Best Brush for Labrador: Top 5 Picks & Buying Guide

The Labrador retriever tends to shed a lot all-year long especially when they are “blowing coats,” which is happening twice a year.

Your furry friend gets rid of their excess fur and thick winter coat in spring in order to grow a lighter, less dense dog coat for the summer.

They also shed in the autumn to replace their lighter summer coat and give way for their dense winter coat.

Using the best brush for Labrador can help manage your dog’s hair that they shed throughout the year to keep up with seasonal changes – one of the factors that affect shedding.

It’ll aid in molting management especially during the coat blow and helps maintain their healthy skin. Using one also improves your bond with your Lab pup or adult dog.

However, I do recognize that choosing a dog brush is more challenging than it’s easy because there is an abundance of dog brushes available.

Check out this buying guide and reviews of the top five picks to help you make a sound decision later.

Types of Brushes

The following are the types of Labrador retriever brushes for your reference.

Slicker brushes

A slicker brush aids in grooming your pet and removing dead hair.  It’s typically with angled fine bent wires on a flat surface, and it goes through the dog’s coat but avoids the skin.

Slicker dog brush for labs is used for dogs with medium to long hair, wire coated, and curly dogs. It helps remove hair and prevent mats.

It is used for dogs like Cocker spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, and our favorite Labrador retriever. 

This type of dog brush is available in many varieties, like a self cleaning slicker brush, and sizes, from small to large, so selecting one is vital to ensure a grooming session’s ease and comfort.

However, it must be used gently to remove dead hair and loose hair or too much pressure might hurt your Labrador retriever.

Rake brushes

They’re usually designed with a T-shape and have rounded pins on its head.

Its length may vary, with some having long bars up to six inches long, while some with only a few inches.

You’ll notice its two rows composed of close spaced pins.

One works to remove tangles, shedding fur, and dead coats under your pet’s skin. But just like a slicker brush, you must use it gently and apply only minimal pressure.

This type of brush is ideal for thick-haired dogs, including Chow Chows, Malamutes, and German Shepherds that develop dead undercoat, which is prone to accumulating dirt and debris.

When choosing a rake brush, select one with pins matching your Lab’s hair length. Otherwise, a too long rake might harm and irritate especially sensitive skin, or a too short one may miss the dead undercoat.

Bristle brush sensitive skin

Used for dogs with wiry coats and short hair, the brush features a number of either synthetic or natural bristles to remove dirt and debris and promote the production of natural oils for a healthy coat.

Bristle brushes are ideal for short-coated dogs and those with short and silky coats and can get rid of dander and loose hair.

For labs and other dual coated dogs, bristle brushes are used as a finishing brush to improve coat shine. You can also use it for breeds like Boston terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and Pugs as well.

Pin brushes

Probably the most used dog brush to remove loose hairs, mats, and tangles, a pin brush looks like a human brush.

A pin brush is suitable for dogs with medium to long hairs, like Collies, Terriers, and Pomeranians.  

You’ll find these best brushes in oval shape and have flexible wires with pins.

They can pick up loose hair, although the least useful among brushes for Labradors.

A pin brush is greatl in fluffing a brushed hair and finishing off grooming in medium to long haired pets.

Furminator undercoat deshedding tool

Aside from the best brushes for Labrador retrievers, you might also need a de-shedding tool like this one.

It’s a metal comb with a button to release any collected dog’s fur and works well for dogs with double coat, heavy coat, short, flat, or combination.

The Furminator, which is best for large pets over 50 pounds, is considered as one of the most useful deshedding tools to manage shedding among long haired dogs, like labs, by up to 90%.

It can reach through the dog’s topcoat and safely remove loose undercoat and hair, all without cutting your pet’s skin or damaging their coat.

[In a lab’s coat, it’s in the undercoat where much of the shedding happens before they actually shed.] 

Rubber Curry Brush

While it’s not considered a grooming tool, it can offer some benefits that other dog brushes cannot. It’s gentle for its molded rubber teeth for removing dead hair.

Although it’s not as effective as a de-shedding tool or a slicker brush, it’s the choice for pet owners who have sensitive and nervous dogs.

