If you’re looking for the best brush for a Shepadoodle, then this guide here will help you get sorted out. In this guide, we’re going to discuss some key factors on how to choose the right kind of dog grooming brush for your German Shepadoodle according to their coat type and other unique traits. But that’s not all we’re going to talk about. We’ve also prepared for you our top tips on how to groom your Shepadoodle properly so that you can say goodbye to matted hair and excessive shedding for good. Keep on reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Shepadoodle: Types Of Popular Shepadoodle Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For Shepadoodle?
- Best Brush For Shepadoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Shepadoodle: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Shepadoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Shepadoodle?
- How To Brush A Shepadoodle Properly?
- Best Brush For Shepadoodle: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Shepadoodle: Types Of Popular Shepadoodle Brushes
The Shepadoodle, also known as the German Shepadoodle, is a hybrid cross between the German Shepherd and Poodle. But try not to confuse the Shepadoodle (German Shepherd-Poodle mix) with the Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog-Poodle mix)! Like many other Poodle mixes, the Shepadoodle sure has many names to choose from. They’re also known as German Doodles, Sherdoodles, or Shepapoos, to name a few of them.
Shepadoodles make wonderful pets thanks to their intelligence, loving nature, and wild confidence. Personality wise, they’re not too different from purebred German Shepherds who are very well-known as police dogs. But thanks to the Poodle genes in this mix, Shepadoodles are quite a bit more allergy-friendly than their purebred German cousins. In fact, police officers with dog allergies often work with Shepadoodles instead.
While some may consider the Shepadoodle low-maintenance due to its hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat, we cannot really agree with this statement considering how much grooming a Shepadoodle actually needs. So, whether you’re planning to adopt a Doodle pup or already have one in your family, grooming will be a non-negotiable in your daily life from here on out.
Most important task in your Shepadoodle’s grooming routine is by far regular brushing. But for that, you also need a specific type of dog grooming brush that’s effective on your Dood’s coat…
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is the best brush for a Shepadoodle due to it being one of the most effective types of dog grooming brush you can find. Slicker brushes are designed for brushing through thicker and more textured coats. A slicker brush can effectively detangle a thick coat, but also remove any loose dog hair.
A slicker brush has a distinctive design that you won’t be able to miss. It features a wide, usually rectangular paddle and an ergonomic handle placement. The wide paddle is perfect for brushing through large areas of dense coat, whereas the ergonomic handle is meant to take the strain off your hand and arm while you’re grooming your pup.
If you’re planning to buy a slicker brush for your Shepadoodle, look for one that has a larger paddle and tightly-packed longer pins. This is going to make the brush easier and more effective to use. Also, we recommend slicker brushes with pins that are made of stainless steel.
Pin Brush
Another great choice for your Shepadoodle could be a quality pin brush. Now, we must mention that pin brushes are generally a bit less effective than slicker brushes. However, if your Shepapoo isn’t super tangle-prone, you can just as well opt for a pin brush for detangling and deshedding your dog’s coat.
The design of a pin brush isn’t unlike even your usual human hair brush. However, if you’re planning to groom your dog with a pin brush, we strongly recommend you buy a brush that’s designed for dogs specifically. Again, pin brushes with stainless steel pins are usually the best option. Pin brushes with plastic or wooden pins, or even bristle brushes that look very similar in terms of design, aren’t effective on a Shepadoodle’s coat, so that’s something you should keep in mind when going shopping.
Essential For All Shepadoodles: Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
In addition to a dog grooming brush, you must invest in a good metal or stainless steel comb. Don’t worry, they’re not as expensive, either! As Shepadoodles are prone to matting, a comb is such a helpful tool to get rid of any knots and mats that need some TLC. It’s also great for grooming areas that are more delicate, smaller, and harder to reach with a dog grooming brush.
When shopping for a grooming comb for your Shepapoo, be sure to buy something that’s made from either stainless steel or metal. These are generally very high-quality and sturdy, meaning that they won’t snap as easily as plastic or wooden combs. But to be fair, combs made from plastic or wood aren’t exactly very effective on the Shepadoodle’s tangle-prone coat, either.
