Choosing the best brush for your Papipoo is not as easy as some would think… These precious Doods are somewhat high-maintenance when it comes to their coat care and maintenance. So, finding the right kind of brush for a Papipoo might take a bit of trial and error. Luckily for you, we decided to take some of that work off your hands and guide you towards the right direction. If you’re ready to find out which is the best brush for your Papipoo, then keep on reading!
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Papipoo: Types Of Popular Papipoo Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Papipoo?
- Best Brush For Papipoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Papipoo: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Papipoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Papipoo?
- How To Brush A Papipoo Properly?
- Best Brush For Papipoo: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Papipoo: Types Of Popular Papipoo Brushes
The Papipoo is a hybrid cross between the insanely adorable Papillon and the minuscule Toy Poodle. These fun-sized pups are the perfect balance of their purebred parents – Papipoos are loving, playful, outgoing, and super smart. Even better, they’re also excellent companions for people with allergies thanks to their low-shedding coats.
But the important thing to remember with Papipoos, or any type of Doodle breed for that matter, is that they need to be brushed, bathed, groomed, and all of it quite often. Namely, brushing is one of the most important steps in any Papipoo’s grooming routine to prevent those nasty mats and keep your Dood’s coat looking fabulous.
As Papipoos can be quite high-maintenance when it comes to their coat care, not all dog grooming brushes can get the job done as it needs to be done. Finding the right kind of dog brush for a Papipoo might take a bit of time, but we’re here to help. So, let’s first take a look at the best types of dog brushes for Papipoos and how they can deliver the results for your best pal.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is probably one of the most popular types of dog brushes out there. With its wide paddle and ergonomic handle placement, a slicker brush is an excellent tool for grooming large areas of fur at once without getting your arm too tired. Not only that, slicker brushes in general are considered the most effective types of dog brushes.
A good quality slicker brush is ideal when working on very dense and mat-prone coats, such as the ones we see on Poodle mixes. You can brush through even the most textured coats with a slicker brush with minimal trouble, leaving your pup with soft and fluffy fur.
If you do opt for a slicker brush for your Papipoo, don’t forget to pay attention to the construction of the brush. We recommend sturdy and high-quality materials that make the brush durable. For instance, stainless steel pins are usually the best option, as they’re also the most effective.
Pin Brush
A pin brush is another great option for Papipoos with certain coat types. This grooming tool is great for general grooming purposes like deshedding and minor detangling. However, pin brushes aren’t usually as effective as slicker brushes, so that’s something you should keep in mind.
A pin brush has a more familiar handle placement like we see on most human hair brushes. There’s a wide variety of pin brushes to choose from. They can range in shape and size, materials, and overall construction of the brush. Again, you should carefully look for the quality of the brush and opt for ones that have stainless steel pins.
Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
In addition to a slicker or pin brush, you’ll also be needing a stainless steel comb for grooming your Papipoo. A comb is the best tool to use when detangling very stubborn knots and mats that Papipoos are known to harbor inside their coats. As you can imagine, it’s much easier to control a small comb when working on very small knots in comparison to a larger, much bulkier brush.
Speaking of which, you can also use your trusty comb when working on those small, hard-to-reach areas where it’s difficult to maneuver a brush. For instance, you might find it easier to use a comb on areas like the face, around the ears, or paws.
We definitely recommend you get a metal or stainless steel comb, as these are far superior to plastic or wooden combs. Stainless steel and metal pins generally glide through the hair much easier. In addition to that, hey’re also more durable and won’t break as easily.
What Is The Best Brush For Papipoo?
When you’re shopping for the best brush for your Papipoo, there are a few things you should think through before making your purchase. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Your Papipoo’s coat type – not all dog brushes work the same on different types of Papipoo coats.
- Their hair length – choose a brush with a pin length according to your dog’s hair length.
- The size of your pup – as Papipoos are toy-sized dogs, it’s probably easier to brush them with a small to medium-sized dog brush.
- The quality and comfort of the brush – look for durable materials and sturdy construction to ensure that the brush won’t fall apart after a few uses. It should also be comfortable to use.
