5 Best Brushes For Australian Shepherds in 2026

You’ll want a combo of tools to keep your Aussie’s double coat healthy and mat-free: a large slicker plus stainless-steel combs for tails and ears, a MalsiPree 2‑in‑1 deshedding and dematting rake for heavy undercoat, a 3‑piece self‑cleaning slicker kit for stubborn mats, a Hertzko fine-wire self‑cleaning slicker for gentle detangling, and a Freshly Bailey long‑pin brush for wavy or curly sections. Use them together for seasonal blowouts and weekly maintenance, keep going to see how to use each tool.

Our Top Brushes Picks

Slicker Brush for Large Dogs (3-Pack Red) COZYGIFT Slicker Brush for Dogs, Large Long Pin Dog Grooming Best for DoodlesTarget coat type: Medium/long, double-coated and curly/fluffy coatsMain function: Deshedding / detangling / mat removalIncludes multiple tools or functions: 3-piece set (slicker brush + wooden comb + stainless comb)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
MalsiPree 2-in-1 Dog Deshedding Brush for Large Dogs MalsiPree Dog Brush for Shedding - Large, Blue, 2-in-1 - Best for Heavy SheddersTarget coat type: Medium to large, double-coated undercoatsMain function: Deshedding / undercoat removal / demattingIncludes multiple tools or functions: 2-in-1 tool (deshedding brush + dematting/undercoat rake)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
3‑Piece Self‑Cleaning Slicker Brush Grooming Kit 3PCS Self Cleaning Slicker Brush & Pet Grooming Rake & Best Multi-Tool KitTarget coat type: Dogs (and cats/horses) including dematting/deshedding needs (suitable for double coats)Main function: Deshedding / dematting / flea/debris removalIncludes multiple tools or functions: 3-piece kit (self-cleaning slicker + dematting rake + flea comb)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats Hertzko Dog Brush for Shedding - Self Cleaning Slicker Brush Best Easy-Clean OptionTarget coat type: All coat types, including long coats and shedding coatsMain function: Shedding control / detangling / loose fur removalIncludes multiple tools or functions: Single self-cleaning slicker (self-cleaning function adds multi-use convenience)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush for Wavy & Curly Coats Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush for Goldendoodle, Poodle, and Labradoodle Coats Best for Curly CoatsTarget coat type: Dense, wavy/curly coats (doodles, double/coated breeds)Main function: Loose hair removal / mat prevention / detanglingIncludes multiple tools or functions: Single long-pin slicker focused on multiple tasks (deshedding, detangling, mat removal)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Slicker Brush for Large Dogs (3-Pack Red)

    COZYGIFT Slicker Brush for Dogs, Large Long Pin Dog Grooming

    Best for Doodles

    View Latest Price

    Should you’ve got a medium- to long-coated Australian Shepherd, this 3-piece red grooming set is built for you — the large slicker brush and two stainless-steel combs pull out loose undercoat and tackle mats on tails, legs, and ears so shedding’s reduced and the coat stays smoother between professional trims. You’ll use the stainless-steel pinned slicker to detangle curly or fluffy fur, then follow with the wooden-handled combs to remove trapped hair and finish smoothing. Handles are ergonomic to cut wrist fatigue, pins and teeth resist rust, and the comb rakes the brush clean for quick maintenance and storage.

    • Target coat type:Medium/long, double-coated and curly/fluffy coats
    • Main function:Deshedding / detangling / mat removal
    • Includes multiple tools or functions:3-piece set (slicker brush + wooden comb + stainless comb)
    • Comfort / ergonomics:Wooden easy-grip handle to reduce hand/wrist fatigue
    • Durable / rust-resistant construction:Stainless steel pins and comb teeth; durable construction
    • Easy maintenance / cleaning:Comb designed to rake trapped hair from slicker; simple to wipe clean
    • Additional Feature:Wooden handle set
    • Additional Feature:Includes stainless combs
    • Additional Feature:Designed for long tails
  2. MalsiPree 2-in-1 Dog Deshedding Brush for Large Dogs

    MalsiPree Dog Brush for Shedding - Large, Blue, 2-in-1 -

    Best for Heavy Shedders

    View Latest Price

    Whenever your Australian Shepherd has a thick double coat that mats and sheds heavily, the MalsiPree 2-in-1 Deshedding Brush is made for you — it combines a deshedding edge with a dematting/undercoat rake to clear dense insulating fur, reduce loose hair around the house, and help distribute natural oils for a healthier, shinier coat. You’ll appreciate the smooth-edged teeth and large size built for medium-to-large double-coated breeds. Durable metal parts handle heavy undercoats and dematting without breaking. Use it throughout shedding season to simplify grooming, cut down on static-prone loose hair, and keep skin moisturized while preventing mats.