What Is The Best Brush For Shepadoodle?
Now that we’ve talked about the two best dog brushes for Shepadoodles, you probably want to know how you should choose one. One of the most important factors to consider is your Shepadoodles, but we’ll get there in a moment.
However, there are other factors to take into account, such as your dog’s size and hair length. Like other Doodles, Shepadoodles’ hair grows very long. So, if you usually prefer to keep it long and shaggy, be sure to also pay close attention to the pin size. You should choose the pin length according to your dog’s hair length.
For short-haired pups, longer pins won’t do any damage. But if your Shepapoo has long hair and the brush has tiny pins, it’s a recipe for disaster. When brushing your pooch, the goal is for the pins to penetrate all layers of the fur down to the very root of the hair. Otherwise, those mats will still keep on forming bigger and bigger in those deepest layers of the hair.
The size of the brush can also play a role here, as you want something that’s not too small or too big to use on your pup. So, if you have a larger Standard Shepadoodle that weighs 80 pounds, a larger grooming brush will likely be the best way to go. On the other hand, for a smaller Mini Shepadoodle that only weighs 30 pounds, a medium-sized brush would be a good option.
Best Brush For Shepadoodles According To Their Coat Type
The Shepadoodle’s coat isn’t the easiest thing to predict. After all, German Shepherds and Poodles have very different coat types from each other. The German Shepherd has a straight double coat that sheds quite heavily all year round. Meanwhile, the Poodle has a dense and textured, super curly coat that’s well-known for its hypoallergenic and non-shed qualities.
As you can probably guess, their German Shepadoodle offspring may inherit either the Poodle’s curly locs, the German Shepherd’s straight double coat, or a wavy coat that sits somewhere in between.
Curly Coat
Hypoallergenic and low to non-shedding, the curly coat is surely the most in-demand of the Shepadoodle’s coat types. Shepadoodles with curly coats have just one single layer of hair so there’s no undercoat that’s going to profusely shed. On the other hand, curly coats are notoriously hard to take care of, since they’re very much prone to matting due to all of those counltess thick layers of curly hair. The best brush for Shepadoodles with curly coats is something more heavy-duty, such as a quality slicker brush.
Straight Coat
At the opposite side we have the shaggy and thick straight coat that’s mostly inherited from the German Shepherd. Indeed, the Poodle genes in the mix will likely result in a lower-shedding coat than the one you’d see on a purebred German Shepherd. However, Shepadoodles with straight coats tend to also have a double coat, so you have to be prepared for some degree of shedding. For this reason, the straight coat isn’t the best option for people with severe dog allergies.
In terms of their grooming needs, straight-coated Doods aren’t usually as mat-prone as curly-coated pups. However, if you don’t brush out any of that loose dog hair, the coat can still become matted. For straight-coated Shepadoodles, both slicker and pin brushes are good options.
Wavy Coat
Wavy-coated Shepadoodles get the best of both worlds – they’re not as prone to matting as curly coats and they usually shed much less than straight coats. Nonetheless, some wavy-coated Shepadoodles may inherit a lightly shedding undercoat, depending on their unique genetic makeup. If you’ve got a wavy-haired Shepapoo, you can again opt for either a pin brush or a slicker brush.
Best Brush For Shepadoodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The best brush for your Shepadoodle has got to be the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. If you’ve already heard of it, you probably know how much Doodle owners love this brush. Us included. It’s so effective, so easy to use, and it’s also very high-quality and durable.
In fact, when we first used this brush on a Doodle, we were surprised how fast we got the whole coat detangled! This seems to be a common theme in anyone who’s ever tried the Big G. The wide paddle has long and bended pins that reach through all of those many layers of fur with such ease. We also love that the handle is designed to be extra long so that it won’t make your arms too tired in the process. The non-slip handle provides a good grip as well.
