coats, such as the Morkiepoo’s coat.
A slicker brush typically has a wide, often rectangular paddle. The larger paddle on the brush makes it easy to brush through bigger portions of the coat at a time, cutting your time spent on grooming in half. Slicker brushes also have an ergonomic handle that’s designed to prevent arm fatigue and make those grooming sessions more comfortable for you as well.
Needless to say, not all slicker brushes are as effective or as great quality as you’d hope. They come in various sizes, pin sizes, and the materials used in the construction can also vary. We’ll talk about the details to pay attention to a bit later on in this guide.
Pin Brush
Depending on your Morkiepoo’s coat type, you may also opt for a pin brush instead of a slicker brush. Now granted, pin brushes are slightly less effective on very thick, textured, and tangle-prone coats than slicker brushes. But if your pup doesn’t seem to form new mats in its coat on a daily basis due to the usual dirt and grime, a pin brush can be a good alternative for your pooch. Especially if you prefer the more familiar handle placement on a pin brush.
A pin brush will typically have an oval-shaped head and a handle that’s either made from wood, plastic, or some other material. We recommend you look for a pin brush that has stainless steel pins and polished tips. Stainless steel and metal pins are usually much more effective on thick Morkiepoo coats than wooden or plastic pins. They won’t break as easily, either.
Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
Even if you only plan to brush your Morkiepoo at home and leave the rest to professional dog groomers, you will still need a second tool for your at-home grooming kit – a dog grooming comb.
But why is that necessary? After all, you’re already detangling and deshedding the coat with a brush already. As Morkiepoos are a bit more high-maintenance when it comes to their grooming and coat care, a comb is necessary for detangling those more stubborn knots and mats. It’s also a super handy tool for grooming areas that you won’t be able to reach with a brush so easily.
Be sure to get yourself a good metal or stainless steel comb. Again, these materials are much more durable, but also more effective on knots and mats, especially when working on a thick, tangle-prone coat.
What Is The Best Brush For Morkiepoo?
Now onto the fun part – how to choose the best brush for your Morkiepoo out of the two brushes we recommended above. This will mostly depend on your Morkiepoo’s coat type, but we’ll get there in a minute.
In addition to your Morkiepoo’s coat type, you should also consider the other details, such as your Morkiepoo’s size and hair length. As we know, Morkiepoos are very small dogs weighing only 4 to 13 pounds on average. So, it’s probably best you opt for a smaller dog grooming brush instead of buying the largest one out there. Simply due to smaller brushes being more comfortable to control and maneuver around a tiny pup.
Another thing that’s often overlooked by dog owners is the pin size and hair length correlation. If you’re like many Doodle owners who prefer that shaggy, long-haired look on their pups, then it’s crucial that you buy a brush that has appropriately-sized pins. If your dog sports a longer hairdo, you should be especially attentive of the pin size. The pins should reach through all layers of the fur, leaving no tangles behind at the layers that are deeper inside the coat. On the other hand, if your Morkiepoo has shorter hair, the pin size isn’t as important. You can successfully groom their coat with both longer and shorter pins.
On that note, long-haired Morkiepoos will require more grooming and a daily basis in comparison to short-haired dogs. Long hair tends to tangle more and dirt and debris can also get stuck in longer hair more easily.
Best Brush For A Morkiepoo According To Coat Type
With hybrid breeds and triple hybrid crosses, we’ve got to take into account all of the breeds that are used in the mix. So, when talking about Morkiepoos, we must understand they can inherit either more Poodle-like tight and textured curls, a straight and shaggy coat that Malteses and Yorkshire Terriers, even Morkies have, or have a combination coat that’s somewhere in between.
The great thing, however, about Morkiepoos is that they’re always single-coated dogs. The Poodle, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier all have just one single layer of coat, which means that their Morkiepoo offspring in no way can inherit a shedding double coat.
Let’s now take a closer look at the possible Morkiepoo coat types and how they’re different from each other.
