For those of you who are preparing to welcome a Pugapoo to your family, you’ve likely made your way to this guide to figure out how to choose the best brush for a Pugapoo. These Doods, like any other Poodle mix, are not low-maintenance by any means. But that’s not to say that it won’t be easy to take good care of your pup. You just need to find a great dog brush to keep your pooch tangle-free, fluffy, and low shed. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best brush for your Pugapoo and also share with you some of our best grooming techniques to prevent common skin and coat health issues in Pugapoos. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Pugapoo: Types Of Popular Pugapoo Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Pugapoo?
- Best Brush For Pugapoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Pugapoo: Alternative Picks
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Pugapoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Pugapoo?
- How To Brush A Pugapoo Properly?
- Best Brush For Pugapoo: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Pugapoo: Types Of Popular Pugapoo Brushes
When we combine the Pug and the Poodle, we get the Pugapoo. You probably know all too well how adorable Pugapoos are! But as a responsible Doodle parent, you also know about how high-maintenance these little pups can be. They need to be groomed on a regular basis to prevent issues like matting, excessive shedding, and skin irritations.
But one of the most important steps in a Pugapoo’s grooming routine is brushing. While Pugs aren’t the most high-maintenance in the grooming department, everything changes when adding the Poodle into the mix. Indeed, the Poodle genes do mean that Pugapoos shed much less than Pugs and therefore won’t trigger allergies as easily, either.
However, if your Pugapoo is anything like other Doodles, they’ll also inherit a thick and luscious coat that’s prone to matting. In addition to that, not all Pugapoos are completely non-shedding and hypoallergenic. And that’s why brushing is so important for these little Doods.
So, we know that brushing is important for Pugapoos. But which type of dog grooming brush should you choose for your four-legged best friend? Here are the two dog grooming brushes that are by far the best options for Pugapoos…
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is a type of dog grooming brush that you’ll recognize by its wide, rectangular paddle and an ergonomic handle placement. These types of dog grooming brushes are usually the most effective on thick Pugapoo coats. They’re great for deshedding the coat from loose dog hair and also for detangling even the most textured, mat-prone coats. Of course, provided that you manage to buy a good quality slicker brush. Trust us, not all of them are as good as you’d hope!
Slicker brushes are super comfortable and easy to use thanks to the handle placement. Thanks to the wider than usual paddle, you’ll also be able to brush through larger areas of fur at a time, cutting the time spent on grooming in half.
Nonetheless, be sure to pay attention to the finer details of the brush. They come in many shapes and sizes, the pin length can vary, and some materials also tend to be better than others. The main thing is to choose a slicker brush with stainless steel or metal pins – these are the most effective and easiest to use on the Pugapoo coat.
Pin Brush
A more familiar choice would be a pin brush that’s not much different from human hair brushes. A pin brush will likely have an oval or oblong-shaped head with a “traditional” handle placement. Some people have a hard time adjusting to the handle of a slicker brush, whereas others find it more difficult to use a pin brush on a dog.
But! It’s not just about your preference. The thing about pin brushes is that they aren’t as effective as slicker brushes. So, if your Pugapoo has a super thick and mat-prone coat, a pin brush alone likely won’t be enough for your little pal. It’s true that a good quality pin brush can be an excellent grooming tool for deshedding and detangling the coat, but it all boils down to your Pugapoo’s coat type.
As with any other dog grooming brush, there are tons of varieties to the pin brush out there. Although the material that the body of the brush is made of might not make a huge difference, choosing a brush with the wrong type of pins sure will. Again, look for pin brushes that are made with metal pins because these tend to be more effective on Pugapoo coats.
Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
Whether a slicker or pin brush is the best option for your Pugapoo, that’s not the only tool you need to buy for your Dood. Pugapoos can be very high-maintenance due to their mat-prone coats, which means that you also need a trusty comb to detangle the worst of knots and mats. To be fair, a comb is probably the most important grooming tool in your arsenal. If you can get just one, let it be a comb.
But a comb isn’t only necessary for detangling mats. It’s also an excellent tool when you’re working on smaller, more delicate areas that you might not be able to reach with a larger brush.
