A good de-shedding tool removes loose hair before it lands on your sofa. The right one depends on your dog’s coat, with bladed tools for double coats, rubber brushes for short coats and rakes for wiry ones.
We have compared seven de-shedding tools currently available at Amazon UK, from professional rakes to budget brushes.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool | Double-coated breeds | £17-21 | 4.7/5 |
SleekEZ Original Deshedding Tool | Sensitive skin, short coats | £34-38 | 4.4/5 |
Mars 20 Blade Coat King Rake | Heavy coats, terriers | £34-38 | 4.7/5 |
Laadi Deshedding Tool | Budget option | £5-8 | 4.6/5 |
KONG ZoomGroom Rubber Brush | Short-haired dogs, bath time | £9-12 | 4.6/5 |
Andis Deshedding Tool | Large breeds, value pick | £16-20 | 4.7/5 |
Ancol Ergo Moulting Dog Comb | Budget maintenance | £6-8 | 4.6/5 |
Our Top Picks
FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Medium, Long Hair)
Best for: double-coated breeds
The FURminator is the best-known de-shedding tool for a reason. Its stainless steel edge reaches through the topcoat to lift loose undercoat, and a release button clears the hair off the blade.
This medium long-hair version suits dogs of 9-23kg. It costs around £19 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 5,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Removes loose undercoat effectively
- Release button ejects hair
- Very strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- Choose the right size and coat type
- Overuse can thin the coat
Specifications:
- Type: bladed deshedding tool
- Size: medium, long hair (9-23kg)
- Edge: stainless steel
- Brand: FURminator
SleekEZ Original Deshedding Tool
Best for: sensitive skin and short coats
SleekEZ uses a wave-cut blade to lift loose hair without cutting the coat, and it suits dogs, cats and even horses. It is a good option for dogs with sensitive skin or short to medium coats.
It costs around £36 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 11,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Wave-cut blade lifts hair gently
- Works on several animals
- Huge number of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Priced above most rivals
- Usually ships within a few days
Specifications:
- Type: wave-blade grooming tool
- Suits: dogs, cats and horses
- Sizes: several
- Brand: SleekEZ
Mars 20 Blade Coat King Rake
Best for: wire coats and heavy double coats
A stripping rake pulls out dead undercoat from thick or wiry coats, and the German-made Mars Coat King is a professional favourite. This 20-blade version is used by groomers on terriers and heavy double-coated breeds.
It costs around £36 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1,100 ratings.
What we like:
- Professional-grade stripping rake
- Very good reviews
- Stainless steel blades
Worth knowing:
- Needs technique to use safely
- Not suited to fine or single coats
Specifications:
- Type: stripping rake
- Blades: 20
- Made: Germany
- Brand: Mars
Laadi Deshedding Tool for Dogs and Cats
Best for: a budget option that performs
You do not need to spend a lot to remove loose hair. This low-cost stainless steel deshedding tool has a release button and works on dogs and cats.
It costs around £6 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 1,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Very low price
- Works on dogs and cats
- Strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- Less refined build than premium tools
- Check the blade width for your dog
Specifications:
- Type: bladed deshedding tool
- Suits: dogs and cats
- Edge: stainless steel
- Brand: Laadi
KONG ZoomGroom Rubber Brush
Best for: short-haired dogs and bath time
A rubber curry brush loosens dead hair and massages the skin, and it works well in the bath to work in shampoo. The KONG ZoomGroom is a firm favourite and is easy to keep clean.
The large size costs around £10 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 10,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Gentle and massaging
- Works in the bath
- Very well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Less effective on thick undercoats
- Rubber can collect hair between the nubs
Specifications:
- Type: rubber brush
- Size: Large
- Use: dry or in the bath
- Brand: KONG
Andis Deshedding Tool
Best for: large breeds and value
The Andis deshedding tool has a stainless steel blade and a comfortable handle, and it suits larger dogs with dense coats.
It costs around £18 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across nearly 200 ratings.
What we like:
- Sturdy stainless steel blade
- Comfortable handle
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than the market leaders
- Check the blade width
Specifications:
- Type: bladed deshedding tool
- Edge: stainless steel
- Suits: larger dogs
- Brand: Andis
Ancol Ergo Moulting Dog Comb
Best for: budget maintenance under £10
A rake-style moulting comb is an easy way to keep on top of loose hair between grooming sessions. The Ancol Ergo has rotating teeth and a comfortable handle.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 500 ratings.
What we like:
- Very low price
- Rotating teeth
- British brand
Worth knowing:
- Best for maintenance rather than heavy shedding
- Not for tight mats
Specifications:
- Type: moulting comb
- Teeth: rotating
- Brand: Ancol
- Handle: ergonomic
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best De-shedding Tool
What to Look For
Identify your dog’s coat type first. Look at the blade length, whether there is a release button and how comfortable the handle is.
Types of De-shedding Tool
Bladed undercoat tools suit double coats. Wave-cut blades are gentler. Stripping rakes suit wiry coats. Rubber brushes suit short coats and bath time.
Size Guide
Small dogs (under 10kg) suit a 2.5-4 inch blade. Medium dogs (10-25kg) suit about 4 inches. Large dogs (25kg+) suit 4.5-5 inches.
How Much Should You Spend?
Under £15 buys a budget tool. £15-£30 buys a mid-range tool for weekly grooming. £30 and above buys professional-grade tools.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I de-shed my dog?
Once a week outside shedding season, and two to three times a week during spring and autumn moults, for about 5-10 minutes.
Will de-shedding stop my dog shedding completely?
No, but a good tool removes loose hair before it lands on your sofa and can greatly reduce visible shedding.
Can I use a de-shedding tool on a poodle or doodle?
Not recommended. Single coats have no undercoat, so a slicker brush suits them better.
Should I de-shed a wet or dry coat?
Dry and brushed out first, apart from rubber brushes such as the ZoomGroom, which can be used in the bath.
Are de-shedding tools safe for puppies?
Wait until the adult coat has come in, at around 6-9 months, and use a soft rubber brush until then.
Conclusion
The FURminator is our top pick for most double-coated dogs, and the SleekEZ is a strong runner-up for sensitive skin.
The Laadi is the best budget tool, the Mars Coat King suits wiry coats and the KONG ZoomGroom is ideal for short coats.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