Curly Coat
Although all Morkiepoos are very low to non-shedding, allergy-friendly dogs, curly-coated pups do have a slight advantage in this area. Namely because their endless layers of textured curls will hold onto any loose dog hair that would otherwise fall out of the coat. But that being said, this also means that these doggos are slightly harder to take care of than Morkiepoos with straight or wavy coats.
Just as curly coats will hold onto loose hair in between those dense curls, so will happen with any dirt, dust, and debris. And as soon as that happens, those tangles and knots will quickly start to form. The best brush for a Morkiepoo with a curly coat is a slicker brush that’s designed to work through those textured curly layers of fur.
Wavy Coat
Most Morkiepoos actually inherit the wavy coat type that’s not exactly curly, but not as straight as the Morkie’s coat, either. Wavy coats usually aren’t as prone to matting as curly coats. But since a wavy-coated Morkiepoo’s hair can still grow very long very fast, regular brushing and grooming is necessary to prevent matting and other coat and skin health issues.
Considering that wavy-coated Morkiepoos don’t have as textured coats as curly-haired dogs, you don’t have to opt for a slicker brush if that’s your preference. Pin brush can be a great tool for detangling and deshedding your Morkiepoo, but your pup’s coat is unlikely to shed that much anyway.
Straight Coat
Straight-haired Morkiepoos lean more on the Morkie side of their lineage. Their hair is more silky and straight, and it can grow just as long as with any other coat type. Unlike with many other Poodle mixes where straight-coated pups tend to also inherit a shedding undercoat, that’s not the case with straight-haired Morkiepoos.
But although a straight-coated Morkiepoo’s hair is more silky and smooth than super textured, you will absolutely need to brush their coat regularly to prevent it from tangling and matting. Similarly to wavy-coated Morkiepoos, you can opt for either a pin or slicker brush, whichever you find more effective on your pup and prefer more.
Best Brush For Morkiepoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
If you’re looking for the one truly best brush for your Morkiepoo, then look no further than the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. It’s seriously the most effective, insanely comfortable brush to use on a Morkiepoo’s coat, especially if your Dood has a curly coat. We’ve never tried a brush that so quickly manages to detangle a Doodle’s high-maintenance coat.
As inherent to slicker brushes, the Big G has a wide paddle and an ergonomic handle. The handle is actually covered in non-slip material so that it won’t slide out of your hands whilst you’re grooming your pooch. The wide paddle features long and bended pins that are perfect for thick Doodle coats. The bended pins will also lift up the hair, making your Morkiepoo’s coat all fluffy and cute.
Pros
- Very high-quality and effective slicker brush that’s perfect for detangling thick and textured coats;
- Ergonomic, non-slip, and extra-long handle for your comfort;
- Features a wide paddle with long, bended pins for fast results;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- Expensive for a dog grooming brush, but we find that it’s definitely worth it.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Morkiepoos with curly coats, but also excellent for wavy and straight-coated pups. As Morkiepoos are very small dogs, opt for the smaller variations of this brush.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
If your Morkiepoo isn’t super curly or mat-prone, then an affordable and just as great quality alternative is the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. It’s sturdy and durable, the handle is very comfortable to grasp, and the stainless steel pins with polished tips glide through the hair so smoothly.
In fact, when we first tried the brush, we were amazed how smooth those pins really are. It’s as if you’re getting a massage at the same time! So, you can rest assured knowing that your lil’ Morkiepoo will also enjoy those grooming sessions with this brush.
If you’re planning to buy this brush, be sure to pay attention to the different sizes it comes in. Each size also has different sized pins, so opt for the largest one if your Morkiepoo has very long hair.
