If you’ve researched Doodles or designer dogs, you’ll realize that not all Doodles have the same coat type or texture. For example, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles (and all other Doodles) can have various coat types within the same litter.
Some Doodles have a “fleece” coat, which is soft, like angora. Others have a “wool” coat, which is denser, like sheep’s wool. And still, others will have a mix of both fleece and wool. So, as you can see, there is no “one size fits all” Doodle coat. This buying guide will help you select the best brush for Doodle dogs based on coat type and will look at the We Love Doodles slicker brush and other brushes that work well for a Doodle coat.
In a rush? Here are the top brush picks!
![Pet Grooming Detangler Pin Dog Brush For Shedding and Removing Loose Fur, Lightweight Beech Wood with Gold Plated Pins for Long Hair [We Love Doodles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OVuPZXsCL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pet Dematting Comb for Dogs and Cats with Wood Handle, Deshedding Undercoat Rake for Dogs with Stainless Steel Blades, Dog Comb for Detangling Thinning and Shedding, All Hair Types [We Love Doodles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QXyw3nKhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Pros
- 50% longer pins reach deep into the coat to remove knots and tangles
- Bristles are firm enough to remove dirt and debris from the coat
- Recommended by both veterinarians and professional pet groomers.
- Comfortable grip handle
- Use to fluff and shape heads, toplines, and legs
- Perfect for medium to long-haired dogs
- Can be used on all dog breeds
- Ergonomically friendly
- Fits into most people's hands easily
- Professional grooming brush for home use
- Cons
- Difficult to remove the hair from the brush without a comb
The We Love Doodles Slicker Brush is best used with the We Love Doodles shampoo to take grooming to another level. Shedding is one of the biggest concerns among customers, and when using both the shampoo and the slicker brush together, it can help reduce shedding by up to 90%.
The We Love Doodles Slicker brush is exceptionally crafted for the Labradoodle, Golden Doodle, and all other Doodle breeds, with sizing accommodating breeds down to toy breeds. This brush can be used on all dog breeds. This is the ideal brush for medium to long-haired Doodles. The slicker brush has long pins that are 50% longer, denser, and softer.
The We Love Doodles slicker brush results in a similar grooming outcome to the Big G Chris Christensen’s slicker brush in that they both work well for all coat types from frizzy, curly, normal, and thick. This makes it perfect for brushing out knots and tangles, and the bristles are firm enough to remove dirt and debris from your dog’s coat. It’s also more affordable than the BIG G and is an excellent at-home grooming solution for pet lovers.
All in all, the We Love Doodles slicker brush is a professional grooming brush that is not only ergonomically friendly and fits into most people’s hands easily, but it also is made for home grooming use.
Features
- Developed by pet grooming experts
- Rust-resistant blade
- Made with stainless steel pins for durability
- Suitable for pets with single and double coats
- Crafted especially for all Doodle type coats
- Newly launched 2022 pet grooming Doodle slicker brush
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Best used with We Love Doodles pet shampoo
- Blue
- Ergonomic wood handle with an extended arm to combat hand fatigue
- Eco-friendly pet product
- Pros
- Won't scratch your doodles skin
- Less harsh than a slicker brush, but still removes light tangles and knots
- 100% Money Back Guarantee
- Used by professional groomers and vet approved
- Designed specifically for doodles since the pins are over 1 inch long
- Long ergonomic handle that makes for easy brushing
- Cons
- Not as good at removing tangles when compared to a slicker brush. The upside is that it won't hurt your dogs coat.
If your doodle has sensitive skin and doesn’t like slicker brushes, you should definitely give this pin brush a try. The We Love Doodles pin brush was designed specifically for long-haired dogs since the pins are over 1 inch long. The rounded tips prevent scratching and pins bend easily which means it will not hurt your dog’s skin.
This pin brush is great for everyday use and will remove light tangles, debris, and keep your puppy’s hair looking healthy. The gold-plated pins also reduce static in your dog’s coat. This brush is also made of solid wood and comes with a long ergonomic handle. It’s one of the most affordable doodle brushes on our list that is extremely high quality so we suggest you check it out.
