best poodle brush

9 Best Brushes for Poodles: Our 2023 Poodle Brush Guide

One of the breeds with the most individualistic and recognizable aesthetics, Poodles have a reputation as being feminine or posh, but Poodle owners know this assessment isn’t strictly true. These dogs are extremely athletic and highly intelligent, and they love to partake in exerting activities like swimming.


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You may not know that this discerning breed was originally bred as a hunting dog, so they have high energy levels and are quite trainable. Caring for a Poodle is easy in almost every way—aside from grooming.

Though these dogs shed hardly at all due to the fact that they have a single layer coat, their fur is wiry, coarse, and curly. If not properly tended to, Poodle coats can become tangled and unruly, which makes regular brushing a necessity.

Given the fact that Poodle coats are so unusual, it can be a headache to find a brush that properly suits them. We’ve created this guide to take some of the guesswork out of the process of buying a brush for your Poodle, and to make sure that you are properly educated on the subject before making a purchase.

We will list some of our favorite brushes for Poodles later on, but first we will discuss different Poodle coat types, and different brushes commonly used for them.

Different Types of Poodle Brushes

Wondering what types of brushes Poodle owners favor to properly groom their pups? Here are some of the most common categories.

  • Slicker brush — The slicker brush is a favorite for curly, wiry coats like a Poodle’s. These brushes feature many fine wire bristles that effortlessly work their way through a Poodle coat without causing the dog discomfort. These brushes are infamous for working out mats that seem at first like they will need to be trimmed out.
  • Comb — Combs are another useful tool for managing Poodles’ unusual coats. Versions with sturdy teeth are especially well-suited for Poodles, and they can help ease the process of cleaning hair in sensitive areas like the face. Some combs’ teeth come equipped with sharp edges to trim fur when brushing out a tangle is not an option.
  • Pin brush — These brushes closely resemble the stereotypical human hair brush with a large brush head and tipped metal pins. These types of brushes are good for Poodles as they do not painfully snag small knots in the curly fur; they also help clean out dirt that may be trapped in the coat.
  • Shedding brush — Though Poodles do not shed much, this type of brush can eliminate the issue entirely. These brushes generally feature fine metal teeth that collect any loose fur stuck in all those curls.

During your brush research you may also come across something called an undercoat rake. These are useful for dogs with double coats to prevent shedding, but since Poodles do not have double coats, this type of brush is not relevant for this breed.

Different Types of Poodle Coats

Naturally, all Poodles have coarse, curly coats that easily mat and tangle. However, there are several different coat variations that are common in adult Poodle coats.

  • Curly coat — Poodles’ coats are naturally curly and wiry, so this is the type of coat your dog will have if you allow it to grow normally. Keeping your Poodle’s coat long and curly will take a pretty significant amount of grooming on your part, perhaps even daily brushing. These coats are especially prone to tangling around the ears and under the collar.
  • Corded coat — A corded coat occurs when mats are not brushed out, but instead are separated into small sections that look like cords. These cords are usually about the thickness of a pencil, but they are difficult to clean and maintain.
  • Clipped coat — When you think of the stereotypical Poodle haircut, this is likely what you are imagining. A clipped coat will ease some of the brushing demand placed on you, but will require frequent (sometimes costly) trips to the groomer.

Our Top Picks for Poodle Brushes

Now that we have discussed all of the necessary background information to help you make an educated decision, let’s dive into our top picks for brushes for Poodles!

Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

Key Benefits:

  • Button triggers retractable pins for self-cleaning function
  • Broad brush head, fine wire bristles
  • Comes in three sizes
  • Detangles while also removing loose fur

Overall Best Brush for a Poodle —For Poodle owners who have been around the block with brushes, it should come as no surprise that a slicker brush tops our list. These brushes gently work through the tangles and mats that Poodles’ coats are prone to. This specific slicker brush adds a level of convenience with its self-cleaning function, which can be used simply by pressing a button.

Pros:

  • Gentle bristles will not irritate your Poodle’s skin
  • Self-cleaning function adds ease
  • Three sizing options for mini or standard Poodles

Cons:

  • Self-cleaning button tends to break
  • Bristles are stiff when brush is new

Andis Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Very wide brush head covers a large area
  • Specifically made for dogs with dense, coarse coats
  • Will work through tangles easily
  • Removes dead hair as it detangles

Best Slicker Brush for Poodles — A more traditional slicker brush, this one features a very wide head to cover a great deal of fur at once. The fine bristles should be pliable enough that your Poodle’s mats don’t cause them pain while you work them out with this brush.

Pros:

  • Effectively detangles fur
  • Simple design means nothing will break
  • Broad brush head cuts down on grooming time

Cons:

  • May rip out fur that is not dead
  • Bristles can poke skin

FURminator deShedding Edge Dog Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Fine teeth to trap loose fur
  • Skin guards protect sensitive pups
  • Comes in 3 sizes
  • Designed by a groomer to provide high quality results

Best Shedding Brush for Poodles — Though Poodles are not big shedders in the first place, this brush will do away with any unwanted hair that may be floating around your home. The fine teeth work their way through the coat and trap all the loose fur that may be present without causing any damage to your Poodle’s skin.

