Long-haired dogs—like Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, and Afghan Hounds—are stunning, but their flowing coats come with a grooming challenge: tangles, mats, and endless shedding. The right brush can make all the difference, turning a fur-filled struggle into a smooth, bonding experience with your pup. Whether you’re battling undercoat shedding or keeping silky locks knot-free, we’ve rounded up the top 5 brushes for long-haired breeds to keep your dog’s coat in top shape.
In this post, we’ll break down our favorite picks, why they work, and which breeds they suit best. Let’s brush up on the best tools for your long-haired pal!
Why Long-Haired Breeds Need Special Brushes
Long-haired dogs often have double coats (a thick undercoat and longer topcoat) or silky single coats prone to matting. Regular brushing removes loose fur, prevents tangles, and keeps their skin healthy. The wrong brush, though, can damage their coat or miss the undercoat entirely—so picking the right one is key.
Top 5 Brushes for Long-Haired Breeds
Here are our top picks, tested for performance and loved by dog owners:
- Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Why It’s Great: This slicker brush has fine, bent bristles that glide through long hair, tackling tangles and loose fur with ease. The self-cleaning button pops the hair out—no more picking fur off by hand!
- Best For: Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Collies—any long-haired breed with a mix of tangles and shedding.
- Price: Around $10-$15
- Get It: Check it out on Amazon here
- FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
- Why It’s Great: Designed for double-coated breeds, this tool reaches deep to remove loose undercoat hair without harming the topcoat. It’s a shedding season lifesaver.
- Best For: Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds with thick, long undercoats.
- Price: Around $30-$40
- Get It: Grab it on Amazon here
- Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
- Why It’s Great: With longer pins and a cushioned pad, this pro-grade slicker brush detangles silky coats and fluffs them up beautifully. It’s a favorite among groomers for its gentle precision.
- Best For: Afghan Hounds, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus—breeds with long, flowing single coats.
- Price: Around $60-$70
- Get It: See it on Amazon here
- Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Rake
- Why It’s Great: Double-sided design with rounded pins, perfect for deshedding thick undercoats and dematting long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Best For: Double-coated long-haired breeds needing deep undercoat removal.
- Price: Around $15-$20
- Get It: Find it on Amazon here
- Dakpets Deshedding Tool
- Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly deshedding brush with a stainless steel blade, designed to remove loose undercoat hair from long-haired breeds like Goldendoodles or Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Best For: Mixed long-haired breeds, like Goldendoodles or Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Price: Around $15-$20
- Get It: Check it out on Amazon here
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How to Choose the Right Brush
- Double-Coated Breeds: Go for deshedding tools like the FURminator or Safari Rake to tackle that undercoat (think Golden Retrievers, Huskies).
- Silky Coats: Opt for slicker brushes like the Chris Christensen or Hertzko for detangling and shine (Shih Tzus, Afghan Hounds).
- Budget: The Pet Neat and Safari offer great value without skimping on quality.
- Ease of Use: Self-cleaning options (Hertzko) save time, while pro tools (Chris Christensen) reward extra effort with stunning results.
Pro Tips for Brushing Long-Haired Breeds
- Frequency: Brush 2-3 times a week, daily during shedding season.
- Technique: Work in sections, brushing in the direction of hair growth to avoid pulling.
- Prep: Mist with a detangling spray for stubborn mats—pair it with your brush for smoother results.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a long-haired dog’s coat in check doesn’t have to be a chore. With brushes like the Hertzko Slicker or FURminator Deshedding Tool, you’ll tame the fur and keep your pup looking fabulous. Your long-haired breed deserves the best—why not give one of these a try?
Which brush do you swear by for your dog? Share your faves in the comments below! Ready to upgrade your grooming game? Explore these top picks on Amazon today.
Happy grooming,
The DogGroomPro Team