Pros
- Very affordable, yet high-quality brush that’s comfortable to use;
- Features super smooth stainless steel pins with rounded tips;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths: 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- Pin brushes aren’t as effective as slicker brushes.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the best brush for Morkiepoos with wavy and straight hair.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
If you’re looking for a good comb for detangling those knots and mats, then there’s nothing quite like the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb. This comb has two sides, one with coarse teeth and the other with narrow teeth, that you can easily switch between according to your needs. The handle of this comb is easy to grip and it’s wholly made from premium quality stainless steel, making it a very durable and sturdy comb. Oh and did we mention, it’s also super affordable, too.
Pros
- Irreplaceable tool for detangling very stubborn knots and mats;
- Excellent when working on smaller and more delicate areas on your Morkiepoo’s body;
- Two-sided;
- Very high-quality and durable;
- Available at an affordable price point.
Cons
- None
Best Brush For Morkiepoo: Honorable Mentions
Indeed the Big G we reviewed above is probably the best brush you could find for your Morkiepoo. However, the price tag on it isn’t exactly the cheapest. So, if you’re not keen on making the big purchase just yet or simply would like to know what other options are out there for your pooch, then you might find one of these brushes below suitable for your Morkiepoo:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Morkiepoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent your Morkiepoo’s coat from becoming matted. Like other Poodle mixes, Morkiepoos are prone to knots, tangles, and mats, and that’s a fact we must accept with these dogs. And yes, Doodles are harder to take care of than many other breeds and crossbreeds, but with a good grooming routine and the right kind of dog brush you can keep those painful mats and excessive shedding easily at bay.
When shopping for the best brush for your Morkiepoo, the two most important things you must understand before making the purchase are your Morkiepoo’s coat type and hair length. Slicker brushes are usually great for all Morkiepoos, no matter your pup’s coat type. Pin brushes, on the other hand, are suitable only for wavy and straight-haired Morkiepoos that aren’t as high-maintenance as curly-coated Doods.
It’s just as important to pay close attention to the actual pins on the brush. If the pins are too short and your Morkiepoo’s hair is long, those knots and mats are bound to form at the layers that are closest to the skin. Also, we recommend you get yourself a dog grooming brush that has stainless steel pins due to these being much more effective and durable than any other materials, such as wood or plastic.
The overall quality and ease of use will also make a difference here. If you’re shopping in-store, try different dog grooming brushes to feel how durable and comfortable they might be. If shopping online, read for reviews before making the purchase. Not only should your Morkiepoo’s brush be effective, it should also be comfortable for you and withstand regular use.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Morkiepoo?
One thing is to get your pooch a good brush, a whole other story is how often you use it. How often you should brush your Morkiepoo will mostly depend on their coat type and hair length. If your Morkiepoo has a curly coat, we strongly recommend you brush your dog daily to prevent those painful mats. As wavy and straight-coated Morkiepoos aren’t as mat-prone, the absolute minimum you should aim is to brush your pooch about 3-4 times a week.
However, keep in mind that long-haired pups are naturally more prone to tangling and matting, so they’ll also need more frequent grooming sessions to prevent matting. For this reason, our usual recommendation for all Morkiepoos is to brush them daily. And even though Morkiepoos are very low-shedding dogs, daily brushing will also reduce that small amount of shedding and minimize allergens in your home.
The great thing is that the more often you brush your Morkiepoo, the less time you’ll have to spend detangling knots and mats – there probably won’t be much to work on anyway! But if you’re dealing with a very matted coat, then the line brushing method is a great, more intensive way to get rid of any and all knots and mats that are not just unsightly, but most likely painful for your pup as well.
What’s more, if you brush your Morkiepoo daily, you probably won’t have to bathe them as often, since you’re removing dirt and grime from their coat on a daily basis. In addition to that, daily brushing is excellent for your dog’s skin and coat health, as it promotes circulation under the skin and distributes their natural skin oils all through the lengths of the hair.
Can You Over-Brush A Morkiepoo?
In terms of frequency, you can’t really over-brush your Morkiepoo. As long as you’re using the right kind of dog grooming brush and not being too forceful with the brush, there’s no need for you to worry. Just make sure to never pull on the knots and mats, and never put too much pressure onto your dog’s delicate skin with the pins, as this could lead to skin irritations and excessive shedding.