The curry brush also works well in distributing the natural oils in your dog’s coat, and a lot of labs can feel pleasure from the massaging effect this brush can give.

It’s a good bath brush because it has nubs, which can make shampoo lather, collect dead dog hair, and remove any stuck dirt.

But aside from these brushes to remove loose undercoat hair, debris, and mats, it would be wise to buy a flea comb to remove fleas, which are one of the most common causes of skin irritation and itching. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brush for Labrador

Choosing the right dog brush is essential to prevent irritation, reduce allergies/shedding, and promote comfort.

A too harsh brush can damage a dog’s skin and coat, cause discomfort and pain and bring more problems later.

Using the wrong brush will not bring out your dog’s shiny coat and their fur will look like a wig even after brushing. It’ll also do little in the shedding of your dog and may not remove mats effectively.

The right dog brush can prevent all of these and remove loose and dead undercoat hair, dander, and dirt to avoid sensitivities and allergies.

A good Labrador brush can also prevent brittle, dry, coarse, and damaged dog’s fur.

Finally, choosing the best brush can prevent discomfort in your pet. That’s why a lot of pet owners choose brushes with soft bristles for dog hair.

They can be gentle but effective enough to remove loose hair, while keeping and promoting the production of natural oils.

Sensitive skin and susceptibility to allergies

Labradors are prone to developing skin allergies, like atopic dermatitis, a hereditary skin condition. It could be mild or severe, and dogs with it tend to rub and scratch the affected areas.

Contact allergens and environmental factors contribute to skin allergies, aside from food allergens.

In order to control allergies, there are several things you can do like consulting your vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Now when it comes to grooming, regular brushing can help because it can reduce allergic reactions that occur when loose hair gets into the air and more debris gets stuck in the dog’s coat.

Regular brushing of your lab puppy or adult lab can also prevent mats, knots, and tangles, which often collect dirt and debris that later can cause more itchiness.

Giving your dog wipe-downs or brushing them before entering the house to pick up pollen and allergens especially if your lab can freely go in and out of the house can also help. These will particularly be important during seasons when any of their allergies could act up.

That’s why regular brushing using the right brush for a Labrador matters to make grooming sessions more worthwhile and prevent allergies and irritation to your lab.

Personal preferences

When choosing among the best dog brushes for regular grooming and to prevent skin irritation, your personal preferences also matter. The following are some of the factors to consider.

Easy to clean

When choosing a brush for different dog breeds, it is important to select one that is easy to clean. There are brushes, like Hertzko self cleaning slicker brush that has a self-cleaning system.

Self-cleaning brushes will often have a button that you can press once you’re done brushing dog fur, and then the bristles will retract into the dog brush. This is the time when you can remove the collected debris and excess hair from it quickly.

One with a self-cleaning system can save you time from manually cleaning the brush after use.

In addition, it would be good to find a dog brush that allows for easy sanitation and disinfection to prevent the accumulation of allergens and organisms, like lice, ticks, mites, fleas, and viruses that would otherwise be trapped in it.

Some easy to clean dog brushes are made of stainless steel, rubber, or ABS. 

Rotatable

Remove fur easily with a brush that has a rotatable handle that will allow you to brush your Lab’s underbelly even while they’re standing.

Rotatability in the handle also allows for angled brushing. This will also prevent losing grasp of your pet’s fur when they move.

Anti-slip handle

Like a comfortable grip, the dog brush for loose fur should have an anti-slip handle. This can help prevent the straining of your wrist, arm, and hand. Avoid brushes with a smooth handle.

Grip

Whether you’re buying a brush for dogs with short coats or smooth coats, check on a comfortable grip in a brush. It shouldn’t be too thick or too thin so that you can reduce hand straining especially if you’re a dog groomer.

Fully retractable bristles

If you travel a lot with your furry friend or you want a dog brush that is easy to store, you might want to check out a brush with fully retractable handle, which offers excellent storability.