Best Brush For Papipoos Based On Their Coat Type
As you might know, not all Papipoos have the exact same coat type. While Poodles have notoriously curly coats, Papillons have silky smooth, long hair. Therefore, their Papipoo offspring can also inherit either curly, wavy, or straight coats. This will depends on which side of their lineage they take more after. Let’s take a closer look at how their grooming needs differ and what you should keep in mind when choosing the best brush for your Papipoo.
Curly Coat
As you can probably guess, curly-coated Papipoos inherit more Poodle-like curls that are dense and textured. The great thing about the curly coat type is that it’s the most hypoallergenic of them all. This means that the curly coat is ideal for someone who’s struggling with severe allergies. The not-so-great thing about the curly coat is that it’s very, very high-maintenance. As a result, it also requires the most upkeep out of the three coat types.
Curly-coated Papipoos are very much prone to matting, as their textured curls can very easily become tangled. Loose dog hair, dirt, and debris will also get easily stuck inside the fur, so it’s essential to brush it out regularly to prevent matting and other skin and coat health issues. Based on that, the best brush for Papipoos with curly coats would be a slicker brush, since it’s the most effective and can handle those heavy-duty grooming needs.
Wavy Coat
Most commonly, Papipoos actually flaunt the wavy coat type that’s a beautiful combination of its purebred parents. The wavy coat has a much more relaxed wave and it’s not as textured as the curly coat. For this reason, it’s also much easier to maintain tangle-free and it usually requires a bit less grooming as well.
Another great thing about the wavy coat type is that it’s also quite allergy-friendly. Maybe only a tad bit less than the curly coat. That’s because the purebred Papillon is also a single-coated breed, meaning that all Papipoos will inherit a single coat from its parents, regardless of the curl in their hair.
Still, regular brushing is essential to get rid of any loose dog hair and dirt from the coat to prevent matting. For wavy-coated Papipoos, a pin brush is an excellent grooming tool to use on a regular basis.
Straight Coat
With that signature Doodle fluffiness, straight-coated Papipoos resemble more the purebred Papillon with their silky and straight hair. They’re usually quite easy to groom, much like their Papillon parents. Of course, the longer your Papipoo’s coat, the more grooming it’ll require. But, fortunately straight-coated Papipoos aren’t super mat-prone and they’re relatively allergy-friendly, too.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they may shed a little bit more than curly and wavy coat types. That’s because straight hair won’t hold onto loose dog hair as easily as curly hair. To minimize any of that shedding and keep your Dood’s coat tangle-free, you can opt for a pin brush.
Best Brush For Papipoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Ask any Doodle owner or professional groomer what their favorite dog grooming brush is, and most of the time the answer is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. Guaranteed. This slicker brush is really the perfect slicker brush for any of your grooming needs. It’s great for detangling the hair as well as deshedding the coat from loose fur.
What makes this brush so special is its quality and effectiveness. It’s made from high-quality materials that will last you a long, long time, and it’s so easy to use even on the curliest Papipoo coats. In fact, the Big G was specially designed for very thick and textured coats.
The brush has long, bended pins on a wide paddle, meaning that you can get the job done faster than with most other brushes on the market. It also features an extra long non-slip handle that provides you a good grip and prevents your arm from getting tired.
Pros
- Designed for very thick and textured coats like the curly-coated Papipoo;
- Wide paddle and long, bended pins cut the time spent brushing in half;
- Extra long, non-slip handle;
- Super high-quality and durable;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- Quite pricey, but it’s worth the investment.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Papipoos with curly coats. For toy-sized dogs like the Papipoo, we recommend either the medium-sized brush or the Baby G version.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
Our other top pick for Papipoos is also from the Chris Christensen brand. This time, it’s their Original Series Oval Pin Brush that has a more traditional look in comparison to their slicker brush. This is a great brush for detangling and deshedding wavy and straight-coated Papipoos that aren’t as prone to matting and don’t require as intensive grooming routines as curly-haired pups.
