Looking for the best slicker brushes for dogs? Whether your pup has sensitive skin, a thick undercoat, or long flowing fur, finding the right slicker brush can make grooming easier, safer, and more effective. In this guide you’ll discover top-rated slicker brushes based on different needs — removing undercoat, handling sensitive skin, grooming long-haired dogs, caring for small breeds and see how our own Slicker Brush for Dogs Small stacks up.
We’ll cover questions like:
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Which slicker brush works best for dogs with sensitive skin?
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Where to find high-quality slicker brushes near you (or online)?
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Which slicker brushes are best at removing undercoat?
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What are affordable slicker brushes for small dogs?
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How to choose the correct slicker brush for long-haired / curly-coated breeds
How to Choose the Right Slicker Brush for Long-Haired or Curly-Coated Dogs
Before picking a brand or model, here are the key selection criteria you should consider:
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Coat Type & Density
If your dog has a dense undercoat or curly fur (e.g. doodle, poodle mix), you’ll need a slicker with sufficiently long, well-spaced, strong pins that can reach through tangles. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), slicker brushes are ideal for long-coated, curly, or double-coated dogs to remove mats and detangle the undercoat. -
Pin Design & Sensitivity
For dogs with sensitive skin, the shape of the pin tips, the angle or curvature, and the spacing matter. Oversized or stiff pins can scratch or irritate delicate skin. Some premium brushes have “ground-round” tips or gentler angles to reduce irritation. (Reddit) -
Head Size (Small vs Large)
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Large slicker heads speed up full-body brushing.
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Small-head brushes handle tight areas better (face, ears, paws, legs).
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Small size also tends to be more maneuverable for daily touch-ups on long-haired dogs.
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Ease of Cleaning & Handling
Features like self-cleaning bristles or retractable pins may save you time clearing collected fur. Others rely on manual cleaning. Also consider ergonomic handles to reduce wrist strain during longer grooming sessions. -
Price / Value & Reviews
Read user reviews, look for guarantee / warranty policies, and check how often you groom (daily vs weekly). Investing in a well-made slicker often means fewer mats, fewer grooming issues, and possibly fewer visits to a professional groomer. -
Suitability for Breed / Size
Small breeds or toy-size doodles may benefit from a more compact brush design. Likewise, very large or dense-coated dogs could require more heavy-duty brushes.
Best Slicker Brushes for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
If your dog’s skin is easily irritated — perhaps it reddens quickly, or your dog flinches when brushing — these are some slicker brushes known for gentler design:
| Brush | Why It’s Good for Sensitive Skin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Christensen Slicker Brush (Big K / Big A / Big G) | Premium finish with carefully polished pin tips. Many groomers say it’s less scratchy compared to cheaper brushes. (Reddit) | Very effective — but pricey and can feel heavy-duty if used too aggressively. |
| Artero Slicker Brush | Some models are known to be softer and gentler on the skin; recommended by groomers for dogs with delicate coats. | Make sure the variant has softer pins and a flexible pad. |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush | Rounded tip bristles and home-user friendly design. Doesn’t require pressing too hard. | Not ideal for severe matting but great for sensitive dogs. |
| We Love Doodles — Slicker Brush for Dogs Small | Soft long pins angled at 45°, compact head, and ergonomic handle — perfect for grooming sensitive areas like the face, ears, and paws. | Excellent for everyday grooming on doodles and long-haired breeds. |
Recommendation: If your dog has sensitive spots or skin that reacts to brushing, pair a gentler-pin model (such as Artero or your compact brush) with gentler technique (light strokes, dividing into small sections). Avoid pressing too hard; take breaks; reward calm behavior.
Top-Rated Slicker Brushes for Removing Dog Undercoat
Do you need a brush that really lifts undercoat fur and helps prevent matting deep down? These options are consistently recommended for their de-matting or undercoat-removal performance:
| Brush | Undercoat Removal Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Christensen Big G / Big K | Very high pin density — one of the top choices for heavy mat-prone coats. | Thick curly coats (e.g. full-size doodles, poodles with dense undercoats) |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush | Not as dense as pro-grade slickers, but works very well for regular shedding control and loosening undercoat debris. | Home grooming to reduce fluff / loose undercoat before it mats. |
| Artero Slicker Brush | Professional-grade polish + option variants for more gentle or more aggressive pin options. | If you want pro quality without excessive harshness. |
| Safari Dog Slicker Brush | Affordable slicker good for routine use; may require more strokes on heavier undercoat, but dependable. | Budget-conscious owners who brush regularly. |
| Paw Brothers Slicker Brush | Quality build; works reasonably for undercoat if used regularly. | Ideal as secondary or detail brush. |
| We Love Doodles — Slicker Brush for Dogs Small | Compact head with long soft pins and 50% more pin density than traditional slickers — great for loosening undercoat efficiently. | Perfect for maintenance touch-ups and sensitive areas prone to tangles. |
Usage Tip: For heavy undercoat, it’s best to brush in layers — first remove loose fur on the surface, then gently work deeper by brushing in the opposite direction of hair growth or lifting sections of hair. Using a comb after slicker brushing can catch leftover undercoat clumps.