    • Target coat type:Medium to large, double-coated undercoats
    • Main function:Deshedding / undercoat removal / dematting
    • Includes multiple tools or functions:2-in-1 tool (deshedding brush + dematting/undercoat rake)
    • Comfort / ergonomics:Smooth-edged teeth and large ergonomic design for comfort
    • Durable / rust-resistant construction:Durable metal components built for repeated use
    • Easy maintenance / cleaning:Smooth-edged teeth for easy grooming and cleaning after use
    • Additional Feature:2-in-1 deshed/rake
    • Additional Feature:Smooth-edged teeth
    • Additional Feature:Sleek blue finish
  3. 3‑Piece Self‑Cleaning Slicker Brush Grooming Kit

    3PCS Self Cleaning Slicker Brush & Pet Grooming Rake &

    Best Multi-Tool Kit

    View Latest Price

    In case you’re handling with thick, double-coated Aussies, this 3-piece self-cleaning slicker brush kit stands out for removing loose undercoat and stubborn mats without a lot of tugging — the slicker’s push-button retractable bristles let you pop the hair out quickly, while the double-sided rake and fine flea comb handle tangles and tiny debris. You’ll find a 9‑tooth dematting side for knots and a 17‑tooth side for trimming excess, plus a fine-toothed lice/flea comb for dandruff and small pests. It’s lightweight, nylon-built, supported with a 2-year warranty, and suits dogs, cats, and horses.

    • Target coat type:Dogs (and cats/horses) including dematting/deshedding needs (suitable for double coats)
    • Main function:Deshedding / dematting / flea/debris removal
    • Includes multiple tools or functions:3-piece kit (self-cleaning slicker + dematting rake + flea comb)
    • Comfort / ergonomics:Ergonomic handles; self-cleaning push-button for easy use
    • Durable / rust-resistant construction:Nylon material brush head with professional build; backed by warranty
    • Easy maintenance / cleaning:Self-cleaning retractable bristles (push-button) for fast hair removal
    • Additional Feature:Push-button self-clean
    • Additional Feature:Double-sided dematting rake
    • Additional Feature:2-year warranty
  4. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats

    Hertzko Dog Brush for Shedding - Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Best Easy-Clean Option

    View Latest Price

    Provided you want a low-fuss tool that keeps shedding under control, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is often the best choice for Australian Shepherd owners who need an efficient, gentle way to remove loose fur, tangles, and dirt. You’ll reduce hair on floors, furniture, and clothing while handling both long and short coat areas. The fine bent wires detangle without irritating sensitive skin, so grooming stays painless. Its self-cleaning button ejects trapped fur for no-mess maintenance, and the ergonomic grip makes longer sessions comfortable. Use it regularly as your primary shedding-control and routine coat-care tool.

    • Target coat type:All coat types, including long coats and shedding coats
    • Main function:Shedding control / detangling / loose fur removal
    • Includes multiple tools or functions:Single self-cleaning slicker (self-cleaning function adds multi-use convenience)
    • Comfort / ergonomics:Ergonomic grip; gentle on skin for comfortable grooming
    • Durable / rust-resistant construction:Sturdy self-cleaning mechanism and build for regular use
    • Easy maintenance / cleaning:Self-cleaning slicker mechanism; quick fur extraction with button
    • Additional Feature:One-button hair release
    • Additional Feature:Works on all coats
    • Additional Feature:Ergonomic grip design
  5. Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush for Wavy & Curly Coats

    Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush for Goldendoodle, Poodle, and Labradoodle Coats

    Best for Curly Coats

    View Latest Price

    Should your Aussie has a dense, wavy or curly coat that tangles between trims, the Freshly Bailey Doodle Brush is a top pick—it reaches through thick fur with long, gentle pins to remove loose hair, undercoat and mats without irritating skin. You’ll find it especially effective on Goldendoodle, Poodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, Husky and Australian Shepherd coats, cutting tangles and reducing matting between groomer visits. The long-pin slicker is less abrasive, so dogs that hate brushing tolerate sessions better. Groomers recommend it for durability and results. It matches higher-end performance at a lower cost and makes a practical gift for doodle owners.

