What Is a Slicker Brush?

A slicker brush is a flat or slightly curved brush with fine, short wire pins closely together on a paddle. These pins are slightly angled and often have protective tips to glide through your dog's coat without scratching their skin.

Unlike regular brushes, slicker brushes are designed to penetrate through thick, curly coats, making this a perfect tool for brushing out your Doodle.

Doodles have unique coat types that combine the best (and most challenging) characteristics of their parent breeds.

Here's why a slicker brush is a must-have for every Doodle Owner:

1. Reaches the undercoat: Doodles usually have thick coats. The slicker brush helps get past the top coat and into the undercoat, where tangles actually start forming.

2. Removes loose hair: These brushes remove loose and dead hair that would otherwise end up on your furniture and clothes. Despite being "low-shedding", Doodles still need regular brushing.

3. Distributes natural oils: Regular brushing spreads your dog’s skin oils throughout the coat, promoting a healthier, shinier fur.

4. Prevents mats: Using a slicker brush regularly helps you catch small tangles before they turn into painful mats.

1. Before brushing, spray the Doodle Detangling Spray: A Detangling Spray helps condition and soften the coat, which makes brushing easier and quicker.

2. Brush in sections with a slicker brush: Start with a small area and work your way to the bigger areas. When you encounter a tangled area, take your time to gently work through it, starting at the ends and moving closer to the skin.

3. Brush with the right technique: Use gentle short strokes rather than long pulls. Brush in the direction of hair growth, and be extra gentle on sensitive areas like the belly and ears.

4. Give lots of treats: The goal is to have your Doodle look forward to brushing. The best way to do this is to associate brushing with a positive experience, like lots of treats!

Slicker brushes are not all the same. Here are the best slicker brushes for your Doodle's coat:

Best Overall: Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush

The Chris Christensen Slicker Brush is a favorite among groomers and Doodle owners. It has extra-long pins that help go through extra thick, curly coat types.

Best Self-Cleaning: Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

The Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is a very practical option. Since you'll likely remove loose hair during brushing, there is a button that retracts the bristles making cleaning out the loose hair from the brush really easy.

Best Budget: Tuffer Than Tangles Slicker Brush

The Tuffer Than Tangles Slicker Brush is the best bang for your buck. It's made with long, soft pins and has a curved head to access hard-to-reach areas.

Remember, for best results, pair your slicker brush with the Dood Woof Detangler Spray. This spray conditions and softens your Doodle's hair to make brushing easier, quicker, and more comfortable for your pup.

It's important to regularly clean and maintain your dog brush so that it remains hygienic and keeps your dog's coat healthy.

To clean, use mild soap and warm water, paying extra attention to the bristles/pins. Rinse the brush thoroughly and allow it to air dry. This ensures all moisture is removed and helps prevent the spread of dirt, debris, and bacteria.

As a Doodle Owner, adding a quality slicker brush to your grooming toolkit is a must. Regularly brushing with a slicker brush will help prevent painful mats, reduce shedding, and improve coat health.

And if you're using a slicker brush and still struggle with matting, check out our blog on How to Detangle Your Doodle's Coat.