What makes this pin brush far superior compared to many others is the quality and ease of use. The highlight of this brush are its pins – they come with rounded tips for that added layer of safety, and they glide through the fur like a knife through butter. The brush is made from solid beechwood that’s very lightweight and easy to grasp onto while you’re grooming your Dood.
Pros
- Smooth stainless steel pins that achieve quick results;
- Great quality for such an affordable brush;
- Very lightweight, yet sturdy construction;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths – 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- Pin brushes aren’t as effective as slicker brushes, so this brush is more suitable for wavy and straight coat types.
The verdict: Chris Christensen’s Pin Brush is the best brush for Papipoos with wavy or straight coats. Choose the brush according to your Papipoo’s hair length. If they usually have long hair, take the 35mm option. For medium-length hair, the 27mm brush is a good pick, and 20mm for short-haired Papipoos.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
Our ultimate pick for Papipoos is the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb that can even work its magic on the toughest of knots and mats. Whether you’ve got a curly, wavy, or straight-haired Papipoo, this comb will become your favorite grooming tool. If you’ve got one of these bad boys, you won’t ever have to shave your Papipoo due to knots and mats.
The comb is made from high-quality stainless steel that’s pretty much indestructible. Thanks to its slim design, you can easily use it on areas that are otherwise difficult to reach with a brush. It also features two sides – one with a narrow set of teeth and another with a wide set of teeth – that you can easily switch between.
Pros
- Excellent comb for detangling even the most stubborn knots and mats;
- Two sides for different grooming purposes;
- Slim design and good grip;
- Great quality and sturdy construction;
- Very affordable.
Cons
- None!
Best Brush For Papipoo: Honorable Mentions
Indeed, the Chris Christensen brushes we recommended for your Papipoo above are certainly amongst some of the absolute best dog grooming brushes in the world, it doesn’t mean you won’t find a good alternative anywhere else. Here are some of our other favorite dog brushes that you and your Dood might enjoy:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Papipoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
Papipoos can be prone to matting thanks to their thick and dense coats. Fortunately, you can easily prevent this issue by regularly brushing your Papipoo with a brush that’s suited to their coat type and hair length.
When choosing the best brush for your Papipoo, their coat type is the most important factor to take into account. For curly-coated Papipoos, by far the best option is a slicker brush that’s the most effective out of all dog grooming brushes. For wavy and straight-coated Papipoos, a pin brush is a good choice. However, if you prefer a slicker brush, you won’t be disappointed in it.
Another very important thing to look at before purchasing the brush is the pin length. You should choose the pin length according to your dog’s hair length. So, if your Papipoo usually has long hair, make sure to opt for a brush with longer pins. If you don’t let their hair grow too long, you can just as well get a brush with shorter pins. The main thing is that the pins should be long enough to penetrate all layers of the coat up to the very root, as that’s where most of the mats tend to be hiding.
And finally, you should ideally get yourself a grooming brush that’s sturdy and made from quality materials. As you’ll be using this grooming tool the most, it should be safe from any wear and tear any time soon. You might also want to try the brush in the store beforehand to ensure that it’s comfortable to use. What’s more, keeping in mind that Papipoos are very small pups, don’t get the biggest brush you can find, as it can be very uncomfortable to maneuver around that tiny body. And, ultimately ineffective too.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Papipoo?
Like other Poodle mixes, Papipoos need to be groomed regularly to prevent matting and minimize shedding. How often you should brush your Papipoo depends on their coat type, but our usual recommendation for all Papipoos is to brush them daily. For curly-coated Papipoos, this is a non-negotiable, whereas straight and wavy-haired Doods might also stay mat-free with 3-4 brushing sessions a week.
Although it might sound tedious, it won’t take up too much of your time if you do it daily. If you don’t have any crazy knots and mats to brush out, you can imagine how much less time you’ll spend on brushing!
