Dog Brushing Guide by Coat Type
Smooth, double, curly, wire or silky: match the right brush and technique to your dog's coat.
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The right brush makes grooming quicker, more comfortable and far more effective. The wrong one skims the surface, misses the tangles underneath or scratches the skin. Here is how to match tools and technique to your dog's coat, whether it is smooth, double, curly, wire or long and silky.
Why Coat Type Matters
Dog coats differ in length, texture and whether they have an undercoat. A Labrador's short double coat sheds onto the floor. A Poodle's curly coat holds loose hair inside the curls, where it twists into mats. A Yorkie's fine silky hair tangles at friction points such as the armpits. Each needs a different approach.
Whatever the coat, a few rules always apply:
- Brush before bathing. Water tightens tangles into mats.
- Brush to the skin. A coat that looks smooth on top can be matted underneath.
- Use light pressure. Let the tool do the work and avoid scraping the skin.
- Finish with a comb. A metal comb is the only reliable way to check you have reached every tangle.
Brushes and Schedules at a Glance
| Coat type | Example breeds | Main brushes | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth or short | Boxer, Beagle, Dalmatian, Pit Bull types | Rubber curry brush, bristle brush | Once a week |
| Double | Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Corgi, Lab | Undercoat rake, slicker brush, wide tooth comb | 2 to 3 times a week; daily during seasonal shedding |
| Curly or wavy | Poodle, Bichon Frise, Doodles | Slicker brush, long pin comb | Daily or every other day |
| Wire | Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Border Terrier | Slicker brush, metal comb, stripping tools for hand stripped coats | Once a week |
| Long silky | Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Lhasa Apso | Pin brush, soft slicker, fine and wide tooth comb | Daily |
Smooth and Short Coats
Short coats are the easiest to care for, but many still shed a lot. Brushing weekly removes loose hair before it reaches your sofa and keeps the coat glossy.
- Loosen dead hair. Work a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt over the body in small circular motions, against the direction of hair growth. Dogs usually love this massage.
- Sweep it away. Follow with a bristle brush in the direction of growth to remove the loosened hair.
- Polish. A quick wipe with a damp chamois or soft cloth adds shine.
Skip slicker brushes and rakes on very short coats. With little hair to cushion them, the pins can scratch the skin.
Double Coats
Double coated dogs have a dense, soft undercoat beneath longer guard hairs. They "blow" their undercoat once or twice a year, typically in spring and fall, releasing huge amounts of hair over two to three weeks.
- Rake the undercoat. Pull an undercoat rake through the coat in the direction of growth, using short strokes. Focus on the thickest areas: neck ruff, chest, back thighs ("pants") and tail.
- Line brush with a slicker. Part the coat, brush the hair below the part down and out, then move the part up about half an inch and repeat until you have covered each area.
- Comb to check. A wide tooth comb should slide through to the skin without catching.
For heavy shedders, our deshedding guide covers rakes, blow drying and seasonal plans in more detail.
Curly and Wavy Coats
Curly coats grow continuously and trap shed hair inside the curls. Without frequent brushing, mats form in days, especially behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits and on the legs. Doodles with wavy, fleecy coats are often even more mat prone than Poodles.
- Mist the coat. A light spray of water mixed with a little conditioner, or a detangling spray, reduces breakage. Never brush a completely dry curly coat.
- Line brush everything. Use a slicker brush with a light, patting stroke, working in sections from the feet up. Brush to the skin each time.
- Comb every inch. Use a long pinned comb (at least 1.5 inches for longer coats). If it snags, go back with the slicker.
- Work small tangles gently. Hold the hair at the base, near the skin, and pick the tangle apart from the outside in.
Wire Coats
Wire coats are harsh and crisp on top with a softer undercoat. Brush weekly with a slicker brush, then comb through, paying attention to the beard, eyebrows and leg furnishings, where tangles and food collect.
Traditionally, wire coats are hand stripped: dead hair is pulled out by hand or with a stripping knife, which keeps the coat's color and harsh texture. It is a skilled job, usually done every 8 to 12 weeks by a groomer who specializes in it. Many pet owners prefer clipping, which is quicker but softens the coat and can dull the color over time. Either is fine for a pet; just let your groomer know which you prefer.
Long Silky Coats
Silky coats have little undercoat, but the fine hair tangles easily, especially at friction points. Daily brushing of five to ten minutes keeps it under control.
- Mist lightly. Use a light conditioning spray to protect the fine hair from breaking.
- Pin brush in layers. Lay your dog on its side and line brush from the paws upward, using a pin brush or soft slicker.
- Comb with two widths. Use the wide teeth first, then the fine teeth around the face, ears and feet.
- Tie up the topknot. A small elastic band or bow keeps hair out of the eyes. Use a latex free band and remove it every couple of days to brush underneath.
Many owners of silky breeds choose a short "puppy cut" from a groomer, which keeps the look soft while cutting brushing time dramatically.
Mats and Problem Areas
Mats are not only unsightly. They pull on the skin, trap moisture and dirt, and can hide sores and parasites. Check these spots every time you brush: behind the ears, the collar line, armpits, the belly, between the back legs, the base of the tail and between the paw pads.
Small, loose tangles can be worked out with your fingers, a detangling spray and the end of a comb. Mats that are tight to the skin, felted or cover large areas need professional clipping.
Brushing is the foundation of every grooming routine. To see how it fits with bathing, nails, ears and teeth, read the complete guide to at-home dog grooming.
