Grooming

Best Deshedding Brush: EquiGroomer vs FURminator vs FurGOpet vs Pet Neat vs Groomi vs Chris Christensen & More

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Hair, hair, everywhere! Sound familiar? If you find yourself continually vacuuming because of your dog’s massive amounts of shedding, then you’ve come to the right place to see my picks for the best brush for shedding on the market. I’ve tested many deshedding brushes on different breeds, so you can buy the right one for your pup. For this review, I include over 10 products to help you find the best deshedding brush for your dog.

Overall DesheddingDeshedding & De-Matting Thick CoatsPin BrushSlicker BrushGrooming Glove
FURminator brushMaxpower Planet Pet Grooming BrushChris Christensen Dog BrushPet Portal slicker brushDELOMO gloves
FURminatorMaxpower PlanetChris ChristensenPet PortalDELOMO
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What Is A Deshedding Brush?

Most dog brushes groom your dog’s fur, but a dog hair remover or deshedding brush physically extracts excess hair. Nothing can eliminate 100% of the shedding. However, many of the deshedding brushes I review claim to remove up to 90% or more of your dog’s shedding fur.

A deshedding brush is not a traditional dog brush. It is more of a clipping blade or metal rake set on a handle. The teeth are narrow and work to tease out the undercoat and remove loose hair, mats, and tangles. Deshedding tools are not for every dog. Those with thick double coats will benefit, but dogs with long top coats or shorter coats won’t need them. It can damage the longer top hairs and irritate a dog’s skin with a shorter coat.

6 Types Of Dog Brushes

  1. Dog Hairbrush – A finishing tool to remove lingering loose hairs. The hairbrush leaves the smooth looking smooth and glossy and helps spread natural oils throughout the coat.
  2. Bristle Brush – A bristle brush has tightly packed bristles that remove loose hairs and work on almost any dog coat.
  3. Pin Brush – The pin brush is helpful for all types of dog coats. The small wire pins have rubber tips and are great for removing tangles, mats, and excess fur. Pin brushes are often double-sided with a bristle brush, making this a multi-purpose grooming tool.
  4. Rubber Brushes – Rubber brushes are best for short-haired dogs. There are also rubber grooming mitts designed to fit onto your hand. You rub the brush across the dog’s skin to remove loose hair and dirt while also giving your dog a stimulating massage and improving his circulation.
  5. Slicker Brushes – A slicker brush has a layer of fine metal bristles with slightly hooked ends and works best on dogs with long, dense coats. The bristles penetrate the coat, pulling out loose and dead hairs. Many professional groomers use a small slicker brush for the dog’s feet, legs, tail, and face and a bigger brush for the coat of the body. Slicker brushes work particularly well to remove tangles from long hair.
  6. Deshedding Brush/Tool – Most deshedding brushes and blades do the same thing: they remove loose and dead fur from your dog’s coat before it drops onto your carpets and furniture.

Why Should I Use A Dog Shedding Brush?

  1. Removing excess hair helps canines stay cool during the warmer months and can help prevent heatstroke.
  2. They keep the house and your clothes hair-free.
  3. A dog shedding brush can eliminate tons of clean-up time (read our article on the best dog vacuums to learn more about the best tools for cleaning up hair).
  4. It keeps your pet’s coat looking spiffy.

Buyer’s Guide

Dog having hair removed with deshedding brush.

When choosing a deshedding brush, there are a number of important features that you’ll need to look out for. It’s not always as simple as driving to the pet store and finding a nice-looking brush. You want to make sure you are looking at several factors that will make life easier for you, especially if you have a very furry friend!

Let’s look at some of the primary traits you should consider before jumping in and spending your hard-earned cash on something that’s going to keep your house and dog a little clean.

