Hair length is one factor you must consider when getting a pet, but it doesn’t stop there.
You also need to know how to take care of the coat and the right tools to use. Short-haired dogs are relatively easier to groom, which is a plus in their direction.
However, without the right brush, you might end up causing more harm than good.
Because the hair is very close to the skin, the brush should not be one that would hurt the skin while getting the job done.
To make the job easier for you, we’ve sourced around for the 10 best brush for short hair dogs you can easily find on Amazon and/or Chewy.
These brushes are the ones we believe will do the job well, and we’d do a complete review of each.
The Best Brush For Short Hair Dogs
01. Hertzko Self-cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Overall
Another Hertzko product that’s perfect for shorthaired dogs, the Hertzko Self-cleaning brush is trusted by millions of pet parents, as is evident by the higher number of purchases.
Hertzko prides itself as the “most loved pet brush brand,” and it might be on to something.
Hertzko Self-cleaning Slicker Brush is very effective when you need to untangle mats, clear off dead hair, and even keep your dog cleaner by getting rid of dirt.
It also removes dander and is perfect for dogs that shed a lot.
Sometimes it’s hard to untangle a dog’s hair without hurting it, but Hertzko Self-cleaning Slicker Brush is the best tool to use for that.
The brush itself is easy to clean by just pushing a button—hence the name “self-cleaning”— and its grip was quite comfortable when we tried it.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Removes tangles and dead hair
- It doesn’t hurt the dog’s fur
- Self-cleaning feature
What We Don’t Like
- It may be too big for smaller breeds
- The brush head is too big
02. Hertzko 2 in 1 Dog and Cat Grooming Tool
Hertzko 2 in 1 is good for both dogs and cats, especially for high shedders. It can play two roles at the same time.
On one side, there is a de-shedding tool, on the other side, you’d find a comb.
Hertzko 2 in 1 makes the work easy for you, not only because it comes with two beneficial tools, but also thanks to the flexible head.
It lets the brush bend easily as you move it on your dog’s short coat, preventing irritation and hair tangling.
It also has a handle that’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t slip. You don’t need to worry about wrist strains with this tool.
Hertzko also has other good grooming tools like the Hertzko Self-cleaning Slicker Brush. It is not suitable for dogs with light coats, however.
What We Like
- The head is flexible and broad
- It comes with both a de shedder and a comb
- It helps remove tangles and massages the skin.
What We Don’t Like
- It might be too rough for a dog with a light coat.
03. FURminator Hair Undercoat De-Shedding
FURminator’s trump card is the fact that its products were designed specifically for dogs with short hair. It has everything an owner of such a dog would ask for.
FURminator’s de-shedder gets to the undercoat and takes out the dead hair with no damage to the skin.
Its teeth are also curved, helping it move smoothly over the dog’s coat.
Its handle is another advantage as it makes it easy for you to use, and it doesn’t slip even if your hands get sweaty.
It is also light, so you can brush for a long period without feeling the effect on your wrist. Just don’t keep this tool where your dog can get it in its mouth.
It is also said to reduce shedding by 90%, and customers agree.
What We Like
- It has a comfortable handle and is easy to use.
- The curved teeth glide easily on the dog’s coat.
- Made for short-haired dogs
What We Don’t Like
- Some dogs chew the handle
04. GoPets Best Professional Pin & Bristle Brush
The cool quality of GoPets Best Professional Pin & Bristle Brush is that it comes with two brushes. So, regardless of what coat your dog has, GoPets brush can work on it.
The brand also assures comfort, not just for your dog, but for you as well. The handle doesn’t slip, no matter how sweaty your hand gets.
Because of both sides, it makes the brushing work go faster.
The bristle brush is good at removing dead hair and tangles, while the pin brush smoothens out the hair and gives your pet a fresh look.
What’s more, GoPets is good for both dogs and cats.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Comes with two brushes
- Comfort is a priority with this brand
What We Don’t Like
- It is not good for young dogs
- It is not easy to clean
05. Bissell FURGET IT All-in-One Grooming Brush with Shedding & Dematting
Bissell is a tool that would help you FURGET any problems you have grooming your short-haired dog, especially when the hair tangles.
It has two sides, blades for tangles, and mats with a de-shedder for removing dead hair. It is relatively cheap as well, seeing as it does the work of two tools at once.
Bissell FURGET IT All-in-One has a comfortable handle suitable for long hours of grooming.
The de-shedding teeth can reach into the undercoat and clear out dead hair without harming the skin.
The only major complaint customers gave is that it sometimes pulls at the fur while detangling.
What We Like
- Its handle is comfortable and non-slipping
- It removes loose hair and tangles
- It is relatively cheap
What We Don’t Like
- It tugs at the fur
06. Frisco Cat & Dog Combo Brush – Best for Puppies
This brush is highly recommended for puppies as it fits their soft skin and light coat. Like a couple of others we’ve seen, it has two sides.
The pins on one end help remove dead hair and the bristle brush on the other end keeps the coat smooth.
Just like Gripsoft, the pins of Frisco’s combo brush have round ends that prevent skin irritation.
Frisco brush may not be so effective on adult dogs with thicker coats, however, as the bristle side is too soft to have any smoothing effect on a thick coat.
What We Like
- Good for puppies
- Affordable
- Comes with two sides
What We Don’t Like
- Too smooth for thicker coats
07. DakPets De-Shedding Brush
DakPets and FURminator have a lot in common, but from the point of view of some customers, FURminator has the upper hand.
Having said that, DakPets De-Shedding Brush is a cheaper option if you can’t afford the FURminator.
Away from the comparison, DakPets has its advantages. It lasts long and even has a 60-Day guarantee.
