Best Brushes For Labradoodles
February 10, 2022 2022-02-20 9:11As an Amazon affiliate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we have tested and are using on our own dogs!
Labradoodles are known for their beautiful coats that are low-shedding but high maintenance. Their luscious locks are prone to tangling and trapping dirt, and the right brush is key to keeping them clean and tidy.
There are lots of great brushes out there, but slicker brushes are by far the best option for their thick curls. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. So, to help you out, we’ve made a list of the best brushes for Labradoodles on the market, with some additional options for specific needs like sensitive skin and mat removal.
Best brush for Labradoodles
Our top product pick is this slicker brush by pet grooming brand Chris Christensen. They are a globally renowned and trusted brand that specializes in pet grooming supplies, and this brush is no exception. It’s designed for professional groomers and comes with a professional price tag to match – but rest assured, buyers say it’s worth every penny.
The luxurious coral-colored brush comes in three different sizes: baby, medium, and large. The medium-sized brush is probably the best one for Doodles, with a handle measuring over 7 inches in length and a head that is 2 x 3 inches. It is also extremely lightweight and durable.
Its long, sparse pins get down to the undercoat to untangle knots and remove loose fur and debris with ease. They also thin and separate the hairs to add volume to the coat and have rounded tips to brush without scratching or pulling. The cushion pad retracts for comfort and the unique, rubber-coated GroomGrip handle is nice to hold and non-slip for easy use.
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Mini-reviews of our other top picks
If our top pick is not what you’re looking for, consider some of these other options.
Our second-place top pick is made with Labradoodles and other Poodle crosses in mind. The Doodle Brush is marketed as “the best brush for Labradoodles” and is quite literally tailored to their coat type.
Measuring 11.61 x 4.8 x 1.69 inches, the brush has a flexible double head for an easier brushing experience, an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold, a cute blue design, and long, curved pins that glide through tangles without snagging or pulling on your dog’s fur.
This green slicker brush by pet brand Ruff ‘N Ruffus is super convenient and affordable. The self-cleaning mechanism removes the loose hair from the brush head at the touch of a button for your convenience. Simply hold it over the trash can once you’ve finished brushing your Doodle and press the button on the back of the brush head for a mess-free experience.
The small, strong pins move through tangles with ease and are rounded at the ends for pain-free brushing. The brush also features a comfort-grip, non-slip handle which prevents slippage and strain to the hands and wrists. It’s 10 x 8.43 x 2.83 inches in size and comes with a matching pair of nail clippers and a 100% satisfaction guarantee from the brand.
This bamboo slicker brush by Alcott is handmade and polished with natural oil to ensure a smooth, water-resistant finish. Bamboo is one of the world’s most sustainable resources, so you can feel extra good about your purchase.
The handle features a rubber thumb support for comfortable usage and the reinforced fabric behind every pin pad makes for a highly durable brush. The stainless steel pins reach deep into the undercoat to detangle knots and prevent matting and it’s available to buy in three sizes: small, medium, and large sizes. The medium size measures 3.63 x 1.5 x 6 inches.
If you like to keep your Doodle’s coat long, you’re going to need something a little more diverse. This blue brush set by Horicon comes complete with six different grooming tools including a ball pin and bristle brush, a slicker brush, a de-shedding edge comb, a detangling comb, and a de-matting razor comb. Everything that you need for daily maintenance!
It’s a great option for owners of show Doodles and owners of multiple dogs with different coat types. It even comes with a drawstring bag for storage! All of the tools are built to last with high-quality, durable materials and have comfortable, curved, non-slip plastic handles for easy use.
This slicker brush by HappyDogz has shorter pins for shorter coats, but they’re still tough enough to reach and untangle knots in the undercoat. It comes in two sizes; small and medium-large. The medium-large size is 8.9 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches and features a comfort-grip, anti-slip handle for easy brushing.
This slicker brush by JW Pet Company is designed for the daily brushing of dogs with sensitive skin. The 10 x 2.75 x 5.5-inch brush features a non-slip handle that is comfortable to hold and a rounded head with flexible, angled pins that are super-soft on sensitive skin, but effective at removing loose fur and preventing mats.
If your Doodle isn’t a fan of grooming, try this. ConairPro’s Pet-It range of brushes aims to make the brushing experience less invasive for anxious pets. This lightweight, oval-shaped slicker brush comes with a unique palm-petting grip that fits comfortably into your hand to mimic the petting motion during brushing, making it less obvious and more enjoyable.
