Few things tell you more about your week than the state of your sofa cushions. A good brush keeps a coat healthy, cuts down on loose hair and helps you spot lumps, bumps and skin problems early.
We have compared five dog brushes currently available at Amazon UK, covering slickers, de-shedders and rubber curries.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool | Heavy shedders, double coats | £17-21 | 4.7/5 |
Mikki Pro Slicker Brush | Everyday all-rounder | £10-12 | 4.5/5 |
KONG ZoomGroom Dog Brush | Short coats and bath time | £11-13 | 4.6/5 |
Ancol Universal Slicker Brush | Budget pick for medium coats | £8-10 | 4.6/5 |
Wahl Premium Sensitive Skin Slicker | Long-haired and curly coats | £11-13 | 4.6/5 |
Our Top Picks
FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool (Medium, Long Hair)
Best for: heavy shedders and double-coated breeds
For dogs that shed heavily, the FURminator is the standard. Its stainless steel edge lifts loose undercoat, and the release button clears the tool in one push.
This medium long-hair version costs around £19 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 5,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Strong on double coats
- Release button
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- Choose the right size
- Not for single coats
Specifications:
- Type: deshedding tool
- Size: medium, long hair
- Weight range: 9-23kg
- Brand: FURminator
Mikki Pro Slicker Brush
Best for: an everyday all-rounder across coat types
A slicker brush removes tangles and loose hair and suits most coat types. The Mikki Pro Slicker is a two-sided brush with fine pins for detangling.
It costs around £11 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across almost 600 ratings.
What we like:
- Two-sided design
- Good for tangles
- Low price
Worth knowing:
- Pins need a light touch on sensitive skin
- Fewer ratings than the big brands
Specifications:
- Type: two-sided slicker brush
- Use: dogs and cats
- Brand: Mikki
- Feature: fine pins
KONG ZoomGroom Dog Brush
Best for: short coats and bath time
A rubber curry brush is gentle and works well for short coats. The KONG ZoomGroom loosens dead hair, massages the skin and can be used in the bath.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 4,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Gentle massage action
- Works in the bath
- Very good reviews
Worth knowing:
- Less effective on thick coats
- Rubber can hold hair
Specifications:
- Type: rubber grooming brush
- Use: dry or wet
- Coats: short
- Brand: KONG
Ancol Universal Slicker Brush (Large)
Best for: a budget pick for medium coats
Ancol’s slicker is an affordable, hard-wearing brush for medium coats, with steel pins that untangle without scraping.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 1,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Low price
- Very strong reviews
- Suits several coat types
Worth knowing:
- Basic design
- Check the size for your dog
Specifications:
- Type: slicker brush
- Size: Large
- Brand: Ancol
- Use: medium coats
Wahl Premium Dual Level Sensitive Skin Slicker
Best for: long-haired and curly-coated breeds
Wahl’s premium slicker has flexible pins and an ergonomic handle, aimed at dogs with sensitive skin and long or curly coats.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 1,200 ratings.
What we like:
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Ergonomic handle
- Good reviews
Worth knowing:
- Needs regular cleaning of the pins
- Slightly higher price than basic slickers
Specifications:
- Type: slicker brush
- Feature: sensitive skin design
- Brand: Wahl
- Coats: long and curly
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Brush
What to look for
Match the brush to the coat. Slickers suit medium and long coats. Rubber brushes suit short coats. De-shedders suit double coats.
Brush types explained
Slicker brushes have fine pins for tangles. De-shedding tools lift undercoat. Rubber curries loosen dead hair and massage. Bristle brushes finish the coat.
Size guide
Small dogs suit a small-headed brush. Large dogs suit a larger slicker or deshedder for faster grooming.
How much should you spend?
Under £10 buys a solid slicker or rubber brush. £10-£20 buys premium slickers. £20 and above buys a FURminator or specialist tool.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my dog?
Short coats need a weekly brush. Long or double coats benefit from daily or every-other-day brushing.
What is the best brush for a long-haired dog?
A slicker brush to detangle, followed by a comb to check for mats.
Can I use a slicker brush on a short-haired dog?
Usually a rubber brush is gentler and works better on short coats.
How do I get my dog used to being brushed?
Start with short sessions and treats, and build up gradually.
Conclusion
The FURminator is our top pick for heavy shedders, the Mikki Pro Slicker is the best everyday brush, and the KONG ZoomGroom suits short coats.
The Ancol slicker is a good budget buy, and the Wahl slicker is gentle on long and curly coats.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
