Wide, angled pins get down to the skin on dense curls to lift loose hair and prevent mats in fewer, gentler strokes.
Tired of your Doodle’s coat matting the day after grooming? The right brush makes at-home brushing faster, gentler, and far more effective.
Doodle coats are gorgeous, but they are also magnetically attracted to mats. If you are battling tangles behind the ears, felted patches in the armpits, or surprise shaving at the groomer, the brush you use matters just as much as how often you use it.
This guide focuses on real-world tools that work on Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and other poodle mixes. You will see which brush does what, how they compare, and how to build a simple kit that keeps your Doodle comfortable between grooming appointments.
Quick picks
- Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush – Best overall brush for Doodles. Wide, cushioned pin surface reaches deep into dense curls and waves, so you can remove loose hair and prevent mats faster than with typical pet store slickers.
- Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best budget slicker for medium coats. Gentle bent pins and a push-button hair release make it a good everyday option if your Doodle has a wavier, less wooly coat.
- Andis Steel Greyhound Comb – Best finishing and detangling comb. Long, sturdy teeth glide through the coat after brushing and catch any hidden snags before they turn into full mats.
- Safari De-Matting Comb for Dogs – Best tool for existing mats. Sharp, curved blades break apart stubborn tangles with less pulling, ideal for armpits, behind the ears, and collar lines.
In-depth reviews
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush review
If you want one brush that can handle most Doodle coats, this is it. The Big G has long, angled pins set in a flexible pad, plus an extra wide head that covers more coat with each stroke. It reaches down to the skin on thick, curly coats where standard slickers barely skim the surface.
This brush really shines on higher maintenance Doodles with wool or curly fleece textures that mat easily. Used in short, gentle strokes, it lifts loose hair, breaks up small tangles, and leaves the coat fluffy without frizzing it out. Because the pins are fine and close together, it is also excellent for line brushing, working one small section at a time from skin to ends.
The biggest downside is the price, which is significantly higher than most pet store brushes, and it can feel a bit intense on very sensitive dogs if you press too hard. For softer, wavy coats or if you are budget conscious, the Hertzko slicker feels gentler and costs much less, although it is not as powerful on dense curls.
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush review
The Hertzko slicker is a smart pick if your Doodle has a looser, wavy coat or if you are just starting a grooming routine. The pins are slightly shorter and more flexible than many professional slickers, which makes them feel softer on the skin. A big plus is the self-cleaning button that retracts the pins so you can peel off collected hair in one sheet.
It works well for routine brushing several times a week, preventing tangles from forming and removing surface debris after walks. On mild mats, you can use a gentle, picking motion to loosen hair before following up with a comb. For heavy, tight mats, though, it lacks the reach and stiffness of the Big G, and you will still want a dedicated dematting comb like the Safari.
If you are deciding between this and the Big G, think about your budget and coat type. The Big G is the better long-term investment for thick, high-maintenance coats, while the Hertzko is easier on the wallet and feels more forgiving on sensitive skin and lighter coats.
Andis Steel Greyhound Comb review
Every Doodle grooming kit needs a quality comb, and the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb is a workhorse. It has two sides: one with wider spacing to glide through bulk coat and a finer side that catches smaller tangles. The long metal teeth reach all the way to the skin, which is essential for spotting hidden knots slicker brushes can miss.
This comb is ideal for checking your work after brushing. Run it through the coat in sections; if it gets stuck, you know there is still a tangle to address. It is especially helpful on feathering around the legs and tail, where hair can look fine on the surface but twist tight underneath.
Compared with any slicker brush, the comb is slower to use on its own but much better for detail work and for training yourself to truly reach the skin. Paired with the Big G or Hertzko, it turns a decent brushing into a thorough one that actually prevents mats instead of just fluffing them up.
Safari De-Matting Comb for Dogs review
If your Doodle already has mats, you need more than a regular brush. The Safari De-Matting Comb uses stainless steel blades with curved edges that are designed to slice through felted clumps of hair while you gently pull them out. The blades are inside the curve, so with careful handling they are safe against the dog’s skin.
This tool is best for localized problem areas: behind the ears, around the collar, in armpits, and under the tail. Instead of yanking on a mat, you work from the ends toward the skin, using short, controlled strokes to break it into smaller pieces. Follow up with your slicker and the Andis comb to smooth the area once the main clump is broken up.
On very severe, tight mats that cover a large area, a dematting comb can still be uncomfortable, and humane shaving at the groomer may be kinder. Compared with the Big G and Hertzko, the Safari is not an everyday brush but a rescue tool that saves you from having to cut out every small tangle.
How to choose the right brush for your Doodle
Before you pick a brush, take a close look at your Doodle’s coat type. Most fall into one of three categories: wavy fleece, curly fleece, or wool. Wavier coats are more forgiving and can manage with a gentler slicker, while curly and wool coats mat quickly and need longer, more effective pins.
