7 Best Brushes for Labradoodles w/ Surprising Tips for Effective Brushing

Although officially a cross between the Labrador and Poodle, the Labradoodle breed seems like a species of its own. With the calm and loyal temperament of a Labrador but the beautiful coat and hypoallergenic characteristics of a poodle, the Labradoodle gives owners the best of both worlds.

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Originally, the term “Labradoodle” first popped in 1955 in the novel, Into the Water Barrier, as a way to describe Sir Donald Campbell’s Labrador/Poodle hybrid. However, it wasn’t 1988 that an Australian breeder, Wally Conron, actually crossed the elegant Poodle with the calm Labrador Retriever. His goal was to create a guide dog for blind people who regularly had issues with fur and dander allergies.

While Labradoodles still serve as guide dogs or assistance dogs, they’re also a popular family pet as well. Like Conron intended, many people have chosen to adopt Labradoodles for their gentle temperaments and hypoallergenic attributes.


Although some may assume that hypoallergenic dogs like the Labradoodle don’t shed, this isn’t actually true. While they may not shed as much as most breeds, Labradoodles do shed some. This is complicated by the fact that, since the Labradoodle is a cross, there isn’t always consistency in the offspring. While some Doodles may end up being extremely hypoallergenic, others might irritate your allergies almost as much as any other dog.

Despite having “hypoallergenic” hair, the Doodle does still require some grooming to keep their coats healthy. Besides nail trimming and infrequent bathing, Labradoodles also need to be brushed on a regular basis—depending on their lifestyle. If your Doodle remains mostly indoors, you may only need to brush them once every few weeks. However, if your dog often plays outside, you’ll likely need to brush them once a week.

Not only do these regular brushing sessions help spread natural oils across your pup’s skin, but they also get rid of tangles and mats. Since the Labradoodle has wavy or curly hair, it’s much easier for their coats to become tangled or matted—especially if they’ve spent anytime outside.

In many cases, brushing your Doodle is the easy part—it’s finding the best Labradoodle brush that can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve already done the hard part for you. Here’s a closer look at the most popular brush types for Labradoodles as well our 2023 top picks:

Different Types of Popular Labradoodle Brushes

While brushing your Labradoodle may be fairly low-maintenance, these dogs do have specific grooming needs. Since Labradoodles are prone to matting and tangling, it’s important to find a brush that can easily remove these knots without harshly pulling or tugging on your dog’s skin. Here are four brush types that are popular for Labrador owners:

Bristle Brush

It’s not uncommon for a Labradoodle to have sensitive skin—especially around areas like their paws or belly. Many Labradoodle owners find that, in addition to a slicker or pin brush, a soft bristle brush can safely groom these sensitive spots.

A bristle brush uses fine-tooth wires that also usually have rubber tips on the end to prevent them from digging into your pup’s skin. While a bristle brush may not handle tangles or knots as well as a slicker brush, they are one of the best tools for removing loose hair and debris from “hard to reach” places on your dog’s coat.

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is one of the most popular brushes for Labradoodle owners. With soft bristles compacted together, the slicker brush’s main purpose is to deal with tangles or knots—especially those that may become embedded close to your pup’s sensitive skin.

Although a slicker brush does use metal wires, these bristles are usually soft and flexible enough not to irritate the Doodle’s skin. In many cases, owners begin brushing their Labradoodle with a slicker brush and then finish off with a bristle brush on those particularly sensitive areas.

Comb

Unlike a slicker or bristle brush, a metal or plastic comb may not have a handle attached. Some owners may prefer this design better than a regular brush. Similar to the slicker brush, a comb’s primary purpose is to remove any tangles or mats that form along your pup’s coat.

Since Labradoodles also grow thick, curly hair on their face, neck, and ears, reaching these areas with a slicker brush can be inconvenient (and sometimes even uncomfortable for the dog). A comb, on the other hand, may be able to get to these “hard to reach” areas more easily and comfortably than any other tool.

Hound Glove

While brushing is an essential part of grooming your Labradoodle, not all dogs may enjoy it. In fact, some may do everything in their power to avoid getting combed. Fortunately, there may be a way to curb your Doodle’s aversion to brushing—the hound glove.

Unlike slicker or bristle brushes, a hound glove is designed to make your dog feel as if you’re only petting or massaging their coat. With rubber bristles on the palm of the mitt, you can easily slide the glove over your hand and begin brushing your dog.

Although the hound glove might not be the first pick for all Labradoodle owners, it can be a comfortable alternative for doodles that can’t stand the brushing process.

Best Brush for a Labradoodle

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

Our Hands Down Favorite

For a slicker brush that can remove any loose hair from your Labradoodle and untangle mats stuck closely to the skin, the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is an ideal pick. Not only does it use extra fine bristles that may be less likely to irritate your pooch’s skin, but the bristle tips also have a protective coating as well.

In addition to keeping your dog comfortable, the ergonomic handle makes this brush easy to maneuver and control. Over long periods of use, your hands may be less likely to cramp than they would with other brushes.

6 More Top-Rated Labradoodle Dog Brushes

There’s no reason to stop there—here are six more stand-out labradoodle brushes that may work for you:

Safari Wire Pin Dog Brush

To get rid of any excess loose hair or debris, the Safari Wire Pin Dog Brush is a perfect choice. With this brush, cleaning adventurous Labradoodles who love to roll around outside is effortless. Once you’ve dealt with all the debris, you can even use the bristles on the brush to help “fluff” your dog’s coat.

The soft wires don’t just rid your dog of dead hair or dirt, either—they also help distribute healthy oils across your pup’s skin while you brush them. While the Safari Pin brush may work well independently, it’s also a great tool to use alongside slicker and bristle brushes as well.

