Best Brush for Pugs – 2023 Top 6 Picks

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Pugs may seem small and adorable, but they shed massively all through the year. Pug owners need the best brush for Pugs to control all that shedding and also keep their cute pets’ coats in top condition.

Pugs come in two coat types: some have a single coat, while others have double coats. The best brush for pug hair can help manage shedding, redistribute skin oils, and keep their coat free from dirt, parasites, and loose and dead hair.

The problem with dog grooming brushes is that you have a huge variety, and selecting the right one can be overwhelming. It is essential to remember that not all dog grooming brushes are suitable for Pugs’ short, thick coats. Thankfully, the list of six top-rated de-shedding and grooming brushes given below can make the selection process a lot easier.

We have also included the pros and cons of each brush so you can make an informed choice.

Best Dog Brush for Pugs – 2023 Top 6 Picks

1. Our Top Pick – Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Small Dogs with Sensitive Skin

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs Cats (Sensitive Skin), Dog Brush for Shedding Dematting Brush Easily Removes Mats Tangles Loose Fur, Pet Grooming Brushes Long Short Haired Dogs Cat Brush
  • THE SLICKER BRUSH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - SMALL: Great brush for grooming delicate areas, or for smaller breed animals. Does your pet suffer from Allergic dermatitis, Folliculitis, Impetigo, Seborrhea or other skin irritants? This is the brush for you! Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this brush will get rid of knots and tangles and protect their skin.
  • THE PERFECT BRUSH TO GET ALL NASTY MATS OUT OF YOUR PET’S FUR – Hertzko’s Slicker Brush gently removes loose Hair, and eliminates tangles, knots, dander and trapped dirt. Does your pet shed A LOT? This shedding brush works great on dogs and cats of all sizes and types of hair!
  • GET RID OF ALL THOSE TANGLES - The bristles are fine bent wires designed to penetrate deep into the coat and are able to groom the undercoat well without scratching your pet's skin! Great brush for dematting shedding dogs and pets with long and short hair! Pets love the way this brush feels, and are excited for each grooming session!
  • EASY TO CLEAN – When you’re done brushing your pet, simply click the button and the bristles retract back into the brush, making it super simple to remove all the hair from the brush, so it’s ready for the next time use. This product is strong and durable, allowing you to brush time and time again!

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush has received widespread acclaim, with over 80,000 buyers giving it a 5-star rating. This makes it our top pick in the best grooming brush for Pugs

and other small dogs with sensitive skin.

It excels at effectively removing loose hair, debris, mats, and parasites from the coat, making it a versatile solution for different types of coats, including long, short, single, and double coats.

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush’s benefits go beyond just grooming, as it also offers additional advantages for the dog’s health and coat condition.

It helps reduce shedding, provides a gentle massage that improves circulation, removes dirt and debris from the coat, and contributes to a healthier and shinier appearance. The gentle brushing action ensures that sensitive-skinned dogs like Pugs can enjoy grooming without discomfort or irritation.

Moreover, the brush’s retractable bristles make cleaning it a breeze. This feature ensures that trapped hair and debris can be easily removed from the brush after grooming sessions, saving time and effort.

Pros
  • Massages, de-sheds, and improves circulation
  • Traps a lot of hair
  • Easy to use
  • Great for Pugs with sensitive skin or skin issues
  • Self-cleaning
  • Reduces strain on the groomer’s wrist
  • Suitable for long and short-haired pets
Cons
  • A small percentage of Pug owners found it ineffective during shedding season.

2. Best Brush for Shedding Pug – FURminator Dog DeShedding Tool for Small Dogs

FURminator Dog deShedding Tool, Undercoat deShedding Brush For Small Dogs, Red
  • For Small dogs with short hair: designed especially for dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds.
  • Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat (when used as directed).
  • Furejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease.
  • Ergonomic handle: for comfortable, easy grooming.

The Furminator Dog De-Shedding Brush (B07MZN56N5) is a highly effective tool specially designed for use on small dogs under 25 lbs, such as Pugs. It excels at removing shed and loose hair by reaching through the topcoat to tackle the loose undercoat hair without causing any harm to your Pug’s skin.

One of the key features of this brush is its curved edge, which intelligently conforms to the natural contours of the dog’s body, allowing for faster and more efficient grooming. The brush’s design ensures that it can cover a larger area while grooming, reducing the time and effort required to maintain your dog’s coat.

The inclusion of a skin guard is a thoughtful addition that protects the dog from any discomfort or irritation that might occur from brushing. This is essential, especially for dogs with sensitive skin.

The brush’s ejector button is another handy feature that makes cleaning the brush a breeze. It allows you to easily remove trapped hair from the brush after grooming sessions, saving you time and effort.

Moreover, the brush incorporates an edge guard that prevents the teeth from rusting, ensuring the longevity and durability of the tool even with regular use.

