Hello fellow doodle owners!
As a proud parent of a cute cockapoo (named Bailey), I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find the right brush for these adorable, but high-maintenance pups.
Their curly coats can become a tangled mess without daily brushing.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless brushes in my quest to keep Baily’s coat healthy and mat-free.
Some work better than others.
Today, I want to share my experiences and recommend what I believe is the very best brush for doodles based on my trials and errors.
I think this brush will be an absolute gamechanger for you and your doodle.
Here is the best brush for doodle dogs:
Quick Verdict
The PetEd Slicker Brush is the ideal grooming tool for doodle dogs.
Specifically designed for curly coats, its fine angled bristles provide safe, gentle, and stress-free grooming.
The non-tugging pins allow you to brush thoroughly to remove tangles, dirt, and loose hair without pulling or irritation.
The large head covers more area in less time, and the retractable pins and lightweight design make it easy to use and store.
With hair-trapping features and one-button cleaning, it saves time while keeping your doodle’s coat healthy, shiny, and mat-free.
Best Brush For A Doodle
The best brush for a doodle is a slicker brush. Of which the PetEd Slicker brush ticks all of the boxes in terms of effectiveness, versatility and durability.
- Safe, Gentle, and Stress-Free Grooming: Non-pulling and tug-resistant so you can brush your dog with confidence and ease, your dog can enjoy being brushed and fussed, you will never have to fight come brushing time, and you never feel guilty causing pain to your dog, or damaging their coat ever again. Finally build a trusting bond.
- Effective, Thorough, and Complete Coat Care: With fine angled bristles, so you can access and groom all parts of your dog's coat effortlessly to remove dirt, debris, and tangles to ensure it looks clean, shiny, and healthy, which means you can walk your dog with pride and never be embarrassed about their coat condition again.
- Hugely Time-Saving: With hair-containing features (so loose hair isn’t left flying or left around the room), a large surface head area and one-button automatic cleaning functionality, which means less time cleaning and more time for you to do what you enjoy most.
- Practical, Durable, and Dependable: With retracting pins, a sturdy yet lightweight design, and a built with premium materials, so you can comfortably hold, use, store, and take with you on the go. You will be free to brush your dog's coat regardless of where you are, and no damage is done when not in use, which means the brush is much more durable and will last you longer.
- Purposefully Designed For Dog & Owner: Created with curly coats in mind, you can be confident regardless of coat type/condition. Ideal for doodle and poodle hybrid dogs, including: Cockapoos, Cavoodles, Maltipoos, Bernedoodles, Goldendoodles, Shih Poos, etc.
Aussiedoodle
A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, the Aussiedoodle has a soft, wavy to curly coat that’s often multi-colored.
- Parental Dogs: Australian Shepherd, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to prevent tangles; professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.
Bordoodle
The Bordoodle, a mix of Border Collie and Poodle, sports a wavy to curly coat that’s dense and soft.
- Parental Dogs: Border Collie, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to maintain coat health; professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a delightful crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They typically have a soft, wavy to curly coat that can vary in length.
- Parental Dogs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Cavapoochon
A delightful mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Poodle, the Cavapoochon boasts a soft, curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to maintain coat health; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Cavoodle
Also known as the Cavapoo, the Cavoodle is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They have a soft, wavy to curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Cockapoo
A popular crossbreed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cockapoo has a soft, wavy to curly coat that’s dense.
- Parental Dogs: Cocker Spaniel, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Doxiepoo
A blend of Dachshund and Poodle, the Doxiepoo has a varied coat that can be short to long, wavy to curly.
- Parental Dogs: Dachshund, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing depending on coat length; professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.
Golden Doodle
Golden Doodles are a popular hybrid breed, known for their friendly disposition and a coat that ranges from wavy to curly. Their fur can be long and thick, often resembling a plush teddy bear, making them a favorite among families.
- Parental Dogs: Golden Retriever, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing at least 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and tangling; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is advised to maintain coat health and appearance.
Maltipoo
A charming mix of Maltese and Poodle, the Maltipoo has a soft, curly coat that’s often white or light-colored.
- Parental Dogs: Maltese, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Daily brushing to prevent tangles; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Peekapoo
A cross between a Pekingese and a Poodle, the Peekapoo boasts a wavy to curly coat that’s dense.