Four Paws Ultimate Instant Touch Mat & Tangle Remover

For Labradoodles that frequently get tangles or mats, the Four Paws Ultimate Instant Touch Mat & Tangle Remover can take care of even the deepest knots.

Recommended by grooming experts, the brush uses reversible quills that can reach tangles or matted fur in inconvenient or sensitive areas. Since removing tangles can sometimes be painful for your dog, the Four Paws brush angles their bristles to reduce pulling or tugging.

Labradoodle owners that may have issues with cramping or sore joints after grooming sessions may also find the brush’s padded handle more comfortable than some other choices.

Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

Although brushing your dog might be a chore, cleaning the brush after every use can be time-consuming too. The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush solves this issue by adding retractable pins. Once you’ve collected enough loose hair, you can simply push the button and watch the hair fall off.

Not only does this make cleaning easier, but the retractable pins are also gentle enough to groom your Doodle without harming their skin. The comfortable grip handle also ensures that brushing your Labradoodle isn’t painful for you, either. The brush comes in a variety of sizes and can work well for growing puppies or full-sized Labradoodles.

Millers Forge Unbreakable Style Slicker Brush

Even the most effective brushes can end up wasting your money if they can’t stand the test of time. Fortunately, the Millers Forge Unbreakable Style Slicker Brush is all about durability. With unbreakable plastic that won’t come undone just because your Doodle happens to chew on it, the Millers Forge brush can last a lifetime.

Along with durability, this brush also includes stainless steel pins that can gently glide through your Doodle’s skin and remove knots and tangles painlessly. Labradoodles with sensitive skin might find this brush to be more comfortable than similar options.

Mr. Peanut’s Right-Handed Grooming Glove

While hound gloves might not be a Labradoodle owner’s first pick, Mr. Peanut’s Right-Handed Grooming Glove can be just what an uncooperative pooch needs to finally enjoy the grooming process. With round, silicone tips that gently untangle matted hair, your Doodle may feel as if they’re enjoying a massage—not getting brushed.

In addition to keeping your Doodle comfortable throughout the process, the extra padding and mesh make the glove fit cozily on your hand. Keep in mind that, while the mitt does come in one size, it includes fuzzy adjustable straps to ensure you get the perfect fit.

Li’l Pals Dog Bristle Brush

Although some brushes are designed to deal with heavy or tough tangles, not many can be used for relaxed grooming. For adult or puppy Labradoodles that don’t usually have tangled and matted fur, the Li’l Pals Dog Bristle Brush can be a comfortable tool for easy grooming and sensitive skin.

Instead of metal wires, the Li’l Pals Brush uses flexible nylon bristles that gently rub against your pup’s skin instead of irritating it. Since it’s less than a half a foot long, owners of smaller Labradoodles or growing puppies may find this brush to be the perfect size.

After regular use, you may even find that this brush helps promote the growth of new hair and distribute natural oils throughout your Doodle’s coat.

5 Simple Tips to Properly Brush a Labradoodle

  1. Begin brushing your Labradoodle when they’re young. If your Doodle joins the family as a puppy, it’s important to begin brushing them while they’re young. Not only will this keep their coat healthy as they grow, but it will also accustom your Labradoodle to the brushing process.
  2. While your Labradoodle is a puppy, you should brush them more frequently. Around 8-12 months old, your Labradoodle’s adult coat will begin to grow in, and you may need to brush them up to several times a week to avoid matting and tangling.
  3. Once your Labradoodle reaches 12-14 months old, you can assume their adult coat has grown in, and begin finding a brushing routine that helps manage your pup’s hair.
  4. Before bathing your Labradoodle, be sure to brush them. This can help remove loose or dead hair that would otherwise mat and tangle once their coat gets wet. After bathing, you may want to brush your Labradoodle out again to ensure that their damp or wet hair does not tangle.
  5. Don’t forget to brush close to your Labradoodle’s skin. Although Labradoodles don’t technically have an undercoat, they can get tangles or mats underneath the top coat if this area isn’t thoroughly brushed.

Finding the right brush is essential, but knowing how to maintain your Labradoodle’s coat is just as crucial.

FAQ Regarding Labradoodle Brushing/Grooming

  • Can you over-brush a Labradoodle? – While brushing can be incredibly beneficial to your dog’s health, it’s best done in moderation. Some breeds may need to be brushed every day, but the Doodle isn’t usually one of them. Frequent or “over-brushing” can actually lead to brush burn (especially if you’re continuously brushing the same areas). If you begin to notice irritation on your pup’s skin (or the brushing process seems painful), it may be time to back off.
  • How often should I be brushing my Labradoodle? – How often you brush your Labradoodle depends heavily on your dog’s lifestyle and coat. Some Labradoodles may shed much more than others and require more frequent brushing. As they grow, you may need to brush your Doodle puppy several times a week, but only once a week in adulthood.
  • Do Labradoodles shed? – Contrary to popular belief, Labradoodles do shed. In some cases, a Doodle’s coat may be more similar to that of a Lab than a Poodle and shed often. However, most of the time, Labradoodles will shed much less frequently than other breeds.
  • Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? – Despite popular belief, no dog can be truly hypoallergenic—especially a hybrid like the Labradoodle. Since Doodles only get their hypoallergenic trait from the Poodle parent, it’s possible that some of these dogs could end up with coats similar to their Lab ancestors. Most of the time, Labradoodles will be better pets for those with fur or dander allergies, but you shouldn’t count on these dogs being completely hypoallergenic.
  • What is the best Labradoodle brush type to use? – Although all many brush types will work well for the Labradoodle’s unique coat, a slicker brush or de-matting comb are often the best labradoodle brush you can use. Since the slicker brush and comb are designed to untangle knots and break up matted hair, they function well with the Doodle’s thick, curly coat.

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