If you’re stuck with the difficult task of trying to find the best brush for a Swiss Doodle, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll help you find the most suitable dog grooming brush according to your Swiss Doodle’s coat type and unique characteristics. We’ll also discuss some key tactics on how to prevent matting, minimize shedding, and reduce allergens.
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: Types Of Popular Swiss Doodle Brushes
- What Is The Best Brush For A Swiss Doodle?
- Best Brush For Swiss Doodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
- Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: Honorable Mentions
- How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Swiss Doodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
- How Often Do You Have To Groom A Swiss Doodle?
- How To Brush A Swiss Doodle Properly?
- Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: FAQs
Choosing The Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: Types Of Popular Swiss Doodle Brushes
Swiss Doodles, also known as Australian Mountain Doodles, are bred by crossing an Aussiedoodle with a Bernedoodle. To be more precise, the Swiss Doodle has three purebred dogs in its pedigree – the Poodle, the Australian Shepherd, and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Having two Doodle breeds as its parents, the Swiss Doodle is also what qualifies as a Double Doodle. By combining the energetic and loving Aussiedoodle with a more laid-back and equally as affectionate Bernedoodle, we get the perfect mix of these two Doodle breeds. Not to mention, they’re just as, if not more, hypoallergenic than their Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle parents.
If you know a little bit about Doodles, you know that these dogs are high-maintenance in terms of their grooming requirements. Like any other breed of Doodle or Double Doodle, Swiss Doodles can be prone to matting and shedding. Fortunately, most of their coat problems can be greatly prevented or fixed with proper grooming, especially brushing.
However, not all dog grooming brushes can work their magic on the Swiss Doodle’s demanding coat. There are so many different varieties of dog brushes, but to help narrow it down for you, the two types you should look for your Swiss Doodle include the following:
Slicker Brush
If you’re looking for the best brush for a Swiss Doodle, then our top recommendation for your pooch is a slicker brush. Slicker brushes are very effective at detangling very dense, textured coats. They’re also excellent for deshedding the coat from dead hair. Slicker brushes have wider paddles, which means that you can brush through larger areas of fur much quicker than with almost any other type of dog grooming brush.
Another feature that makes a slicker brush so popular is its ergonomic handle placement. Indeed, not all people are used to this type of handle at first. But it’s often much gentler on your hand whilst you’re brushing your fluffy, super furry Dood.
But even though a slicker brush is our number one pick for Swiss Doodles, we have to mention that not all of those dog grooming brushes are as good and effective. Be sure to pay attention to the size of the brush, the pin size, but also the construction and quality of the brush.
Pin Brush
Another top pick for Swiss Doodles is a pin brush. Pin brushes look like basic hair brushes with oval-shaped heads and the usual handle placement that most of us are already familiar with. Pin brushes are great for general grooming activities like deshedding and detangling the coat. However, they aren’t as effective as slicker brushes, which means that a pin brush is better suited for dogs that aren’t extremely mat-prone.
Since pin brushes are a bit less effective than slicker brushes, it’s all the more important to pay close attention to the design and quality of the brush. You should look for a pin brush that’s made with stainless steel or metal pins. That’s simply because plastic pins, wooden pins, or even bristles do not work on the Swiss Doodle’s thick coat.
Metal Or Stainless Steel Comb
Like it or not, a dog grooming brush alone won’t be enough for the Swiss Doodle, no matter your Dood’s coat type. Yes, a brush is great for detangling and deshedding the coat in general. However, when dealing with tangle-prone coats like the Swiss Doodle’s, you also need a comb to really target those stubborn knots and mats.
To be fair, a comb is such a versatile grooming tool, you can use it for pretty much anything. For instance, you can also use it to work on areas that are smaller or tricky to brush with a larger grooming tool. For the face, paws, and other delicate areas, we absolutely need a good sturdy comb.
Definitely be sure to get a comb that’s fully made of metal or stainless steel. There are a few reasons for that. For starters, metal and stainless steel are so much more durable and high-quality. As you can probably imagine, a plastic or wooden comb can easily break if you’re struggling with some serious mats. Secondly, metal and stainless steel pins glide through knots and tangles much easier than materials like plastic or wood.
What Is The Best Brush For A Swiss Doodle?
Now that we’ve learned the two types of grooming brushes that you’d get for your pup, it’s time to help you decide which of them is the best brush for your Swiss Doodle. Also, considering that there are so many different varieties of the pin brush and the slicker brush available for you to purchase, how on earth can you make the right choice?! There are a few simple things to think through before you make that purchase.