Pros:

  • Multiple sizing options
  • Will likely do away with shedding entirely
  • No risk of harming your dog’s skin

Cons:

  • Not a very necessary item for Poodles
  • May snag especially coarse fur

Paws & Pals Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool

Key Benefits:

  • Short, rounded metal teeth
  • Costs less than $7
  • Ideal for any coat type
  • Teeth made of stainless steel

Best Deshedding Tool for Poodles — Even though your Poodle is not likely to do much shedding, this tool may come in handy all the time. The short, tight-knit teeth will rake through the surface of your dog’s coat to snatch up any loose fur that could be shed. The blunt ends mean this tool won’t cause any pain to your Poodle.

Pros:

  • Sturdy, stainless steel construction
  • Bargain price
  • Will work with coarse Poodle fur

Cons:

  • Blade of teeth may fall out of the handle
  • May not make a noticable difference since Poodles do not shed much

Safari De-Matting Dog Comb

Key Benefits:

  • Teeth have serrated edges to trim mats
  • Rounded ends prevent pain for Poodles or accidental trimming
  • Widely spaced teeth are ideal for coarse coats
  • 94% rate of recommendation

Best Comb for Poodles — Unlike most regular combs, this one can actually cut out mats that will just be too painful to try and comb out. You have the option to simply comb, or you can turn the device to start trimming. These wide, sturdy blades are ideal for unruly Poodle coats.

Pros:

  • Serrated edges and blunt ends make it highly effective but still safe
  • Great for light tangles and serious mats
  • Wide teeth should move easily through Poodle coats

Cons:

  • Can cut yourself when removing fur from the teeth
  • May be too big to use on Poodles’ facial area

Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Removes dirt and loose fur in addition to tangles
  • Safety tipped pins ensure comfort
  • Easy to use effectively
  • Costs less that $8.50

Best Pin Brush for Poodles — Pin brushes may seem like an unnatural choice for tending to a Poodle’s coat, but they are great for managing loose knots, cleaning out dirt, and giving fur a uniform appearance. Since this one is a classic, well made design, there is little risk of anything breaking (even when you use it on dense fur).

Pros:

  • Will not cause pain or damage to your Poodle’s skin
  • Should help alleviate small knots
  • Cost effective

Cons:

  • Will not help with more serious knots or mats
  • Safety tips may break off over time

3 More Top Rated Poodle Brushes

Not sure we’ve listed the right brush for your Poodle just yet? Luckily we’ve got 3 more top rated brushes hiding up our sleeves; although they didn’t make it to the very top of our list, we still feel they’re great options.

Millers Forge Unbreakable Style Slicker Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Works for all hair types and lengths, including Poodles
  • Lightweight stainless steel pins
  • Costs less than $5
  • Boasts unbreakable handle

A common occurrence in dog brushes, this slicker brush handle runs no risk of detaching from the brush head. The lightweight design will allow you to glide through your Poodle’s fur, eliminating tangles and mats along the way.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Should hold up to extended use
  • Effective for both small tangles and more serious mats

Cons:

  • May be too small for some Poodles
  • Uncomfortable to hold

Li’l Pals Double-Sided Dog Comb

Key Benefits:

  • Small enough to work for a Poodle’s facial region
  • Double sided with fine and wide teeth
  • Fine side can lift debris from fur
  • Will help reduce tangling and knots

This comb may appear too delicate for a Poodle’s fur at first blush, but bear in mind that you will need a smaller comb to work on their facial hair. This little comb is perfect for making sure your Poodle’s cute face isn’t marred by unruly hair, and it can help you retrieve debris from their coat, too.

Pros:

  • Ideal for combing out a Poodle’s face
  • Sturdy, stainless steel teeth
  • Helps to detangle fur and brush out debris

Cons:

  • May feel too small to some owners
  • Might not reach all the way through dense fur

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

Key Benefits:

  • Dual-sided brush with pins and bristles
  • Cleans, detangles, and softens fur
  • Costs less than $7
  • Safety tips protect your Poodle’s skin

Pin brushes are a great tool to stash in your arsenal of grooming supplies, particularly as a final step when grooming your Poodle. This one comes equipped with a double sided brush head. On one side, pins clean and detangle fur. On the other side, nylon bristles serve to soften fur. Though the bristles aren’t particularly useful for Poodles, an extra use never hurts.

Pros:

  • Dual sides are value added
  • Safety tips protect Poodles’ skin
  • Highly affordable

Cons:

  • Bristles are not a huge benefit to Poodles
  • Rubber backing may detach

6 Tips for Brushing your Poodle

Once you’ve chosen a brush, the real work begins. Grooming a Poodle can be a chore, and everyone can benefit from a few simple life hacks, so we have put together 6 tips to make the brushing process easier on you and your furry friend!

