Brushes & Combs
By Dog Ranch Grooming Team • Updated September 4, 2025Choose the right tool by coat type and size. Learn how to use each brush safely and when to avoid it.
Quick chooser
| Tool | Best coat types | What it does | When to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slicker Brush | Curly/Wool, Double, Silky | Removes loose hair, lifts tangles, fluffs coat | Very short Smooth |
| Pin Brush | Silky, Curly/Wool (finishing) | Gentle detangling and finishing | Heavily matted coats |
| Bristle Brush | Smooth | Distributes oils, surface debris removal | Dense Double (ineffective) |
| Undercoat Rake | Double (short/medium/long) | Removes dead undercoat from the base | Silky |
| Steel Comb | Curly/Wool, Silky, Double (check) | Finds hidden tangles; finishing pass | — |
| Dematting Tool | Curly/Wool, Silky | Cuts through small mats carefully | Thin or sensitive skin areas |
Slicker Brush
Best for: Curly/Wool, Double, Silky • Avoid: Very short Smooth
Removes loose hair, lifts tangles, fluffs coat.
How to use
- Work with coat dry and clean
- Brush in direction of hair growth
- Use short, light strokes
- Avoid scratching skin; let pins glide
- Finish with a steel comb to check
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break
Pin Brush
Best for: Silky, Curly/Wool (finishing) • Avoid: Heavily matted coats
Gentle detangling and finishing.
How to use
- Brush in direction of growth
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break
Bristle Brush
Best for: Smooth • Avoid: Dense Double (ineffective)
Distributes oils, surface debris removal.
How to use
- Brush in direction of growth
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break
Undercoat Rake
Best for: Double (short/medium/long) • Avoid: Silky
Removes dead undercoat from the base.
How to use
- Start after a blow-dry if possible
- Part coat; work from skin outward
- Short, even strokes; do not dig
- Target friction areas (chest, thighs, behind ears)
- Stop if skin reddens; rotate areas
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break
Steel Comb
Best for: Curly/Wool, Silky, Double (check)
Finds hidden tangles; finishing pass.
How to use
- After brushing, run comb through sections
- If comb snags, address with slicker or detangler
- Use fine end for finishing around ears/face
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break
Dematting Tool
Best for: Curly/Wool, Silky • Avoid: Thin or sensitive skin areas
Cuts through small mats carefully.
How to use
- Brush in direction of growth
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard and irritating skin
- Staying on one spot too long
- Skipping a finishing pass with a comb
Maintenance
- Remove hair and debris after each use
- Wash and disinfect periodically; dry thoroughly
- Replace when pins/bristles deform or break