    • Target coat type:Dense, wavy/curly coats (doodles, double/coated breeds)
    • Main function:Loose hair removal / mat prevention / detangling
    • Includes multiple tools or functions:Single long-pin slicker focused on multiple tasks (deshedding, detangling, mat removal)
    • Comfort / ergonomics:Less abrasive long-pin design for reduced skin irritation
    • Durable / rust-resistant construction:Professional-grade durability recommended by groomers
    • Easy maintenance / cleaning:Long-pin design that minimizes embedded hair and is easy to use between groomings
    • Additional Feature:Long-pin slicker head
    • Additional Feature:Groomer-recommended design
    • Additional Feature:Gentle on sensitive skin
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Brushes for Australian Shepherds

Upon choosing brushes for your Australian Shepherd, consider coat type and density so you pick tools that reach the undercoat without damaging the topcoat. Look for shedding-management tools, dematting/raking options, ergonomic handles, and durable materials that’re easy to clean. Balancing those factors will save you time and keep your dog’s coat healthy.

Coat Type & Density

Because Australian Shepherds have a double coat—a dense, insulating undercoat and a longer, water-resistant outer coat, you’ll want tools that reach and work both layers effectively. Match brush choice to coat density and season: deshedding tools and undercoat rakes are essential during cold months whenever the undercoat thickens and seasonal blowouts occur. Use slicker brushes and longer-pin rakes for the medium-length, straight or slightly wavy outer coat to detangle, smooth, and remove loose top hairs. Dense undercoat fibers trap mats near the skin, so regular use of an undercoat rake prevents matting without overworking the coat. For puppies and show lines with lighter undercoats, choose gentler brushes and reduce frequency to avoid damaging developing fur.

Shedding Management Tools

Choose tools that actually reach the dense undercoat—not just skim the topcoat—so you remove loose insulating fur without irritating the skin. Pick a long-toothed undercoat rake or deshedding blade made for medium-to-large double-coated dogs to clear dense fur without digging in. Look for smooth, rounded teeth and an ergonomic handle to cut skin irritation and wrist fatigue during longer sessions. Deshed 10–20 minutes, two to three times weekly in peak seasons (spring and fall) to cut household loose hair dramatically. Combine that rake with a slicker or wide-tooth comb: the rake pulls out the undercoat, the slicker detangles, and the comb catches remaining mats and loose strands for a clean finish.

Dematting And Raking

For tackling mats and pulling out that dense undercoat, pick a raking tool with long, widely spaced, smooth-edged teeth so you get down to the base without tearing the topcoat or your dog’s skin. Choose rust-resistant metal teeth that glide through tangles to reduce irritation and tearing. Work in small sections and hold hair at the base while raking to avoid pulling the skin; focus extra time on behind the ears, underlegs, and tail where friction mats form. Start dematting promptly—every 1–2 weeks during heavy shed—to prevent large mats that need cutting or a pro. After raking, use a slicker or fine-tooth comb to loosen remaining fibers and remove pulled undercoat for a smoother finish and less shedding around the house.

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Handle Comfort Ergonomics

After you’ve loosened mats and removed undercoat, consider how the tool feels in your hand—ergonomic handles make long sessions easier and protect your wrist and fingers from strain. Choose a long, contoured grip (about 4–6 inches) so your whole hand holds the brush and you avoid wrist twisting during extended grooming. Aim for a handle diameter near 1–1.25 inches with smooth, rounded edges to prevent pressure points or blisters. Non-slip, slightly textured or rubberized surfaces keep control when the coat snags. Prefer lightweight tools under 8–10 ounces so your forearm won’t tire during 15–30 minute sessions. Should you groom often, an angled or pivoting handle that aligns the head with your wrist will reduce repetitive strain and keep strokes parallel.

Material Durability Care

Because you’ll be working through dense double coats and frequent baths, pick brushes built to last: stainless steel pins or heat‑treated teeth with solid wooden or high‑grade metal handles resist rust, bending, and breakage. Choose durable nylon or heat‑treated steel components to keep teeth intact and cut down on breakage whenever you work through thick undercoat and mats. Favor corrosion‑resistant finishes and sealed joints to prevent moisture damage from bathing and damp fur, which lengthens tool life. Look for easy‑to-clean designs — removable heads, self‑cleaning mechanisms, or smooth surfaces — so clogged pins don’t cause extra wear. Inspect brushes regularly for loose pins, bent teeth, or splintering wood, and replace any tool with deformed metal or cracked handles to avoid injuring your dog.

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