  1. Quality – All the deshedding brushes and tools that I’ve featured in our guide are of very good quality. Although you can find cheaper alternatives, these are invariably poorly made and don’t stand the test of time. If you have a heavy shedder in your household, you want a tool that will withstand intense use. The old maxim, “Buy cheap, buy twice,” is certainly true regarding deshedding tools.
  2. Auto Clean Function – Some bladed deshedding tools have an auto-clean function. That’s usually a button situated on the top of the tool. You simply depress the button, and the tool automatically cleans the blade of clogged fur. Although not essential to the tool’s performance, an auto-clean function can save you the hassle, time, and mess of manually cleaning the deshedding tool.
  3. Ergonomic Handles – A dog that sheds heavily demands a lot of grooming time. Look for a deshedding tool that has an ergonomically designed handle. That can save you a lot of wrist and forearm discomfort when you spend hours grooming your dog.
  4. Tool Size – When looking at different brands and styles of deshedding brushes, be sure to pick a tool that’s the right size for your dog.

Best Deshedding Tools For Dogs

I chose the best deshedding tools based on first-hand experience, price, customer reviews, brush quality, ease of use, and more.

Overall Best Deshedding Tool: FURminator Review

FURminator brush

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The FURminator brush claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%. It comes in various sizes for short and long-haired dogs, making it easy to find the best style for your pet. This is an excellent deshedding brush for most breeds.

Unlike others in this article, the FURminator has a “FURejector” button to remove loose hairs from the tool for no-hassle cleaning. The tool’s hair ejection feature comes at a higher price tag, and some buyers report the brush breaking. However, this brush is the top pick of most consumers compared to the competition.

This is the best deshedding brush that I’ve used for my dog. I’ve used it on several dog breeds, including Labrador Retrievers and mixed breeds. It’s also my dog brush of choice for my Coonhound mix, Sally. She doesn’t have a thick undercoat like a Lab, but she still goes through seasonal shedding.

The comb can be a little sharp, especially on thinner coats, so be sure with the pressure you apply. You don’t have to press too hard on the brush; just let it do all the work. The FURejector is convenient for easily removing the collected hair. I typically wipe the brush onto the carpet to remove the hair from it. Then, when I’m done brushing Sally, I throw the clumps of hair away and vacuum the area. It’s a relatively easy and clean process.

FURminator also offers many other deshedding products, including a shampoo designed to reduce shedding and a FURminator grooming rake, which works great for more dense fur.

ProsCons
Many brush options/colors for different breeds and sizesMore expensive than others
Ergonomic comfort-shaped rubber handleSome complaints of the brush breaking
The button cleans and removes loose fur from the tool
Claims to decrease shedding by 90%

Price

Best For Deshedding & De-Matting Thick Coats: Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush Review

Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush

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The Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush can be used on wet or dry fur and is best suited for double, long, and wiry coats. It reduces shedding by up to 95% and can be used on dogs and cats.

There are two sides to the brush. The 9-teeth side is meant to cut through mats, and the 17-teeth side is used to deshed and remove loose fur.

I’ve found this brush to work best on breeds with more hair. It didn’t work great on Sally’s thinner coat (Coonhound mix). However, it’s excellent for Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and other breeds with thick double coats.

The brush feels more sturdy than the FURminator for thicker coats, too. Since the teeth are not as sharp, I’m not as worried about applying too much pressure and hurting the dog’s skin with the Maxpower Planet grooming brush.

ProsCons
Stainless steel teeth that are curved to brush deeply into the coatNo hair removal button or detachable head to clean the brush
No-slip handleNot for use on legs, head, or tail
Claims to decrease shedding by 95%
Great value and inexpensive relative to the competition
Can be used on dogs and cats

Price

Best Pin Brush For Deshedding: Chris Christensen Dog Brush Review

Chris Christensen Dog Brush

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While not a true deshedding brush, the Chris Christensen pin brush is a great pick for removing excess hair. These Chris Christensen pin brushes have 30% more pins than traditional ones. The stainless steel pins have polished tips to prevent scratching or discomfort on your dog’s skin.

Dogs with thick, dense, and medium-length coats would benefit most from this brush. Examples of breeds include Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle, Bichon Frisé, and Golden Retriever.

Many of these breeds have areas where their hair is longer or silkier, which is where you should use the pin brush. You should use a slicker brush for the shorter length areas of their coats. Smooth-coated dogs like French Bulldogs or Boxers do not need a pin brush.

