Best Brushes For Short Hair Dogs
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
Even dogs with extremely short hair require grooming to maintain soft and healthy coats. Finding the ideal brush to maintain your dog’s coat without damaging the skin beneath can be more challenging for pups with short hair.
Some dog brushes are designed for longer-haired dogs and are not practical for shorter fur. To get the best results, you will want a brush that is specially designed for pups with short hair.
We researched and tested an assortment of dog brushes to determine which ones work best for short-haired dogs.
Best Dog Brushes For Short-Hair Dogs
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Dog Brush For Short Hair
Lifestage
Puppy, Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Material
Plastic |
Material
Plastic |
Material
Plastic |
Material
Silicone |
Material
Plastic |
Types of Brushes For Short-Hair Dogs
Bristle Brushes
This type of brush is best for short-haired, smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. The bristle clusters remove debris and loose hair and leave a nice shine.
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.
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.
Grooming Mitt
A grooming mitt is like a glove with rubber nubs that helps get those hard-to-reach places. It is used to remove dirt, dust, and dead hair easily. This is used mostly for shorter coats.
Shedding Rake
Do not be fooled by the name; this brush is really just a comb with small, harmless teeth. It is useful on almost every coat type to remove loose hair.
What are Short-Haired Dogs?
Short-haired dogs are those with a coat length of one inch or shorter. Their hair should be straight, smooth, and close to the body.
Examples of short-haired dog breeds are Terriers, Great Danes, Boxers, Pugs, Rottweilers, Beagles, and Bulldogs, just to name a few. These short-coated breeds still need some grooming but are considered low-maintenance.
Best Dog Brushes For Short-Hair Dogs
Kong ZoomGroom
Product Info
- Lifestage: Puppy, Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Can be used wet or dry
- Great at grabbing loose hair
- Does not irritate skin
- Dogs sometimes mistaken brush for a chew toy
- Can be hard to hold onto
- Maybe too big for smaller dogs
Paws & Pals De-Shedding Tool
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Works great on all coat types
- Helps prevent mats, reduce shedding and pet odor
- Very affordable
- Plastic feels flimsy
- Handle could have a better grip
- May take off too much hair
It also helps reduce shedding by 90% as well as odor, without irritating the skin. The comfort grip handle is ergonomic, and is designed to fit easily in your hand for maximum control without strain or fatigue.
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- Great for de-shedding, de-tangling and removing small mats.
- Ideal for all types of coats
- Reasonably priced
- Very sturdy design
- Stainless steel side can come loose
- Bristles maybe too soft for some coats
- Steel tips may hurt some dogs
Mr. Peanut's Grooming Glove
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Silicone
- Can be used on many animal coat types
- Adjustable wrist fastener
- Machine wash and air dry
- Budget friendly
- Made for right hand only
- Glove is not tight fitting
- Doesn’t hold onto the hair
FURminator Curry Comb
Product Info
- Lifestage: Adult
- Material: Plastic
- For short and medium coats
- Comfortable design
- Anti-Microbial plastic repels bacteria
- Rubber teeth stimulate natural oils
- Strap is small and tight
- Doesn’t pick up a lot of fur
- Brush is small in size
How Often Should You Brush Short-Hair Dogs?
Even though they do not need to be groomed as frequently as dogs with long hair, short-haired dogs should still be brushed at least once a week.
While all dogs should be brushed regularly, too much brushing or using too much force can be harmful to them. However, if you are gentle and use the best dog-shedding tool, you can brush them more than twice a week. Having your dog groomed twice a week can help lessen shedding. Additionally, some dog breeds require more frequent grooming because they shed more hair than others do. Some dog breeds shed all year, including in the winter and the summer. Therefore, be sure to use the appropriate brush for the appropriate shedding season.
If you want to brush your short-haired dog every day, using a grooming glove is probably the best option. Your pup will appreciate how gentle it is on his fur and skin. Additionally, if you do not exert too much pressure, pin brushes and slickers work well.
A dog deshedding brush is not something you should use every day, though. They harm dogs’ skin because they are harsh on it. Use de-matting tools only while detangling the dog’s hair.
Challenges With Short-Hair Dogs
All dogs shed except hairless breeds (obviously). Short-haired dogs shed year-round, while long-haired dogs tend to shed more seasonally. While neither sheds more than the other, shedding can be controlled by regularly brushing. This will help reduce the amount of hair your dog leaves behind on furniture, carpets, and clothes.
Believe it or not, short-haired dogs can also get mats if the coat is not brushed, clipped, and groomed properly.
Some short-coated dogs are prone to contact allergies, and after contact with bushes and tall grass, they may become itchy. The skin can become red or develop hives.
Final Thoughts
Grooming is the most effective way to control shedding with your short-haired dog. And while dogs with short hair might not need as much grooming as those with long hair, they still require regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat. This is why it is so important to choose a brush that works best on short-haired dogs.