Top 5 Undercoat Brushes: Review & Buying Guide

Does your dog shed enough fur to knit a second dog? If you own a double-coated breed, you know the struggle is real. That thick, fuzzy undercoat traps dirt, causes overheating, and seems to magically appear everywhere in your home. Finding the right tool to manage this constant battle can feel overwhelming. Shelves are packed with slicker brushes, rakes, and de-shedding tools, each promising the ultimate solution.

Choosing the wrong brush might leave you frustrated, pulling too much topcoat or missing that stubborn, packed-down undercoat entirely. You want a happy, comfortable pet and a cleaner house—but how do you get there?

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a dog brush effective for digging out that dense undercoat. By the end, you will know precisely which tools work best for your dog’s specific coat type, saving you time and money. Get ready to transform your grooming routine from a chore into a satisfying success story.

Top Dog Brush For Undercoat Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
Maxpower Planet Original Pet Grooming Rake - Double-Sided Deshedding Dematting Tool, Undercoat Rake for Dogs & Cats, Extra-Wide Dog Grooming Brush & Deshedder Comb for Long Hair, Reduces Shedding 95%
  • USA OWNED AND OPERATED: From our home in Florida, we’ve proudly sold over 1 million grooming rakes to pet parents nationwide. We’re deeply committed to creating products that not only care for your pets but also help strengthen the special bond you share with them.
  • DUAL-SIDED DESIGN: Our grooming brush is perfect for dematting and deshedding your pet's coat! With a dual-sided design, use the 9-teeth side to tackle stubborn mats and tangles and the 17-teeth deshedding tool side to thin out your pet's fur. Gently desheds and removes loose hair and eliminates tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt keeping your dog looking their best.
  • EFFECTIVE DESHEDDING TOOL & COMFORTABLE TO USE: The perfect cat brush or dog grooming brush solution for pets with thick fur or dense double coats. This grooming rake for dogs is designed with a lightweight, comfortable, non-slip rubber handle to keep the brush from moving around as you groom your pet.
  • NOT INTENDED FOR SHORT HAIRED CATS OR SHORT COAT DOG BREEDS: Our rake is designed specifically for long coats, wiry coats, and double coats. The deshedding rake for dogs and cats allows you to easily and safely remove mats, tangles, knots, and loose hair when used as directed. For use on long haired and thick coat breeds of pets.
  • INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO USE: Using minimal pressure, glide along fur to remove tangles, and mats. 9 Teeth side for dematting and 17 for deshedding. When using on loose skin, be sure to pull loose skin tight to prevent catching on the blade. Its important to let the rake do the work and to use short gentle strokes on your pet.
SaleBestseller No. 2
3PCS Self Cleaning Slicker Brush & Pet Grooming Rake & Bath Brush for Dogs,Cats and Horses | Double-Sided Dematting Comb & Skin Friendly Deshedding Grooming Tool | Premium Pet Supplies(Green Black)
  • 【Professional Pet Grooming Kit 】3 Pet grooming tools selected by pet lovers, which can meet daily all the grooming needs of pets. Let you, as the groomer, personally give your furry friend a shiny and healthy coat. This is a must-have beauty product set for pet lovers! The Best Dog Gifts - Merry Christmas
  • 【Why Choose Augwind 3PCS ?】 Augwind Pet Grooming Rake makes it easy to remove stubborn, tangled hair. Augwind Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush quickly removes loose hair, dander, and residual dirt.Augwind Dog Bath Brush lets your pet enjoy a massage during bath time.Our 3-in-1 Pet Grooming Kit handles all your needs: detangling, hair removal, bathing, and massage – The Ultimate Pet Essentials
  • 【Dematting and Deshedding Tools】 Augwind Pet Grooming Rake features a double-sided design: The 9-tooth bristle side detangles stubborn knots and mats. The 17-tooth bristle side trims excess pet hair. Augwind self-cleaning dog brush includes a push-button retractable mechanism – simply retract the bristles after use to remove loose hair quickly and effortlessly.
  • 【Pet Bath Brush】With a User Friendly Design, Augwind dog shampoo brush comes with a perfect adjustable ring handle, which can adapt to different sizes of hands, easy to hold .It can effectively remove pet hair while bathing or massaging.Let your pet fall in love with bathing and enjoy bath time
  • 【2-Year Warranty】We are a professional pet products company, committed to bringing the safest, practical and affordable pet products to pets and owners. We promise to solve it for you at any time if there is any quality within 2 years. We provide 7*24 hours after-sales service, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
SaleBestseller No. 3
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs, Deshedding Brush for Dogs, Removes Loose Hair and Combats Dog Shedding
  • FOR LARGE DOGS WITH LONG HAIR: Designed especially for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
  • REMOVES LOOSE HAIR: Reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat (when used as directed).
  • FOR LONG HAIR: Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat.
  • FUREJECTOR BUTTON: Push to release hair with ease.
  • ERGONOMIC HANDLE: For comfortable, easy grooming.
Bestseller No. 4
DOGI Deshedding Brush - Undercoat Rake for Dogs, Cats, Matted, Short, Long Hair Coats - Double Row Stainless Steel Pins - Reduce Shedding by 90% (Blue)
  • One of the best dog brushes on the market, It has a double row of stainless steel pins/teeth to reduce pulling the coat without damaging it or hurting your pet. It is a very gentle experience for your dog, cat, rabbit, or any other furry friend that needs brushing.
  • Our undercoat Rake dramatically reduces shedding by up to 90% after just 1 short session. This is compared to only 30% with the average Brush or comb. Perfect for matted, heavy shedding undercoats and fur.
