The Australian Shepherd’s natural working ability and good-natured companionship have endeared him to many dog lovers. But this herding breed also has a reputation for being difficult to groom. So while the Australian Shepherd’s double coat does require some special care, it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. In fact, with a bit of patience and the right tools, you can keep your Aussie coat healthy and looking great.
This buying guide will help you choose the best brush for Australian Shepherds. We’ll cover the different types of brushes available and what they’re best used for so you can find the perfect one for your pup. This buying guide for the best brush for Australian Shepherds will cover everything you need to know about dog grooming brushes for your Australian Shepherd.
Dog grooming brushes for the Australian Shepherd
If you’re new to grooming and have recently adopted or purchased an Australian Shepherd, you’ll do best with a few brushes and a grooming mitt and comb to help you out.
Here’s the gist of each type of brush popular among Aussie owners and what they’re used for:
- Slicker brush: The bristles on a slicker brush are fine and closely spaced together. This brush is excellent for removing tangles, mats, and dead hair from the coat. It’s essential to be careful when using a slicker brush, as the wire bristles can sometimes scratch the skin. When using the slicker brush, never go over the same area more than three times, or you may cause brush burn.
- Pin brush: A pin brush has longer bristles that are further apart than those on a slicker brush. This type of brush is suitable for detangling the coat and fluffing it up. It’s also gentle on the skin and can be used daily or after using the slicker brush to fluff up the coat.
- Grooming mitt or glove: A grooming mitt or glove is a great all-purpose brush for Australian Shepherds. The mitt or glove has nubs on the surface to help loosen the coat’s dirt and debris. They’re also good for massaging the skin and promoting circulation.
- Wide toothed comb: A wide-toothed comb can be used to remove tangles and mats from the coat, which is also helpful for distributing the natural oils from the skin throughout the coat. This comb is also terrific to ensure that facial hair is tangle-free.
We’ve reviewed dozens of dog grooming brushes best matched for the Australian Shepherd to give you our top choices.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Works through dense and long coats
- Best brush for Australian Shepherds
- Eco-friendly pet product
- Long-lasting and durable
- Gets deep into the undercoat
- Allows for gentle yet thorough grooming
- Cons
- Only comes in one color
The We Love Doodles slicker brush isn’t just designed for Doodle dogs. We strongly believe this is the best slicker brush on the market today for its price. With its solid bristles and ergonomic grip, the We Love Doodles slicker brush is our top choice for the best slicker brush for Australian Shepherds. This slicker brush features hundreds of tiny pins separating hairs on your dog’s coat. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for easy maneuvering.
The bristles on the We Love Doodles slicker brush are more efficient than other slicker brands because the brush has over 50% longer, denser, and softer pins. This allows for more thorough and time-saving grooming that’s also less painful.
Each pin is bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees), so it won’t scratch your Aussie’s skin. We like this brush over the Hertz slicker brush because it has a high pin count and long bendable pins that can gently reach the undercoat without breaking the hairs. If also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you or your Australian Shepherd don’t like this brush we will give you your money back.
Features
- Bristles made of high-quality materials
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
- 50% longer, denser, and softer pins
- Non-scratching
- Used by professional groomers and veterinarians
- Each pin is bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees
- Crafted with recycled wood and premium paint.
Customer Reviews
“This brush is amazing! It removed so much hair from my dog’s coat and left it looking shiny and healthy.”
“I love this brush! It’s so easy to use and it really gets the job done.”
“This is the best brush I’ve ever used on my dog. It removed all the knots and tangles from her coat.”
Best Pin Brush
- Pros
- Dogs love this pin brush
- Intended to be used 3-4 times per week
- Use on wet or dry hair
- A Chris Christensen pet product
- Allows for effortless grooming
- Cons
- Not as many pins as a slicker brush
Another favorite of ours, the Chris Christensen pin brush, is a gentle, flexible, and body contouring pin brush for dogs. It features sustainable construction and plant-based materials and is a detangling dog brush that’s environmentally friendly. We like this pin brush because it’s very gentle on skin and coat and, when grooming, easily maneuvers around the dog’s body.
