The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog that people often use for various purposes, including hunting, obedience training, and as a family pet. Labs are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. However, like all dogs, they shed their coat throughout the year. This can be a problem for some people, especially if they’re allergic to dog hair.
If you’re looking for a brush that can help reduce shedding from your Lab, you’ve come to the right place. In this buying guide, we’ll be discussing some of the best brushes for Labs and what to look for when choosing one.
When brushing a Lab’s coat, we’ll look at some of Labs’ best brushes based on bristles, size, and price. One thing to keep in mind is that no brush will completely stop shedding. However, regular brushing can help reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds daily. It’s also essential to choose a comfortable brush for you and your dog.
What to Look for in a Dog Brush?
When choosing a dog brush, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Consider the type of coat your dog has. If they have a double coat, you’ll want to choose a brush that can reach the undercoat.
- Think about the size of the brush and the length of the bristles. A smaller brush with shorter bristles may be more comfortable for your dog, while a larger brush with longer bristles can help to remove more loose hair.
- Consider your budget and your dog’s needs when choosing a brush.
Best Brush for Your Labrador Retriever
The best brush for your Lab will depend on the type of coat they have and your budget. A slicker brush or de-shedding tool can be a good choice for dogs with double coats, while a smaller brush with shorter bristles may be more comfortable for your dog. Whatever brush you choose, make sure it’s comfortable for you and your dog.
Top 9 Best Brushes for Labs
In a rush? Here are the top overall picks!
Best Slicker Brush
- Pros
- Suitable for all dog breeds
- Dog crate wiBest new 2022 dog slicker brush for all dog breedsth two doors: one in the front and one on the side.
- Works through dense and long coats
- Allows for non-scratching grooming
- Lifetime warranty
- Good grooming video
- Cons
- Only comes in one color
The We Love Doodles slicker brush is not only for Doodles but for all dog breeds too. The takeaway from this brush is that it helps to reduce shedding by up to 90%. It effectively removes mats and tangles from your dog’s coat quickly and efficiently.
We like this product because it features 50% longer, denser, and softer pins. This allows for easier and more comfortable grooming. Each pin is approximately 1 inch long.
The long, ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip and use. The bristles are made of stainless steel and are set at the perfect angle to get under the topcoat and loosen any knots without damaging the coat. This eco-friendly and cruelty-free dog brush is also easy to clean. The blue wood color is also very stylish.
Features
- Blue wood color
- Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
- Each pin is bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees)
- Crafted with recycled wood and non-toxic premium paint.
- Non-slip ergonomic handle
- Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Ideal for everyday brushing and detangling
- Works with Labs that suffer from allergic dermatitis, folliculitis, impetigo, seborrhea, and other skin issues.
- Bristles are fine bent wires designed to penetrate deep into the coat
- Cons
- Cheaper plastic look and feel
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush easily removes your pet’s coat’s loose hair, mats, tangles, and knots. The unique feature of this brush is the sliding button that releases the hair from the bristles with just one push. It comes with rounded pins which are gentle on your pet’s skin and won’t scratch.
The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, and the non-slip grip prevents your hand from slipping while brushing. This brush is also great for grooming dogs with sensitive skin.
It can be used on all coats, including short, medium, and long hair. The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a must-have tool for any pet owner! This product features over 71,700 positive reviews. It comes in numerous sizes for all breeds and coat types, from coarse, wavy, curly, to normal.
Features
- For all hair types
- Comfort-grip with anti-slip handle
- Lightweight at 3.02 oz.
- Plastic tip bristles
- Self-cleaning button
- Over 71,700 positive reviews
- A Hertzco pet grooming product
- Pros
- Reaches through topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair
- Reduces loose hair from shedding up to 90% with regular use
- FURejector button to quickly and easily release collected hair
- Safe and easy to use
- Teeth remove undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat.
- Cons
- It's not as effective as a slicker brush and can't get as deep
The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs is an effective way to remove loose hair and combat dog shedding. This dog’s de-shedding brush features a stainless steel de-shedding edge that reaches through the topcoat to safely and efficiently remove loose fur.