  • Our professional grooming brushes can be used on both dogs, cats, rabbits, or equestrian horses that have short, Medium or long hair. This professional, high quality brush is priced well, so you can buy one to keep in the house and one for the car.
  • Recommended and used by veterinarians, groomers, and pet professionals. The perfect brush for removing unwanted shedding hair. Scientifically designed to promote healthy skin and a shiny top coat. Protects you and your pet from skin allergies, and minimizes irritation from build up, which reduces allergic airborne elements.
  • The innovative design allows air to your pet's skin and stimulates the hair follicles, allowing the release of healthy oils. The contouring handle is strong and durable, made of a non-slip, non-toxic silicone. The stainless pins take the unnecessary ’hurt’ out of grooming your pet.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Docrok Pet Grooming Combo - Blue Deshedding Brush with Metal Comb for Detangling and Dematting Long, Matted Fur on Cats and Dogs
  • 【Easy Dematting and Deshedding Tools】: Our Grooming brush and comb combo help effortlessly dematting and reduces shedding. A must have dog brush for shedding, pet supplies, cat supplies, dog supplies metal comb for dogs shedding.
  • 【Safe Design】: Soft and protective edge brush and comb creating a comfortable feeling while detangling matted hair and deshedding without hurting your pet. Perfect metal comb for dogs, dematting comb for cats, undercoat rake for dogs double coat.
  • 【2-in-1 Rake】: Our undercoat rake is perfect for medium and long-haired dogs and cats and other double coat pets. Wide side for easy dematting, dense side for deshedding. Well made deshedding tool, grooming brush and deshedder brush for dogs.
  • 【2-in-1 Comb】: Wide sided for comb knot, smoothing and modeling your pet's hair, dense side for removal of loosen hair, you can use it on the legs, head or tail of your pets where the brush can’t. Perfect metal comb for dogs, dematting comb for cats deshedding tool for dogs.
  • 【Sturdy and Comfortable Design】: Premium Stainless steel metal teeth and compact design make our product sturdy and durable. High-quality & lightweight TPR handle make your grooming effortlessly. High-quality undercoat rake for dogs double coat, metal comb for dogs, dematting comb for cats, dog comb for matted hair.
Bestseller No. 6
FURminator Dog/Cat Grooming Rake, Grooming Tool, Removes Loose Hair and Tangles, Gray
  • Removes loose hair, tangles and prevents mats
  • The rotating metal teeth help to remove loose hair from undercoat in dense fur
  • Best for dogs and cats with thick fur or dense double coats
  • Convenient daily solution for undercoat care
  • The ergonomic non-slip handle gives you maximum control
Bestseller No. 7
Maxpower Planet Hair Brush - Double Sided Shedding, Dematting Undercoat Rake for Dogs and Cats - Extra Wide Dog Grooming Brush, Reduce Shedding by 95%, Turquoise
  • USA OWNED AND OPERATED: From our home in Florida, we’ve proudly sold over 1 million grooming rakes to pet parents nationwide. We’re deeply committed to creating products that not only care for your pets but also help strengthen the special bond you share with them.
  • DUAL-SIDED DESIGN: Our grooming brush is perfect for dematting and deshedding your pet's coat! With a dual-sided design, use the 9-teeth side to tackle stubborn mats and tangles and the 17-teeth side to thin out and deshed your pet's fur.
  • EFFECTIVE DESHEDDING TOOL & COMFORTABLE TO USE: The perfect cat brush or dog grooming brush solution for pets with thick fur or dense double coats. This grooming rake for dogs is designed with a lightweight, comfortable, non-slip rubber handle to keep the brush from moving around as you groom your pet.
  • NOT INTENDED FOR SHORT HAIRED CATS OR SHORT COAT DOG BREEDS: Our rake is designed specifically for long coats, wiry coats, and double coats. The deshedding rake for dogs and cats allows you to easily and safely remove mats, tangles, knots, and loose hair when used as directed. For use on long haired and thick coat breeds of pets.
  • INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO USE: Using minimal pressure, glide along fur to remove tangles, and mats. 9 Teeth side for dematting and 17 for deshedding. When using on loose skin, be sure to pull loose skin tight to prevent catching on the blade. Its important to let the rake do the work and to use short gentle strokes on your pet.
Bestseller No. 8
SleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding & Dog Grooming Supplies | Pet Hair Removal Tool | Great For All Fur Types | For Short, Medium, & Long Hair Pets | Reduces Shedding by 95% | Made in USA | 5 inch
  • SAVE MONEY: Reduce expensive trips to the groomer. Our dog shedding brush works great as a dog brush for short haired dogs & dog brush for long haired dogs. It is an absolute essential for pet supplies, dog supplies, and a dog grooming kit.
  • ALL HAIR & FUR TYPES: Our dog brushes for grooming safely removes loose hair without irritation. SleekEZ dog hair brush works great as a pet hair remover / dog hair remover for pets of all fur types and hair lengths.
  • EASY AND FAST CLEANUP: SleekEZ also works great as a carpet rake, pet hair rake, & dog fur remover tool. It removes hair & fur from couches, cars, blankets, beds & more! Its innovative design ensures that hair is easily gathered and removed.
  • PAINLESS AND ENJOYABLE: SleekEZ's patented design helps grab at the tips of the hair to extract from the skin without painful tugging. It is the perfect undercoat brush for dogs and deshedding dog brush. Works on all coat types and animal breeds!
  • GREAT GIFT: A must have metal dog comb for any pet grooming kit. The perfect pet grooming metal comb for dogs & dog deshedding brush. Worlds best grooming brushes / dog grooming brush. Voted #1 dog brushes for shedding & deshedder brush for dogs.