Features
- Eco-friendly
- Detangling pin brush
- Plant-based
- Affordable
- Spiral flex technology that contours to your dog’s body
- Gentle and easy to use
Best Bristle Brush
- Pros
- Bristles evenly distribute natural oils across the coat
- Perfect for everyday use
- Suitable for the head, ears, and sensitive areas
- Contours gently to your dog's body while grooming
- Wide handle grip for comfortable grooming
- Cons
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly grooming brush for your dog that is easy to hold and use, look no further than the BioSilk Dog Brush in Mint Green. Made from biodegradable materials, this brush is gentle on your dog’s coat and skin and will leave them looking and feeling their best. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in your hand, making brushing a breeze.
The best part? This bristle brush features natural boar hair bristles that gently remove loose hair and dirt while evenly distributing your dog’s natural oils across the skin and coat to maintain a healthy sheen. This is another gentle yet effective dog brush perfect for everyday use.
Features
- Made from eco-friendly, biodegradable materials
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
- Natural boar hair bristles remove loose hair and dirt
- Spiral flex technology
- Pros
- Most classic brush for deshedding
- Known brand name
- Great for removing loose hair
- Easy to use with an ergonomic grip
- Cons
- Doesn't remove knots and tangles
- Oftentimes sold out
The Furminator deshedding tool is one of the most common brushes for an Australian Shepherd. It basically gathers all the loose hair that your Aussie has and makes it easy to remove. Additionally, it also gets hair in your Australian Shepherd’s undercoat so they won’t shed as much around the house.
The downside of the Furminator is that doesn’t remove knots and tangles that well. That’s why it’s important to first groom your Australian Shepherd with a slicker brush and then use a deshedding tool like the Furminator. Overall, this is the best deshedding brush for an Australian Shepherd.
Features
- Most Australian Shepherd owners will have a deshedding tool
- Removes all loose hair in your dog’s undercoat
- Ergonomic handle
- The brush head is easy to clean
- Pros
- Suitable for long and medium fur that's thick
- Long-lasting and durable pet comb
- Extra -wide for deshedding and dematting
- It comes with a complimentary, engravable collar tag
- Good instructions on how to use this tool
- Does not rust
- Cons
- Doesn't deshed your Australian Shepherd too well
Pat Your Pet Rake for deshedding double-sided undercoat rake for dogs and cats is the perfect way to keep your pet’s coat healthy and free of shedding hair. This grooming tool has two sides – one with wide teeth for long hair and one with narrower teeth for short hair. The rake is wide enough to catch enough hair and ergonomically designed to be comfortable to use.
Use the 9-teeth side of this dog and cat brush for smooth dematting and the 17-teeth side for quick coat thinning and deshedding. It’s also equipped with a comfortable grip handle that makes it easy to use. And best of all, it’s made from sturdy, eco-friendly materials that will last for years to come.
Features
- Double-sided design is perfect for long or short hair
- Wide teeth on one side and narrow teeth on the other side
- Comfortable, easy-grip handle
- Long-lasting, stainless steel
- Sturdy construction
- Black and blue color
- 2 sides, two coats
- Pros
- Easy to install
- Eliminates mess and stress
- One-size-fits-all design
- Aquapaw straps securely to either hand
- Strong enough to scrub thick fur
- Cons
- Works well for bathing, but not for everyday use
The Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush is the perfect tool for bathing your dog. This brush has a built-in sprayer and scrubber, making it easy to get your dog clean and keep them comfortable during the bath.
The Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush is also great for indoor or outdoor use, versatile, and convenient. This brush is also great for pet grooming, as it can help remove loose hair and dirt from your dog’s coat. The Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush is a must-have for any pet parent and will make bath time more manageable and enjoyable for you and your pet.
Features
- Built-in sprayer and scrubber
- 100% FDA-grade silicone
- It comes with adapters to fit a shower spigot or garden hose. Indoor/outdoor use
- Great for pet grooming
- Made with high-quality materials
- Dimensions: 3 x 8.79 x 87.74 inches; 12.8 Ounces
Best Eco-friendly Dog Grooming Wipes
- Pros
- Gentle yet durable
- Compostable when finished to reduce the carbon paw print!
- Suitable for daily use
- Wipes grimes and loose hair away
- USDA certified 99% bio based
- Alcohol-free
- A cruelty-free pet product
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Cons
- Not a dog brush, but helps with grooming
The best dog grooming wipes are those that are compostable, plant-based, and hypoallergenic. Earth Rated Dog Wipes fit that bill perfectly. These USDA-certified 99 percent bio based wipes are made from soft, absorbent material that’s safe for your pup’s delicate skin.
