Best Brushes For Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds are a very popular dog breed in America, as a family pet and a working pooch on ranches. They are intelligent, flamboyant, very active, and affectionate. Not only do they make great family pets for the right family, but they are also one of the most strikingly beautiful breeds. Their signature feature is their thick, luscious coat, available in different colors and patterns.

To keep Aussie Sheps looking their best, finding the right brush to match their coat is crucial. There are so many dog brushes to choose from, and it can be daunting to find the right one for your pup. Even if you take your Aussie to the groomers regularly, having the right tools at home to keep their coats healthy between sessions is essential.

In this Australian Shepherd dog brush guide, we look at all the different dog brushes available and which ones are the best for your Aussie’s coat. The three brushes you need in your tool kit are the pin brush, a deshedding rake, and a grooming comb. We have scoured the market and found the best Australian Shepherds brushes, reviewing each to make your choice easier. Let’s take a closer look.

At A Glance: Best Brushes For Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherd Coat

The Australian Shepherd has a beautifully thick, medium-length, double coat. The outer hairs are straight to wavy, with thicker and longer hair around the mane and the back of their legs. This hair is weather-resistant, protects the undercoat from the elements, and is usually thicker on males than on female dogs. Their undercoat is soft and dense and acts as an insulating layer. Aussie undercoats can vary depending on their climate.

One of the Australian Shepherd’s best characteristics is their coat. It comes in various colors and patterns, making every Aussie jacket unique. There are four standard Aussie colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle, all with several variations. There are three non-standard and rare colors, which are white, yellow, and dilute. No matter the color or pattern of an Aussie’s coat, they all shed the same amount.

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No, Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dogs shed much less than other breeds, and the Aussie is an all-year-round medium shedder and a heavy shedder during the shedding seasons. So, if you or someone in your household has allergies or you don’t like dog hair on your clothes, this is not the breed for you. All dogs shed a little, producing an allergy-inducing protein that can trigger allergies. But if you’re seeking a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breed, why not consider a Poodle, Schnauzer, or Bedlington Terrier?

Different Types Of Dog Brushes

There are many dog brushes to choose from, and they cater to all types of doggy coats. Finding the best dog brush for your Australian Shepherd’s coat is the key to keeping it in tip-top condition. Let’s look at what types of brushes are available and which are the best tools for your pup.

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush consists of small, slender bristles that sit closely on a broad brush. The bristles are usually made from wire and help remove mats, tangles, and dirt. If you find a tight tangle or large knot, don’t attempt to smooth it out with a slicker brush. Use a comb instead. Slicker brushes are suitable for most coat types and can help with the Aussie’s coat, but a pin brush is more effective. A slicker brush with protective tips is best as these help to protect the skin.

Pin Brush

Pin brushes are commonly mistaken for slicker brushes, but in comparison, pin brushes have longer and thicker bristles with wider spacing. Most of the pins have rubber ends to protect the skin from scrapes. Pin brushes are often used for thick and wavy coats as they help to penetrate the coat deeper than slicker brushes and detangle it better. A pin brush is an excellent tool for the Aussie’s thick fur.

Bristle Brush

A bristle brush is what most people think of when thinking about a dog brush. The bristles are moderately spaced and thick. Bristle brushes are ideal for low-shedding breeds for a quick brush, so they aren’t practical for the Aussie Shep’s thick coat.

Rake Or Deshedding Brush

Some rake brushes are “T” shaped and look like a small garden rake. A rake brush features tightly packed pins or bristles along the top, which are great at removing dead hair buried deep within. They are handy during the shedding seasons. If your Aussie has a particularly thick coat, some deshedding tools have blades that can gently cut through thick hair. A deshedding brush is a must-have grooming tool for the Aussie.

Grooming Comb

A grooming comb consists of a straight line of pins, similar to the comb we use. They are typically made from metal, plastic, or wood. Grooming combs are great for tackling tough mats and tight tangles that other brushes cannot handle. At some point in an Aussie’s active life, they are likely to need a grooming comb, so it’s helpful to have one just in case. But you hopefully won’t need to use it often with regular grooming. Never yank the comb through a problematic tangle. Use it gently and follow the direction of your pup’s hair.