Pros
- A heavy-duty dog grooming brush that’s perfect for detangling and deshedding very thick and tangle-prone coats;
- Wide paddle and long pins get the job done super fast;
- Extra long ergonomic handle with non-slip cover;
- Extremely high-quality, sturdy, and durable;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- Rather pricey, but consider this as an investment that’s worth it.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Shepadoodles with all coat types, but especially for curly-coated pups.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
If your Shepapoo has a wavy or straight coat and you absolutely cannot get used to the handle on a slicker brush, then a good alternative for the Big G is Chris Christensen’s Original Series Oval Pin Brush. By the way, it’s also super affordable, especially when compared with the Big G.
This pin brush is great for both detangling and deshedding the coat. The body of the brush is made from solid beechwood that’s very lightweight, but also provides you with a comfortable grip. It’s sturdy and durable and very easy to use. The pins on this brush are made from high-quality stainless steel and they also feature rounded tips. The rounded tips add a layer of safety, but also make the grooming sessions enjoyable for your pooch.
Pros
- Extremely smooth stainless steel pins with rounded tips that glide through the fur very easily;
- Very lightweight brush that’s easy to grasp;
- Great quality at an affordable price point;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths: 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- In general, pin brushes are less effective than slicker brushes.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the best brush for Shepadoodles with wavy and straight coats. We wouldn’t recommend it for Shepapoos with curly coats.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
For detangling the most stubborn knots and mats, you will need a good comb. Our favorite for Shepadoodles is the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb that has two sides that you can easily switch between. The comb is very easy to hold onto as well. This comb is made from premium quality stainless steel so that you can be sure of its quality and durability. We also love how affordable it is, considering that it’s pretty much impossible to break or snap.
Pros
- Perfect for detangling knots and mats;
- Also great for smaller, more hard-to-reach areas;
- Features two sides – one with narrow teeth and the other with coarse teeth;
- Extremely high-quality and durable comb;
- Very affordable.
Cons
- None!
Best Brush For Shepadoodle: Honorable Mentions
Although the two dog grooming brushes we reviewed above are certainly our favorites to use on high-maintenance Doodle coats, there are some other great alternatives that you might want to check out, such as these below:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Shepadoodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
Shepadoodles, like other Doodle breeds, are prone to tangles, knots, and mats. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to become a big issue for your pup if you consistently, on a regular basis groom them. Most importantly, you should brush them regularly with a suitable dog brush, as it’s the best, easiest, and cheapest way to prevent matting. Plus, it’s going to reduce shedding and minimize allergens!
The best brush for Shepadoodles, regardless of their coat type, is a slicker brush. As we mentioned earlier, slicker brushes are more of a heavy-duty type dog grooming brushes, meaning that they’re effective at both detangling and deshedding even the thickest of coats. However, if your wavy or straight-haired Shepapoo isn’t extremely mat-prone, a good alternative is a pin brush.
When shopping for a brush for your Shepadoodle, be sure to also pay attention to the actual pins on the brush. The pins should be made of stainless steel or metal, and their size should correlate to your dog’s hair length. This is especially important for long-haired Shepapoos so that no knots and mats will be left behind due to the pins being too small.
The overall quality of the brush is also something to consider. If possible, look for a brush that seems sturdy and durable, and provides you with a comfortable grip. The handle length may also be something to think about, as shorter handles may put a bit more strain on your hand and arm.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Shepadoodle?
How often you should brush your Shepadoodle will largely depend on your dog’s coat type and hair length. For instance, curly-coated Shepadoodles should absolutely be brushed daily to properly prevent matting. Likewise, long-haired dogs tend to be more prone to tangles, so they will most likely need more grooming on a daily basis.
If you’ve got a straight or wavy-haired Shepadoodle whose hair is also on the shorter side, you probably won’t have to brush them every single day. Unless you want to, of course. Still, you should aim to brush your Dood at least 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
On that note, since both wavy and straight-coated Shepadoodles can have a shedding undercoat, regular brushing is a great way to keep the shedding to a minimum and reduce allergens around your house. For this reason, we actually do recommend daily brushing sessions for all Shepadoodles, even for pups with less tangle-prone coats.