Features
- Long pins that won’t scratch your doodle’s skin
- Pins are gold plated and round-tipped to prevent static in your dog’s coat
- Satisfaction guarantee or your money back – no questions asked
- Reduces shedding and removes light tangles
- Pros
- Designed for fluffing curly, cottony coats
- Combats tough tangles and mats
- Use to fluff and shape heads, toplines, and legs
- A large size works well on the body and
- Medium Big G suitable for legs, columns, and poms
- Extra-long ergonomic handle reduces arm and hand fatigue.
- Cons
- Pricier, but well worth it
The Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush is the perfect tool to help you groom your dog like a professional. This brush features stiff bristles that are great for fluffing and detangling your dog’s coat, and the ergonomic design makes it easy to use.
The large size is perfect for dogs with thick coats, and the coral color is sure to stand out in your grooming kit. This product has over 4,000 positive reviews and is an excellent long-term investment for dog parents who want to save time and energy while grooming their pups. This is one of the best dog slicker brushes for Poodles, Goldendoodles, and Labradoodles because of its ability to remove tangles and mats with ease.
Features
- Three size options
- Cushioned pad that retracts the soft and scratch-free pins
- Stiff bristles for fluffing and detangling your dog’s coat
- Ergonomic design for easy use
- Large size is perfect for dogs with thick coats
- Coral color is sure to stand out in your grooming kit
- Over 4,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Gently removes loose hair
- Eliminates tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt.
- Bristles retract, and hair falls off
- It increases blood circulation
- Works well on Doodle coats
- Cons
- More color options needed
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is the ultimate dog brush for shedding hair, and fur and combing long-haired and short-haired dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. This de-shedding tool is perfect for removing loose hair and undercoat while also massaging your pet’s skin. The self-cleaning feature keeps the bristles clean and free of hair, making it easy to use and maintain.
The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold and use, and the non-slip grip makes it easy to control. The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a must-have grooming tool for any Doodle pet parent. This product has over 73,000 positive reviews, and if you haven’t tried this out yet, it’s worth purchasing.
Features
- Affordable
- Plastic
- Lightweight
- Numerous sizes
- Ergonomic design with soft-grip handle
- Self-cleaning feature
- Non-slip grip
- Over 73,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Removes mats, tangles, and loose hair
- Slicker brush side removes undercoat hair
- Bristle brush side distributes natural oils
- Affordable and easy to use
- A Hartz pet product
- Cons
- Not enough color options
The Hartz Groomers Dual-Sides Doodle dog brush has over 16,000 positive reviews. Doodle parents love it for its ability to remove mats, tangles, and loose hair from their dog’s coats. The slicker brush side of the comb is excellent for eliminating undercoat hair, while the bristle brush side helps to redistribute natural oils throughout the skin. This dog brush combo is also affordable and easy to use, making it a good option for Doodle parents on a budget.
Features
- Most affordable dog brush
- Over 16,000 positive reviews
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Nylon and stainless steel bristles
- Dual function dog brush
- Pros
- 60-day replacement tool or refund
- The detachable comb can even be used on its own for extra-long fur. Allows for shinier top coat
- Suitable for pets with single and double coats
- Recommended by both veterinarians and professional pet groomers.
- Value for money dog grooming tool for Doodles
- It comes with a plastic blade cover for optimal safety.
- Cons
- May not be suitable for very long-haired dogs
The DakPets Pet Grooming Brush is an effective way to reduce shedding by up to 95%. It is a professional de-shedding tool for dogs and cats that can be used on all types of coats. It reaches deep down into the undercoat, and the pet grooming brush is made with a soft, comfortable grip that is easy to hold. The pet grooming brush has a stainless steel blade that is sharp and durable and features a detachable comb that can be used on its own for extra-long fur or difficult-to-reach places.
Dak Pets Doodle grooming brush is also easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. The pet grooming brush is available in three fun colorways: blue, hot pink, and yellow.
