How to Choose the Best Slicker Brush for Your Dog

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The slicker brush is the workhorse of many grooming kits. It is flat, with rows of fine bent pins that dig into the coat, lifting loose hair and teasing out small tangles. It is also easy to misuse, so choosing a good one and using it gently matters.

What a slicker brush does

The bent pins reach below the surface of the coat, grabbing dead hair and breaking up light tangles. This makes slicker brushes useful on curly, wavy, long and thick coats. They are less suitable for smooth, short coats, which need only a soft touch. See how to identify your dog's coat type.

What to look for

• Size. Small brushes suit toy breeds and faces, medium suit most dogs and large brushes cover big dogs quickly.
• Pin firmness. Soft pins are gentle for sensitive skin and fine coats. Firm pins cope with dense or woolly coats.
• Pin tips. Coated or ball-tipped pins reduce scratching.
• Pin length. Longer pins reach deeper in thick coats. Short pins suit fine, short hair.
• Handle. A cushioned, ergonomic handle reduces strain during long sessions.
• Cushioned base. A flexible pad lets pins give slightly, which is kinder to skin.

Self-cleaning versus standard

Self-cleaning brushes have a button that retracts the pins, so hair slides off. They are convenient, particularly for heavy shedders. Standard brushes are simple and durable, and you can clean them with a comb or your fingers. Choose what you will actually use.

How to use it safely

1. Hold the brush lightly, like a pencil.
2. Brush in short, gentle strokes with a flicking motion of the wrist.
3. Work in layers, lifting hair and brushing from the skin out. See how to brush a dog properly.
4. Never scrape the skin or press hard. Red skin means the pressure was too firm.
5. Follow with a metal comb to check for knots. See how to choose a grooming comb.

When not to use a slicker

Avoid using it on skin that is sore, inflamed or hairless, and on thin coats where it can break hair. Use a soft brush on puppies and sensitive dogs. See pin vs bristle brushes.

Cleaning and care

Remove hair after each session. Wash the brush occasionally with warm, soapy water and let it dry. Replace brushes with bent or missing pins, since damaged tools can injure skin.

Matching to breeds

Poodles, Goldendoodles, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Shih Tzus are common slicker users. See Poodle coat care and Golden Retriever grooming.

Common mistakes

• Pressing too hard
• Brushing only the surface
• Using one on a dirty, matted coat without softening it
• Not checking with a comb afterwards

A quick buying checklist

1. Match the size to your dog, with a small head for faces and paws.
2. Choose soft pins for puppies, thin coats and sensitive skin, and firm pins for dense coats.
3. Look for tipped pins and a cushioned pad.
4. Check that the handle feels comfortable in your hand for ten minutes.
5. Decide whether self-cleaning is worth the extra cost to you.

How long a brush should last

A well-made slicker brush can last for years if the pins stay straight and the pad is intact. Bent pins catch and pull hair, so replace the brush when you notice that happening. Rinse away hair and skin oil regularly, and let the brush dry fully to prevent rust and odor. Having two brushes, a large one for the body and a small one for the face and feet, makes grooming faster and more comfortable for most dogs.

The takeaway

Pick the right size and firmness, use light pressure and finish with a comb. A good slicker brush is a useful tool in the right hands.