One of the most important factors to take into account is your Swiss Doodle’s coat type. Like most other Poodle mixes, Swiss Doodles may inherit different types of coat genetics from their parents. This also means that Swiss Doodles with different coat types will require different grooming tools and approaches to their grooming routines. But more on that in a moment.
Another important thing you must pay attention to is the pin size on the brush. You should choose a brush with pins that are long enough according to your Swiss Doodle’s hair length. The longer your dog’s hair, the more important it is to choose the right pin size. You should make sure that the pins are long enough to penetrate all layers of the coat, up to the very root of the hair.
Also, your Swiss Doodle’s overall size can also play a role here. Swiss Doodles come in a variety of sizes, so opt for a grooming brush that’s appropriately sized – a brush too large won’t make sense for a tiny dog, and a tiny brush won’t make sense for a larger Dood.
Best Brush For Swiss Doodles Based On Their Coat Type
Being a mix of Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles, the Swiss Doodle can inherit one of three coat types – curly, wavy, or straight. Most commonly, the Swiss Doodle, a.k.a Australian Mountain Doodle, has either a curly or a wavy coat.
Nonetheless, in some cases, they may inherit a straighter looking coat from their Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog “ancestors”. By the way, because both Australian Shepherds and Bernese Mountain Dogs are double-coated breeds, it’s not uncommon for their Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle offspring to inherit an undercoat. Similarly, some Swiss Doodles may also inherit these coat genetics.
So, let’s take a closer look at the different Swiss Doodle coat types and how to choose the best brush for your Swiss Doodle according to their unique traits.
Curly Coat
A curly-coated Swiss Doodle, as you can probably guess, has tight curls in thick layers all over the body. These pups have just one single layer of hair, making them the most hypoallergenic of them all. While these dogs are usually low to non-shedding and very safe for people with allergies, they also need to be groomed the most out of the three coat types.
Curly-coated Swiss Doodles are the most prone to tangles and mats. The hair can get very easily tangled on its own, but also all sorts of debris and loose dog hair can also get stuck inside the coat, leading to tangles, knots, and mats.
Considering the nature of this coat type, the best brush for a Swiss Doodle with a curly coat is a slicker brush. Opt for something that’s specially designed for curly and textured coats, so that it’s actually effective on your pup’s high-maintenance fur.
Wavy Coat
Another common coat type in Swiss Doodles is the wavy combination coat. Depending on your dog’s genetics, they may or may not have a lightly shedding undercoat. If that’s the case, you also need to focus on deshedding the coat from dead hair in addition to detangling it.
Indeed, wavy-coated Swiss Doodles have just as thick and shaggy coats as any other. But luckily, they aren’t as prone to matting as curly-coated Doods. So, you can probably have a more relaxed approach when it comes to your wavy-haired dog’s grooming routine. Based on that, both pin and slicker brushes are great options for Swiss Doodles with wavy coats.
Straight Coat
On the off chance that your Swiss Doodle has a straight coat, they most likely won’t be as allergy-friendly as the other two coat types. Straight-coated Swiss Doodles usually have undercoats, which means that you probably have to deal with some degree of shedding, albeit much less than with purebred Aussies or Bernies.
If your Swiss Doodle is one of those rare straight-coated Double Doods, be sure to focus on both detangling and deshedding the coat properly. By the way, if loose hair gets stuck inside the coat, it can also lead to matting if not properly brushed out on a regular basis. But again, straight-coated Swiss Doodles are usually much less mat-prone than curly-haired pooches. The best brush for a Swiss Doodle with a straight coat is either a slicker or a pin brush, depending on your preference and how tangle-prone your dog is.
Best Brush For Swiss Doodles: Reviews With Pros & Cons
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
If you’re searching for the best brush for a Swiss Doodle, then the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is what you’ve been looking for. It’s truly the best dog grooming brush that we’ve tried, and it’s praised by Doodle owners and professional groomers alike. There’s nothing quite like it – it’s so effective, even on the curliest and thickest of Doodle coats, and it’s so easy to use. Plus, it gets the job done so fast, it’s unbelievable!
As you’d expect from a slicker brush, the Big G has a wide paddle and an ergonomic handle. But what makes this slicker brush so special is that it features long, bended pins that reach through even the thickest and longest coats. The handle of this brush is extra long to prevent arm fatigue, and it’s also covered in non-slip material so that you have a comfortable grasp of the brush whilst using it.
Pros
- Extremely effective, as it’s designed for curly, dense, and textured coats;
- Wide paddle and long pins for fast, fuss-free results;
- Extra long ergonomic handle that’s covered in non-slip material;
- By far the most high-quality slicker brush we’ve every tried;
- Available in three sizes: large, medium, and Baby G.