Not only that, regular, even daily brushing is going to keep your dog’s coat clean from dust, dirt, and debris, so that you won’t have to bathe your dog as frequently. Brushing also promotes circulation, healthy hair growth, and distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat, making it strong and shiny.
For those days when your best pal’s coat seems impossibly tangled and matted, the line brushing method will help you make the fur all fluffy, mat-free, and healthy again. It will take a bit more time and it’s a bit more technical as well, but it’s the best way to save your dog’s coat before having to shave it off.
Can You Over-Brush A Shepadoodle?
If you’re using the right kind of grooming tools and not being too forceful when grooming your Shepadoodle, then you don’t have to worry about brushing them too often. As we discussed, there are many benefits for your pup if you brush them daily. However, you should never use excessive force when grooming your pup.
Don’t pull on the hair, especially if you’re getting stuck in knots and mats. Also, don’t apply too much pressure onto the skin with the pins. Dogs have delicate skin and you don’t want to accidentally injure your pooch. Also, if you hurt them in the process, they might not be too keen on being groomed the next time you grab for the brush.
How To Brush A Shepadoodle Properly?
So, how should you brush your Shepadoodle so that you get rid of any and all knots and mats, but also effectively reduce shedding and thus minimize allergens? Well, make sure you have your pin or slicker brush, a stainless steel comb, and a dog detangler spray (optional, but definitely recommended!), and you can follow the exact step-by-step guide below.
Step #1
First things first, run your hands through your Shepadoodle’s coat so that you can locate all knots and mats that should first be detangled with a comb. The areas that are usually the most prone to matting are behind the ears, collar, harness, but also around the paws, and bum and tail area.
You’ll work on those knots with your metal comb, starting from the tip of the hair and moving your way up towards the root only once the knot has loosened up at the tip. Also, detangle the hair in the direction of hair growth – you don’t want to accidentally tease the hair into even more stubborn mats.
A helpful trick to prevent your pup from feeling pain and discomfort is to hold onto the knot with your left hand (very close to the root!) while you have your comb in your right hand. We also recommend you spray on dog detangling spray on each of those knots so that they’re easier to detangle.
Step #2
After the most tedious part of the grooming process is done, it’s time to grab your slicker or pin brush. Before you start, spray on dog detangling spray all over the coat, avoiding your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth.
You should start brushing the lowest areas on your dog’s body first. Start with the paws, then brush the feet and legs, then the chest, neck, belly, and bum. Next up, you can work on the sides and tail, finally finishing with the fur on the back.
The facial area can often be tricky, so you can use either a smaller-sized dog grooming brush or your comb instead. As we mentioned previously, a comb is also great for other smaller areas that are difficult to reach with a brush.
Here’s an illustration showing you in what order you should brush your Shepadoodle:
Step #3
After all the detangling and deshedding, it’s time for the finishing touches. To make your Shepapoo extra fluffy, gently lift their hair in upward strokes with a brush or comb to bring back the volume into the hair.
Best Brush For Shepadoodle: FAQs
The best brush for a Shepadoodle is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. It’s great for all coat types, but especially for curly-haired Shepapoos. If your wavy or straight-coated Shepadoodle isn’t very tangle-prone, you can also use the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. For detangling knots and mats, we recommend the two-sided Andis Steel Greyhound Comb.
The secret to a fluffy Doodle coat lies in a good grooming regimen that you follow religiously. Be sure to brush your Shepadoodle daily, have their hair trimmed every few months, and bathe them when necessary, but not too often, as this could lead to skin dryness, irritations, and excessive hair loss. For that extra oomph and volume, you can blow dry your dog’s hair after bathing. Always use the lowest setting possible so that the airflow isn’t too hot for your pup. You can also fluff up the coat with a comb or brush after grooming them.
When grooming a Shepadoodle puppy, you should be extremely careful so as to not accidentally hurt them or injure their skin. Puppy brushes usually have very soft bristles, but if you’re not too heavy handed, you can also opt for a smaller-sized dog brush. We also recommend you start regularly grooming your Shepadoodle early on so that they can get used to being groomed and handled. Other than that, feel free to follow the same steps we listed for you above.
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