The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs also has an ergonomic handle for comfort and control during use. This de-shedding brush is recommended for large dogs with short coats. This is the new short hair model that will not damage the coat or cut the skin when used as directed. This product features over 31,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Furejector button for ease of use
- Numerous sizes are available for all dog breeds and coat lengths.
- Ergonomic handle
- Removes the loose hair from shedding
- Curved edge – comfortably follows pet’s natural shape
- Pros
- Bristles distribute natural oils evenly throughout the coat for shiny hair
- Suitable for all breeds and coat types
- Works for everyday use and households with multiple pets
- Good brush grooming guide
- Helps to reduce shedding, mats, and tangles while promoting healthy coats for pets.
- Cons
- The handle is made of plastic
The Safari pin brush side is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin and has soft bristles that are gentle on the skin and coat. Coastal Pet’s Safari pin and bristle combo brush is the perfect tool to help maintain your dog’s coat.
This two-in-one dog grooming brush features a double-sided design and is a must-have pet grooming brush in your pet grooming kit. This brush easily removes loose hair and dirt and is best used by brushing with long gentle strokes.
Features
- Two tools in one
- Medium and large sizes
- Ergonomic design
- Safe and easy to use
- Pros
- Can be used on wet or dry coats
- Great for all coat types, long or short
- Free Four Dog Care eBooks
- Environmentally sustainable
- Hypoallergenic TPR material
- Cons
- Not as effective as the Furminator when we tested both products
The Pet Neat Pet Grooming Brush is the perfect way to keep your dog or cat looking their best. This professional-quality brush effectively reduces shedding by up to 95%, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or who want to keep their pet’s coat healthy and free of loose hair.
The sharp teeth remove loose hair, dirt, and debris, while the stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability. The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold and easy to use, and the brush can be used on wet or dry coats. It’s also great for all coat types, long or short. Plus, the safety guard protects your pet’s skin from being scratched. This product features over 12,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Ergonomic design for a comfortable grip and easy handling
- Soft anti-slip handle
- 4″ long rust-resistant blade,
- Sharp teeth safely remove loose hair, dirt, and debris
- Stainless steel teeth are strong and durable
- Crafted with 100mm steel blade
- Over 12,000 positive reviews
Best Low Cost Brushes
- Pros
- Unique Grip soft technology
- The rounded head and 90 degree angled soft pins run parallel to the skin allowing for scratch-free brushing
- Soft pins are gentle
- Helps prevent matting
- Removes dead and shedding fur.
- Cons
- Small slicker brush
The JW Pet Company Grip Soft Pin Brush for dogs is a great way to remove loose hair from your pet’s coat. The pins are made of stainless steel and are long enough to reach the undercoat without injuring your dog’s skin.
The grip is comfortable to hold, and the brush can be used on all types of coats. This company recommends running the brush parallel to the skin, not straight down, to prevent scratching and skin irritation. JW adds that you can use this daily on long-coated breeds and every few days on short-coated breeds.
Features
- Non-slip comfortable ergonomic grip
- Two-color options
- Stainless steel pins for sensitive skin
- Can be used on all types of coats
- Flexible steel pins for pain-free grooming
- Pros
- Easy to clean by flushing with water
- Increases blood circulation
- Allows for optimal skin and coat health
- Removes loose hair easily while bathing
- Lightweight at 7.2 oz.
- Suitable for all dog breeds, small and large
- Cons
- Only works well when bathing your Labrador
Hertzko’s pet bath and massage brush is the perfect tool for shampooing and massaging your dog, cat, or small animal. The soft rubber bristles gently remove loose and shed fur from your pet, leaving them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold and use, and the brush is easy to clean after use. We like this bathing brush for Labradors because of its gentle and effective cleansing action. This pet brush is also great for use on other shedding breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, etc.
Features
- Soft rubber bristles which instantly attract loose & shed fur
- Affordable
- Rubberized comfort grip tips on the side of the brush provide optimal control while bathing
- Works with short or long coats
- A Hertzco pet grooming product
- Pros
- Lightweight for fatigue-free grooming
- Removes tangles, mats, loose hair, and dirt
- Perfect for finishing and fluffing
- Recommended by groomers and veterinarians
- Good size
- Sturdy, easy to hold, and easy to clean.