Lastly, the ergonomic design of the Furminator Dog De-Shedding Brush is intended to reduce fatigue on the wrists, making it more comfortable for the user during extended grooming sessions.

Pros
  • Specially designed for de-shedding small dogs
  • Gentle on the dog’s skin
  • Curved edge for efficient grooming
  • Reduces shedding considerably
  • Cleaning the brush is easy
  • Easy to hold
Cons
  • There may be some size issues. Some pugs require medium size.

3. Best Soothing Massage Curry Brush for Wet/Dry Grooming – Bodhi Dog Curry Brush

Sale
Bodhi Dog New Grooming Pet Shampoo Brush | Soothing Massage Rubber Bristles Curry Comb for Dogs & Cats Washing | Professional Quality
27,012 Reviews
Bodhi Dog New Grooming Pet Shampoo Brush | Soothing Massage Rubber Bristles Curry Comb for Dogs & Cats Washing | Professional Quality
  • EFFECTIVE YET GENTLE: The soft rubber tips quickly scrub away dead skin and loose fur making it an excellent pet brush for grooming and bathing. It leaves pet skin clean and helps restore sheen and luster to the coat. Our handheld grooming tool won’t pull on hair making it a perfect brush for pets with sensitive skin. Our dog bath brush also increases the effectiveness of shampoo lathering, allowing less product to go further. Achieve a deeper clean than shampooing alone.
  • PETS LOVE THE MASSAGING BRISTLES: Your pet will now LOVE bath time! Turn grooming into a soothing massage for your pet that feels good, gets them clean and helps keep their skin and coat healthy. Our rubber brush is much gentler on your pet than coarse firm slicker brushes and is a great alternative to a metal bristle brush. The brush is made from natural, unrefined, matte-finish rubber to limit our chemical footprint. The brush is easy to clean.
  • AWARD-WINNING QUALITY: Winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards. A coveted consumer award program recognizing outstanding pet products while enriching the lives of our fur friends. Our waterproof pet brush can be used on wet or dry fur! The rubber curry brush construction is a safe professional quality furry friends with normal or sensitive skin and is best suited to short hair breeds.
  • DOES A GREAT JOB REMOVING FUR: This dog bath brush can be used as a deshedding tool to manage constant shedding. The split ends of the rubber teeth removes pet hair while not tugging excessively like other brushes do. The brush holds onto fur preventing it from flying around and making a mess. To remove hair from the brush, simply turn upside down and tap while gently pulling on the hair.

If you’ve been using your fingers to massage your Pug during bath time, you must get the Bodhi Dog Curry Brush, as it does the job so much better! Its gentle silicone rubber bristles de-shed and massage your dog’s coat to get it squeaky clean while also removing a ton of dead hair.

Simply wet your Pug’s skin and coat and apply the required amount of shampoo. Next, use the Bodhi Dog Shampoo Brush to work up a lather. The brush massages your Pug’s skin while also removing the dead undercoat and deep cleaning your dog.

You can also use this soothing massage brush outside the bath. Using it on your Pug’s dry skin will help reduce shedding. It also circulates the skin oils, making your pet’s coat softer, smoother, and shinier. With regular use, your Pug’s coat will definitely be healthier.

Pros
  • Effective and gentle
  • Can be used wet or dry
  • Removes excess hair easily
  • Gently cleanses and deep-cleans
  • Works on all types of coats
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Water-resistant
Cons
  • Tends to slip off your hands when it is wet and has shampoo.
  • The strap on the brush is not adjustable.

4. Best Value – HappyDogz Slicker Brush

Slicker Dog Brush for Shedding Short Hair & Long Hair - Cat Brush & Dog Grooming Supplies, Deshedding for Single or Double Coated Dogs & Cats - Undercoat Rake for Your Pet
  • CUSTOMER HAPPINESS: Our responsive customer service team is fully committed to ensuring you have the best experience possible! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we will answer ASAP!
  • TRUSTED SLICKER BRUSH ON THE MARKET: Excellent Grooming Results For SMALL Dogs (Med-Large size for medium to large dogs also available)
  • GENTLE BRISTLES - The Special Bristles Are Comfy For Your Dog But Firm Enough to Get Out the Toughest Tangles and Mats
  • ERGONOMIC DURABLE DESIGN - Effortlessly removes debris, mats and dead hair from your pet's coat

HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush is the best hair brush for pugs due to its wider design. It is the choice of thousands of happy customers and was created by pet owners who understand the difficulties of grooming their dogs. Thus, the brush has all the features you’d want in a dog grooming brush for short, double-coated dogs like Pugs.

The brush has a width of 4 ½ inches, which covers a wider area on your dog. This allows for faster and more efficient grooming. The stainless-steel bristles also give efficient results in a short amount of time. They even massage your Pug’s skin to redistribute the natural oils.