Rubber Brush

Rubber brushes can come in the form of gloves that you wear or pads. The rubber helps to collect dead hair sitting on the surface. Although these aren’t effective for most Aussie Sheps, they can benefit those who run away from typical brushes, offering a groom that’s better than nothing. They can also be used in the bath to help massage your pooch for a thorough clean, which is helpful.

Best Brushes For Australian Shepherds

Here are our favorite brushes for Australian Shepherds.

This Safari pin brush is a fantastic pin brush for all Australian Shepherds. The metal pins are sturdy but flexible, offering a deep but comfortable grooming session. The pins help to lift loose and dead hair and collect any debris in their fur. Each metal pin is round to protect your Aussie’s skin, making it a safe and comfortable option for a pleasant experience. They also softly massage the skin, helping with blood circulation to improve coat health.

This pin brush helps to distribute your Aussie’s natural hair oils, keeping them healthy and shiny. This pin brush is made for large dogs and has a large surface area, ideal for medium to large breeds with thick coats. Once the brush is full, lift the dead hair and dispose of it. The handle is soft and ergonomically designed with your comfort in mind. It also features non-slip grips.

We love that this pin brush has long metal, rounded pins that easily penetrate thick Aussie coats. This brush is excellent for weekly brushing to keep them looking and feeling healthy.

The FURminator deshedding rake tool is for dogs with thick and long fur. The pins are long, measuring almost one inch, and reach through to the undercoat. They help to separate and untangle the coat and remove dead hair and debris. It is an all-purpose tool that can be used all year round, but it is beneficial during the shedding seasons in winter and summer.

Each metal pin is round at the tip to prevent snagging or irritating the skin. They also fully rotate to work with your Aussie’s coat rather than against it. Together, this makes every brushing session comfortable and pleasant. The handle has a rubber cover that fits the shape of your hand, making grooming sessions much more comfortable for you.

We love that this deshedding brush is a top choice for medium to long-coated breeds who need extra long pins to reach their undercoat.

As the Aussie is an active pup with a thick coat, there’s a big chance their fur will develop a harsh tangle or mighty mat at some point. And if they do, this is the tool you need. The innovative V-shape can reach hard-to-reach areas that straight combs might struggle with. The long, thick pins are made with durable stainless steel that removes tangles quickly and easily.

If you encounter a tangle, it’s essential to remove it straightaway to prevent it from becoming bigger and more painful. This tool helps with this and, in turn, promotes a healthy and attractive Aussie coat. Although you won’t use it for every brushing session, you’ll be thankful to have it in your grooming kit when you need it. The handle is also ergonomically shaped, featuring non-slip and comfy rubber grips.

We love that this professional-grade instant mat and tangle remover tackles the toughest knots in thick Aussie coats.

This tool is excellent for dogs with thick, double coats like the Aussie. It has two sides for different purposes. The first has six teeth that help to work out tangles. The other side has 11 teeth that allow you to thin their fur safely. The sharp blades allow you to tear through tangles easily and remove dead hair. Each blade has round edges to protect you and your Aussie during every session.

The durable stainless steel teeth are super simple to clean, making them hygienic. They have improved the handle, making it much more comfortable to hold as you pull it through their coat. The compact size makes it ideal for getting into harder-to-reach places. Plus, Pet Republique donate 15% of their profits to the American Animal Rescue Society, helping other dogs in need.

We love that this de-matting rake is a multi-purpose tool that removes dead hair, tangles, and thins fur to make your Aussie’s thick coat manageable.

Frisco is Chewy’s brand, renowned for creating high-quality products at affordable prices. This simply designed comb has two sets of teeth with wide or narrow spacing. Use the widely spaced teeth to tackle knots and the thin side to finish off, making their coat soft and presentable.

This comb is made with stainless steel, which is durable and long-lasting. It can be used on dry or wet hair, too. Each tooth has a round edge to prevent skin snagging for a more enjoyable experience. This comb is a must-have grooming tool for Aussies to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding around the home.

We love that this comb is designed for detangling knots and finishing a grooming session by keeping their coat neat.

