4 Best Brushes For Labradoodles + Tips For Brushing Your Pup

Last Updated on August 17, 2023

When it comes to grooming a Labradoodle, it can feel like participating in an Olympic event and those of us who brush them daily should be awarded gold medals for our efforts.

A Labradoodle’s nonshedding coat needs a collection of grooming tools to maintain its appearance and comfort.

However, not all brushes are worth it. With two Doodles (a Labradoodle and a Sheepadoodle) I’ve tested and tried more brushes than I care to admit. And I have a good handle on which ones are worth spluring on.

Today, I want to go over the best brushes for Labradoodles so you can keep your Dood looking their best!

Types Of Brushes For Labradoodles

Labradoodles require special care when and the right brush for them is essential.

The four types of brushes you need for a Labradoodle are:

1. A pin brush to get rid of knots and tangles
2. A double-sided comb to get to comb out the hair near the skin
3. A slicker brush to fluff out the hair
4. A de-matting rake for stubborn tangles

1. Pin Brush

If you’ve owned your Labradoodle (or any Doodle) for a while, you’ll know of Chris Christensen brushes. These brushes are sought out by dog owners everywhere and have a great reputation for a good reason.

This particular brush is designed for the best brushing experience possible. It features ground and polished tips that make the brushing experience smooth and comfortable, as well as a lightweight handle that’s easy to grip.

The durable cushion also helps provide effective brushing, making it suitable for dogs with long and curly hair, which is needed for Labradoodles as each one can have slightly different coat types.

The brush does an excellent job of removing tough knots without causing any discomfort to your pup. And you’re sure to love the results: after brushing your Labradoodle with this brush, their coat will be soft, fluffy, and free of tangles.

Plus, if your dog doesn’t usually enjoy grooming sessions, they might find this brush less intimidating due to its gentle yet effective performance.

Unfortunately, this tool comes at a higher price than other brushes on the market, but customers who have used it on Shetland sheepdogs, Papillons, Labradoodles, Westies (and more!) agree that it’s worth every penny!

Product Specs:

• Brand: Chris Christensen
• Model: 13083
• Brush type: Oval Pin Brush
• Pin size: 27mm
• Material: High-quality stainless steel pins & solid beech wood body
• Body length: 8 1/2 inches
• Made in Germany

Pros:

• Ground & polished tips for a smooth brushing experience
• Lightweight & easy to grip handle
• Durable & firm cushion for effective brushing
• Suitable for dogs with long & curly hair

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other brushes

2. Double-Sided Comb

You and your Labradoodle will love this JW Pet Double-Sided Comb. It loosens matted fur with its coarse side and gives a silky, tangle-free finish with the fine side.

The non-slip handle makes it easy to hold while brushing, and the teeth are turned 90 degrees away from the skin so you don’t have to worry about causing your pup any discomfort.

It’s a strong a sturdy comb that can handle the thick hair of a Labradoodle.

The double-sided comb is perfect for Labradoodles as the coarse side helps loosen hair that is beginning to tangle and mat, while the fine side provides a super shiny look without tangling up their hair in the process.

Just be careful not to brush too hard with the Fine Comb if there are mats present, as it may pull on the skin.

Product Specs:

• Coarse comb on one side and fine comb on the other side
• Non-slip handle
• Teeth turned 90 degrees away from your dog’s skin

Pros:

• Loosens dense matted fur
• Gives a shiny, silky, tangle-free finished coat
• Suitable for all dog breeds

Cons:

• May pull on the skin if mats are present when brushing with the fine comb side

3. Slicker Brush

Bring out the best in your pup with Coastal Safari’s Self-Cleaning Large Slicker Brush. Its stainless steel pins gently removes dead hair, mats, and tangles, while its comfort grip handle lets you groom with minimal effort!

This brush is designed for use on large dogs like Labradoodles and provides an easy way to keep hair manageable. The retractable pins make clean-up a breeze, so you don’t have to worry about all that excess hair getting stuck in the brush.

Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and provides relief for those pups who are prone to itching. It also works well with other grooming tools like combs and de-matting tools.

If you’re looking for a reliable slicker brush that will help keep your Labradoodle’s coat looking its best, the Coastal Safari large slicker brush is worth a try!