Inclusions

A brush for short-haired or long haired dogs must also come with useful inclusions like a free travel pouch if you’re traveling with your pooch from time to time. You might also want to check if the brush for the thin or thick hair dog comes with an instruction manual for reference in using, cleaning, and maintaining it.

Other important factors

When choosing grooming brushes to remove fur or improve shine in your dog’s coat quickly, you also have to consider other factors to help in getting the most out of the loose fur brush.

Dog breed/size

In order to remove loose and dead hair effectively with a dog brush, you must be able to determine the brush size that is appropriate for the size of your pet. Or else, a small sized one could take more time than you would to groom your dog.

A properly sized brush will let you reach even those hard to reach spots and give them a better brushing result.

Your lab will need a large sized brush.

Skin-friendly

Choose a dog brush that is gentle enough and safe for your pooch’s skin. It should have rounded outer teeth, which will also work to massage their skin gently and have an inner part that can cut through knots, tangles, and mats without hurting their skin.

Weather

If you’re living in a humid place, you should check that the brush is made of rust-resistant material. This is especially important when you need to store the grooming tool.

5 Best Brush for Labrador: in-depth Reviews

1. FURminator Curry Comb with Rubber Teeth

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This FURminator is a professional and high quality curry comb for Labradors, dogs with double coats, and dogs with short or medium and  thick coats. It’s a trusted grooming tool by vets and pet groomers themselves for its excellent design and effectiveness.

This curry comb isn’t harsh on your pet’s skin and coat. In fact, it’s also useful for sensitive dogs. For the best results, use it for a couple of minutes to get rid of loose hair and break up tangles and mats.

I liked that it’s perfect for daily use on all types of dogs, especially those with a short or medium dense coat.

The rubber teeth are gentle enough for the dog’s skin and works effectively in getting rid of loose fur and debris.

Its design also works well for stimulating the natural oils in a Lab’s body, promoting their coat’s natural shine and skin’s health.

Grooming is also easier because it has this strap where one can conveniently put their fingers on for maximum control of the tool. It also ensures that the brush doesn’t slip out when your pet takes a step or two while brushing their hair.

This FURminator(R) comb is also suitable for daily use and helps in keeping your dog healthy and clean.

Overall, this curry comb with rubber teeth is one of the best dog brushes around for its professional quality and effectiveness in removing dead hair and distributing natural oils in your dog’s body.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design and easy handle strap
  • Professional quality grooming brush
  • Effectively removes loose hair, dust, and debris
  • Stimulates natural oils for a shiny coat
  • Easy to use and gentle on the dog

Cons

  • Large fingers might struggle to fit into the strap of it

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2. We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush

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This We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush isn’t harsh at all, although you still should be careful and apply gentle pressure when using it to avoid hurting your furry pal.

This slicker brush is designed with longer and soft pins to reach the deeper undercoat.

It is also designed with your pooch safety in mind, having angled bristles at about 45 degrees each to avoid scratching your Lab’s skin, as you’re brushing them.

This best dog brush is made for long haired pooches, working as a brush for shedding as well as for matted hair.  It is suitable for curly hair dogs and long hair canines, but not so much for short-haired dogs.

This brush for regular grooming has a professional quality and can deliver equally professional results, as it can effectively work through a long, dense coat.

I also noticed its excellent ergonomic handle that is easy on your arm, hand, and wrist and can prevent straining.

This brush is definitely one of the best dog brushes around for shedding and medium/long haired pooches for its quality and reliability. Use it with care and apply gentle strokes to avoid hurting your furry pal.

Pros

  • Effectively removes mats, tangles, and knots
  • Softer, gentler, and longer pins
  • Can work through a thick and dense lab’s coat
  • Ergonomic handle for better control
  • Professional quality and nice design

Cons

  • Not for short haired dog

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3.HERTZKO Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

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This detangling brush for Labs is one of the best around for its simple and sleek design in that it’s very easy to use. It is also suitable for daily brushing and detangling.

It works perfectly in getting rid of mats, tangles, and loose fur, while still being gentle enough not to cause discomfort for your pet.

It is made with plastic bristles that are not harsh on the dog’s skin, too.

