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Best Brush for Australian Shepherds: Brush Like a Professional
How We Found the Best Brush For Australian
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Let’s start with a fun fact. The Australian Shepherd doesn’t originate from Australia. Many theories suggest this dog came to the American West, where he herded Australian sheep. And that is how he got his name—Australian Shepherd. Now, for the more serious question. What is the best brush for Australian Shepherds? And how should you brush this double-coated dog? Read on.
The Australian Shepherd has a double coat, and it can be tricky to brush him perfectly. The Australian Shepherd hair needs proper maintenance and grooming, and one brush might not be enough. But the most important part of the grooming equipment is the FURminator undercoat deshedding tool. This tool removes loose hair, something your Aussie has plenty of.
What about other options? Well, we have some ideas that might help you.
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1. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
This is the best undercoat brush you can get for your Aussie. And yes, it’s our pick for the best brush for Australian Shepherds. You’ll need other brushes as well.
This undercoat rake was designed especially for large dogs to remove loose, long hair. It can reach through the topcoat and remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the skin or topcoat.
One of the best features is the FURejector button. Simply push it to release hair with ease. The ergonomic handle provides comfortable, easy grooming. And if you’re wondering how to use FURminator, we have the answer: For best results, use it one or two times per week for 10 minutes.
Why do we like it?
- Curved edge for comfortable hair removal
- Ergonomic handle
- FURejector button
- Removes undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat
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2. Chris Christensen Slicker Brush
This long and large slicker brush has 40% more pins than regular slicker brushes. Chris Christensen manufactures products for show dogs. If you can afford it, it’s well worth it. Designed for fluffy and curly coats, it works through dense coats to the root.
You can use it to remove hair from the topcoat and undercoat, and it remove tangles at the same time. The long pins penetrate deep into the longer coat, bending to create lift and movement and pick up more hair.
Why do we like it?
- Extra-long ergonomic handle
- Long pins penetrate the undercoat
- Has more pins than regular slicker brushes
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3. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
If you can’t afford the Chris Christensen, this Safari option works just as well. There are fewer pins, but it gets the job done. It’s available in three sizes, and the size you need depends on your dog. The retracting pins provide easy cleanup.
Stainless steel pins remove dead hair, tangles, and anything else. The brush is gentle on the skin and works great in combination with other Safari grooming tools.
It works on any coat type. Thanks to the ergonomic comfort-grip handles, the brush doesn’t strain your hand.
Why do we like it?
- Designed for large dogs
- Retracting pins
- Gentle on the skin
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4. Safari Long Tooth Undercoat Rake
Safari also has a more affordable option for an undercoat rake. Now, the FURminator is much better, but it’s nice to have options.
Safari’s long tooth undercoat rake works for breeds with a thick, heavy coat. The precision tapered pins will penetrate deep into the undercoat and remove loose hair, preventing matting. You only need to apply minimal pressure.
The ergonomic design features a non-slip grip and a curved handle, which provide the greatest comfort. And the brush looks amazing.
Why do we like it?
- Beautiful, shiny look
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable undercoat rake option
- Designed for dogs with a heavy undercoat
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5. Poodle Pet Grooming Rake
Another affordable option for an undercoat rake is the Poodle Pet. It helps relieve tangled knots from dense undercoats, and features specially designed pins that pull out loose hair. With two rows of tapered pins, it can remove mats and loose undercoat. And it doesn’t damage the skin.
The manufacturer claims the brush can reduce shedding by up to 90%. Use it regularly to remove loose hair. It works on different coat types, including a heavy coat and double coat.
Why do we like it?
- Reduces shedding by 90%
- Specially designed pins
- Two rows of tapered pins
- Affordable option
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6. Conair PRODog Brush
Conair is famous for its pet-it brushes that fit seamlessly in the palm. But they can deliver other quality products as well.
This metal pin brush features stainless steel pins with comfort tips. The goal is to deliver safe brushing. The reinforced pins penetrate deep into the pet’s coat and don’t harm the skin. We mentioned you need more than one brush for your Aussie, and the pin brush is best for daily usage; use it daily to prevent tangling and provide care for your dog’s coat.
Why do we like it?
- Ideal for long, flowing coats
- Comfort tips for safe brushing
- You can use it daily
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7. BioSilk Pin Brush
BioSilk is a company that provides brushes for humans. But they expanded their business to pets as well, and the dog brushes feature the same quality. Use the brush to provide luxurious, silky care for your Australian Shepherd.
This brush can help remove tangles and reduce shedding. The sturdy pins keep the top coat clean and remove tangles.
The brush comes with a built-in comb, which you can use before or after a bath to keep your dog’s coat smooth.
Why do we like it?
- Innovative technology
- Built-in comb
- Easy to use
Coat Type and Colors
We said before that the Aussie has a coat consisting of two layers. The outer layer is waterproof, while the inner layer provides insulation. The Australian Shepherd coat texture is ideal for any climate.
His outer coat is a medium texture, neither harsh nor soft, and can range from straight to wavy. Yet, one thing is certain: It should be moderate in length.
According to the standards, the coat is shorter on the back of the ears, front of the forelegs, and below the joints. It’s longer on the neck, forming a frill, and on the back of the front legs. Male dogs have larger frills, giving them a more masculine appearance.