Product Specs:

• Ergonomic handle
• Stainless steel pins

Pros:

• Removes hair that would otherwise cause mats
• Designed for large dog breeds like the Labradoodle
• Self-cleaning
• Gives your Labradoodle that “fluffy” and gorgeous coat appearance
• No-slip handle to make brushing easy for you

Cons:

• Labradoodles with thick hair might not enjoy the slicker brush as it tends to pull the hair (I can’t use slicker brushes on my Sheepadoodle as her hair is too thick)

4. De-matting Rake

Even if you’re using the above brushes on your Labradoodle, they can still get mats. I like this de-matting tool to have on hand for those instances. Even though I try my best to keep my dogs mat-free, sometimes when their hair is long I notice a small mat starting and I reach for this rake to get rid of it.

This rake features high-quality stainless steel serrated blades and a comfort grip handle. This comb is designed to make it easier to remove mats and tangles from most medium to longhaired dogs, especially those with coarse or long fur. Its serrated blades are gentle but effective in detangling even the most stubborn knots. Plus, its comfort grip handle ensures even pressure distribution while brushing your pup’s coat.

Product Specs:

• Name: Safari De-Matting Comb for Dogs
• Material: High-quality stainless steel with serrated blades
• Handle: Comfort grip handle
• Suitable for: Most medium to longhaired dogs

Pros:

• Makes removing mats easy and efficient
• Gentle yet effective on tough knots
• Comfort grip handle ensures even pressure distribution while brushing your Labradoodle’s coat

Cons:

• No smaller version available for small dogs

How to Brush a Labradoodle

Ok, now you know which brushes you need, let’s talk about how to use them. Like all Doodles, Labradoodles are prone to matting and tangles if you don’t brush them properly.

1. Remove any mats with the de-matting rake

If your Labradoodle has mats, use the de-matting rake to gently get them out. If they don’t come out easily, you may need to book an appointment with the groomer. Some mats are incredibly close to the skin and if you try too hard to remove them you risk hurting your dog by giving them lesions which could lead to infections.

2. Once the mats are gone, use a pin brush

After mats are removed, start with the pin brush and brush over their entire body, head to tail.

The pin brush will get rid of most tangles and knots. I find I spent 80% of my time brushing using the pin brush.

3. Next, use the comb

After the pin brush, use the comb to comb the hair from the base (skin) to the tip. Since you use the pin brush earlier, most tangles and knots will be gone and the comb should glide the hair like butter. This step shouldn’t take too long as you’ve already gotten rid of most tangles.

But be gentle—there still could be knots near the skin that the pin brush missed. My biggest mistake when I first got my Sheepadoodle was using only a pin brush and not a comb. I missed all the tangles near her skin and she had quite a few mats that I wasn’t aware of. I now make sure to always use a comb on both my Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle!

4. Finish off with a slicker brush

Once you’re confident your Labradoodle is tangle and knot-free, use a slicker brush to fluff out their hair!

Which Areas to Brush on Your Labradoodle

When brushing my Labradoodle, I like to brush areas prone to mats first to ensure I get them out of the way. These areas are:

• Belly/stomach
• Armpits
• Behind the ears
• Chest
• Sides/rib cage area
• Tail

After that, I continue with the rest of the body.

The whole process usually takes 30 minutes and should be done every two days at a minimum.

Finding The Right Size Brush

The perfect brush for a Labradoodle is like striking gold—it will make your life and grooming routine much easier! Picking the right size is key to finding that golden ticket. To help you out, here are some tips:

• Consider the coat type – Is it curly or wavy? This helps determine which bristle length and shape are best suited for the job.
• Measure the body of the dog – Longer brushes can be cumbersome on smaller dogs, while shorter ones may not work as well in thicker coats.
• Think about ergonomics – Make sure you pick a brush that fits comfortably in your hand and one that’s easy to maneuver.

When all these factors come together, you’ll know when you have found the right fit for your Labradoodle’s needs.

Understanding Bristle Types And Their Benefits

Now that you’ve determined the size of brush your Labradoodle needs, it’s time to look into the different types of bristles and their benefits. Knowing which type of bristle is best for your pup can help make brushing easier and more effective.