We like this brush for Doodle’s because it is gentle on the coat and effective at removing loose hair. The color options are also fun for multi Doodle homes. The company recommends using this 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes each session (more frequently during shedding seasons). This product has over 42,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Over 42,000 positive reviews
- Quick-release button
- Rust-resistant blade that’s detachable
- Developed by pet grooming experts
- Reduces shedding by up to 95%
- Available in 3 fun colorways
- Soft, comfortable grip
- Sharp, durable stainless steel blade
- Dishwasher safe
Grooming a Goldendoodle “AT HOME”
Wavy coated Doodles
If your Doodle has fleece or a wavy coat, we recommend using a slicker brush. The wavy coat often starts with very little curl around the face but waves in the coat of the pup’s body. Sometimes a Doodle pup that starts off with a wavy coat ends up having a curly coat. Most Doodles tend to get curlier as they get older. Typically, wavy coats shed very little, if at all.
Wool coated Doodles
If your Doodle has a woolly coat, you’ll notice that the curly coat looks very similar to a Poodle coat. This coat does best with families who have the most problems with allergies.
Straight coat Doodles
If your Doodle has a straight coat, known as a flat coat or hair coat (like a Retriever), this is the least common Doodle coat type and can occur if the Goldendoodle who takes after the Golden Retriever side of the equation has a straight coat that looks like a Golden.
Straight-coated Doodles are the most likely type of Doodle to shed because they seem to have received less of the Poodle coat. A pin brush works well with curly or wooly coated Doodles because this type of brush features pins that separate the hairs. A slicker brush is also suitable for all coat types, especially wavy and curly coats.
The slicker brush’s pins are set very close together, which helps to remove tangles and mats. A bristle brush is a good choice for straight coated Doodles because the bristles help to distribute the dog’s natural oils through the coat.
The best way to find out what type of coat your Doodle has is to ask the Doodle’s breeder. The breeder should be able to tell you what kind of coat to expect based on the coats of the Doodle’s parents. Once you know what type of coat your Doodle has, you can choose the best brushes for your Doodle’s individual needs.
Regardless of your Doodle’s coat type, we always recommend using a comb in conjunction with brushes. A comb will help remove any knots or tangles that the brush may have missed. Here’s the takeaway on our top picks for the Doodle brush:
How to brush your Doodle?
When brushing your Doodle, always start at the head and work your way back towards the tail. Be sure to pay special attention to the areas around the ears and eyes, as these are often the places where mats and tangles form. Brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging the coat. And take your time! Brushing should be a relaxing experience for both you and your Doodle.
Doodle grooming tool kit
It is no surprise that an essential brush for grooming is a common tool that all pet parents own. But it’s also important to build a grooming toolbox by adding combs, slicker, and pin brushes to the arsenal and grooming gloves and wipes.
One item that is often overlooked is a brush specifically made for Doodle coats like the We Love Doodles slicker brush.
What is a Slicker Brush?
A slicker brush is a wire-bristle brush that removes tangles, mats, and loose hair from a dog’s coat. Slicker brushes come in various sizes, but the bristles are usually very fine. The We Love Doodles slicker brush has ultra-soft bristles that are gentle yet effective on a Doodle’s coat.
What is the We Love Doodles Slicker Brush?
What is a Bristle brush?
Why a good organic shampoo is essential for optimal grooming?
Organic shampoos are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate a dog’s skin. The We Love Doodles shampoo is made with organic ingredients like aloe vera, organic neem oil, and calendula oil that are gentle on the skin and coat.
The We Love Doodles shampoo is also SLS and paraben-free, making it safe for sensitive skin dogs. Organic shampoos are also biodegradable and will not pollute the environment.
Natural pet shampoos made with natural essential oils never contain parabens, harsh soaps, artificial dyes, strong fragrances, phosphates, or toxins. They also resolve odor issues well, and as a result, cleaning is more effective and nutrients better absorbed, making grooming an all-around healthier experience for pets.
Some essential oils used in natural pet grooming products have medicinal properties to improve minor skin conditions. For example, lavender oil is anti-inflammatory and can help soothe irritated skin.
Chamomile oil has anti-itch properties and can be helpful for dogs with allergies. And tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help heal hot spots and other skin infections.
When using essential oils on dogs, it is essential to use a diluted solution and always test for sensitivity on a small skin area before applying it to the entire coat.
Shedding kits for Doodles
Stocking up and having enough pet grooming supplies at home is perfect, even if it’s to tide you over in-between grooming appointments.
A shedding kit should include brushes, comb, and rake, and if needed for in-between professional grooming, a clipper, and trimmer. Of course, you should always have product options at home to have an easier time grooming.
