Stainless-steel edge lifts loose undercoat hair; ergonomic handle and push-button ejector make weekly touch-ups fast and less messy.
Pitbulls have short coats but sensitive skin, so the wrong brush can leave them itchy instead of relaxed. Here are the tools and tips that actually work for low-fuss grooming and a healthy shine.
Pitbulls may look low maintenance because of their sleek, short coats, but the wrong brush can scratch their skin, miss loose hair, or make them hate grooming time. The right brush keeps shedding under control, protects delicate skin, and turns brushing into a quick, bonding routine.
This guide walks you through the best brushes for Pitbulls, who each one is for, and how to build a simple grooming routine that fits into a busy life.
Quick picks
- FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool – Best overall for shedding control. Great for Pitbulls that leave hair on furniture and clothes, as long as you use a light touch and only once or twice a week.
- Kong ZoomGroom Dog Brush – Best for sensitive skin and bath time. Soft rubber fingers massage the skin, loosen dirt, and help shampoo reach the skin without scratching.
- HandsOn All-In-One Grooming Gloves – Best for dogs that dislike brushes. These gloves feel like petting, grab loose hair, and work well on nervous or rescue Pitbulls.
- Safari Bristle Dog Brush for Short Hair – Best for quick daily shine. Gentle bristles sweep away surface hair and dust and leave a smooth, glossy coat.
In-depth reviews
FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool review
The FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is a popular choice for short-coated breeds and it works well on many Pitbulls when used correctly. Its stainless steel edge reaches down through the topcoat to grab loose hair before it ends up on your couch. The ergonomic handle is comfortable and the push-button hair ejector makes cleanup fast.
Where it shines is on Pitbulls that shed more than average or live in warm homes where they shed lightly year-round. You do need to be careful though, since pressing too hard or using it too often can irritate sensitive Pitbull skin. Compared with the Kong ZoomGroom, the FURminator removes more hair per session, but the ZoomGroom is gentler and better for dogs with skin issues or who are new to grooming.
Kong ZoomGroom Dog Brush review
The Kong ZoomGroom Dog Brush is a soft rubber brush that works especially well during baths, and it is a great first brush for most Pitbulls. The flexible rubber fingers massage the skin, lift loose hair, and help distribute shampoo and conditioner without scraping. Many dogs that dislike metal tools relax with the ZoomGroom because it feels like a firm, rubbery massage.
This brush is ideal if your Pitbull has sensitive skin, allergies, or a history of hot spots. It will not pull out as much shed hair as the FURminator will, but it is much safer for frequent use and for puppies. If you want a one-brush routine and your dog is average-shedding, the ZoomGroom is often the easiest and safest place to start.
HandsOn All-In-One Grooming Gloves review
HandsOn All-In-One Grooming Gloves look like regular gloves with textured rubber nubs across the palm and fingers. You simply pet your Pitbull, and the nubs grab loose hair, dirt, and dander while lightly massaging the skin. Because there is no hard handle or metal edge, most dogs accept them quickly, even if they have had bad experiences with harsh brushes.
These gloves are especially useful for anxious dogs, recently adopted Pitbulls, or dogs that squirm the moment you bring out a traditional brush. They are also great for reaching tricky spots like behind the ears, under the chest, and around the hips. Compared with the Safari Bristle Dog Brush, HandsOn gloves remove more hair and work better for nervous dogs, though the bristle brush is faster if your Pitbull already loves being groomed.
Safari Bristle Dog Brush for Short Hair review
The Safari Bristle Dog Brush for Short Hair is a simple, classic bristle brush sized well for Pitbulls. The soft, densely packed bristles sweep away surface dust and hair and help distribute your dog’s natural oils, which leaves the coat looking sleek and glossy. The wooden or rubberized handle (depending on the model) is easy to hold for quick daily sessions.
This brush is best for Pitbulls that already tolerate grooming and for owners who want a fast, two-minute once-over most days. It will not reach as deeply as the FURminator, and it does not massage as strongly as the ZoomGroom or HandsOn gloves, but it is very gentle and low risk for skin irritation. If you want to pair tools, using the Safari bristle brush for daily quick grooming and the ZoomGroom or FURminator once or twice a week works well.
How to choose the right brush for a Pitbull
Pitbulls have short, single coats with very little fluff, which means most do not need heavy-duty de-shedding every day. Their bigger issue is sensitive skin that can react to harsh tools or overly aggressive brushing. When you choose a brush, you are balancing how much hair it removes with how gentle it feels on the skin.