Cons
- Quite expensive for a dog grooming brush.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the best brush for Swiss Doodles with all coat types, but especially for curly-coated Swiss Doodles. For Swiss Doodle puppies, the Baby G size is a great pick.
Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush
For those of you with pups that aren’t super high-maintenance, an excellent alternative for the Big G is the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. Granted, this pin brush (or any other pin brush for that matter) isn’t exactly the best choice for curly-haired pups, but it can be an excellent grooming tool for wavy and straight-coated Swiss Doodles.
At first glance, it might not look like anything you haven’t seen or tried before. But trust us, this pin brush is something else. The pins on this brush are so smooth, they glide through the fur with such ease. They also have polished tips so your pooch will enjoy a nice relaxing massage whilst you’re grooming them. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Pros
- Great quality at a low price point;
- Extremely smooth stainless steel pins;
- Lightweight, yet sturdy and durable beechwood body;
- Available in three sizes and pin lengths: 20mm, 27mm, and 35mm.
Cons
- Less effective than the Big G, so it’s not suitable for curly-coated Doods.
The verdict: The Chris Christensen Pin Brush is the best brush for Swiss Doodles with wavy and straight coat types. Be sure to choose the brush size according to your dog’s hair length.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb
Last, but definitely not least, we have the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb that’s perfect for detangling knots and mats that you’ll most likely have to deal with at one point or another. This stainless steel comb is very sturdy and provides you with a good grip, so you won’t have to worry that it’ll break even when working on the most stubborn mats. What’s more, it features two sides that you can easily switch between. Plus, it’s very affordable, too!
Pros
- Perfect for detangling knots and mats;
- Great for smaller and more delicate areas that are difficult to reach with a brush;
- Features two sides on one comb;
- Extremely high-quality and affordable.
Cons
- None!
Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: Honorable Mentions
To be honest with you, there aren’t many brushes that can match the quality, effectiveness, and ease of use of the Big G. Chris Christensen knows what they’re doing! But if you’re not too keen on paying that price for a dog grooming brush just yet, then be sure to check out some of the alternative options we’ve picked out for your Australian Mountain Doodle:
How Choosing The Correct Brush For Your Swiss Doodle Can Help Prevent Matting?
What many people fail to realize is that Doodles, including Swiss Doodles, are hard work. They’re prone to knots and mats, and not all of them are non-shedding dogs as some would like to make you believe. So how do you keep your Swiss Doodle’s hair from matting? The answer is very simple – by regularly brushing your dog with the right kind of grooming tools.
When shopping for the best brush for a Swiss Doodle, the two most important things to factor in are your dog’s coat type and hair length. By far the best option for all Swiss Doodle coat types is a quality slicker brush. However, for wavy and straight-coated Swiss Doodles, a pin brush can also be a good alternative. Just remember that slicker brushes are designed for thicker and more textured coats, whereas pin brushes are generally less effective.
When buying a dog grooming brush, it’s just as important to closely look at the size of the pins. The pin length should correlate to your dog’s hair length. If your Swiss Doodle flaunts a shaggier, longer haircut most of the time, the pins should also be on the longer side. For short-haired dogs, the difference won’t matter as much.
Lastly, not all pin brushes or slicker brushes are comparable to other similar types of dog grooming brushes you can find. That’s not to say that expensive is always better, but the quality does often reflect in the price. Your goal should be to find a durable brush that can withstand regular use. The brush should also be comfortable to use and provide you a good grip.
How Often Do You Have To Groom A Swiss Doodle?
You can buy the best of the best, the most effective dog grooming brush you can find. But if you don’t use it regularly, don’t be surprised if you’re not getting the results you’d like. So how often should you brush a Swiss Doodle to prevent matting and minimize shedding and allergens? Having tried different approaches with our Doodles ourselves, the best frequency to prevent matting is to brush your Doodle daily. Yes, every single day.
If you’re not sure how to find time for this on a daily basis, then don’t worry – the more often you brush your Dood, the less time you have to spend on detangling the coat. It’s also a great way to minimize any potential shedding, so no need to vacuum up the house every day. At the very least, you should brush your Swiss Doodle about 3 to 4 times a week. But to be fair, this only applies to wavy and straight-coated dogs that aren’t as prone to matting.
But you’ve probably heard of all those horror stories about Poodle mixes becoming so matted that they need to have their whole fur shaved off. Yes, in some cases, that’s the only solution for severely pelted fur. But if it’s been a mere few weeks of not picking up the brush, you can first try the line brushing technique that often does the trick. And, of course, don’t ever make that mistake again…
Can You Over-Brush A Swiss Doodle?
No, over-brushing isn’t exactly a problem to be concerned about when it comes to Swiss Doodles. The more often you do it, the better! Your dog’s coat is that much less likely to become matted.