HappyDogz Pro Slicker Brush also removes mats, tangles, and dead undercoat hair. It functions as a de-shedding tool but can also be used during non-shedding seasons. Thus, you get the best value for money with this best dog brush for pugs.

Pros
  • Offers high quality and excellent value
  • Effortless, efficient grooming in shorter time
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort
  • Easy to use, easy to clean
  • Traps a lot of hair
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Ideal for multiple coat types and for dogs with sensitive skin
Cons
  • Some pug owners felt that it irritated their pet’s skin.

5. Best Brush for Pug Puppy – Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush

Sale
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush, Multi-Colored
21,184 Reviews
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush, Multi-Colored
  • Developed with pawfessional groomers for everyday de-shedding, detangling and removing small mats
  • Features two brushes and grooming actions in one! One side contains stainless steel tips with a protective coating to remove lose hair and detangle coat; the other side has dense nylon bristles to redistribute natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat
  • Ergonomically designed handle allows for maximum comfort and control

We recommend the Hartz Groomer’s Combo Brush for grooming your young Pug puppy. It has nylon bristles on one side and pins on the other. Use the bristles to gently massage your puppy’s skin and redistribute natural skin oils. Doing this regularly will give your Pug a healthier, softer coat.

The pin side has stainless steel pins, which are covered with safety tips to prevent scratching your young dog’s delicate skin. This side will help remove the dead undercoat and act as a rake without hurting or harming your pet.

The brush is also ergonomically designed – meaning that it won’t lead to wrist strain on the groomer’s hand. This feature is useful if you have to groom multiple dogs. The versatile dual-sided brush also works on long, wiry, double, and single coats.

Pros
  • Two brushes in one grooming tool
  • Designed by professional dog groomers
  • Gentle on Pug puppy’s delicate skin
  • Ergonomically designed to reduce wrist strain
Cons
  • Some users found it difficult to clean
  • A few complained about the brush’s durability.

6. Best Dematting and Shedding Undercoat Rake For Pugs – MaxPower Planet Dog Rake

Sale
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush - Double Sided Shedding and Dematting Undercoat Rake for Dogs and Cats - Extra Wide Dog Grooming Brush, Dog Brush for Shedding, Cat Brush, Dog Brush, Pet Comb, Blue
  • DUAL SIDED DESIGN: This pet brush is perfect for grooming your pet's coat. Designed with a dual-sided design, start with the 9-teeth side to tackle stubborn mats and tangles and finish with the 17-teeth side to thin out and deshed your pet's fur.
  • HEALTHY COAT AND REDUCED SHEDDING: Our dog hair brushes are designed with sharpened but finely rounded teeth. The deshedder brush for dogs allows you to easily and safely remove mats, tangles, knots, and loose hair without irritation or scratching.
  • EFFECTIVE DESHEDDING TOOL: This dematting and deshedding comb gently removes loose hair and eliminates tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt. The perfect cat hair brush and dog grooming brush solution for pets with thick fur or dense double coats
  • COMFORTABLE TO USE: Keep your pet's coat clean and healthy with our undercoat rake for dogs. This dog brush is designed with a lightweight, comfortable, non-slip rubber handle to keep the brush from moving around as you groom your pet.

MaxPower Planet’s dual-sided de-matting and de-shedding undercoat rake helps remove and trap a lot of dog hair. One side has nine teeth, while the other has seventeen teeth. These work together to remove the loose, shed hair. It also eliminates knots, mats, and tangles that single-coated Pugs tend to develop.

Shedding season will be a lot more bearable with the MaxPower Planet’s dual-sided de-matting and de-shedding dog undercoat rake. You will find a lot less hair on your furniture. The rake also applies minimal pressure on the dog’s skin, so there is no fear of scratching or irritating loose and wrinkled skin in your Pug.

Pros
  • Dual-sided design
  • Skin-friendly and non-irritating
  • Effective de-shedding tool
  • Comfortable to use – lightweight and ergonomically designed
Cons
  • A few Pug owners felt it didn’t trap much hair.

Do Pugs Need to be Brushed? How Often Should You Brush a Pug?

Yes, Pugs do require regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and minimize shedding. The frequency of brushing depends on the type of coat they have, which can vary between fawn Pugs with double coats and black Pugs with single coats.

Fawn Pugs with Double Coats

Fawn Pugs have a double coat, consisting of a short, dense undercoat and a coarser, longer outer coat. The undercoat helps provide insulation, while the outer coat serves as protection from the elements.

Despite their short hair, they still shed quite a bit, especially during shedding seasons in the spring and fall. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and dead hairs, preventing them from accumulating on furniture and reducing the amount of hair shed around the house.