It’s 5.35 x 3.74 x 2.64 inches in size and has tiny angled pins that move through the coat removing tangles and loose fur with ease. The plastic yellow brush works for multiple pets including dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits, and it is great for buyers on a budget.
For the fashion-forward Doodle, consider this slicker brush by Glendan. The cute, stylish design comes in two colors and features a brush head with a border that matches the bone design on the handle. They’re available to buy in baby blue or baby pink, as well as two sizes: small and large. The small size has a square brush head, while the large has a rectangular one. The smaller one is probably the better size for Doodles and measures 8.19 x 5.12 x 1.5 inches.
It’s not style over substance! The brush is surprisingly strong and durable, with a comfortable, non-slip handle for easy use. It also has a 360-degree rotating head for flexibility and easy cleaning, and the rounded pins gently remove loose hair and dirt with ease. The pins also feature relaxing massage particles that stimulate the hair follicles to encourage new growth, prevent skin problems, and increase circulation, leaving coats soft and shiny.
A lot of grooming gloves are too flimsy for the Doodle’s thick coat, but these gloves by Pawradise have long rubber needles that are perfect for basic grooming and de-shedding of thick, double coats. They can be used wet or dry and double up as shampoo scrubbers for bathtime.
They are great for dogs who don’t like traditional brushes, and the rubber needles even massage and relax nervous dogs. They also have adjustable straps for a universal fit, which means that anybody can use them.
This massage brush by ConairPro is designed to massage your pet, rather than groom their fur, but it is a great tool for Doodles with injuries and older Doodles with arthritis. It can also be used to stimulate coat growth in Doodles with poor coat health and evenly distribute shampoo during bathtimes. It’s 4 x 2.75 x 5.5 inches in size and made with high-quality, long-lasting materials.
This double-sided brush by Vetnique Labs is made from medical-grade silicone and can be used wet or dry for brushing and bathtime scrubbing. The unique, patented design features round rubber pins on one side, “shampoo cells”, de-shedding teeth, and debris removers on the other.
It is an effective de-shedder, and exfoliates and massages the skin to relax pets, distribute shampoo, and promote hair growth. The brush is 4.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches in size and comes recommended by vets and professional dog groomers.
As mentioned above, the Labradoodle’s coat is prone to tangling and matting. Should your Doodle’s coat need a little extra TLC, this mat remover brush by Hertzko will get the job done.
The small, sharp trappers remove mats, knots, and tangles with ease, and the sharp, curved teeth prevent it from pulling on the fur and scratching the skin. It also has a comfortable, non-slip handle for easy use, and the brand offers a money-back guarantee if you are not 100% happy with the product.
A buyers guide to the best Labradoodle brushes
Grooming your Labradoodle should include monthly baths with a gentle, all-natural dog shampoo, haircuts every 6-8 weeks, and regular brushing. In order to buy the best brush for your Doodle, you must first understand their needs.
The Doodle coat
Labradoodles have long, thick, soft double coats with fur that ranges from wavy to curly and comes in a wide variety of colors (such as brown, black or black and white). As mentioned, this type of fur is prone to tangling, matting, and trapping dirt.
They also don’t shed very much, so they need regular grooming to prevent a build-up of loose fur, which can lead to bad hygiene and matting. Matting is a serious problem that can cause dogs discomfort and pain. It can even lead to and conceal skin infections.
Type of brush
When shopping for a brush for your Labradoodle, you should consider the type of brush that they need. There are four main types of brushes for dogs; pin brushes, bristle brushes, slicker brushes, and rake brushes, and they are all best-suited to different types of coats.
Pin and bristle brushes are best suited to dogs with thinner, shorter coats with less textured fur, while slicker brushes are better for longer, thicker, curled coats, and rake brushes are designed for dogs that shed heavily. There are also other types of brushes for specific needs, like bathtime brushes for wet fur and mat removers for a matted coat.
As previously mentioned, slicker brushes are generally the best type of brushes for Labradoodles. They are categorized by their fine pins that can reach through long fur, untangle knots, and remove loose fur and debris.
Other factors
Other important factors to consider when buying a brush for your Labradoodle include the size, design, and material of the brush. It should work effortlessly and gently, as well as be lightweight and comfortable to hold. It should be appropriately sized for your Doodle, made of high-quality, durable materials for long-term use, and be easy to clean for your convenience.