How To Brush A Morkiepoo Properly?
As we know, matting is an issue that all Morkiepoos are prone to. You’re probably wondering if there are any specific techniques on how to properly brush your Morkiepoo so that you can successfully prevent matting and keep your dog’s coat healthy, fluffy, and gorgeous. So make sure you have your dog grooming brush, a metal comb, and a dog detangler spray ready and follow along the steps below.
Step #1
Your first instinct might be to reach for the brush, but don’t do it just yet. First, you should run your hands through your Morkiepoo’s coat and feel if there are any knots and mats. Usually the areas that have the most mats are where the collar or harness sits on your dogs body, but also around the ears, paws, bum, and tail. If you find any mats, you’ll first have to detangle each of them individually with your comb.
We recommend you use dog detangler spray on each knot before you start detangling them. This will loosen up the knot and make the hair softer and easier to manage. Then, you’ll want to hold the knot very close to the root with your left hand whilst detangling it with your comb in your right hand. As this step can be quite uncomfortable for your pooch, holding onto the knots and mats will take much of that pressure off the root of the hair.
You should always start detangling knots and mats from the tip of the hair, moving the comb in the direction of hair growth. Slowly start moving up towards the root of the hair as the knots and mats loosen up. If you start directly from the root of the hair, the knots will get worse and the whole process will take much more time.
Step #2
Once you’ve detangled the knots and mats with a comb, you can start brushing the coat all over with a slicker or pin brush. Before you start brushing your Morkiepoo, you can spritz on dog detangling spray all over the coat, avoiding your pup’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Not only will this make the hair softer, it’s also going to prevent tangling afterwards.
You should first prioritize the lowest points on your dog’s body. First you’ll brush the paws and feet, then your dog’s legs, moving onto the chest, neck, belly, and bum. Then it’s time to move onto the “yellow” zone, a.k.a the sides and tail. And as the last step, you should brush the hair on your Morkiepoo’s back.
If your pup isn’t particularly keen on being brushed with a grooming brush around their face, you can opt for a comb instead. As combs are much smaller, they tend to be easier to use around those smaller areas anyway. You can also use your comb for detangling the hair on your pup’s paws and other smaller areas.
For a visual guide, follow this illustration we’ve prepared for your Dood:
Step #3
You’re now pretty much done! However, if you’d like to make your Morkiepoo extra fluffy, you can gently lift up the coat in upward strokes with a brush or comb to bring the volume back into the coat. But don’t spend too much time on teasing the coat, as this can make the hair tangled again.
Best Brush For Morkiepoo: FAQs
After extensive research and trying out different dog brushes, we’ve found that the best brush for a Morkiepoo is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush in the Baby G or medium size. It’s effective, it gets the job done fast, and it’s also very high-quality. If your Morkiepoo has a wavy or straight coat type, a good alternative you can try is the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. Just keep in mind that pin brushes aren’t best for curly-haired Doods. If you’re looking for a great comb to detangle those knots and mats, then we definitely recommend you get the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb.
Daily brushing, regular bathing, and routine haircuts are key to making your Morkiepoo fluffy. A good grooming routine is not only going to keep your pooch looking fab all the time, it’s also highly beneficial for their health and wellbeing. You can also try blow drying your Morkiepoo’s coat after bathing to really lift up the root of the hair. Use the lowest setting so that the airflow isn’t too hot for your little pup. Additionally, you can gently lift up the coat with a comb or brush after brushing your dog’s coat.
For those delicate months in puppyhood, you might prefer using a special puppy brush that has softer bristles and is therefore less likely to irritate or injure your young puppy’s skin. Although puppies don’t need to be groomed as often or intensively as adult dogs, it’s best if you start early on so that your Morkiepoo gets used to being groomed and handled on a regular basis. Be sure to be very gentle, never pull or yank on the hair, and you should be all set.
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