  • Brush your Poodle as often as possible — We know it is tiresome, but brushing your Poodle several times a week will make a world of difference in the texture and appearance of their coat. What’s more, smaller brushing sessions more frequently will be less painful for your pup, and less taxing on you. It might sound pretty unlikely to you right now, but once you get into the rhythm of it, you probably won’t mind the frequent brushing in a few weeks. Trust us, this tip will save you valuable time in the long run.
  • Use short, gentle strokes — There’s simply no way you will be able to run a brush all the way through your Poodle’s coat in one stroke. This would be impossible, and not to mention painful for your dog. Employ some patience and use short strokes, stopping and starting over when you get through a snag. Begin your short strokes at the back of your dog’s body and work your way forward. Hair at the back is generally coarsest, so you’ll be getting the most difficult part of the process out of the way first.
  • Be conscious of your Poodle’s coat type — If your Poodle has an unkempt curly coat, brushing may be a daily activity for you. If it is corded or clipped, you won’t need to brush as often (though there will be other grooming considerations). Be cognizant of your dog’s coat type when choosing a brush and establishing a grooming routine. If frequent brushing just isn’t something that you think you can take on, consider taking your dog to the groomer and clipping their coat, otherwise you will have an uncomfortable and unclean dog on your hands.
  • Take your time — This tip goes hand in hand with using short strokes. Do not get yourself into a rush when you sit down to groom your Poodle; it will only result in discomfort for your dog, and you may actually end up making some of their tangles worse. Brushing more slowly will allow you to feel small knots, and will make you more aware of any problem areas. Slow strokes will also feel more like a massage to your dog, and they may even begin to enjoy your frequent grooming sessions.
  • Watch out for tag alongs from outdoor time — Poodle fur is great at collecting outdoor items, and forming mats around them. Try to take a few minutes after your Poodle has been playing outdoor to check their coat for anything that may be tangled up in those curls. Something as innocuous as a clump of dirt can wind up in a tangled mess when combined with your Poodle’s coat; it’s better to deal with these sorts of issues right at the start.
  • Make brushing fun for your dog — Like any highly intelligent creature, Poodles are bound to get bored with the brushing routine and try to avoid it. Incentivize good behavior by rewarding your Poodle with treats, affection, or play time when they behave while being brushed. Praise them throughout the process so they feel validated, then offer the reward one you are finished.

FAQs Regarding Brushes for Poodles

Having some questions surrounding brushing Poodles is normal, most people (even veteran owners) aren’t anywhere near experts on the subject. Here we have answered 4 of the most frequently asked questions regarding grooming Poodles.

  • What type of brush is best for a Poodle? – A slicker brush or comb are the most useful brush types for Poodles, since the primary concern with their coats is tangling and matting. The slicker brush is adept at working out tangles (and even serious mats), while the comb is great for the facial area and smaller knots. Shedding prevention brushes should fall much lower on your list of priorities when selecting brushes for your Poodle. If you want to give your pup an especially polished appearance, seek out a pin brush as well to leave their fur looking clean and uniform.
  • Do Poodles have an undercoat? – Nope! Unlike the vast majority of other breeds, Poodles only have a topcoat. This is why they are generally considered hypoallergenic, and is one of the main differentiating factors between them and similar coarse hair breeds. Though they do not have an undercoat, their fur still requires a great deal of maintenance (even more than most breeds with double layer coats).
  • How often should I brush my Poodle? – If they have a regular curly coat, you should brush your Poodle several times a week (maybe even every day) to prevent tangles and mats. The more frequently you get around to grooming, the better. It sounds like a lot of work at first blush, but it’ll start to feel like part of your daily routine in no time if you stick with it. These regular brushings will also reduce the severity of any knots that may pop up in your Poodle’s fur.
  • Do Poodles shed? – Not really. They may occasionally drop some loose or dead fur, but this is the exception, not the rule. Their almost total lack of shedding is one of the main characteristics that draws people to Poodles as pets, and it has earned them a reputation as being hypoallergenic. While this is not exactly true (allergies arise from a sensitivity to the animal’s dander mostly), those with dog allergies will not experience many symptoms around Poodles due to the fact that they do not shed, and so they do not spread their irritating dander as much.

We hope these answers have been helpful in clearing up your main Poodle grooming curiosities!

Conclusion

Grooming a Poodle may feel like more than you bargained for at first, but a little research into the subject and you’ll find that it’s not all that complicated. However steep the grooming demand, most people would agree that the convenience of not having to worry about shedding still makes Poodles an excellent pet choice. These intelligent, energetic dogs deserve the best care an owner can give, and that includes frequent brushing.

We hope that once you’re ready to purchase a brush for your Poodle, you’ll consult this guide to ensure that you’re getting the best possible product for your dog!

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