ProsCons
Available in three different pin lengths (20mm, 27mm, 35mm)Customers complain that pins have fallen out over time
Durable, firm cushion
Polished stainless steel pins
Easy to remove hair

Price

Best Slicker Brush For Deshedding: Pet Portal Slicker Pro Review

Pet Portal Slicker Pro

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The Pet Portal Slicker Pro’s bristles retract with the click of a button, making cleanup a breeze (just wipe away the hair instead of trying to claw it out). The slicker brush fits comfortably in your hand due to the ergonomic handle.

Slicker brushes are excellent for double-coated breeds in areas where their hair is shorter. Examples are Shetland Sheepdogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles. In areas with longer hair, you should use a pin brush.

Our Personal Experience With The Pet Portal Slicker Pro

I had the chance to test this slicker brush in exchange for an honest product review. I tried it out on a 20-pound, short-haired dog, and it did a good job removing some excess hair. It was easy to clean and had a comfortable grip handle. However, the dog was very squeamish and didn’t like the feel of the sharp stainless steel bristles at first. But, over time, they learned to like it.

Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom & Creative Marketer For Canine Journal
ProsCons
Ergonomic rubber grip handleBrush bristles can be sharp and bend easily
Many brush options/colors for different breeds and sizesSmaller-sized brush than people expect
Self-cleaning button
Designed and sold by family-owned U.S. business

Price

Best Grooming Glove: DELOMO Review

DELOMO gloves

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These DELOMO grooming gloves work excellently between grooming sessions but don’t replace a traditional grooming or deshedding brush. The gloves have soft silicone that helps loose hair stick to them. You can pet and deshed from head to tail, as they’re safe to use everywhere on your dog, cat, and horse.

You can use these on long and short-haired animals. However, owners of longer or curly hair breeds like Golden Retrievers and Poodles didn’t have much luck with these gloves. On the other hand, these grooming gloves work great on German Shepherds, Maltese, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and Huskies.

These grooming gloves are more gentle and comfortable than a typical brush. When you’re finished deshedding, simply peel the hair off the gloves.

Our Personal Experience With The Grooming Glove

I adore this brush because my dogs don’t even realize they are being groomed! A previously hated task has become a lovely rub and cuddle session that our dogs look forward to. I simply put on the glove and then give them a “rub” to remove excess hair.

Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Mom & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
ProsCons
Designed to pet and groom all in oneDoesn’t work well on some breeds
Machine washableMany cats dislike these
Can be used from head to tail
Can be used on dogs, cats, and horses

Price

What About EquiGroomer, DakPets & More?

Below are a few more items I reviewed in my comparison of deshedding tools.

EquiGroomer Deshedding Brush Review

EquiGroomer Dog Deshedder Brush

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This tool from EquiGroomer removes hair from short and long-haired dogs, cats, and bunnies. The durable wave-style blade removes dirt while gently massaging their coat.

The comb has tiny barbs on each tooth to remove only the dead, dry, scaly hair. The steel blade is protected with an epoxy coating to prevent rust and prolong the blade’s life. The short teeth prevent tugging on the fur and the teeth from touching the skin.

The best way to use this is to make firm, short strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Regular brush use prevents mats from forming, softens the coat, and brings out the natural shine.

ProsCons
Claims to decrease shedding by 95%Not as easy to use as a traditional brush because there’s no handle
Slip-resistant handle
Can use on various hair lengths
Can be used on dogs, cats, and rabbits

Price

DakPets FURblaster Review

DakPets FURBlaster Review

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Like the FURminator, the DakPets FURblaster deshedding tool promises to reduce shedding by up to 95%. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that the DakPets product is a copy of the original FURminator. According to the manufacturer, their FURblaster will reduce shedding by up to 95% in just one 15-minute grooming session.

DakPets claims that its deshedding tool can also be used as a stand-alone pet grooming tool. The FURblaster also removes tangles, mats, and knots from your dog’s coat, while the FURminator can’t do that. Unfortunately, the FURblaster doesn’t have the auto-clean function that the FURminator does, so you’ll have to remove shed fur from the blade by hand.

