The 5 Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools For Labradors
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Known for their excellent retrieving ability, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States.
Labradors are often trained as therapy dogs to assist the blind or people with autism, or to work for law enforcement and other official agencies doing screenings.
Labradors are considered a short-haired breed but tend to shed more than other short-haired breeds.
This means they need brushing more than other short-haired breeds as well. If you are not diligent with maintaining your Labrador’s coat, the hair will end up on your floors and all over your house.
It is important that you find the right brush to maintain your Labrador’s coat, but there are so many to choose from. Here, we have reviewed the five best brushes for your Labrador based on several features to help you make a more informed decision.
Compare Best Dog Brush For Labradors
Lifestage Puppy, Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult |
Material Plastic | Material Plastic | Material Plastic | Material Plastic | Material Plastic |
How We Tested:
- We purchased five of the best dog brushes for Labradors
- We spent a few hours testing these brushes on several dogs
- We did not receive these product in exchange for a favorable review; they were purchased with our own money
Coat Type
Labradors are usually categorized by these three coat colors: Golden Lab, Chocolate Lab, and Black Lab. They have short double coats that keep them warm and are waterproof.
Labradors do shed, some more than others. blow his soft undercoat annually, at which time you may have more Labrador retriever fur on you than he does. It is important to brush your Labrador once a month or as often as necessary.
Brush Types for Labradors
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes have fine, rounded wires that are close together on a flat surface. This type of brush works with all coat types to remove loose fur and help de-tangle.
Pin Brushes
A lot like the slicker brush, this brush’s wire pins are tipped with plastic or rubber. Pin brushes are made for longer, silkier coat types.
Bristle Brushes
This type of brush is best for smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. The bristle clusters remove debris and loose hair and leave a nice shine.
Rubber Brush
A rubber brush, also known as a curry brush, is a great multi-function tool for all types of coats. The rubber nubs make it especially useful if you have a short-haired dog that sheds a lot. The rubber acts like a magnet, grabbing loose hair while the soft tips massage the skin.
Shedding Rake
This brush is really just a type of comb with small, harmless teeth. It is useful on almost every coat type for removing loose hair.
Kong ZoomGroom
Product Info
- Lifestage: Puppy, Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Can be used wet or dry
- Great at reducing shedding
- Fits in hand comfortably
- Dogs mistaken brush for a chew toy
- Slippery when wet
- Rubber bristles too big for smaller dogs
Regular use will work to reduce shedding. ZoomGroom brushes are effective for short coat types and is very comfortable in your hand when using.
Paws & Pals De-Shedding Tool
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Works great on shedding control
- Helps prevent mats, reduce shedding and odor
- Very affordable
- Best for undercoats only
- Maybe small for large dogs
It reduces shedding by 90% and helps control your Labradors undercoat during shedding season. The comfort grip handle is designed to fit easily in to your hand for maximum control.
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Great for de-shedding, de-tangling
- Ideal for thick haired dogs
- Reasonably priced
- Ergonomic grip handle
- Stainless steel tips can come loose on thick coats
- Bristle side may not get through undercoat
- Steel tips may hurt some dogs
Pet Republique Slicker Brush
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Removes dirt and debris
- Gentle on skin
- Self cleaning button
- Bristles can bend easily
- Brush head small for large dogs
The ergonomic, rubber handle and heavy plastic material makes it very durable and easy to use. This brush has a self-cleaning one-push button feature, making clean up easy.
FURminator Curry Comb
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- For medium coats
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Removes loose hair
- Strap is small and tight
- Doesn’t grip hair well
- Brush is better for small dogs
Grooming Tips for Labradors
Labradors have low-maintenance coats but still need regular grooming and bathing. Although their short coat is easy to manage, Labrador Retrievers tend to shed excessively twice a year, and during that time, regular grooming is necessary. Brushing and occasional baths are needed to keep the Labradors hair under control and out of your house.
Labradors do not need to be bathed often, but you can wash your dog every few months or if he gets really dirty. Frequent bathing can actually dry out your dog’s skin and lead to other issues. Your Labrador’s skin is protected by his coat and should not need any care or attention from you.
Some Labrador owners think that shaving their dog will help keep him cool in the summer, but the undercoat will help insulate the dog and keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Challenges Grooming Labradors
Seborrhea is an incurable but treatable disease caused by overproduction of sebum, resulting in a range of skin problems, including oiliness, flakiness, and dryness in Labradors. The affected areas include the ears, neck, knees, elbows, and hocks.
Atopic dermatitis is an inherited predisposition that causes the immune system to overreact to environmental allergens such as pollen and dust. It causes dryness and flakiness and affects mostly Labradors between 1 and 3 years of age.
A lack of sunlight can cause some Labradors to suffer from localized or general hair loss. Lightly responsive alopecia causes bald patches, usually on your Labrador’s flanks. It is more common in dogs that live in regions with long winters.
Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that causes crusty lesions to form on your Labrador’s flanks, hips, lower back, and tail. It is usually the result of an underlying condition, such as dermatitis, seborrhea, or any issue that causes itching, such as flea bites, hot spots, or compulsive scratching.
Final Thoughts
Labradors shed a lot, and vacuuming and sweeping will become part of your life. Finding the best brush will do more than remove and control loose hair, it will save you time on cleaning. The right brush and regular grooming sessions will keep your dog happy and his coat healthy.