Choosing the Right Tool: Your Guide to Dog Undercoat Brushes

Does your dog shed a lot and leave fur tumbleweeds around your house? You need a good undercoat brush! These special brushes reach deep into your dog’s coat to pull out loose, dead hair. This keeps your dog comfy and reduces shedding inside your home. Here is what you need to know before you buy one.

Key Features to Look For

A great undercoat brush has features that make grooming easier and safer. Look closely at the design before you purchase.

1. Blade Style and Spacing

  • Slicker Brushes: These have fine, tightly packed wires. They work well for medium to long coats. They gently grab loose hair.
  • Rakes or De-Shedding Tools: These often have long, widely spaced metal teeth. They are best for thick, double coats (like Huskies or Golden Retrievers). They pull out thick mats of dead undercoat.
  • Curved vs. Straight Teeth: Curved teeth often follow the dog’s body shape better, making brushing smoother.

2. Handle Comfort and Grip

You will be brushing for a while, especially if you have a big dog. The handle must feel good in your hand. Look for:

  • Ergonomic Design: This means the handle fits your hand naturally.
  • Non-Slip Grip: Rubber or silicone grips stop the brush from slipping, even if your hands get sweaty.

3. Shedding Release Mechanism

Cleaning a brush full of fur can be messy. Many modern brushes have a button or lever. This pushes the hair off the pins easily. This feature saves a lot of time and frustration.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used affect how long the brush lasts and how gentle it is on your dog’s skin.

