Shortlist · Brushes and deshedding
Slicker brushes for double and curly coats
Two slicker brushes on AliExpress: a standard self-cleaning slicker for double coats and a long-pin slicker for curly coats, with what we could not verify.
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Short answer
Two slicker brushes from the same AliExpress store: a standard self-cleaning slicker for double coats, and a long-pin slicker for curly and dense coats. AKC calls slicker brushes excellent for double-coated breeds, and curly coats must be brushed all the way to the skin. Use either with light strokes and no pressure on the skin, and follow with a metal comb.
How we chose
We looked for listings that describe the brush clearly and sell a single brush as its own variant. Both picks come from the same seller, Stone's Store. We have not used either brush on a dog; the picks rest on the listings and on published brushing guidance.
That guidance points to slickers for two coats. AKC calls a slicker brush excellent for double-coated breeds and lists slickers for removing mats and dead hair.[1][2] For curly coats, AKC says a Poodle in full coat must be brushed and combed completely to the skin, or it mats near the roots.[3] That is where longer pins help: Chris Christensen, for example, aims its 27 mm-pin slicker at dense coats such as Poodles, Doodles and Golden Retrievers.[4]
Standard slicker for double coats
Self-cleaning slicker brush (PS1140)
Pick it if: Double coats such as Golden Retrievers, Corgis and Pomeranians, brushed with light strokes
- Why it's here
- A self-cleaning slicker sold as model PS1140. AKC calls slicker brushes excellent for double-coated breeds and lists them for removing mats and dead hair.
- Watch out
- The listing states no pin length, pin-tip finish or coat types, so we cannot say how deep it reaches into a long, dense coat. Pins can scratch if pressed into the skin.
- Canister capacity
- Not stated
- Attachment system
- Not stated
- Power source
- manualSeller claim
- Measured noise
- Not stated
Long-pin slicker for curly and dense coats
Extra-long-pin slicker brush for curly and doodle coats
Pick it if: Poodles, doodles and other curly or dense coats that must be brushed to the skin
- Why it's here
- Sold for curly and doodle coats, with extra-long pins per the listing. Longer pins reach further into a dense coat, which matters because curly coats must be brushed to the skin.
- Watch out
- The exact pin length is not in our records, and 'for doodles' is the seller's description. Follow it with a metal comb to find the knots a brush skims over.
- Canister capacity
- Not stated
- Attachment system
- Not stated
- Power source
- manualSeller claim
- Measured noise
- Not stated
Which one for your dog
| Coat | Pick | Also useful |
|---|---|---|
| Double coat (Golden Retriever, Corgi, Pomeranian) | Standard slicker | An undercoat rake in shedding season, and a metal comb |
| Curly coat (Poodle, doodles) | Long-pin slicker | A metal comb, worked to the skin |
| Long silky coat (Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier) | Compare first: slicker vs pin brush | A metal comb |
| Short smooth coat (French Bulldog, Beagle, Pug) | Neither | A rubber mitt, hound glove or bristle brush |
AKC mentions slicker brushing for all three double-coated examples, and suggests switching to a coat rake or shedding tool while the undercoat sheds.[5][6][7][1] For a Shih Tzu's long coat, AKC describes a flexible-pin brush used in layers to reach the skin.[8] For smooth coats, AKC suggests a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or hound glove instead.[9]
Brushing without scratching
Chris Christensen's directions for its own slicker say to brush gently in the natural direction of the hair, apply no pressure to the skin, and let repeated strokes do the work.[4] AAHA says to brush all the way to the skin, parting the hair to reach the undercoat.[10] Working in small sections, called line brushing, lets you do both: part the hair, brush that section lightly, then move on. See how to line brush a dog.
What we could not verify
- Pin length and tips. Our catalog record has no pin length for either brush, and we have not checked whether the pin tips are coated or bare.
- Coat fit. The standard slicker's listing does not state which coats it suits. The long-pin brush's "curly and doodle" fit is the seller's description.
- Build. We have not checked the self-cleaning mechanism, head size, pad flexibility or materials.
- Who makes them. Neither listing in our records names a brand. Stone's Store is the seller's name, not a maker we could identify.
- Returns. Check whether your listing shows AliExpress's Free Return badge. Its terms cover participating items returned unused and in original packaging within 15 calendar days of confirmed receipt.[12]
Questions
Is a slicker brush good for a double-coated dog?
Yes, used gently. AKC calls slicker brushes excellent for double-coated breeds and suggests switching to a coat rake or shedding tool while the undercoat sheds.[1]
Why does a curly coat need a long-pin slicker?
A curly coat has to be brushed right down to the skin: AKC says a Poodle in full coat that is not brushed and combed completely to the skin mats near the roots. Longer pins reach further into a dense coat; Chris Christensen aims its 27 mm-pin slicker at Poodles and Doodles.[3][4]
Can a slicker brush hurt my dog?
It can scratch if you press it into the skin. Chris Christensen's directions say to brush gently in the natural direction of the hair, apply no pressure to the skin, and let repeated strokes do the work.[4]