For most Doodles, the core tools you need are:
- A high quality slicker brush for daily or near daily brushing. Choose a wider, longer pinned slicker like the Big G if your dog has dense curls, or a softer budget slicker like the Hertzko for wavy or sensitive coats.
- A long-toothed metal comb like the Andis to check your work. If the comb cannot glide from skin to tip without snagging, the section is not fully brushed.
- A dematting tool such as the Safari for spots that already have knots or felted areas.
Also consider your dog’s temperament and your own hands. Some brushes have chunkier, ergonomic handles that are easier to hold during long sessions. If your dog is very sensitive or has had bad experiences at the groomer, starting with a softer slicker and slowly building tolerance may matter more than getting the most aggressive brush right away.
How to brush your Doodle without matting
The best brush will not help much if you only skim the top of the coat. To actually prevent mats, you need a simple routine and a method called line brushing. Plan on brushing at least 3 to 4 times a week for wavy coats and daily for curlier or wool coats, especially as your puppy coat changes to adult hair.
Use this step by step approach:
- Start with clean, dry, detangled hair if possible. Brushing dirty or wet mats can tighten them. After baths, always dry your Doodle while brushing, rather than letting them air dry into curls.
- Work in small sections. Begin at the bottom of the body, near the belly or feet. Lift the hair above the section so you can see a clear line of skin.
- Line brush from skin to tips. Using your slicker, gently brush from the skin outward in short strokes, keeping the brush at a slight angle. Move up a little at a time, always making sure you reach the skin rather than just the surface.
- Check with your comb. After brushing a section, run the Andis comb through it. If it glides smoothly, move on. If it snags, go back with the slicker or a dematting tool as needed.
- Pay extra attention to high friction areas. Armpits, behind the ears, under the collar, inner thighs, and around the tail tend to mat fastest. Hit these spots even on days when you do not have time for a full body brush out.
- Keep sessions positive and short. For puppies or anxious dogs, aim for 5 to 10 minutes, reward with treats, and stop before they are frustrated. You can always come back later rather than forcing a long, stressful session.
If you keep up with this routine using a solid slicker and comb, you will greatly reduce the chance of shave downs at the groomer. When you do hit a stubborn mat, switch to the Safari dematting comb and work slowly from ends to roots, rather than pulling hard on the skin.
See also
Once your Doodle’s grooming routine is dialed in, you might also want to learn more about their genetics with an Embark dog DNA test review.
- For multi-pet homes that also include cats, see our review of the Litter-Robot 4 self-cleaning litter box to simplify litter box duty.
Final thoughts
For most Doodle owners, a serious slicker brush plus a long metal comb is non-negotiable. The Chris Christensen Big G paired with the Andis Steel Greyhound Comb will handle almost any coat, while the Hertzko slicker offers a more budget friendly start for wavier, less dense coats. Add the Safari De-Matting Comb for problem spots, stick to a simple line brushing routine, and you will spend less time fighting mats and more time enjoying your fluffy companion.
FAQ
How often should I brush my Doodle?
Most Doodles need brushing at least 3 to 4 times per week, and many with curly or wool coats do best with daily sessions. Short, frequent brushing sessions are easier on both you and your dog than waiting until the coat tangles and then trying to fix everything at once. During coat change from puppy to adult, increase the frequency because mats form much faster.
What happens if I do not brush my Doodle regularly?
Without regular brushing, the soft, mixed-texture coat tangles at the base and eventually forms tight mats that pull on the skin. These mats can trap moisture and debris, leading to irritation, hot spots, and even skin infections. In severe cases, the kindest option is often to shave the coat very short, which surprises many owners who expected a simple trim.
Is a slicker brush enough, or do I really need a comb too?
A slicker brush is essential, but on its own it is not enough for most Doodles. Slickers can glide over or fluff up mats without completely removing them, so you may think the coat is tangle free when it is not. A long-toothed metal comb is what confirms the job is done, since it will catch any hidden knots that still need attention.
Are self-cleaning slicker brushes good for Doodles?
Self-cleaning slickers like the Hertzko can work very well for wavy or moderately dense coats, and many owners love how easy they are to empty. The push-button feature does not reduce grooming quality, it just makes cleanup faster. For very dense, curly coats, though, a more robust professional slicker such as the Big G usually performs better at reaching the skin.
Can I safely remove all mats at home, or should I see a groomer?
Small, isolated mats can often be safely removed at home using a dematting comb and lots of patience, as long as you work slowly and avoid pulling on the skin. If you find large areas of tight, felted coat, or if your dog becomes very stressed or painful, it is safer to see a professional groomer. They can assess whether partial dematting is humane or if a short clip is the best option.
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