Best Brush for Short Hair Dogs: Reviews and Recommendations

If you have a short-haired Dood or simply prefer to keep your pet’s hair in check to reduce knots, tangles, and shedding, you may be wondering how best to care for their coat. With so many brushes out there, how can you find just the right one? By asking other owners, of course! That’s precisely what we have done. By scouring hundreds of reviews posted by pet parents and professional groomers, we’ve come up with this list of recommendations for the best brush for short hair dogs.

Dog Coat Types: A Quick Overview

While it may seem that short a short coat needs little to no attention, that isn’t actually the case. Regular brushing is not only vital for keeping a dog’s hair in good condition, but their skin too. However, not every style of brush is going to work for a short-haired dog. One with pins that are too long, for instance, may do more harm than good.

The type of brush that you opt for will depend very much on the kind of coat that your pup has. Doodles tend to inherit one of the following from their Poodle and/or non-Poodle parents: 

Coarse, Curly Hair

More common in later generation Doodles, the coarse, curly coat is also the much sought-after non-shed one. However, this particular hair type is a veritable magnet for dirt, debris, knots, and tangles. That’s why some owners that have Doodles with this coat type opt for regular trims to keep it more manageable.

Silky, Straight Hair

On the opposite end of the spectrum, depending on the other dog used in the breeding, your pup might have completely straight hair (either short or long). While this is naturally less tangle-prone, it is usually the type that sheds. Frequent brushing and cutting can help reduce the amount of hair left about your house.

Wavy or Wiry Hair

Sitting somewhere in the middle, the typical Doodle wavy hair is generally the easiest to care for as it’s shed-light and also less likely to knot if not brushed out daily. You might, however, want to keep the length of this kind of hair in check as it can start to look a little scruffy as it grows out, not to mention it could get a bit hot in the summer.

Popular Dog Brushes

A brush may seem like a very simple tool, but they come in a wide variety of types and materials. Not every kind is going to do what you need it to do, so you need to make sure you get the right one to match your pup’s coat and grooming needs. Here are some of the most common brushes recommended by Doodle owners: 

Slickers

The best all-rounders, slicker brushes are great for dealing with just about every coat type. They are available in an assortment of sizes and shapes, meaning you can find the perfect one for your pooch. These brushes have densely packed pins that are slightly angled, making them great for lifting dead and loose hair from your pet’s coat. They also make quick work of most everyday knots and tangles.

Pins

Pin brushes are the most similar to the kind of brushes people use on their own hair. On the whole, they tend to be better for longer coats than shorter ones. However, they are good to have to hand if you find yourself regularly dealing with knots that aren’t too severe. They are also great for getting the coat to sit flat for that just-back-from-the-groomers look.

Bristles

Bristle brushes are generally the best option for naturally short, straight-haired dogs. Bristle brushes don’t do much for knots. Still, they are great at removing dust, dirt, dander, and loose hairs. They are also excellent for helping distribute the natural oils around the coat that make it shine so beautifully while massaging the skin and promoting healthy blood circulation. 

Rakes

Pet parents dealing with the dreaded double coat will find a firm ally in the rake. These specially designed brushes with their (usually) single layer of densely packed teeth effortlessly strip dead and loose hair from the shedding undercoat while leaving the topcoat completely intact for beautifully healthy hair on your dog rather than your clothes. 

Combs

While not strictly speaking a brush, combs are useful grooming tools to have to hand – not to mention you can get hold of a really good one on the cheap. They are multifunctional and can be used to tackle tough knots in tricky areas, tidy furnishings around the face and tail, and settle the topcoat after a thorough brushing. 

Dog Brushes: Buyer’s Guide

So, at this point, you’ve probably narrowed in on the sort of brush you need. However, there are still so many great options to choose from. When shopping around for the best brush for your short-haired dog, there are a few other things to think about, and that could guide you in making the right choice. These are: 

Construction

Needless to say, if you are spending money on a product, you want it to last. That’s why it’s essential to pay close attention to how it is made. Most brushes are primarily plastic, and that’s just fine for function, but you will want to make sure that the pins or tines of the brush or comb you purchase are high quality.