- Parental Dogs: Pekingese, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to maintain coat health; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Pomapoo
A delightful blend of Pomeranian and Poodle, the Pomapoo has a fluffy, wavy to curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Pomeranian, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Pomsky
A mix between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, the Pomsky has a dense, double coat that can be straight to wavy.
- Parental Dogs: Pomeranian, Siberian Husky
- Coat Type(s): Straight to wavy
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to manage shedding; professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.
Poochon
Also known as the Bichpoo, the Poochon is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. They have a soft, curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Bichon Frise, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Daily brushing to prevent tangles; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Pyredoodle
A majestic blend of Great Pyrenees and Poodle, the Pyredoodle has a dense, wavy to curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Great Pyrenees, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to manage shedding; professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.
Schnoodle
A mix of Schnauzer and Poodle, the Schnoodle sports a wavy to curly coat that’s dense and soft.
- Parental Dogs: Schnauzer, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing to maintain coat health; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Sheepadoodle
A cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, the Sheepadoodle has a thick, wavy to curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Old English Sheepdog, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
- Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Shih Poo
A delightful blend of Shih Tzu and Poodle, the Shih Poo has a soft, wavy to curly coat.
- Parental Dogs: Shih Tzu, Poodle
- Coat Type(s): Wavy to curly
- Recommended Brush: Slicker brush
What Kind Of Brush Do You Use For Doodles?
For doodles, a slicker brush is ideal. It efficiently handles tangles, mats, and sheds, ensuring the coat remains smooth and well-maintained.
A slicker brush is a grooming tool designed primarily for dogs and cats.
It features a flat or slightly curved base covered with thin, fine, metal tines set closely together.
These tines are angled to effectively penetrate the fur, allowing the brush to detangle, remove loose hair, and eliminate mats.
The design of the slicker brush ensures that it can reach both the topcoat and the undercoat, promoting a healthier and shinier coat.
The brush’s ergonomic handle provides comfort during grooming sessions.
Regular use of a slicker brush not only maintains the pet’s coat but also stimulates blood circulation.
How Do You Brush A Doodle With A Slicker Brush?
To brush a doodle with a slicker brush, gently work in sections, starting from the bottom and moving upwards. Detangle mats and tangles with care. Brush in the direction of hair growth, ensuring both topcoat and undercoat are addressed.
When brushing a doodle with a slicker brush, it’s essential to be methodical to ensure thorough grooming.
Begin at the dog’s legs and tail, gradually working your way up to the body, neck, and head.
By starting at the bottom, you prevent creating additional tangles.
If you encounter a mat, hold it at the base to avoid pulling the skin and gently tease it apart with the brush.
Regularly clean the brush to remove accumulated hair and enhance its effectiveness.
Remember to be gentle, especially around sensitive areas like the belly and ears.
After brushing, you can use a comb to ensure all tangles are removed.
Regular grooming not only keeps your doodle’s coat in top condition but also provides an opportunity to check for skin issues or external parasites.
How Often Do You Brush A Doodle?
Doodles should be brushed 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and tangles. However, daily brushing is ideal for maintaining a healthy, shiny coat and ensuring the dog’s comfort.
Doodles require consistent grooming to maintain their appearance and health.
While brushing 3-4 times a week is a general guideline, the frequency can vary based on your dog’s specific coat type and lifestyle.
Doodles with curlier coats, resembling that of a Poodle, typically require more frequent brushing.
These tighter curls can easily trap dirt, debris, and loose hair, leading to mats if not regularly addressed.
On the other hand, doodles with wavier or straighter hair might not need as intensive a brushing routine, but regular grooming is still essential.
Consistency is key.
Establishing a routine, such as brushing at the same time each day or on specific days of the week, can make the process smoother for both the owner and the dog.
Over time, the dog will come to anticipate and even enjoy these grooming sessions.
Signs that your doodle needs brushing include visible tangles or mats, excessive shedding, or a dull-looking coat.
Additionally, if the dog starts scratching more than usual, it might be an indication that loose hairs or mats are causing discomfort.
Incorporating brushing into a regular routine not only ensures a well-maintained coat but also provides an opportunity for you to check for any skin issues, ticks, or other concerns.
Moreover, regular grooming sessions can become a bonding experience, reinforcing trust and affection between you and your dog.
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.