These rubber gloves are best for Australian Shepherds uncomfortable with typical dog brushes. If they run at the sight of a brush, these gloves might allow you to remove some dead hair from their coat, which is better than nothing. They are also an excellent tool for every Aussie owner during bathtime and offer a deep scrub for a clean coat.

The gloves are made with durable but breathable nylon material. On the palm side is the rubber nodules that help to catch dead hair on the surface. There are several rubber sections that help with flexibility and getting into difficult-to-reach areas. The gloves are latex-free and can be used wet or dry. They come in five different sizes to fit all and three different colors.

We love that these rubber gloves are ideal for Australian Shepherds who aren’t comfortable with typical dog brushes. They are also great for massaging shampoo deep into their coat for a thorough clean.

Tips For Grooming Australian Shepherds

There are a few steps to take to make the Australian Shepherd’s grooming regime as effective and easy as possible. Grooming should be a straightforward and enjoyable task, but this is not always the case. Here are some simple tips to make their grooming regime enjoyable.

Start Grooming As Early As Possible

Starting their grooming regime from an early age is crucial if you want them to enjoy it. If you confront them with a brush when they’re older, they might find it unnerving, and it can be challenging to groom a dog that doesn’t want to be groomed. Make every grooming experience gentle and positive, and use plenty of praise and treats to encourage them.

Select The Right Brush

To groom your Aussie’s coat effectively, finding the right tool for the job is crucial. The best brushes for an Australian Shepherd are a pin brush, a rake, and a grooming comb. A bristle brush is no match for the Aussie’s thick coat.

Use The Right Amount Of Pressure

Using the right amount of pressure is very important to a successful groom. If you press too hard, you risk hurting or scaring them. If you don’t press hard enough, you won’t pick up any dead hair and dirt that needs removing, leading to matting and tangles. Use the brush or comb gently, but you must also feel some resistance. Use soft sweeping motions and avoid scrapping their skin.

Inspect The Hair And Skin

Grooming your pup is a great time to inspect their hair and skin to ensure they are healthy. As you brush them, look for signs of infections or irritations, such as lumps, rashes, or sore spots. Australian Shepherds are very healthy dogs, but considering pet insurance can help you with the costs associated with healthcare.

Rinse And Dry The Coat Thoroughly

After bathing them, it’s crucial to rinse soap suds away. And after brushing them, be sure to remove as much moisture from their coat as possible. They have a very thick double coat that holds onto formula and moisture. If you don’t rinse or dry their coat completely, it can lead to infection or mold growth. Towel dry your Aussie, and follow up with a blow dryer if you can. Use the lowest heat setting, and don’t hold it too close to them.

Remember Other Grooming Needs

Brushing your dog’s coat is important, but there are other grooming-related tasks that you need to complete. They need bathing, nail clipping, and teeth cleaning. Check their ears and eyes for signs of irritation or infection, too. If you aren’t sure about other grooming tasks, ask your vet or a groomer for advice.

Make Grooming A Positive Experience

It’s essential to make every grooming experience pleasant. It should be pain-free and enjoyable, and you should reward them for their good behavior with praise, toys, and treats. One unpleasant experience can affect them. And if they have an unpleasant experience, take the next session slowly and offer them extra praise.

Managing Australian Shepherd Shedding

Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders all year round and need grooming two to three times a week. They also “blow” their coats during the shedding seasons, where they shed profusely to make way for their new seasonal coats. During this time, they might need additional brushing to collect the additional dead hair. Thankfully, it’s manageable with regular brushing.

There are other things you can do to help manage shedding. Picking a high-quality diet for your Aussie can improve their coat health, and a natural doggy shampoo can help manage their coat, too. Stress can increase shedding, so a happy environment with daily exercise can help you manage it, too. Some owners find adding supplements to their diet can keep their coats healthy, and omega fatty acids are crucial to coat health.

Final Thoughts

Brushing your Australian Shepherd regularly is the key to keeping it healthy, and picking the right tool can make a world of difference to their grooming regime, coat health, and shedding management. The best brushes for the Australian Shepherd’s coat are pin brushes for general use, a comb for tackling tight tangles, and a rake for the shedding seasons.