But, daily brushing comes with many other benefits for our four-legged best friends. For starters, it’s also going to keep your pup much cleaner if you brush out any dirt, debris, and dust from their coat every day. In addition to that, brushing is a great way to promote circulation under the skin, helping your Dood grow their finest, fluffiest coat.
Moreover, the process of brushing also distributes your Papipoo’s natural skin oils through all lengths of the coat. This will make your dog’s coat shiny and nourished, and give it an additional boost of strength.
Of course, there may be times when you’ve forgotten to brush your Papipoo in a while, leaving you now with all of those knots and mats to deal with. If you’re worried about having your dog shaved, you might still be able to save the day with the line brushing technique.
Can You Over-Brush A Papipoo?
No, as long as you use the right kind of grooming tools and correct technique, you can’t over-brush your Papipoo. If you’d like, you can even brush them a couple of times a day! Just make sure that you’re not accidentally hurting your pup in the process. Don’t apply too much pressure onto the skin with the brush, as this can irritate or even injure your dog’s skin. Likewise, you should never pull on the hair if you’re stuck in tangles. This can lead to hair loss and, obviously, hurt your dog in the process.
How To Brush A Papipoo Properly?
Now it’s time for you to learn the proper technique when brushing your Papipoo. Make sure you have all of your grooming tools – a slicker or pin brush, a metal comb, and a dog detangler spray – and follow the step-by-step instructions below to achieve the fluffiest results you’ve ever seen on your Dood!
Step #1
Before reaching for your brushes and combs, run your hands through all areas of your dog’s fur. If you find any knots, work on each of them individually with your comb. We recommend you spray on a little bit of dog detangler spray to loosen up the knots. The areas that are most prone to matting are usually behind the collar and harness, around the bum and tail area, around the ears, and between the paw pads.
To loosen up the knots even quicker, you should always start detangling them from the tip of the hair, moving gradually towards the root as you go. You can hold each knot with one hand whilst you’re detangling them with a comb in your other hand. This will take much of the pressure off of the root of the hair and your pup won’t feel as much discomfort.
Step #2
Once you’ve managed to get rid of all the knots and mats, it’s time to start brushing with your pin or slicker brush. Before you start, spray on dog detangling spray all over the fur to make the hair softer, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Now, it’s important that you follow the right order of areas to prioritize to get the fastest, most effective results. Start from the areas that are closest to the ground. So, you’ll first start brushing the paws, then feet and legs. Then you’ll move onto the belly, chest, and neck. Once that’s done, you can start brushing the sides, bum, and tail area, finally finishing with the hair on the back.
By the way, if you find that it’s difficult to use a brush around your face, you can detangle the hair there with a comb instead. The same goes for any other smaller and more delicate areas.
Step #3
Once you’re done detangling your Papipoo, it’s time for the finishing touches. Using a comb or a brush, gently tease the coat in upward motions to bring back the volume into the coat. And there you have it, your Papipoo now has a fluffy coat!
Best Brush For Papipoo: FAQs
The best brush for a Papipoo is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush or the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. For curly-coated Papipoos, the Big G is by far the best pick, as it’s designed for very dense and textured coats. If you’ve got a wavy or straight-coated Papipoo, both of these brushes will get the job done! In addition to a brush, don’t forget to purchase a comb for detangling knots and mats, such as the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb we recommended above.
The secret to a fluffy coat is very simple – regular brushing, bathing, and hair trimming. Healthy hair will naturally keep its volume and fluff. However, you can also utilize quick hacks to really make your Papipoo fluffy, such as blow drying their hair after bathing (make sure to use the lowest setting as to not hurt your pup) and fluffing up the coat with a comb or brush as the final step in your Papipoo’s grooming routine.
Grooming a Papipoo puppy isn’t that much different from grooming an adult dog. However, you might have to initially purchase a smaller dog brush or a puppy grooming brush that’s easier to use on very small Papipoo puppies. It goes without saying that you should be extra careful when grooming a puppy, as their skin is even more delicate than grown dogs’. Be very gentle, don’t apply too much pressure, and never yank the hair. For the correct technique, you can follow our step-by-step instructions above.