Stainless steel really is the best option here, and make sure that they are filed, rounded, or have a protective plastic coating. You don’t want them to scratch at your pup’s delicate skin as you are working the brush through their coat. To be doubly sure, test the brush on the tender underside of your arm before using it on your pet. 

Design

The design of the brush is also important. You are going to want to make sure that it is the right size for your hound (see below) and, perhaps more importantly, that the teeth of the brush or comb are going to be the right length to completely penetrate your pet’s coat without too much effort.

If your Dood is on the larger side, you will want to opt for a brush with an ergonomic handle. A non-slip, functional design helps you retain better control of the brush as you use it in those hard-to-reach areas. One that has been constructed to fit the contours of your hand will stop you from suffering pain in your wrist when spending long periods on grooming.

Size and shape

Most brushes come in different sizes and shapes to better suit different dog breeds. Picking the right one can make your life that much easier. It’s not always just about the size of your pup. You will want to think about how you will be using the brush too. 

Naturally, a larger brush is going to quickly cover a larger surface area which will reduce the overall time spent on brushing your pup. However, if you’re not paying close attention, this kind of brush could all too easily skip over hidden tangles in your pet’s coat. It’s also tricky to manipulate a larger brush around the underside and more delicate areas of your dog. 

Functionality

Finally, functionality will dictate your final purchase more so perhaps than all of the above. What are you actually going to be using the brush for? If you want something that detangles, flattens, and shines, then you will need something a little more versatile than most brushes tends to be. In this instance, you might opt for a combo brush like the Safari 2-in-1. 

On the other hand, with shedding being the most common issue seen in naturally short-haired dogs, you will likely be on the lookout for a brush that can effectively deal with this specific problem – such as a rake. If it’s not your top priority, a pin or bristle brush should handle the job just fine. 

Best Brush for Short Hair Dogs: Reviews

Best for Short, Curly Coats

Slickers aren’t often recommended for most short-haired breeds. However, they are perfect for dealing with those tight Poodle curls that some Doodles end up with. This particular slicker is our top choice for this coat type because of its gentle, slightly angled pins that lift the hair as you brush. It also features a cushioned handle that prevents hand and wrist strain. 

For many of the reviewers, this is one of the best brushes they have ever used on their pup. Not only does it work wonders at removing tangles, but it doesn’t pull or scratch when doing it. Moreover, the brush makes quick work of even the thickest of coats. This makes for a happy dog, an easier groom, and so a happy owner too.

Best for Short, Straight Coats

While Doodles are known as ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs and have actually been bred for this purpose, it’s not a given that they won’t shed at all. Pretty much every dog sheds, be it year-round or with the changing of the seasons. If you have a first-generation Dood, they may have inherited Labrador, Cocker Spaniel, or Golden Retriever hair (for instance…), and you may have to deal with a double coat. For this, we love the FURminator rake brush. 

Those who have purchased this brush mention that it has cut down “tremendously” on the number of times they have to sweep the floor or pick dog hair from their clothes. Even pet parents who didn’t think their dogs had that much to lose were surprised at the amount of hair that came off their pal with just a single use of this fab brush. 

Best for Short, Wavy Coats

With that traditional Doodle coat, you won’t necessarily need a brush that has been designed with a specific single function in mind. Instead, you’ll likely be looking for a good all-rounder, and this is where the Safari Combo brush really shines. With pins on one side for dealing with knots and bristles on the other for removing dirt and enhancing shine, this is a truly great time-saving brush. 

Buyers with more than one pet in the house LOVE this brush as it can be used on almost every canine coat. The pins are well spaced and of a good length for short to medium coats, and the handle is nicely curved and features non-slip grips. It’s a brush well suited to dogs, both great and small. 

Best for All Coats

It may seem counterintuitive to have both a brush and a comb, but in actuality, they have pretty different functions. While a brush is best for all-over body grooming, a comb can be used for more delicate areas, not to mention helping with trimming and matting removal. With its wider and narrower spaced teeth, Andis’ Steel Pet Comb is fantastic for all of this and more. 

The price was definitely right for the reviewers who picked up this straightforward grooming tool, and 95% of them would recommend it to a friend. The teeth are long enough to get right through most shorter coats, and the rounded tips make it a pleasure for your pet to be combed. 

