How Often Should You Brush Your Dog —What Kind of Brush to Use?

Brushing your dog might seem like a small part of grooming, but it makes a big difference in their coat health, comfort, and even bonding time with you. Whether your pup is long-haired, short-haired, curly-coated, or a heavy shedder, regular brushing keeps their skin healthy and their coat looking its best.

In this post, I’ll break down how often to brush your dog based on coat type and help you choose the right kind of brush for their needs — straight from someone with over 15 years of grooming experience!

🐕 Why Brushing Matters

Brushing isn’t just about removing loose fur (though that’s a nice bonus). It also:

• Prevents painful mats and tangles

• Distributes natural oils for a shinier, healthier coat

• Helps reduce shedding in your home

• Keeps your dog’s skin clean and free of debris

• Gives you a chance to check for lumps, bumps, or skin issues

🗓️ How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

The answer depends on your dog’s coat type. Here’s a quick guide:

Short-haired dogs (like Boxers, Beagles, or Labs)

1–2 times per week: These coats don’t tangle easily, but regular brushing helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat glossy.

Medium to long-haired dogs (like Golden Retrievers or Border Collies)

3–4 times per week: Longer coats are more prone to knots and matting, especially behind the ears, around the collar area, and on the legs. Brushing more often helps stay ahead of tangles.

Curly or wavy-coated dogs (like Poodles or Doodles)

Daily or every other day: These coats can mat quickly — sometimes even at the root. If mats form too close to the skin, they can cause discomfort or skin issues. Daily brushing helps avoid this and keeps their coat soft and manageable between grooms.

Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or German Shepherds)

Several times a week, especially during shedding season: Double coats “blow out” during spring and fall. More frequent brushing during these times helps control the fur storm and keeps their coat healthy.

🐕 What Kind of Brush Should You Use?

Different coats need different tools — and some coats need more than one. Here’s what I recommend based on your dog’s coat type:

✅ Slicker Brush + Metal Comb

Perfect for: Curly and long-coated dogs

Dogs with curly or long coats need both tools, used in the correct order.

Start with a slicker brush to gently break up tangles and prevent mats, especially in high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

Follow with a metal comb, running it all the way down to the skin. This removes dead coat, catches any remaining tangles, and ensures the coat is fully brushed through.

👉 If the comb doesn’t glide easily to the skin, there are still knots present.

Ideal for Poodles, Doodles, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and other long-coated breeds.

✅ Rubber Curry Brush

Perfect for: Short-haired dogs

This flexible brush gently lifts loose fur while massaging the skin and distributing natural oils. It’s a great way to reduce shedding and keep your short-haired pup’s coat shiny and healthy.

Ideal for breeds like Labs, Boxers, and Pit Bulls — and most dogs enjoy how it feels!

✅ Undercoat Rake (Optional Add-On Tool)

Perfect for: Double-coated breeds in addition to a slicker and comb

Undercoat rakes are a helpful supplemental tool, not a replacement for regular brushing.

They are best used after the coat has been brushed and combed, and mainly in areas with heavy undercoat, such as the butt feathers, backs of the thighs, and chest.

Helpful for breeds like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other double-coated dogs — especially during seasonal coat “blowouts” in spring and fall.

⚠️ A Quick Grooming Safety Tip

When shopping for dematting or deshedding tools, be mindful of what you’re purchasing for at-home use. Many tools contain small, built-in blades designed to remove large amounts of hair quickly.

👉 FURminator-style tools can be great for short-coated dogs when used sparingly, as they remove a significant amount of loose fur. However, they are not recommended for long or curly-coated dogs, as they can pull and damage the coat rather than safely remove shed hair.

Improper use of bladed tools can irritate the skin or thin the coat, especially in sensitive areas. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to stick with a slicker brush and metal comb, or consult a professional groomer before attempting heavy deshedding or dematting at home.

🐶 A Quick Tip from Your Groomer

The best time to brush? When your dog is calm. Make it a relaxing ritual, and use treats or praise to keep it positive. Don’t wait until mats form — prevention is much more comfortable for your pup (and less time-consuming for you).

And remember: if your dog has tight mats, don’t try to cut them out yourself — it’s easy to accidentally nick the skin. Let a professional groomer take care of it safely.