Best Dog Brush for Long Hair: Top Picks for Every Long-Coated Breed

Long-haired dogs need specific brushes that can reach through the coat to the skin without causing breakage or pain. The wrong brush either misses the undercoat entirely or rips through tangles. Here's what works for long-coated breeds.

What Long-Haired Dogs Need in a Brush

• Reaches the skin: Surface brushing misses the undercoat where mats form
• Gentle on the coat: Long fur breaks easily — avoid stiff, harsh bristles
• Effective on tangles: Long coats tangle constantly; the brush needs to work through them without ripping
• Easy to clean: Long fur fills brushes quickly

Top Picks for Long-Haired Dogs

Best Overall: Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

The Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is our top pick for long-haired dogs. The flexible pin bristles reach through long coats to the skin without scratching, effectively removing loose fur and working through tangles. The self-cleaning button releases collected fur instantly — essential when brushing long-coated breeds that fill the brush quickly.

Best Double-Sided Option: 2PCS Double-Sided Pet Brush

The 2PCS Double-Sided Pet Brush gives you two tools in one — the long hair side works through the coat to remove tangles and loose fur, while the other side finishes and polishes. Great value and versatile enough for multiple coat types.

Best for Tangles: Poodle Dematting Fur Rake Comb

The Poodle Dematting Fur Rake Comb is essential for long-coated breeds prone to tangling — Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese. Use it before the slicker brush to work through any tangles without ripping the coat.

Best Undercoat Tool for Long Double Coats: Maxpower Planet Rake

For long-coated double breeds (Golden Retrievers, Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs), the Maxpower Planet Double-Sided Grooming Rake reaches through the long topcoat to remove dead undercoat — the primary source of shedding and mat formation in these breeds.

Always Use Detangler Spray with Long Coats

Never brush a long coat dry. Always mist with We Love Doodles Detangler Spray before brushing. It lubricates the coat, reduces static, and prevents the breakage that comes from brushing dry long fur.

Brushing Frequency for Long-Haired Dogs

• Curly/wavy coats (Poodles, Doodles): Daily
• Silky coats (Maltese, Yorkie, Shih Tzu): Daily
• Long double coats (Golden, Collie): 3–4 times per week

Final Thoughts

The Swihauk slicker brush is the best all-purpose brush for long-haired dogs. Pair it with the dematting rake for tangle-prone coats and the Maxpower undercoat rake for long double-coated breeds, and you have everything you need for a complete long-coat grooming kit.