Honorable Mentions: Other Highly Recommended Brushes

Combine bath time and brush time with the super cool Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush for Short Hair. It de-sheds, removes dander, massages, and even helps with distributing shampoo and rinsing it out again. 

For very short, very easy to deal with coats, pick up the ConairPRO Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush. It may not be great with tangles, but it smooths hair and distributes moisture for an excellent finish. 

If you’re looking for a comb that is a little easier to hold, then the Safari Short Hair Shedding Dog Comb is a pretty good choice. It has all the functionality of the Andis one but with a comfort grip handle too.

Guidance for Grooming Your Short Haired Dog

Likely you picked out a shorter-haired dog as they take a little less looking after (at least coat-wise) than their shaggier cousins. However, that doesn’t mean that you can get away without brushing them entirely. Keep the grooming routine as simple as possible by following these top tips. 

Start Early

The quicker you get your new puppy used to being both handled and brushed, the better it will be for the both of you. Many owners have issues with this because they either don’t approach it in the right way, or they simply leave it too late. Give your pup time to become acquainted with the tools and make it as positive an experience as you can with plenty of treats and cuddles. 

Pick the Right Time

If your pooch is all hopped up, they are unlikely to be keen to stand around for a long time while you get to grips with their knots. All the treats in the world won’t make a difference with that. Pick a time to groom when your pal is nicely chill – for instance, after a long walk in the park or a good game of fetch. 

Keep it Routine

While it’s not likely to be necessary for you to groom your short-coated pup daily, establishing a frequent routine will mean you can keep on top of it while getting your pet used to it – a win-win. Trust us, the longer you leave tangles to fester, the worse it will be for both you and your dog when you finally find the time to deal with them. 

Have the Right Gear

You will be amazed at what having the right grooming tools will do for making these tedious tasks fly by. Keep in mind that you will likely need more than just a brush for dealing with every part of your pet’s coat maintenance. A good comb is essential, as well as a few other things, which brings us on to our next point… 

Don’t Forget to Trim

Alongside brushing, there are a few other things you are going to need to get familiar with to properly care for your Doodle. This includes nail trims, expressing anal glands, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, removing tear stains, and trimming overly long hair around the face, paws, and back end. Make sure you keep on top of these tasks, too, for a happy, healthy pup.

Caring for a Short Haired Dog: Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of brush is best for a short-haired dog?

There are different brushes that are great for short-haired dogs. The one you pick will depend, among other things, on the exact length, thickness, and texture of their coat. This will dictate the kinds of issues you are likely to face when grooming your pet. We stand by our three choices detailed above which we have listed by the type of coat they are best for. 

Should short-haired dogs be brushed?

All dogs need brushing. It helps to keep their coat clean free from dirt and distributes the natural oils that help to keep both hair and skin healthy. The frequency of brushing depends on your pet’s specific coat type. If they are prone to either shedding or knotting, then they will need to be brushed through more often. Curly-coated canines usually require daily care. 

Do short hair dogs need to go to the groomers?

Naturally short-haired dogs are less likely to require professional grooming than their longer-haired counterparts. A lack of regular brushing with these guys will be more of an annoyance (hair all over the place) than a problem (knots, tangles, and matting). However, if they have furnishings, especially about the eyes, and you are nervous about brandishing scissors in this particular area, then you may want to schedule in a few regular trims. 

Do I need to trim a short-haired dog?

If your pup is naturally short-haired, you will find that they don’t require much in the way of trimming. However, some dogs can have short coats but plenty of what is known as furnishings. Furnishings refers to the longer hair that can be found around the face, ears, back end, and legs. This will require regular cutting.  

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Accessory shopping for your new pet can be a challenging task when confronted with such an abundance of choices. However, you will want to make sure you pick the right one. A low-quality brush is going to make your life that much harder. 

Luckily, there is plenty of information out there in internet land, not to mention a whole bunch of product reviews that can really help. Sorting through them can be super time-consuming, though – so we’ve done that for you. The brushes included in this article are perfect for the various short Doodle coats, and so you’ll easily be able to pick up the right one for your pup.