Unfortunately, the DakPets FURblaster only comes in one size that has a four-inch blade. That’s going to be too small for your needs if you have a large dog.

DakPets offers a 100% Unbreakable Guarantee. This assures purchasers that they will issue a full refund if the deshedding brush breaks at any time after purchase. The high-quality stainless steel blade has a protective cover that you should fit when the tool is not in use to avoid damaging the blade.

ProsCons
Works for single and double-coated dogsOnly comes in one size
Reduces shedding by 90%May not work for larger breeds
Ergonomic handle and stainless steel bladeNo auto clean function
Budget-friendly tool

Price

Oster ShedMonster Review

Oster ShedMonster Review

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Oster’s ShedMonster deshedding tool is a slightly different design from the FURminator and the FURblaster in that it has a blade with rounded edges, making this the perfect choice for dogs that have sensitive skin.

There are three versions of the ShedMonster for dogs with short, medium, and long coats. There’s also a ShedMonster tool that’s specially designed for cats. The ShedMonster claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%, slightly less than the FURminator and the FURblaster.

The ShedMonster deshedding rake has rounded edges to ensure that the rake glides through the coat smoothly without snagging or causing irritation to the dog’s skin. The deshedding tool is suitable for use on both short and long coats, gently unsnagging knots and tangles.

Also, the design of the rake means that your dog will receive a circulation-boosting massage as you groom him. The rounded edges of the rake make it easy to smoothly penetrate deep into your dog’s coat without snagging. The tool has an ergonomic, non-slip handle, enabling you to undertake long grooming sessions without suffering from sore wrists and forearms.

However, the width of the tool makes it a little small for use on very large dogs. The stainless steel rake is made from top-quality materials that won’t warp, corrode, or lose performance over time.

ProsCons
Three sizes of brushNarrow width may not work for larger dogs
Stainless steel rake
Rounded edges for sensitive skin
Ergonomic handle

Price

Magic Pro Deshedding Brush Review

Magic Pro Deshedding Brush

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The Magic Pro deshedding tool can reduce shedding by up to 95%. The blade is cleverly designed to be gentle on your pet’s skin while smoothly getting rid of loose and dead hair.

Although this isn’t the cheapest FURminator alternative out there, it does a good job for a reasonable price. The Magic Pro deshedding tool reduces shedding by up to 95% in a matter of minutes.

The design of the blade ensures that there is no painful scratching or pulling of the dog’s skin as you groom him, making this tool perfect for dogs with skin sensitivity. The Magic Pro is designed to glide through the thickest undercoat without snagging.

The ergonomically designed handle provides the user with a comfortable grooming experience, no matter how many hours it takes to brush your shedding pooch. The Magic Pro doesn’t have an auto-clean feature. However, the shedding blades are detachable to make clean-up a breeze.

The tool comes in two sizes, medium and large. The medium size may be too big and difficult to handle when grooming smaller breeds. The Magic Pro is made from durable, tough materials and is built to last you through a dog’s lifetime of grooming.

ProsCons
Comes in two sizesNo auto-clean feature
Detachable bladesMay not work for dogs with thick double coats
Ergonomic handle

Price

Chirpy Pets Deshedding Tool Review

Chirpy Pets Deshedding Tool

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The Chirpy Pets deshedding tool is a useful piece of grooming equipment for owners who have small dogs. The tool only comes in one size, which could be too small for use on very large dogs.

The Chirpy Pet deshedding brush removes around 90% of loose fur in just five minutes of brushing. Reviewers on Amazon have backed up the manufacturer’s claims that it takes just five minutes of brushing to remove 90% of loose and dead hair from your dog’s coat.

The Chirpy Pet deshedding brush is suitable for use on short and long-haired dogs. Unfortunately, the Chirpy Pet deshedding brush only comes in one size, which is really only suitable for small dogs and cats.