It reduces shedding up to 95% and is an excellent tool for removing tangles.
Where it falls short is in the area of comfort. It pulls at the hair and is not as easy to use as the FURminator, though its detachable head is a plus.
What We Like
- It reduces shedding by 95%
- It is inexpensive
- It has a 60-Day guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- It tends to pull on the hair
- Can over groom
- Not easy to use
08. Pet Neat Pet Grooming Brush & Deshedding Tool
Pet Neat is a simple, affordable brush with a detachable head that helps remove dead fur.
The Pet Neat Pet Grooming Brush is also a good de-shedding tool, and it takes its time which makes it slower but more effective.
It is not as effective as some of the ones above, however, as it doesn’t collect much hair. As a result, grooming time is extended.
Another challenge you might face is the risk the dog’s skin faces if you apply pressure.
Customers have complained of it scratching the skin. Nonetheless, it is a good equipment, especially if you have the patience with grooming.
What We Like
- Fast painless de-shedding
- Head can be detached for easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Does not quickly get all the hair
- Applying much preasure can scratch the skin
09. Bass Brushes Green Dog & Cat Oval Brush
One of Bass Brushes’ biggest strengths is that it is environmentally friendly.
While other dog brushes have the challenge of waste, Bass Brushes‘ pins are made of bamboo.
The handle is also attractive and comfortable to use, and the head shape makes it more suitable for smaller breeds.
This eco-friendly material is favorable for many customers, and the only challenge you might face is your dog attempting to chew on the bristles.
Keep the brush out of the reach of your pooch.
What We Like
- It is made from eco-friendly bamboo
- It is attractive and lasts long
- The bamboo pins are softer than metal pins
What We Don’t Like
- Dogs tend to chew on the bristle
10. Babyliss Pro Pet Flex Slicker Pet Brush
Babyliss Pro Pet Flex is our last recommended best dog brush for short hair, but by no means the least recommended.
Its pins are long and flexible enough to remove dirt and dead hair from the coat.
Because the bristles are strong, it makes it easier to get the dirt and hair out.
The strong bristles might be too hard for dogs with lighter coats, however. Also, there is the problem of dogs wanting to chew on it.
What We Like
- It is affordable
- Tangles get easily removed
- It is available in two sizes
What We Don’t Like
- It can be damaged when chewed
- It is too hard for lighter coats
Buyer’s Guide: Tips on Grooming a Short-Haired Dog
The grooming experience is usually a hit-or-miss with dogs. Some enjoy it but others don’t appreciate being touched.
You should begin grooming from a young age to increase the chances of your pooch getting used to it.
Treats and other forms of positive reinforcements can also help encourage a reluctant dog.
Here are some other tips for effective grooming:
- Do not apply too much pressure when grooming to avoid injuring your dog.
- Brush in the right direction, that is, where the hair is growing.
- Dampen the hair before brushing to make it smoother
- Be calm if your dog shows reluctance or outright stubbornness when you want to groom. Losing your cool wouldn’t help.
- Do not use an old or damaged brush. Dispose of it appropriately.
- Groom your dog after it has eaten so it won’t chew at the brush.
Sometimes, the tool itself could be what is scaring the dog off.
Some dogs are more sensitive than others, and they may not like the feel of the bristle or de-shedder on their skin.
If you’re currently struggling with this, there are some other alternatives to a brush you can use.
Grooming Gloves are one such alternative, and very suitable for dogs with light coats.
It gently massages the skin while removing the hair. Just be sure to clean up afterward as gloves don’t hold loose fur as brushes do.
Another tool you can use in place of a brush is a hair collector. Though not suitable for dogs with thick skin, those with lighter ones will enjoy it.
It is also good for puppies. The hair collector removes tangles and mats and can be used twice a week.
FAQs
Are you supposed to brush short-haired dogs?
Short-haired dogs should be brushed just as much as longer-haired ones, especially those that shed heavily.
You need to have a specific type of brush, usually, the kind with bristles, for you to be successful.
How do you brush a dog with short hair?
The first step to effective brushing is getting the right brush. After that, dampening the coat can help you brush better. It doesn’t need regular bathing, though.
How often should you brush your short-haired dog?
Long-haired dogs require more brushing than dogs with short hair—it doesn’t mean the latter should be brushed rarely.
We recommend you brush your short-haired dog at least once a week, sometimes twice. There’s no fixed time, though, as it depends on the breed.
Those that shed or have curly hair require more brushing than the low shedders with straight hair.
Would grooming damage my dog’s skin?
Grooming is necessary for your dog’s skin to remain healthy, but it can cause harm if you groom your dog too much.
You should get advice from a professional on how many times your dog needs brushing to avoid going overboard.
Summary Of The Best Brushes For Dogs With Short Hair
Grooming is an essential doggy need, and getting the best brush for short hair dogs will make the job easier.
We’ve tried quite a number of brushes out there and from our experience, we have discovered the best options for pups with short hair.
For us, our best overall choice of best brushes for dogs with short hair was the Hertzko Self-cleaning Slicker Brush. Aside from the self-cleaning feature, it is easy to remove tangles and dead hair without hurting your pup.
The Frisco Cat & Dog Combo Brush is our best pick for puppies as it fits their soft skin and light coat.
If you prefer a more premium product, we recommend the GoPets Best Professional Pin & Bristle Brush. It comes with a two sided brushes that is suited for dogs with short, medium or even long fur.
As you may already know, even dogs with short hair, especially the ones with loose fur can easily create an unruly mess if they’re not groomed the right way.
Fortunately, with these reviews, selecting the most appropriate brush for your dog’s fur shouldn’t be an impossible task.
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