The 10 Best Grooming Brushes for Dogs Based on Their Hair Type

Make no mistake about it: The right brush can make grooming your dog a breeze. "Different brushes are designed for different types of dog hair," explains Ani Corless, founder of Luxury Groomer. "Using the wrong brush will be at least ineffective and, at worse, cause damage to the hair or even to the dog." However, with all the different dog brushes on the market, knowing which one to use on your pooch can be tricky. "The idea that buying the most expensive brush will make your dog look the best is incorrect," Nancy Chinchar, owner of Downtown Doghouse says. "Really, you need the correct tools for your dog's distinct coat type and to use them as often as needed."

So, how do you determine which is the correct brush for your pet? "Much like human hair, certain tools are necessary for specific hair types," Chinchar explains. "It's not really about the length of their hair, it's about the type of hair they have—curly coated dogs have different needs than ones with smooth coats." Additionally, Chinchar says how you brush your dog is every bit as important as the tool you're using. "If the dog isn't being brushed properly—from the skin outward in sections over the entire body—the areas that are incorrectly brushed are more likely to matt up," she says. "If you're only brushing the dog's back, and not the legs and chest, you're doing it wrong."

Curious about what brushes professional groomers say work best for various coat types? We asked Corless and Chinchar to share their favorites, and here's what they had to say.