We strongly recommend you get a metal or stainless steel comb that’s sturdy and durable. These won’t break as easily as plastic or wooden combs, and they’re also much better to use on the Pugapoo’s textured coat.
What Is The Best Brush For Pugapoo?
When choosing the best brush for your Pugapoo, there are quite a few factors to consider. You’ll need to understand what coat type your Dood has, but also take into account their size and hair length.
For example, Pugapoos are very small pups, so it won’t make sense to choose the largest dog grooming brush you can find. It’s simply not comfortable to maneuver it around your Pugapoo’s tiny body. As a result, a larger brush won’t be as effective either, since you can’t reach many areas on the body.
Another thing that many people forget to think about is their Doodle’s hair length. Yes, one of the most fabulous things about Pugapoos is that they can flaunt long, shaggy coats, giving them that true teddy bear look. But this also means that you’ve got to choose the grooming brush accordingly.
A very simple guideline is this: if your Pugapoo has a long coat, get yourself a dog grooming brush with long pins. The main thing is that the pins reach to the very root of the hair, where most of the mats usually sit close to the skin. If their hair is on the shorter side, the pin size won’t matter as much.
Best Brush For Pugapoos Based On Their Coat Type
Poodle mixes like the Pugapoo don’t come in just one hypoallergenic and non-shedding variety. Since Pugs and Poodles have very different coat types, their Pugapoo offspring can also inherit one of three coat types – curly, wavy, or straight. In addition to that, some of these Doods may also have an undercoat. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that all of these different coat types will also require a different approach when it comes to their grooming routines and choosing the best brush for a Pugapoo.
Curly Coat
Curly-coated Pugapoos are the most hypoallergenic of the bunch, having just one single layer of hair that sheds very, very minimally. Not only don’t these pups have a shedding undercoat, their curly hair also holds onto any loose dog hair, debris, and dirt. As a result, the curly coat type is also the most prone to matting and will require the most grooming out of them all.
The best brush for a Pugapoo with a curly coat is a slicker brush. As we learned, slicker brushes are the most effective, especially on very thick and textured coats, making this dog grooming brush a perfect tool for super mat-prone coats that need some extra care and attention.
Wavy Coat
Wavy coats are just as thick and luscious, but they’re usually much easier to groom and keep free from tangles than curly coats. As the Pug tends to have a double coat, it’s not uncommon for some wavy-coated Pugapoos to also inherit a lightly shedding undercoat. So that’s another thing to keep in mind when grooming your pooch. Additionally, if your wavy-haired Pugapoo has a double coat, they might not be as hypoallergenic, either.
For the wavy-coated Pug-Poodle mix, a slicker brush is a great choice, but you can also opt for a pin brush if your pup isn’t particularly tangle-prone.
Straight Coat
Straight-coated Pugapoos often come with an undercoat, making them the least suitable choice for people with severe dog allergies. Or, if you really don’t want a dog that sheds hair.
With these pups, it’s especially important to regularly brush out the coat from loose dog hair. This helps minimize shedding and reduce allergens, but it’ll also prevent matting due to loose dog hair staying stuck inside the coat.
Like for wavy-coated Doods, you can use both slicker and pin brushes on a straight-coated Pugapoo.
Best Brush For Pugapoos: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The best brush for a Pugapoo, regardless of your dog’s coat type, is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. If slicker brushes in general are the most effective for detangling and deshedding the coat, then this one is miles ahead of anything else we’ve ever seen or tried. This brush was specially designed for very curly and dense coats, and we can attest to its quality and effectiveness even on the curliest of Doodles.
The design of this brush is so well thought out. The wide paddle has long, bended pins that will make those grooming sessions go by so fast. It also features that usual slicker brush handle placement, but the Big G has an extra long handle that’s also covered in non-slip material. Talk about comfort and convenience!
Pros
- By far the most effective dog grooming brush for Pugapoos;
- Wide paddle and long pins for fast results;
- Extra long, non-slip handle;
- Great quality and durability;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- A bit on the pricier side.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Pugapoos with curly coats, but it’s also an excellent tool for wavy and straight coat types.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
Even though the Big G has proven time and time again to be the best brush for Pugapoos, that’s not to say that you can’t try something a bit different. If your Pugapoo has a wavy or straight coat, you might prefer the Chris Christensen Pin Brush a bit better. To be fair, not everyone likes the handle placement of a slicker brush, anyway.