Black Pugs with Single Coats

Black Pugs, on the other hand, usually have a single coat, which means they lack the dense undercoat that fawn Pugs possess. While their single coat may seem like it requires less maintenance, it still needs regular brushing.

Brushing helps keep their coat clean, remove loose hairs, and distribute the natural oils throughout the fur, which promotes a healthy shine. Additionally, brushing stimulates the skin and can improve blood circulation, contributing to overall coat health.

Shedding in Pug Breed

Regardless of their coat type, all Pugs shed significantly, comparable to some heavy-shedding breeds like Huskies. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, and it helps them get rid of old and dead hair.

Brushing can help manage shedding by capturing loose hairs before they end up all over your home. It’s essential to use the right grooming tools, such as a soft-bristle brush or a grooming mitt, to avoid irritating your Pug’s sensitive skin.

Frequency of Brushing

For both fawn Pugs with double coats and black Pugs with single coats, regular brushing is recommended at least once or twice a week.

However, during shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to keep the shedding under control. Be sure to use gentle strokes and avoid brushing too vigorously to prevent discomfort for your furry friend.

What Is the Best Brush for Pugs?

Here are the best types of brushes best suited for Pugs:

De-Shedding Brush

Pugs need a de-shedding brush during the shedding season. De-shedding brushes are designed to go deep and gently remove the dead undercoat. Look for brushes that are non-irritating and can remove a great deal of hair without irritating your dog’s skin.

Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes have soft metal or plastic bristles. The bristles remove the loose, dead hair and also massage the skin to redistribute skin oils and improve your dog’s blood circulation. This helps give your pet a healthier skin and coat.

Look for slicker brushes with protective rubber tips that won’t scratch your Pug’s skin or pull its hair.

How Do You Comb a Pug?

Here are the steps to comb your Pug:

  • Start in the direction of the hair growth.
  • You can comb down from your Pug’s neck to the base of its tail.
  • In the case of Pugs with single coats or finer hair ( Pug mixes), use the comb with wider teeth. This will detangle the knots and remove mats without pulling or causing pain.
  • Finish with the side with higher density teeth to remove the loose, dead hair.
  • Use the comb/brush for grooming your Pug at least 2-3 times a week. You might need to brush every day during shedding season.

Conclusion

Our pick for the best brush for Pugs is the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. It is a versatile grooming brush suitable for single-coated black Pugs or double-coated fawn Pugs. It massages your pet while removing a great deal of hair.

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs Cats (Sensitive Skin), Dog Brush for Shedding Dematting Brush Easily Removes Mats Tangles Loose Fur, Pet Grooming Brushes Long Short Haired Dogs Cat Brush
  • THE SLICKER BRUSH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - SMALL: Great brush for grooming delicate areas, or for smaller breed animals. Does your pet suffer from Allergic dermatitis, Folliculitis, Impetigo, Seborrhea or other skin irritants? This is the brush for you! Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this brush will get rid of knots and tangles and protect their skin.
  • THE PERFECT BRUSH TO GET ALL NASTY MATS OUT OF YOUR PET’S FUR – Hertzko’s Slicker Brush gently removes loose Hair, and eliminates tangles, knots, dander and trapped dirt. Does your pet shed A LOT? This shedding brush works great on dogs and cats of all sizes and types of hair!
  • GET RID OF ALL THOSE TANGLES - The bristles are fine bent wires designed to penetrate deep into the coat and are able to groom the undercoat well without scratching your pet's skin! Great brush for dematting shedding dogs and pets with long and short hair! Pets love the way this brush feels, and are excited for each grooming session!
  • EASY TO CLEAN – When you’re done brushing your pet, simply click the button and the bristles retract back into the brush, making it super simple to remove all the hair from the brush, so it’s ready for the next time use. This product is strong and durable, allowing you to brush time and time again!

For Pug puppies, we recommend the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush, as it is gentle on the puppy’s skin and comes highly recommended by professional dog groomers.

Sale
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush, Multi-Colored
21,184 Reviews
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush, Multi-Colored
  • Developed with pawfessional groomers for everyday de-shedding, detangling and removing small mats
  • Features two brushes and grooming actions in one! One side contains stainless steel tips with a protective coating to remove lose hair and detangle coat; the other side has dense nylon bristles to redistribute natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat
  • Ergonomically designed handle allows for maximum comfort and control

For shedding season, we recommend the FURminator Deshedding Comb (B07MZN56N5). It excels at removing shed and loose hair by reaching through the topcoat without causing pain or irritation.

FURminator Dog deShedding Tool, Undercoat deShedding Brush For Small Dogs, Red
  • For Small dogs with short hair: designed especially for dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds.
  • Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat (when used as directed).
  • Furejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease.
  • Ergonomic handle: for comfortable, easy grooming.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.

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