Metal Components

  • Stainless Steel: This is the best choice. Stainless steel resists rust, which is important because you might wash the brush sometimes. The pins stay sharp and strong.
  • Plastic Teeth: Avoid brushes with entirely plastic teeth for the undercoat. They often break easily or don’t penetrate the topcoat effectively.

Handle Construction

Handles are usually made of durable plastic or sometimes wood. Plastic is common because it is easy to clean and waterproof. Ensure the connection between the handle and the brush head is strong. A weak connection means the brush breaks quickly.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all brushes perform the same way. Quality differences show up during use.

What Makes a Brush High Quality?

  • Smooth Pin Tips: High-quality brushes have rounded or polished tips on the metal teeth. This prevents the pins from scratching or irritating your dog’s sensitive skin.
  • Sturdy Construction: The head of the brush must not bend when you apply pressure to reach the undercoat.

What Lowers the Quality?

  • Sharp or Rough Edges: If the metal teeth feel sharp or have burrs (rough bits), they will cause pain. This makes your dog hate grooming time.
  • Teeth Spacing Too Close: If the teeth are too close together on a thick-coated dog, the brush will just sit on top of the fur and not reach the undercoat.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about your dog’s coat type and your grooming routine when choosing.

For Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Labs, Shepherds)

These dogs need deep penetration. You will likely need a de-shedding rake. Use this tool gently, following the direction of hair growth. Start on a calm day when your dog is relaxed. Use short, steady strokes.

For Dogs with Sensitive Skin

If your dog has allergies or thin skin, prioritize brushes with very smooth, rounded tips. Use a gentler slicker brush first to remove surface tangles before using a deeper rake. Always watch your dog’s reaction.

Grooming Frequency

If you brush weekly, a mid-range quality brush might work fine. If you groom daily or need heavy de-shedding seasonally (during “blowing coat”), invest in a premium, durable stainless steel tool. It will handle the heavy work better.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Undercoat Brushes

Q: What is the main difference between an undercoat brush and a regular slicker brush?

A: An undercoat brush, especially a de-shedding tool, has longer, stronger teeth designed to reach the dead hair trapped close to the skin. A regular slicker brush usually handles surface tangles and loose topcoat hair better.

Q: How often should I use an undercoat brush?

A: For heavy shedders, use the brush once or twice a week during normal times. During heavy shedding seasons (spring and fall), you might need to use it every day or every other day until the dead coat clears out.

Q: Can I use an undercoat brush on a short-haired dog like a Boxer?

A: Yes, but be very gentle. Short-haired dogs still have an undercoat. Use a brush with very fine, widely spaced teeth or a rubber curry brush. Avoid deep rakes, as they can irritate their skin.

Q: Will this brush cut my dog’s healthy topcoat?

A: A proper de-shedding tool is designed to slide through the topcoat and only grab the loose, dead undercoat. If the brush seems to be cutting hair or pulling hard, you are pushing too hard, or the tool is not right for your dog.

Q: What should I do if my dog fights the brush?

A: Stop immediately. Make grooming a positive experience. Try using treats and praise while you only touch the brush to their back for a few seconds. Never force the grooming session.

Q: Are plastic-handled brushes okay?

A: Yes, plastic handles are generally fine, especially if they have a good, non-slip rubber grip. Durability depends more on how the metal teeth are attached to the head.

Q: How do I clean the hair out of the brush?

A: If your brush has a release button, use it! If not, use your fingers or a comb to pull the fur clump out. Wash metal brushes occasionally with mild soap and water, then dry completely.

Q: Is it better to use a rake or a slicker for a thick-coated dog like a Malamute?

A: A de-shedding rake is usually better for Malamutes because their undercoat is very dense. Use the rake first, and follow up with a slicker brush to smooth the coat.

Q: When is the best time to use the undercoat brush?

A: Many groomers suggest brushing when the dog is dry. Wet fur is harder to work through and can tangle more easily when drying.

Q: Do I need to buy an expensive brand?

A: While very cheap brushes often break quickly, you do not always need the most expensive one. Focus on stainless steel teeth and a comfortable handle. Good mid-range brands offer excellent value.