For most Pitbulls, a soft rubber brush or grooming glove is the safest starting point. These tools gently loosen hair while massaging the skin, and they are hard to misuse. If your dog sheds more than average or you want to reduce hair on your clothes, you can add an occasional session with a tool like the FURminator, but use a very light touch and limit how often you use it.
Also think about your dog’s personality. A confident, touch-friendly Pitbull might tolerate a metal edge tool right away, while a shy or rescue dog may only accept HandsOn gloves at first. If your schedule is tight, choose something that works quickly, such as the Safari bristle brush or ZoomGroom, so you are more likely to stick with grooming regularly.
Brushing routine and skin care tips for Pitbulls
Most Pitbulls do well with brushing two to three times a week using a rubber brush, glove, or bristle brush. In shedding seasons or in warm homes where the heat is always on, you can add one more light session if you are noticing more hair on fabrics. Each session only needs to be five minutes or less to be effective.
Always brush in the direction the hair grows, starting at the neck and working down the body, then legs and tail. Use short, gentle strokes and avoid going over the same area again and again in one session, especially with a de-shedding tool. If you see redness, your dog flinches away, or the skin looks dry and flaky, ease up on pressure or switch to a softer tool like the ZoomGroom or HandsOn gloves.
Combine brushing with regular skin checks. Look for bumps, hot spots, bald patches, or scabs as you go. If you see anything that looks painful, very red, or is spreading, pause grooming in that area and ask your veterinarian before continuing. Clean your brush or gloves after each session by pulling out trapped hair and rinsing or washing as the manufacturer recommends, so you are not spreading old dander or dirt back onto the coat.
Final thoughts
If you want one reliable choice for most Pitbulls, the Kong ZoomGroom Dog Brush is a gentle, effective tool that fits easily into bath time and weekly brushing. It is very forgiving for new owners and sensitive skin.
For heavier shedders, pairing the FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool once a week with quick daily sessions using either the HandsOn All-In-One Grooming Gloves or the Safari Bristle Dog Brush gives you strong hair control without overworking your dog’s skin. Start with the gentlest tool your Pitbull enjoys, then build from there only if you need more shedding help.
See also
If you have a mixed breed Pitbull and want to understand their background and health risks more clearly, our detailed Embark dog DNA test review can help you decide if testing is worth it.
- For cat owners in the same household, see our in-depth look at the Litter-Robot 4 self-cleaning litter box to simplify litter maintenance.
FAQ
What kind of brush is best for a Pitbull?
The best all-around brush for most Pitbulls is a soft rubber brush or grooming glove, such as the Kong ZoomGroom or HandsOn gloves. These tools gently remove loose hair, massage the skin, and are unlikely to scratch. A soft bristle brush is also a good option for quick daily touch-ups.
How often should I brush my Pitbull?
Two to three times per week is enough for most Pitbulls. During heavy shedding periods, you can add one extra light session, especially if you are using a gentle rubber brush or glove. Daily brushing with a soft bristle brush is fine if your dog enjoys it and the skin is not getting red or irritated.
Is the FURminator safe for Pitbulls?
The FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool can be safe for Pitbulls if you use a very light touch and limit sessions to once or twice a week. Avoid pressing down or going over the same spot repeatedly, and stop immediately if you see redness or your dog seems uncomfortable. If your Pitbull has very sensitive skin, stick to rubber brushes and gloves instead.
Do Pitbulls shed a lot?
Pitbulls have short coats, but many still shed a moderate amount, especially during seasonal changes or in homes with forced air heating. You may not see big clumps of hair, but you will notice fine hairs on clothing and furniture. Regular brushing with a rubber brush, grooming gloves, or a bristle brush keeps this much more manageable.
Can I use a human brush on my Pitbull?
Most human hair brushes are not ideal for Pitbulls because the bristles are not designed for their skin and coat. Many are either too soft to remove hair effectively or too stiff and can scratch. It is safer and more effective to use a dog-specific rubber, bristle, or de-shedding tool that is made for short coats.
When should I start brushing my Pitbull puppy?
You can start brushing your Pitbull puppy as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks of age. Use a very soft rubber brush or grooming glove and keep sessions short and positive, with plenty of treats. Early, gentle grooming helps your puppy see brushing as a normal and enjoyable part of life.
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