Affordable, yet very high-quality, this pin brush features long, stainless steel pins that have rounded tips. Not only is this great for your pup’s safety during those grooming sessions, those pins are much more effective than most other pin brushes we’ve tried. The body of the brush is made from solid beechwood so that it’s very lightweight and easy to grip, but at the same time very durable.
Pros
- Smooth stainless steel pins with polished tips;
- Lightweight, yet super durable and sturdy brush;
- Very affordable price point;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths: 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- Less effective than the Big G slicker brush.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the best brush for Pugapoos with wavy and straight coats, but not really suitable for very thick curly coats.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
For detangling those stubborn knots and mats, you can’t go wrong with the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb. It’s a two-sided comb that’s made from premium quality stainless steel. Thanks to its slim design, it’s easy to grasp onto and use even on the smallest, most hard-to-reach areas. And even though it’s so affordable, it’s truly well made and durable. It’s just that good!
Pros
- Great quality and very affordable;
- Ideal for detangling knots and mats;
- Two sides for different grooming needs;
- Easy to use and effective.
Cons
- None!
Best Brush For Pugapoo: Alternative Picks
As avid Doodle lovers, we’ve tried and tested countless dog grooming brushes that you could find. And we’re not going to lie, it’s hard to find one as good as the Big G we raved about earlier. But, we also understand that it’s an expensive brush to buy, especially if you’re not sure that you’d even like it. So, here are some great alternative options for you to check out:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Pugapoo Can Help Prevent Matting?
Matting is a very common concern in Pugapoos that can be easily prevented with a proper grooming routine. So, if so far you’ve been worried about how to keep your Pugapoo hair from matting, then you’ll be glad to learn that you only need to be consistent and use the right kind of dog grooming brush on your Dood’s beautiful coat. And that’s pretty much it!
As you’ll be using a dog brush on a regular basis, it only makes sense to use the right kind according to your Pugapoo’s coat type and hair length. Keeping in mind that Pugapoos are tangle-prone dogs, you’ll need something that’s geared towards those heavy-duty grooming sessions, such as a slicker brush. For wavy and straight-haired Pugapoos, another option is a pin brush. But make sure that the brush has stainless steel pins. Bristle brushes or dog grooming brushes with plastic or wooden pins won’t get you anywhere.
Once you’ve decided on which type of dog brush to get for your pooch, it’s just as important to choose one with pins appropriately sized according to your Pugapoo’s hair length. If you’ve got a long-haired Pugapoo, but the pins are on the shorter side, rest assured, you’ll still be dealing with knots and mats on a regular basis.
Lastly, it might be wise to also pay attention to the construction of the brush. Do the materials seem sturdy and durable enough? Or does the brush feel flimsy? Is it comfortable to grasp?
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Pugapoo?
Enough beating around the bush. You’d probably like to know – how often should you brush a Pugapoo? These high-maintenance Doods should be brushed daily to prevent matting, reduce shedding, and minimize allergens.
Daily brushing is especially important for curly-coated Pugapoos, since they are the most tangle-prone. If you’ve got a wavy or straight-coated dog, try to brush them at least 3 to 4 times a week. At least!
But keep in mind that the more often you brush your dog, the less knots and tangles you have to deal with. And the more time goes by, the more you’ll have to spend time on brushing your dog’s coat. As you can imagine, the situation won’t be as nice for neither you or your pooch when their coat becomes super tangled.
In those days when you have to get back on track again after who knows how long, you will need a more intensive approach when brushing your Pugapoo. The line brushing method is a thorough (and a bit more time-consuming) technique that’ll get rid of any and all knots that you couldn’t be fussed about.
Can You Over-Brush A Pugapoo?
Realistically, you can’t over-brush your Pugapoo. Doodle breeds like the Pug-Poodle mix are prone to matting, so the more often you can brush your pup, the better. Not only will this prevent matting and minimize shedding, daily brushing has many other benefits for your dog.