Firm-bristled brushes are ideal for short-haired dogs like a Labradoodle as they remove loose hair from its coat quickly and efficiently. They also work well at distributing natural oils throughout the fur, leaving it shiny and soft.

Soft-bristled brushes may be gentle on sensitive skin but don’t do much when it comes to removing dead or shedding hairs—so if your Labradoodle has longer hair, opt for a medium or firm bristle brush instead.

Finally, slicker brushes have very thin metal wires with rounded tips—these will help de-tangle any knots in long coats without causing discomfort due to tugging or pulling. Be sure not to press too hard though; use light strokes to break up mats, then switch back to a regular brush afterwards.

With just the right combination of these four types of bristles, brushing your Labradoodle should be an enjoyable experience for both you and them!

Deciding Between Natural And Synthetic Bristles

When it comes to finding the best brush for your labradoodle, one of the first decisions you must make is between natural and synthetic bristles. Do you go with a boar bristle brush that’s gentle on the coat? Or do you opt for a nylon or polyester brush that offers more control?

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at each type of bristle to help determine which will work best for your pup.

Natural Bristles

Natural bristles are typically made from animal hair, such as boar or horsehair. These brushes are great for spreading oil over the entire coat, creating an even softer and shinier sheen than regular brushing can provide. However, they don’t always remove knots or tangles very well—especially if the dog has thick fur—and may be too soft for some dogs needing extra scrubbing power to get clean.

Synthetic Bristles

Synthetic bristles come in various shapes and lengths and can offer both firmness and flexibility depending on the type of material used. Nylon brushes tend to be stiffer yet still flexible enough to reach through long coats without causing discomfort. Polyester brushes, conversely, are usually softer but less durable because they’re prone to breaking down quickly when exposed to water or heat.

Synthetic brushes provide better control over grooming sessions since there’s usually less slippage than natural bristles; however, many owners find these brushes aren’t as effective at removing dirt and particles deep within the coat.

When choosing between natural and synthetic bristles for your labradoodle, consider how much cleaning power your pup needs versus how often you plan on providing baths and grooming sessions. If frequent bathing is part of your routine, then opting for a synthetic brush might make sense since repeated use won’t break down as easily. But if all-natural products are important to you then going with a sturdy boar bristle brush could be just what your four-legged friend needs!

Comparing Different Handle Styles

Now that you’ve decided between natural and synthetic bristles, it’s time to compare different handle styles. The right handle can make all the difference in your brushing experience. Comfort is key when grooming a Labradoodle, so consider what works best for you and your pup.

There are two main types of brush handles to choose from: long and short. Long-handled brushes provide greater reach than shorter ones, making them great for larger dogs or those with longer coats who require extra attention on their backs and tails.

Short-handled brushes fit comfortably in your hand and offer better control over strokes, which makes them ideal for smaller breeds or those with dense fur that need more precise coverage.

No matter which type you opt for, there are some additional features to look out for:

• Material: Plastic handles tend to be lightweight but may not last as long as wooden or metal options.
• Ergonomics: Look for rubberized grips that feel comfortable against your skin during extended use.
• Flexibility: Some models come with adjustable heads so you can customize the angle of the bristles for specific areas like underbellies or around legs.

Whichever style you select, remember that the most important factor is how well the tool works for both you and your pet!

Evaluating Quality And Durability

When evaluating quality and durability of a brush for a Labradoodle, it is important to understand the breed’s unique coat. A Labradoodle has both wiry and curly hair that can be difficult to groom without the right tool. It is essential to find a brush that will effectively detangle their fur while minimizing discomfort for your dog.

The best brushes for this purpose are those with flexible pins or bristles designed specifically for breeds like Labradoodles. This type of brush should have long enough pins so they can reach through each layer of fur down to the skin.

It is so beneficial to invest in a good quality product that will withstand regular use over time.

Conclusion

Finding the right brush for your Labradoodle isn’t always easy. With so many types, sizes, bristles, and handle styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming. However, understanding the features of each type of brush will help you make an informed decision about which is best for your pup.

Now that you know more about brushes specifically designed for Labradoodles, you’re ready to find one that’s just right!