The deshedding tool’s handle is ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to use. That’s a big bonus if you have multiple dogs to brush. Although the tool does not have an auto-clean feature, it is fitted with a quick-release button that allows for quick removal of the blade for convenient storage and easy cleaning. The high-quality stainless steel that’s used is guaranteed to last you for years.

ProsCons
Better for small dogs and catsNo auto-clean feature
Comfortable to holdOnly one size
Good for short and long coats

Price

Shed Defender Review

The Shed Defender on a dog

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Another way to keep flyaway fur from taking over your house or car is to use the Shed Defender. Featured on Shark Tank, this unique dog onesie helps contain shedding no matter where you are, but it also has many other uses.

The lightweight, breathable fabric is made from recyclable materials. The Shed Defender fits snugly to help reduce anxiety. You can also use it to cover hot spots or for post-surgery protection. The zipper stops at the underbelly, giving your dog bathroom access at all times.

ProsCons
Made from recyclable materialsSome owners say the fabric is not stretchy enough
Bathroom access at all timesNot for extended use
Fits snugly, reducing anxiety
Lightweight, breathable

Price

Best Pet Vacuum To Clean Up Shedding

Now that you’ve cleaned up your dog’s coat, it’s time to tackle the floor and sofa. These are always covered in hair after a grooming session. Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend this handheld Black & Decker Pet Hand Vacuum. It always cleans my dog’s hair up around the house in no time.

If you are looking for a canister, upright, or stick vacuum instead, check out our full pet vacuum reviews to find the best way to keep your house clean. We also have helpful tips for getting pet hair out of your laundry.

Can I Stop My Dog From Shedding?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for dog shedding, but some are non-shedding dogs. You can help eliminate a good portion of the loose fur on your shedding dog by following these tips.

When the weather cooperates, I suggest you use these shedding tools outside. This will keep the hair you brush off away from your couch or carpet (which defeats the purpose, right?).

Double Coated Dogs

Never clip a double-coated dog! Although it might appear easier to simply clip off all that fluffy undercoat to prevent shedding, especially during shedding seasons, trimming your dog with dog hair clippers can put your pet at risk.

The double coat is there to protect your dog from the elements. In summer, the underfur allows cooling air to circulate across the dog’s skin, helping to keep the animal cool and blocking out the sun’s dangerous UV rays. Clipping your dog in the winter leaves him susceptible to cold.

Also, a double coat may never grow back properly, ruining your pet’s looks and potentially causing problems with temperature maintenance.

Why Brushing Matters

Dog hairbrushes help keep dog hair in good condition. They also remove dirt and spread natural oils throughout your pup’s coat, keeping your furry friend healthy. Brushing also gives you time to check your dog for fleas and make sure the coat is in beautiful condition. For this reason, it’s essential to groom your dog regularly, too. Should you run into matted hair in your dog, we have a guide to take care of the problem. Lastly, explore useful tools that can effectively remove pet hair from your laundry.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

As a dog owner, Kimberly is well-versed in dog brushes. In addition to the thorough, in-depth research she conducts for each subject she covers, Kimberly also consults with several dog groomers and veterinarians to learn more about dog coats and their upkeep. To further her knowledge, she watches many videos from professional dog groomers who are well-known and respected at dog shows.

Kimberly Alt

Kimberly is a writer and content strategist for Canine Journal, specializing in pet insurance consulting. She has written and edited professionally since 2010. In 2014, Kimberly began researching dogs and discovered her passion for pet insurance. She strongly advocates for insuring pets and knows insurance is a complex subject for most. Kimberly has read hundreds of pet insurance policies (including the fine print), ran more than 3,000 pet insurance quotes, engages in frequent discussions with pet insurer representatives, and conducts mystery shopping to gain an unbiased perspective and explain how companies differ and their strengths. Her passion is teaching others about the pet insurance industry and helping them make informed decisions for their pet insurance needs. Kimberly has a B.A. in Multimedia Journalism from Simpson College. She is a Dog Writers Association of America member, and her work has appeared in many brands, including The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, People, Woman’s World, and Huffington Post. Kimberly is the parent of a rescue Coonhound mix, Sally.

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