For instance, brushing boosts circulation under the skin, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth. It also helps distribute natural skin oils throughout the lengths of the hair, making them nourished and shiny.
What’s more, if you brush your Pugapoo daily, or even a few times each day, you won’t have to deal with as much doggy odors and your pup getting as dirty as quickly. You can probably imagine how all of that daily grime can quickly accumulate inside the coat, leaving it smelling not so fresh and looking unkempt.
Of course, always use the right kind of dog grooming brush according to your Pugapoo’s coat type and be gentle when using it. One mistake that many people make is pulling on the hair too forcefully when getting stuck inside the coat. This could lead to hair loss and also cause quite a lot of pain for your dog. Another mistake is putting too much pressure onto the skin with the brush. This can lead to skin irritations and even injuries.
How To Brush A Pugapoo Properly?
It’s time to set up your grooming station – get your slicker or pin brush, a metal comb, a dog detangler spray, and follow along the steps below. By using these simple tips and techniques, your Pugapoo will always have a fluffy, soft, and tangle-free coat.
Step #1
The very first thing you want to do is to locate any knots and mats inside the coat. Run your hands through all areas of the coat, paying extra attention to the most tangle-prone areas behind the collar and harness, around the paws, tail, and bum.
You’ll first detangle each knot with your metal comb. Spray on a little bit of dog detangler spray to loosen up the knot and start detangling it from the tip of the hair, moving slowly up towards the root as the knot loosens up.
More often than not, this step is uncomfortable for dogs, but you can make it more manageable by holding onto the knot very close to the root whilst detangling it with the comb in your other hand. This takes a lot of the pressure off of the root of the hair.
Step #2
Once you’ve detangled all the knots and mats, it’s time to start brushing larger areas of the coat with a slicker or pin brush. Spraying on dog detangler spray will make the whole coat softer, loosen up any remaining tangles, and also prevent the hair from getting as easily tangled later on.
When using a dog grooming brush, you want to start from the lowest point of the body. It should go like this: first the paws and feet, then the legs, then the belly, bum, neck, and chest. Then you can work on the sides of your Pugapoo’s body and don’t forget to properly brush the tail – it’s one of the most tangle-prone areas! Lastly, you can brush the hair on the back of your Dood.
If you find it hard to brush the hair on the face with a dog grooming brush, use a comb instead.
Step #3
Some brushes will naturally lift up the hair whilst you’re using it, but you may also notice that after brushing your Pugapoo, the hair sits a bit flat against the body. To make your Pugapoo fluffy again, gently lift up the hair in upward strokes with a comb or brush.
Best Brush For Pugapoo: FAQs
After trying countless dog grooming brushes, we can say with certainty that the best brush for a Pugapoo is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. This slicker brush is perfect for thick Doodle coats and it can manage even the most textured, curly hair. If your Pugapoo has a more relaxed coat type, such as a wavy or straight coat, you can also opt for the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. But whichever brush you choose, make sure to also buy yourself a good stainless steel comb to tackle knots and mats.
Doodles like the Pugapoo are known for their fluffy, teddy bear coats. Regular brushing, hair trimming, and bathing will naturally keep your Pugapoo’s hair fluffy, especially when using a good slicker brush that lifts up the hair. But brushing your dog at least once a day is the best way to keep them fluffy. Also, you can fluff up the coat with a pin brush or a comb as finishing touches after grooming your pooch, and use a blow dryer after bathing to make the hair even fluffier.
The steps for grooming a Pugapoo puppy are essentially the same as grooming an adult Pugapoo (see the step-by-step guide above!). However, as Pugapoo puppies can be super tiny, you might prefer using a special puppy brush or a much smaller dog grooming brush during this delicate life stage. Also, be sure to be extremely gentle with the brush so that you won’t irritate or injure your puppy’s skin in the process. The great thing is that puppies usually won’t need to be groomed as often and their hair doesn’t get as easily tangled. But the sooner you start grooming your pup on a regular basis, the easier it will be once your Pugapoo becomes an adult. It’s not uncommon for dogs to hate grooming as adults since they simply weren’t introduced to it early on. Keep that in mind!
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