They’re also hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals, so you can use them with confidence, knowing they won’t cause any irritation. Plus, they come in a convenient 8×8 size, perfect for taking on the go. And to top it all off, they’re lavender-scented to leave your dog smelling fresh and clean.
Features
- Compostable, plant-based material is safe for your pup’s skin
- Crafted with natural shea butter, aloe, and chamomile, keep fur soft. Hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals
- Convenient 8×8 size makes them perfect for taking on the go
- Lavender scent leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean
- 100 or 400 count options
- Earth Rated supports shelters and teams up with non-profit organizations, and supports fundraisers and adoption events.
Best Australian Shepherd Grooming Brushes
There are a few different types of brushes available that are specifically designed for Australian Shepherds. The most popular type is the slicker brush, which has fine wire bristles that help remove tangles and mats.
Another popular choice is the pin brush, which has longer bristles that are great for detangling and fluffing up the coat. To groom your Australian Shepherd properly, you’ll need a few brushes.
The key to good grooming is having a variety of brushes and combs on hand to suit your pet’s individual needs. But if you’re starting or are on a budget, you can get by with just two good brushes and a comb.
The most important thing is choosing a comfortable brush for you and your pet. If your pet has sensitive skin, look for a brush with soft bristles. For thicker coats, choose a brush with stiffer bristles. And be sure to avoid any brushes with sharp edges or points.
Once you’ve found the perfect brush, the rest is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Start at the head and work your way back. Use gentle strokes, and be sure not to pull too hard on the coat.
- Pay special attention to the ears, legs, and tail areas, often the places where mats and tangles form. (use different brushes for sensitive areas)
- Brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation.
- When you’re finished, give your pet a good rubdown with a towel to remove any loose hair.
You can keep your pet’s coat healthy and free of tangles and mats with regular brushing. And you’ll both enjoy the bonding time spent together during grooming sessions.
Grooming an Australian Shepherd
Every interaction you have with your dog or any animal throughout your lifetime needs to be filled with patience and kindness. Grooming can sometimes be difficult for dogs, especially if they are not used to it.
- Be gentle. It is essential to make sure that your dog trusts you and knows that you are there to help him. Be gentle with your brushstrokes and avoid sudden movements that may startle your dog.
- Be consistent. Like all things in life, consistency is key to grooming your Australian Shepherd. If you only groom him once in a while, he will likely become matted, and his coat will suffer. Set aside some time each week to brush him thoroughly from head to tail.
- Invest in the right tools. In addition to a good-quality brush, you will also need a metal comb and a pair of scissors. The comb will help to remove any tangles or mats, while the scissors can be used to trim the hair around your dog’s feet and sensitive areas.
- Seek professional help if needed. If you have trouble grooming your Australian Shepherd at home, there is no shame in seeking professional help. A good groomer will have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and they can also give you tips on how to better care for your dog’s coat between grooming sessions.
Brushing and Combing Your Australian Shepherd
The basics of grooming, including bathing and brushing, ear care, and nail care, are similar for every dog breed.
Yet while some coats like the Australian Shepherd are high maintenance and require a lot of effort and attention, Aussie coats should be brushed several times a week, with some dogs doing best with professional grooming. The Australian Shepherd does best with a rake, a metal comb, a slicker brush, and a pin brush, and the ears should be checked and cleaned once a week.
Your pup’s teeth also need brushing daily with a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Monthly bathing is usually fine unless you have a super active Aussie Shepherd, and she spends plenty of time outdoors. She may do best by having more frequent baths.
Professional groomers
Whether you decide to groom your Aussie Shepherd at home or visit a professional groomer, you should do your homework. If you’re opting for professional grooming, visit a few places and look for evidence of membership in a professional organization with certification in advanced training.
Your Aussie’s safety should always be your number one concern. Delve deep into reviews and get word-of-mouth referrals. If you have a good feeling after an exploratory visit, you should consider possibly staying around during the first visit to determine whether the salon you’ve opted for is a good choice.
