Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs: Keep Him Looking His Best

Choosing the best brush for Australian Shepherd dogs starts with learning all about this breed’s gorgeous, lush coat.

The Australian Shepherd is the 17th most popular pet dog in America (out of 192 breeds).

These smart, outgoing, energetic pups need tons of exercise, which can mean they also need tons of brushing and grooming.

In this article, we take a close look at choosing the best brush for Australian Shepherd dogs, including undercoat rakes, brushes and combs to add that finishing body and shine.

About the Australian Shepherd Dog Coat

The Australian Shepherd’s gorgeous coat is just one of many features owners and breeders love about this dog breed.

As with so many working dog breeds, the Aussie’s coat has two layers.

The top layer is naturally water and weather-resistant, with coarse, longer fur. The lower layer that sits next to the skin is much softer and finer for insulation.

This specialized coat protects the skin from abrasion and infection, and helps your pup with temperature control year-round.

But to do its job properly, the Aussie’s coat also must shed frequently. These dogs will shed continuously all year long.

As well, when the seasons change twice a year, you can expect a memorable event owners call the “coat blow,” when both layers of the coat shed out copiously.

This is when you really want to be sure you have chosen the best brush for Australian Shepherd dogs because you will be using it a lot.

Choosing the Best Dog Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs

So let’s talk a bit about what to look for when selecting the best brush for Australian Shepherd dogs.

You will want to make sure your grooming toolkit includes:

the best brush to remove dog undercoat shedding and debris
a brush to stimulate the skin and move oils around the coat
a brush to fluff the layers for proper air circulation, and add shine and luster to your dog’s outer coat

Is there one brush for Australian Shepherd dogs that can do all of this?

If there is, we haven’t yet heard of it. But we promise to keep your brush shopping list as light as possible in this guide.

How Often Should You Brush Your Australian Shepherd Dog?

During the twice annual “coat blow” event, you can plan on reaching for your dog’s brush at least daily.

In some cases, it’s possible to need this brush two times a day.

But what about other times of the year when your dog isn’t shedding so much?

Aussie owners, breeders and groomers say that outside of the big coat sheds, it is often possible to get away with just weekly or twice-weekly brushing and grooming.

However, if you have a true working Aussie who is out and about herding, performing tricks, working as a K-9 or in search and rescue, you will probably need to plan on brushing your dog down after each work shift ends.

After all, that lovely, thick coat can pick up quite a bit of dust and debris if your dog is running about in fields or working anywhere outdoors.

Now let’s take a look at the best brush for Australian Shepherd dogs for different uses.

Detangling Spray and Coat Conditioner

It is not generally advisable to brush your Aussie when the coat is completely dry.

This can cause hair breakage and unnecessary discomfort if you encounter mats or tangles.

Many groomers recommend spritzing on some diluted conditioner or a dog detangling spray to make the whole process easier and comfier for you both.

BioSilk Therapy Detangling Plus Shine Protecting Mist for Dogs

This human-grade detangling spray gets very high marks from owners and dogs alike.

The spray is made in the USA and features a dog-safe ingredient list of natural ingredients that is free from parabens and is pH-balanced for your dog’s skin.

Sofee & Co. Natural Dog Conditioner, White Pear

This lovely dog-safe conditioning formula can be diluted in water in a spray bottle to help deodorize, detangle and ease dry, itchy skin.

The formula is safe for puppies.

The Stuff Conditioner & Detangler

This silicone-based conditioner and detangling spray is designed to create a barrier against dust and debris while helping to prevent future tangles from forming.

It is pH-balanced for a dog’s skin and is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs – Undercoat Rake

An undercoat rake is generally used as “step one” when brushing and grooming an Aussie.

The undercoat rake is typically the tool of choice to reach all the way down through that thick double-layer coat to lift out dead, shed hair, stimulate the skin circulation and distribute nourishing oils through the coat.

Coastal Pet Long Tooth Undercoat Rake

This economical and highly rated long-tooth undercoat rake has a comfortable, non-slip, ergonomic handle for you and wide, long pins to help extract shed hair out of the deepest layers of your Aussie’s coat.

Nomad Co. Dog Rake DeShedding Tool

This de-shedding and detangling undercoat rake states it can reduce grooming time by up to 90 percent.

Owners say it is worth its reputation and does a great job with thick, double-coated breeds.

The handle features a safe and comfy, non-slip silicone grip.

FURminator Dog Rake

FURminator fans swear by this company’s dog grooming product line.

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This long-tooth, undercoat rake features rotating rounded stainless steel pins for skin and coat comfort, and a curved shape that follows the contours of your dog’s body.

Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs – Steel Comb

A steel comb is a perfect partner to the undercoat rake.

The steel comb’s job is to remove dirt, debris, leaf litter and other trapped matter that may later cause tangles and mats to form in the coat.

Poodle Pet Detangling Tool Comb

This comb has both long and short stainless steel round-tip teeth to act as both an undercoat rake and a debris extractor.

The manufacturer states it can cut grooming time by 50 percent. Owners say this is accurate.

The handle features an anti-slip grip.

Andis Premium 7.5-Inch Grooming Comb

This steel grooming comb features rounded stainless steel tips and a half-and-half design where the teeth are closer together at one end and wider apart at the other.

This design makes it easier to groom larger and smaller areas with one tool.

Hertzko 2 Pack Pet Combs

This special two-pack comb set features stainless steel round-tip teeth with comfy, no-slip ergonomic handles.

The smaller comb is perfect to tuck into your dog’s day bag for travel.

Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs: Slicker Brush

A slicker brush can be viewed as “step two” when brushing and grooming an Aussie.

The slicker brush comes along behind the rake and comb to brush and groom the outer coat.

It can also be used for gently working out any tangles or mats you may encounter while aerating the coat.

Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

This slicker brush comes in small, medium or large sizes.

It features a convex shape that follows the natural curves of your dog’s body as you brush.

GoPets Professional Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats

This slicker brush features the curved slender pins so popular with many Aussie owners and groomers.

The tool also has a single-push button for easy cleaning and a soft, silicone-filled grip.

Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker Brush

This high-end, professional-quality, long pin slicker brush boasts 40 percent more pins than the leading competitor.

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Owners give it high marks for thinning dense, thick coats.

Best Brush for Australian Shepherd Dogs: Pin and Bristle Brush

The pin and bristle brush is “step three” in an Aussie’s full brushing and grooming routine.

This brush feels great to your dog’s skin. It also helps to continue to aerate the coat, and add body and shine to the outer coat.

HaloVa Professional Double Sided Pin & Bristle Bamboo Brush for Dogs

This high-quality, two-in-one brush features a natural bamboo wood handle, air vents for safe use during blow drying and round-tip pins for your dog’s comfort.

Wahl Pin and Bristle Brush

This highly rated pin and bristle brush comes in small, medium and large sizes with a soft-grip, ergonomic handle and comfy round-tip teeth for your dog’s safety.

BV Pet 2 In 1 Bristle and Pin Brush

This popular, affordable pin and bristle brush features round-tip teeth and soft nylon bristles for effective, comfortable grooming and brushing.