If your Swiss Doodle likes to get down and dirty when exploring the outdoors, it might be wise to give them a quick brush down after those daily walks. This will also remove any dust, dirt, and debris from the coat. Speaking of which, this will also prevent your pup from getting dirty and smelly as quickly, so you won’t have to bathe them as often.
If you’re still not convinced, there are quite a few other benefits to consider. For instance, brushing distributes your dog’s natural skin oils through all lengths of the hair. It’s basically like a natural hair conditioner, making the coat shinier, stronger, and easier to manage. Moreover, brushing promotes circulation under the skin, which is again very beneficial for your Dood’s skin and coat health.
But circling back to the question, as long as you’re using the right kind of grooming tools and not being too forceful with them, you can’t over-brush your Swiss Doodle. Just make sure that you’re not pulling on knots and mats when detangling them, and don’t put too much pressure onto the skin with the brush as this could lead to irritations and injuries.
How To Brush A Swiss Doodle Properly?
Below you’ll find our step-by-step guide on how to properly brush your Swiss Doodle, including the best tips and techniques that’ll help you achieve the best, most fluffiest results. So, grab your slicker or pin brush, a metal comb, and a dog detangler spray (trust us, this changes the whole game), and let’s get started!
Step #1
As the very first step, run your hands through all areas of the coat to locate any knots and mats that seem tougher than your regular minor tangles. Most mat-prone areas are usually behind the collar and harness, the paws, and tail, so be very vigilant there. You’ll work on each knot and mat with your stainless steel comb.
First, spray on some dog detangling spray and gently start detangling the knot from the tip of the hair. Only start slowly moving your way up towards the root of the hair once the knot starts to loosen up.
We recommend you use both hands when working on this step. With your one hand, hold onto the knot as close to the root of the hair as possible. Meanwhile, detangle the knots and mats with your comb in the other hand. This will make the process more comfortable for your pooch and prevents much of that dreaded pain.
Step #2
Now that the worst is behind you, it’s time to start brushing with your pin or slicker brush. Before you start, you can spray on some more of that dog detangling spray to make the hair easier to brush through. By the way, this will also prevent tangles later on, too! Be sure to avoid getting the spray into your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth.
Although your first instinct might be to start brushing your dog’s back, then we do strongly recommend you start from the lowest points of the body first. Start brushing the paws and feet, the belly and bum area, chest, and neck. Then you can brush the fur on the sides and tail, finally finishing with the back.
For smaller and hard-to-reach areas, such as the face and paws, we recommend using either your trusty comb or purchase a much smaller dog brush altogether.
Step #3
To bring back that volume and fluffiness into your Doodle’s coat, gently lift the hair in upwards strokes with a comb or brush. Don’t tease the hair too much, though, as it’ll make it all tangled again.
Best Brush For Swiss Doodle: FAQs
The best brush for a Swiss Doodle, regardless of their coat type, is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. This slicker brush really is pure magic and it’s so effective on all types of Swiss Doodle coats. For wavy and straight-coated Swiss Doodles that are generally less prone to matting, a great alternative is the Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush. It’s also much more affordable than the Big G, but no corners have been cut on the quality. But whichever dog brush you choose, you absolutely need a stainless steel comb in your at-home grooming kit as well.
The secret to fluffy Swiss Doodle hair lies in a good grooming routine. Daily brushing will naturally keep your dog’s hair fluffy and free from mats, but regular haircuts and bathing will also contribute to your Dood’s coat condition. If you’re doing everything by the book, but your Swiss Doodle’s hair is still lacking that fluffiness, then you can try blow drying the coat after bathing and also fluffing up the coat with a comb or brush as the very last step in your pup’s grooming routine.
When grooming a Swiss Doodle puppy, we recommend using a smaller dog grooming brush or a puppy grooming brush during this delicate life stage. While adult dogs also have delicate skin and you should never use excessive force with your dog, it’s all the more important to be extremely gentle when brushing a puppy. Puppies are even more susceptible to skin irritations and injuries. Other than that, you can follow the same step-by-step guide we shared with you above when grooming a Swiss Doodle puppy.
Learn How to Stop Shavedowns For Good & Keep Matting At Bay!
Discover the PROPER Doodle coat care routine that gets your pup to cooperate…helps you nip tangles in the bud…and gets groomers to do exactly what you want.
Plus, get $520 worth of Bonus Materials for FREE, including:- Doodle Parenthood Community and Support Group ($190 value)
- Custom Doodle Coat Care Plan Lifetime Access ($75 value)
- Easy to Use Doodle Grooming Tracker ($20 value)
- And MORE!