The undercoat, or the inner coat, consists of denser hair. The amount of undercoat varies depending on the environment. For example, dogs raised in colder climates have more undercoat.
This dog comes in four different colors: blue merle, red merle, solid liver brown, and solid black. Some people refer to the solid liver brown as “red.”
When Do Australian Shepherds Get Their Adult Coat?
This is one of the more common questions. So, let’s describe the Australian Shepherd coat stages. They are not born with their silky-smooth long hair. Instead, they get a full coat at about a year and a half or two years of age. The coat is a great way to tell whether an Aussie is a mature dog or not. After two years, the dogs have lovely thick skirts on their back legs.
The coat can vary depending on the type of dog. For example, working Australian Shepherds have a shorter, thinner coat. Show dogs have a fuller, thicker coats.
Types of Brushes
We recommended the best brush for Australian Shepherds. But are their other parts to Australian Shepherd grooming tools? Well, there are a couple of brushes you can use.
Rake brushes
Also known as an undercoat rake, this brush is a must-have for an Australian Shepherd. Our top pick, the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool, falls into this category. These brushes help you remove shedding loose and dead hair from the undercoat. They go a lot deeper than pin and bristle brushes.
Remember, be gentle when using an undercoat rake. The teeth can be sharp and dig into the skin if you press too hard.
Slicker brushes
Slicker brushes work in a similar manner to undercoat rakes, but they don’t remove as much hair from the undercoat. Slicker brushes focus on the surface hair and mats.
You need a slicker brush as well. Our best premium pick is a Chris Christensen slicker brush with a wide shape that catches more hair. Same as with rakes, be gentle when using them.
Pin brushes
These brushes are called the most versatile brush; they are oval-shaped and have loosely spaced rows of pins. They look like human brushes, but that doesn’t mean you can use a human brush for Australian Shepherd grooming.
Pin brushes are safe and comfortable for daily brushing. They are cheap and work as an addition to undercoat rakes and slicker brushes.
Bristle brushes
Densely packed with bristles, these brushes are among the best dog brushes for short-haired dogs. Sadly, the Aussie has a lot of hair, so they don’t work as well.
Therefore, focus on undercoat rakes and slicker brushes. They remove undercoat shedding and stimulate skin circulation.
How often should you brush an Australian Shepherd?
Aussies blow their coat two times per year. When the blowout season comes, brush him daily to reduce shedding. In some rare cases, you can even brush him two times per day.
During the year, when he doesn’t shed as much, once or twice per week is more than enough. But if you have a working Aussie who performs tricks and works as a K-9 dog, you need to up the brushing.
What you need to know before getting an Australian Shepherd?
Some prospective dog owners check the breed they want to get. Others don’t. Speaking of Australian Shepherd coat care, you have to understand two things: they shed a lot, and two times per year blowout season (but also throughout the year).
The other thing you need to know is the dog is very smart and very active. He needs a lot of exercise. Patience is a virtue. Memorize it and repeat it. Start training as soon as possible. He is very smart and super easy to train, but he won’t tolerate harsh treatment.
Brush Like a Pro
There is more than one Australian Shepherd grooming styles. But they all need regular brushing. How to master your brushing? Here is a step-by-step process.
- Start by inspecting his body for tangles and knots. Bathe him with the best shampoo for Australian Shepherds to detangle the coat.
- Brush while his coat is still damp. Start with a slicker brush and work through the matted hair. Pay more attention to areas prone to tangles.
- Don’t go over the same area more than three times with a slicker brush.
- Now, get your undercoat rake to reach deep into the coat and remove tangles and loose hair a slicker brush doesn’t reach.
- Finish off with a pin brush to lift his coat.
If your dog doesn’t stand still while brushing, take him for a walk before. That will burn off some of his energy. He will be more patient and still.
Why You Need More Than One Brush
There is no one best brush for Australian Shepherds. It’s as simple as that. You can use an undercoat rake for the undercoat, but it’s too harsh for the surface. And a pin brush doesn’t get enough hair. A slicker brush doesn’t reach deeply enough.
Together, these tools create a great team to groom your dog.
How to Reduce Shedding in Australian Shepherds
We have to stress the importance of diet for your dog’s healthy coat. Food can make all the difference. Your dog uses protein found in food to grow and maintain his hair follicles. Poor diet leads to unhealthy hair and excessive shedding.
Find the perfect balance and nutritional requirements of your dog. Only the best dog food for Australian Shepherds can provide that. His active lifestyle needs a strong diet.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are prone to matting and tangles. That’s why you need the best brush for Australian Shepherds. Choosing the best brush starts with learning all about the breed’s coat.
We mentioned he has a double coat, which means you need more than one brush. Luckily, we have a brush for every need of your dog. The FURminator takes care of loose hair in the undercoat, while the Chris Christensen slicker brush removes tangles on the surface.
There are other options as well, but these two are the best you can get.
Aleksandar
My name is Aleksandar, and I am a storyteller by professional. I’ve got a BA in journalism in 2009. I write ever since. Now, I am here to help you find the best grooming products for your furry friend.
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