Why rooibos tea rinses help with skin and coat health
Rooibos tea rinses are a popular way to help improve skin and coat health in dogs. The antioxidants in rooibos tea can help to soothe dry, itchy skin and promote a healthy coat. Rooibos tea rinses are also thought to be helpful for dogs with allergies, as they can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
To use a rooibos tea rinse, brew a pot of tea and let it cool before pouring it over your dog’s coat after their bath. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the rinse for extra relaxation.
How to use each grooming tool?
Grooming is pretty simple as long as you have the correct grooming tools. First, you’ll need to eliminate tangles and potential knots with a steel comb and pin slicker brush. Don’t forget the doggie detangler and conditioner.
Then you should move on to a soft pin brush which should be used every day to maintain coat health, remove loose hair and prevent matting. In addition, the grooming mitt can be used to clean up loose hairs. If in doubt about using a specific grooming tool, watch a grooming video to help you out.
Grooming an Australian Shepherd (Step-by-Step Process)
Using A Grooming Glove
You can also use the grooming glove on your couch or carpet to pick up excess shedding hair. The grooming mitt can be used on wet or dry hair and helps improve circulation, and is a good grooming tool to have at home. Dogs enjoy the massage feeling of a dog glove.
Now that you know which types of brushes are available and what they’re used for, it’s time to choose the perfect one for your Australian Shepherd. If you’re unsure which type of brush to get, we recommend starting with a slicker brush, pin brush, comb, and a grooming mitt or glove. These brushes will cover all of your bases and help keep your Aussie’s coat healthy and free of tangles.
The takeaway with dog grooming is to have a complete kit of at-home grooming tools that you can try out to see which one works best for your pup’s coat. Every breed has specific grooming needs, which are based, in part, on the type of coat. The essential skill you’ll need to develop is patience and learning how to properly when it comes down to grooming. If you’re like us, wanting to try each one out, we’ve included a list of our favorite brushes below.
Try Plenty of Dog Brushes Out
The best way to find the perfect brush for your Australian Shepherd is to experiment with different types and sizes until you find one that they respond well to. Every dog is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Once you’ve found the perfect brush for your pup, regular brushing will help keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
Keep in mind that when grooming, you need to brush small areas at a time in the direction of the hair growth, starting at the neck and working down. So be careful around your dog’s face, sensitive areas, and ears. Never tug at a tangle or matt, and if you come across one, use a detangler like the Biosilk dog detangler.
If you’re having issues maintaining your dog’s coat, reach out to a professional groomer. In that way, you can get some grooming tips for in-between grooming at-home sessions. Groomers can also help you identify any health issues affecting your dog’s coat. Keep in mind that your Aussie will blow his coat twice a year with a full “blow-out” to naturally adjust coat density to adapt to temperature changes during Spring and Fall.
This will usually last 4-6 weeks, where you’ll be doing plenty of brushing and vacuuming, more so than at other times during the year. To help control the amount of shedding, you’re best armed with an array of gentle yet efficient grooming tools for your Aussie. That said, a natural pet shampoo, conditioner, and detangler are just as important for skin and coat health.
The Australian Shepherd
This is a terrific medium-sized breed that’s athletic, fun, and good-natured. The breed is longer than tall, with a strong head featuring a slightly rounded skull. With the muzzle equal in length or slightly shorter than the back skull, the Aussie has almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, amber, or any combination.
Coat care
With its triangular drop ears and straight tail, the Aussie features a double coat feathered at the back of its thighs, legs, and neck. The Aussie has a delightful coat, either blue merle, red or black, with or without white markings and tan points. The Aussie has a medium-length double coat that is either curly or wavy. To keep shedding to a minimum, you should brush your Australian Shepherd a few times a week.
UKC/AKC
The Aussie is part of the UKC/AKC’s Herding Group and is believed to have originated from the Basque regions of Spain and France. US framers later developed this breed in the early 1920s to help with ranching and herding. Today the Aussie is an all-purpose family or farm dog and continues to serve as a herding dogs and companion in the US.
What your Australian Shepherd Needs
If you’re thinking of adopting or purchasing an Aussie, be sure that you have plenty of time for positive training, exercise, and dog sports. This breed thrives on dog sports, herding, and spending time with family. The Aussie is very active and does best with an active family in a rural or suburban home. Although this breed is never aggressive, it does have a strong prey drive and needs a job. Dog sports like agility work well for this breed.
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Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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