For example, the We Love Doodles slicker brush can be used for all Doodle breeds, and you can also use the Andis large pin brush for the Doodle with long straight coats.
Keep in mind that you generally find the flat or straight coat in F2B and F2 generation Goldendoodles and rarely in F1B and F1 dogs. That’s why it’s always good to have various products on hand to make sure you’re prepared for anything. Here’s the takeaway:
A good dog shedding kit should:
- Include different types of brushes (e.g., slicker, bristle, pin) to target different kinds of shedding
- Have a comfortable grip
- Be made of high-quality materials that will last long
- Be easy to clean and maintain
Doodle coat types
If you’re a new pet parent, you may not understand your pet’s coat and how best to use the tools without damaging skin or coat. Instead, you should watch videos on using grooming tools and make the best of each tool.
Doodles have a wide variety of coat types, from the tight curls of the Goldendoodle to the wavy coat of the Labradoodle. No matter what type of Doodle you have, it’s essential to regularly brush your dog’s coat to prevent matting and tangling.
The best way to brush a Doodle’s coat depends on the type of coat your dog has. For example, the We Love Doodle’s slicker brush is a good choice for a Doodle with a wavy or curly coat, while a bristle brush is better for a Doodle with a straight or short coat.
A Doodle with a long coat should be brushed daily to prevent matting and tangling. A Doodle with a short coat can be brushed weekly. When brushing a Doodle’s coat, start by taking small coat sections and holding the skin taut. Gently brush downward with the bristles pointing towards the dog’s skin.
Be sure to avoid any areas that are sore or inflamed. For example, when you are finished brushing, use a comb to remove any tangles or mats. It’s essential to use the appropriate brush regularly to stimulate the pet’s skin and keep the coat from tangling.
FAQ’s Best Brush for Doodles
What is the best type of brush for a Doodle?
The best type of brush for a Doodle depends on the type of coat your dog has. A slicker brush like the We Love Doodles slicker brush for Doodles is a good choice for a Doodle with a wavy or curly coat, while a bristle brush is better for a Doodle with a straight or short coat.
What is the We Love Doodle brush?
The We Love Doodle slicker brush was designed specifically for brushing Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, and other Poodle crossbreeds.
When should I start brushing my Goldendoodle puppy?
As for brushing in-between full grooming appointments, you can start brushing your Goldendoodle puppy as soon as the hair is long enough to lay flat when brushed. This will help avoid matting and tangling of the coat. We recommend waiting six months before taking your Goldendoodle puppy for his first full clip-down grooming.
How do I stop my Doodle matting?
The best way to avoid matting is to regularly brush your Doodle’s coat with the appropriate brush for your Doodle’s coat type. Goldendoodles have a variety of coat types, from the tight curls of the F1b generation to the wavy coat of the F2 generation.
No matter what type of Doodle you have, it’s essential to regularly brush your dog’s coat to prevent matting and tangling. You may also consider using a detangling spray or conditioner on your Doodle’s coat.
Does Goldendoodle puppy hair change?
Yes, a Goldendoodle’s hair coat will change as they mature. The coat of a Goldendoodle puppy is usually softer and less wavy than the adult coat. As your Goldendoodle matures, his coat will become denser and may become wavier or curly.
What is an F1b Doodle?
An F1b Doodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Doodle of another generation. The “b” in F1b stands for backcross. An F1b Doodle will have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics than an F1 or F2 Doodle.
What is an F2 Doodle?
An F2 Doodle is a cross between two Doodles of different generations. The “F” in F2 stands for filial, which means that this generation is the offspring of two different Doodle generations.
How often should I brush my F1b Goldendoodle?
We recommend brushing your F1b Goldendoodle at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling of the coat. Use a slicker brush or a bristle brush on Doodle coats for best results.
Do doodles shed their puppy coat?
They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months. Doodle pups could have a pretty dramatic coat change or a subtle one depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. You may find that your Doodle sheds more during the summer and fall as they blow their coat.
How do you brush a Goldendoodle face?
Gently brush your Doodle’s face using a steel comb. Then chop off the excess beard with scissors. You may also want to use a detangling spray (avoid eyes) on your Doodle’s face to help reduce knots and tangles.
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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