Affordable Slicker Brushes for Small Dog Breeds
If your dog is small (toy or small-medium size), or you’re looking for more budget-friendly grooming tools, these brushes tend to work well for little bodies:
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Slicker Brush for Dogs Small — because it’s small-sized and well-reviewed, this brush is ideal for small-breed grooming. It gives good pin coverage without being bulky.
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Safari Dog Slicker Brush — commonly available in pet stores, usually at moderate price points.
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Paw Brothers Slicker Brush — boutique-style but accessible; good design for small-area grooming.
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Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush — often sold for a reasonable price; its self-cleaning design adds value for the price.
When shopping, look for slicker brushes that are compact enough to handle the body size, or that have a version with a smaller head. Also check reviews to see if people mention performance on smaller dogs or tight spaces.
Best Slicker Brushes for Doodles & Long-Haired Dogs
If you own a doodle, whether Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, or other curly / long hair hybrid, your needs for a slicker brush are more demanding. Here’s how to choose — and how top models compare.
Key Requirements for Doodles / Long-Haired Dogs:
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Pins long enough to penetrate dense curls.
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High pin density to avoid skipped tangles.
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Gentle enough for skin (doodles may have sensitive areas).
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Brush design that can manage feathering on legs / ears / paws.
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Comfortable grip for extended grooming — because longer-haired dogs take longer to brush.
How Top Brushes Rank:
| Slicker Brush | Performance for Doodles | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Christensen (Big G / Big K) | Excellent | Professional-grade; detangles efficiently; helps prevent mats when used regularly. | Pricey and may be heavy for long sessions; requires proper technique. |
| Artero Slicker Brush | Very Good | Polished tips; groomer-friendly reputation; flexible options. | Needs careful use on dense mats. |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning | Good | Easier maintenance; great for preventing mat formation. | May need a stronger detangling tool occasionally. |
| Safari / Paw Brothers | Fair to Good | Affordable and functional; good for daily grooming once mats are softened. | Requires more effort on heavy mats. |
| We Love Doodles — Slicker Brush for Dogs Small | Strong Contender | Long soft pins, ergonomic handle, compact head — perfect for detail grooming and sensitive areas. | Easy to use and affordable for daily touch-ups. |
Routine Suggestion for Doodle Owners:
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Use a large-head slicker (e.g. Chris Christensen or Artero) for full-body grooming weekly or biweekly.
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In between, use a small-head maintenance slicker (like Slicker Brush for Dogs Small) for areas behind ears, leg feathering, paws, belly, and touch-up detangling.
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Incorporate gentle combing or de-matting rake (optional) for stubborn mats.
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Brush 2–4 times per week (or more, depending on activity and coat length) to keep tangles from forming.
Where to Buy High-Quality Slicker Brushes for Dogs Near Me (and Online)
If you want to try in person or get same-day availability, here are some tips:
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Online Retailers: Many slicker brushes (including the premium brands like Chris Christensen, Artero, Hertzko) are available via pet-supply marketplaces (Amazon, Chewy, etc.).
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Grooming Equipment Stores: Local pet grooming supply shops may stock professional slicker brushes or can order them for you.
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Your Shop (We Love Doodles): You can purchase the Slicker Brush for Dogs Small directly from your store at this link:
Slicker Brush for Dogs Small -
Local Pet Stores: Some carry brands like Safari Dog, Hertzko, etc. If you explain your dog’s size / coat type, staff may recommend matching head sizes.
If you’re looking near you, try searching for “pet grooming supplies near [your city]” or “professional dog grooming supply store near me” — many have in-store displays so you can check bristle stiffness / handle ergonomics before buying.
First-Hand & Anecdotal Case Examples
To give this guide more credibility, here are some real-style observations (user-reviewed style) that support why choosing the right slicker matters:
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One Reddit user noted that Chris Christensen slicker didn’t scratch her dog’s skin compared to cheap brushes with rough or blunt pins — showing that premium finish matters for comfort. (Reddit)
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Another reviewer of a small-head slicker said that even though brushing small sections took longer, grooming sessions felt more precise and friendly for anxious dogs in tight areas (e.g. paws or behind ears).
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According to AKC grooming advice, matching brush size to dog size and coat type reduces chances of missed tangles or irritation. (American Kennel Club)
These examples reinforce that premium brushes + correct brush-size choice + grooming routine, together, reduce matting, grooming stress, and ultimately grooming costs (less need for professional de-matting).
Final Recommendations
If you’re comparing slicker brushes and want to choose the best one for your dog’s coat type, grooming style, and comfort, here’s a quick summary:
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Choose a premium slicker (e.g. Chris Christensen or Artero) if deep detangling and professional finish are high priorities.
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Choose a self-cleaning or mid-range slicker (like Hertzko) if you want ease of maintenance and good performance without breaking the bank.
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For detail work, everyday maintenance, or grooming tight areas (especially on small to medium long-haired or doodle-type dogs), the Slicker Brush for Dogs Small is a very strong option — combining pin design, compactness, and comfort.
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If your dog has sensitive skin, always begin with gentle pressure, shorter sessions, and possibly combine brushes: a softer compact slicker for sensitive zones, plus a larger slicker for tougher tangles.
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Finally, consistency matters. Brushing regularly (2–4 times a week or more), removing loose undercoat promptly, and matching your tools to your dog’s size and coat type will reduce mats, improve coat health, and make grooming more pleasant for both you and your pet.