You may also want to consider any individual needs your Doodle has, such as skin sensitivity or brushing anxiety, and any personal preferences about style and sustainability.
Should you brush a Labradoodle?
Yes! You absolutely should brush your Labradoodle. Some people believe that because the Doodle doesn’t shed much, they don’t need regular brushing. Others may be worried that brushing may mess with those lovely curls – but this is just not true!
The fact that the Labradoodle doesn’t shed a lot means they need more brushing, not less. Every dog sheds their fur in order to grow in more, but so-called low-shedding dogs don’t release it into their surroundings. This means your Doodle’s old fur will continue to sit in their coats and become matted and smelly if you don’t remove it with regular brushing.
How often should you brush a Labradoodle?
Ideally, you should brush your Labradoodle’s coat every day for around 10-20 minutes. Of course, this isn’t always possible, but you should aim to do it every other day at least. You should also check them a few times a week for mats in the coat.
You should start as soon as possible. If you get your dog used to being brushed while he is still a young puppy, your Labradoodle will grow up to tolerate and even enjoy the grooming sessions!
How to brush a Labradoodle?
Before your brush your Labradoodles fur, ask them to sit or lay down in a comfortable place. Try to do it when they’re relaxed, and not when they’re excited or anxious.
Part the hair and brush from the base of the coat in small sections, starting from the head and going all the way down to the tail. Brush their fur following the direction that it grows, paying a lot of attention to the chest, the hindquarters, under the neck, armpits, and behind the ears. Use firm pressure with short strokes as to not pull or rip any fur out, and hold the fur at the base if it feels knotty.
Don’t forget to reward your Labradoodle after a brushing session! Start brushing your Labradoodle as early on in their life as possible to get them comfortable with it, and once you get into a routine with them, keep it up!
How to brush a Labradoodle puppy?
Labradoodle puppy coats are a little bit different from their adult coats. They start off with much thinner coats that are replaced with the thick, wooly ones we are all familiar with at 4-8 months of age. During this transition, you should brush your pup at least once a week to remove the loose fur and prevent matting as their new coat grows in.
Should you brush a Labradoodle wet or dry?
You should only brush your Labradoodle’s coat when it is dry. Never brush them when they are wet unless you have a rubber wet brush, as it can cause breakage and damage to the coat. If you’re having a hard time getting to a deep, stubborn mat, water may make it easier to see but it won’t make brushing it out any easier. Ask a groomer for help instead!
What if my Doodle hates being brushed?
If your Doodle doesn’t like being brushed or is being brushed for the first time, show them the brush and reward them with praise and treats just for being near it. Then, brush a small section of the coat that they can see in front of them and reward them for letting you do it. Take it slow, and if they seem comfortable, try brushing another small section, breaking for treats in between each section. If not, keep trying!
If your Doodle is still very unsure, you could try brushing another dog or family member’s hair in front of them with the brush, just to show them that it’s nothing to be afraid of. If they really hate it and are trying to bite you, try using an alternatively designed brush or getting help from a professional groomer.
Do I need to clean my dog’s brush?
To keep your dog’s brush in tip-top condition and working to the best of its ability, remove the loose hair from it after each session. Every few months, you should swish it around in some hot water mixed with dog shampoo to keep it clean and prevent any dirt from being transferred back into your dog’s coat.
Should I buy my dog a new brush?
How often you need to replace your dog’s brush really depends on the type of brush you have and how often you use it. Brushes made from high–quality materials can last your dog’s lifetime, but if it’s not too durable and you’re using it on a near-daily basis, it may need replacing after a few years. You’ll know it needs replacing when you notice a difference in the ease or quality of the brushing.
The bottom line
Grooming is one of the most time-consuming aspects of owning a Labradoodle. It’s also essential to their health and wellbeing, so you need to have the right equipment!
Your Doodle’s brush should be easy for you to use, good value for money, and most of all, it should get the job done. Slicker brushes are by far the best brushes for Labradoodles, and if you own a Doodle, we invite you to try out one of our product recommendations.
Laura
Writer and Border Collie Mom
Laura is a dog-lover with an animal-related degree and plenty of hands on experience. She is passionate about dog health & welfare and wants to arm owners with all of the essential info they need!