This HERTZKO Self Cleaning Brush is a breeze to clean as well. All you need is to slide its button once you’re done using it, and then its bristles will retract into it with all the removed hair to slide off it. That’s so convenient for busy fur parents!

This brush also has an ergonomic handle and nice grip in that it won’t slip out of your hand when brushing your pet. Its retractable bristles also add to its durability and make storage easier.

It is also ideal for both dogs and cats.

Overall, this Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush can make every grooming and brushing session with your Lab easier and more fun for both you and him.  It is easy to use and clean and works gently to detangle and de-mat pet hair.

Pros

  • Reliable and trusted brand for self-cleaning dog brushes
  • Suitable dematting tool for daily use
  • Convenient self cleaning system
  • Quick and easy removal of tangles, mat, and loose and dead hair
  • Affordable but durable product

Cons

  • Can get stuck in the fur

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4.FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

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This deshedding brush for large dogs with short fur and hair is another grooming tool to have in your kit.

It’s designed for dogs weighing more than 50 pounds and is made with a stainless steel edge to effectively reach through the dog’s topcoat in order to remove loose undercoat and hair.

This product is professional grade and works effectively in removing loose hair from your dog’s coat.

It can also reduce shedding by up to 90 percent, which is great news for us, knowing there will be much reduction in hair in our furniture and home furnishings.

It can get rid of loose hair but without harming the dog coat or cutting their skin.

You can also avoid straining in your hand, wrist, and arm since this best dog brush for labs has an ergonomic handle.

In addition, this grooming tool is super easy to use and clean in that it has a button that releases hair with total ease.

I also liked that it can stimulate natural oils in our pet’s body to maintain shine in their coat and promote healthy skin.

Take note that this product is for large canine pals with short fur.

Overall, this Labrador retriever brush is one of the best for its ergonomic handle, Furejector button, and excellent design. It’s ideal for daily use and gentle enough not to cut your pet’s skin or damage his coat.

Pros

  • Designed with Furejector to release hair
  • Can easily remove excess hair
  • Can reduce shedding by up to 90%
  • Easy to control and grip ergonomic handle
  • Ideal for large dogs with short hair

Cons

  • Expensive

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5. DELOMO Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves

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This hair removing glove silicone brush is suitable for dogs with short, long, or curly hair. It is also perfect for other pets, like cats, as well as bigger animals, like horses.

It can remove excess fur that will stick to it, so removal of hair after use won’t be a struggle.

It’s a pair of hair removal mittens with 255 silicone tips that give your pet a soothing massage especially for nervous dogs that are still getting used to a grooming and brushing session.

The slip-on gloves are easy to use to clean your lab’s hair without damaging their coat or hurting their skin. It also has an adjustable wrist for the right fit for you..

Each of the gloves has five fingers so that you can easily brush and groom the face, tail, or ears without any hassles.

This brush is also skin friendly and safe, being made of quality soft silicone, which can give your pet a gentle grooming and massage at the same time.

Every purchase comes with two pieces of blue pet hair removal gloves, with the left-hand being customized for a left-handed user.

Overall, this DELOMO pet brush is one of those to consider if you’re looking for a gentle hair remover for your Labrador retriever. Check it out.

Pros

  • Gentle and durable silicone material
  • Environmentally-friendly and lightweight
  • Can be used for cats and dogs
  • Soft and won’t hurt your pet
  • Can be used as a bath brush

Cons

  • Can be huge for pet parents with small hands

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Additional Considerations

Frequency of Brushing

Labrador retrievers have a double coat and they shed or molt twice a year (during spring and before winter).

Dog owners must brush their Lab at least once a week if they stay mostly indoors but must do more if taking them outdoors.

This is to ensure that their coat stays shiny, to remove dog fur and dead skin and hair that would otherwise get into your furniture, and to promote natural oil distribution.

How To Properly Use A Brush

Brush your dog using the best brush to keep their coat shiny and looking healthy, while also releasing dead and loose hair, removing mats, and cutting down excessive shedding. It’ll also help distribute oils in their body.

Here’s how to use the best dog brush for labs properly. (Do it outside to prevent the hairs and debris from flying into your home.)