- Cons
- You pay more for the Andis brand name
The Andis (Pet) 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb is the perfect tool for detangling, de-shedding, and grooming your dog or cat. The stainless steel teeth are sharp and effective but won’t damage your pet’s coat.
The comb removes tangles, mats, loose hair, and dirt and stimulates skin and hair follicles. The Andis (Pet) 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb is comfortable to hold and use and features over 9,000 positive reviews. This comb is available in two sizes.
Features
- Size: 7 1/2″ or 10 inches
- Silver
- Includes coarse and fine teeth.
- Suitable for all life stages
- Stimulates skin and hair follicles
- Over 9,000 positive reviews
- An Andis pet grooming product
How To Choose The Best Brush For a Labrador
Bristle types
When it comes to the bristles on a dog brush, there are two main types: natural and synthetic. Natural bristles are usually made from materials like boar hair. They’re gentle on the skin and coat and can help to distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
Synthetic bristles are usually made from nylon or other synthetic materials. They’re more durable than natural bristles and can be a good choice for dogs with thick coats. Synthetic bristles are also less likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to certain materials.
Size
The size of the brush you choose will depend on the size of your dog. A smaller brush is usually easier to handle and can be used on dogs with shorter coats. A larger brush can be a good choice for dogs with thick coats. It’s also important to consider the length of the bristles when choosing a brush for your dog.
Price
There is a wide range of dog brushes available regarding price. You can find basic brushes for under $10, while more advanced brushes can cost over $100. The type of brush you choose will usually depend on your budget and your dog’s needs.
The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is part of the UKC Gun Dog Group and AKC Sporting Group, initially bred in Newfoundland to help fishermen with tasks such as hauling in nets and retrieving fish that had escaped from the net. In the 1800s, they were brought to England, where they quickly became popular as hunting dogs.
Labs are known for their dense, water-resistant double coats. The outer coat is short and straight, while the undercoat is soft and thick. This combination helps insulate the dog against cold weather and protects them from water. Labs shed their coats year-round, although they may shed more during certain seasons.
When choosing a brush for your Lab, it’s essential to consider their coat type. A slicker brush or de-shedding tool can be good for dogs with double coats. These brushes help to remove loose hair from the undercoat and prevent mats and tangles from forming.
How to Rake a Labrador Retriever | Tutorial?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Labs shed?
Some Labs shed more than others. Some don’t shed at all. Shedding depends on many factors, such as whether the Lab is an English or American type, the climate where you live, whether the dog is a male or female, and how often you brush your Lab’s coat. English Labs ( Bench Labs) shed more than American Labs ( Field Labs) because they have a more dense coat.
What are the best grooming brushes for a Labrador Retriever?
The best grooming brushes for a Labrador Retriever are designed to work with the type of coat your Lab has. If you have an English Lab, you will need a brush designed to work with a dense coat. If you have an American Lab, you will need a brush designed to work with a thinner coat. You can find these brushes at We Love Doodles.
What is the best de-shedding slicker brush for English and American Labradors?
The We Love Doodles slicker brush is the best de-shedding brush for English and American Labradors. This brush is designed to work with both types of coats, and it will help remove loose hair from your dog’s coat.
What is the difference between an English Labrador Retriever and an American Labrador Retriever?
The English Labrador Retriever is a larger dog than the American Labrador Retriever. They also have a denser coat, which sheds more than the American Lab’s coat. Finally, English Labs tend to be less active than American Labs.
What is the difference between a black Labrador Retriever and a chocolate Labrador Retriever?
The only difference between a black Labrador Retriever and a chocolate Labrador Retriever is their coat color. Chocolate Labs have a brown coat, while Black Labs have a black coat.
How often should I bathe my Lab?
You should bathe your Lab as often as necessary to keep him clean and smelling fresh. If your dog doesn’t seem to need a bath very often, you can probably get away with bathing him once a month. However, if he’s a particularly active dog or tends to get dirty quickly, you may need to bathe him more often.
What kind of shampoo should I use on my Lab?
You should use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo when bathing your Lab. This will help to avoid irritating his skin.
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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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