Bristle brush

This gentle pet brush is great for everyday use to keep your pet’s coat shiny. You can also use it right away for short haired dog breeds. Go over the coat in the fur growth’s direction to collect debris, dander, and loose hair.

But you should use a rake or slicker brush for dogs with a thick coat, and then this brush to complete the grooming and brushing session.

Slicker brushes

Some dogs will only need this brush, but the others will need at least one type of best dog brush.

Start with the slicker brush for dogs no matter your pet’s category.

First, mist your dog with a detangling spray, conditioning spray, or just water. Don’t get the fur too wet, or it will cause tightening of the tangle or mat.

Brush hair starting from the surface to the hair’s end, as you’re lifting the hair while brushing.

If the tangle or mat is tight, loosen it with your finger.

Continue brushing your dog to the legs, body, and neck.

Rake brush

Use a dematting rake to start your grooming session. It has blades that will activate once resistance is applied to cut the dog mat loose.

Then, use an undercoat rake when you remove all the mats.

Brush in the same direction as the hair growth, from the head to the tail.

Only apply short strokes, starting at the top going to the back.

Next, use a bristle brush. This will get rid of any remaining debris and hair and smoothen the coat. A bristle brush will also improve the shine of your pet’s coat because it can help stimulate oils.

Pin brush

How to use this dog brush varies on the type of your pet’s coat. You must brush along the grain of their hair for long-haired canines, and against the grain for thin-haired pooches. You can use this type of brush for dogs in the tails and ears, too.

Rubber brush

Also called gloves, this brush with soft rubber bristles requires using sweeping and short motions to work! For better results, apply or spray some water on this pet brush before using it.

More tips

Labrador retrievers have double coats, so brushing it can be challenging. This is one of the coat types that can get matted and one that sheds a lot as well.

You can use a slicker brush a couple of times weekly to prevent mats and get rid of the undercoat.

Remove more of the dog undercoat by pulling a rake into it once weekly or a couple more times during the shedding season.

Use a deshedding tool once a week. Apply short strokes and only a medium pressure to remove loose hair of the undercoat.

If your Labrador retriever has mats that can’t be brushed out, use a dematting tool to pick them apart, starting from the top to the bottom of the mat. You must put a comb between the skin of the dog or pup and mat to avoid hurting your pal.

How to Keep Your Lab Calm And Comfortable During Grooming Sessions

  • Work with your dog when they are relaxed, or the grooming session will make you and your dog frustrated.
  • Practice touching your dog’s sensitive spots, like the paws and ears, to get him familiar with it.
  • Let your pet explore the grooming tools, and sniff/make contact with them so that he can get used to them.
  • Make the grooming process short. Break it down into easy and simple steps. Do only a few brush strokes initially if your pet is still getting used to grooming or brushing.
  • Use treats. They love it! Give your lab a small treat for every effort. While you’re gently brushing your furry friend, let him lick a toy with a treat, like peanut butter inside. Use one of your hands to hold the toy, and then one of your hands to brush him.
  • Play familiar sounds or relaxing music for unsettled/nervous dogs to help them relax in what they consider to be a stressful situation.

NOTE: Take a break especially if the grooming process is getting long. It is for your lab to know that you’ll stop when he’s becoming uncomfortable. So, groom little but often in order to build trust, and then extend the session when your Lab is fully relaxed.

Can Brushing My Labrador Help Prevent Shedding?

No, it can’t prevent but only reduce shedding. Do it daily or weekly, and more often during the molting season. During heavy shedding periods, you can brush once or twice a day.

Final Thoughts

The best dog brush can help reduce shedding, distribute natural oil to your canine friend’s body, remove as much dead hair or excess fur, and keep the dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

That’s why it’s essential to know the types of dog brushes there are, how to use them, and factors to consider when choosing the best brush for a Labrador retriever.

Hoping this guide was able to shed some light and has helped you pick the right brush to move through the outer coat and remove the loose undercoat.

Definitely, using the right brush will bring you and your pet the best results. Take your time and weigh your options well. Refer to the buying guide and reviews of the top five grooming tools featured earlier.

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