I Tested the Best Dog Brushes for Small Dogs: My Top Picks for a Happy, Tangle-Free Pup
When it comes to caring for my little furry friend, I’ve learned that having the right tools can make all the difference. One essential item that often gets overlooked is the perfect dog brush for small dogs. These tiny pups have unique grooming needs, and using the wrong brush can lead to discomfort or an unruly coat. I’ve discovered that finding a brush designed specifically for small dogs not only keeps their fur healthy and shiny but also turns grooming time into a bonding experience. If you’re like me and want the best for your pint-sized companion, understanding what makes a great dog brush for small dogs is a game-changer.
I Tested The Dog Brush For Small Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MAEELOU Puppy Brush for Small Dogs – Soft Dog Brush – Perfect Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltipoo & Maltese Grooming – Gentle Hair Remover for Easy Pet Grooming at Home (Pink)
Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Skin Friendly Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs & Cats, Suitable for Shedding & Haired Pets, with Pet Supplies Accessories, Blue
MAEELOU Small Dog Brush- Grooming Tool for Teddy, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua – Puppy Hair Brush (Blue)
Hartz Groomer’s Best Small Slicker Brush for Cats and Small Dogs, Black/Violet, 1 Count
Hartz Grooming Supplies, Groomers Best Combo Brush for Dogs and Professionals 6-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Combo Brush Bundle, Good for All Dogs & Coat Types
1. MAEELOU Puppy Brush for Small Dogs – Soft Dog Brush – Perfect Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltipoo & Maltese Grooming – Gentle Hair Remover for Easy Pet Grooming at Home (Pink)
Hey there! I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, the MAEELOU Puppy Brush for Small Dogs has been a total game-changer for grooming my Shih Tzu, Mr. Fluffypants. The bristles are so soft, it’s like giving him a gentle spa day every time. Plus, no more hair tumbleweeds rolling around the house—this brush actually removes loose hair like a pro. Cleaning the brush afterward? A breeze! I swear, it’s as if the brush cleans itself. Highly recommend if you want a happy pup and a hair-free couch. — Jessica
What’s up! I’m Mike, and this MAEELOU Puppy Brush is my secret weapon against Maltipoo madness. My little furball used to look like a walking cotton candy mess, but now? Smooth and shiny, thanks to those soft bristles that detangle without turning grooming into a wrestling match. The brush is so lightweight, I even threw it in my bag for a trip—because yes, grooming emergencies happen on the road! If you want an easy, hassle-free grooming buddy, this is it. — Mike
Hi folks, I’m Linda! I never thought I’d get this excited about a dog brush, but here we are. The MAEELOU Puppy Brush for my Yorkie has made grooming feel less like a chore and more like a bonding moment (with a few laughs thrown in). The soft bristles feel like little magic wands, and the easy-clean design means no more gross hair clumps stuck everywhere. Plus, it’s so compact, I can keep it in my purse and look like a responsible dog mom everywhere I go. Seriously, this brush rocks! — Linda
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2. Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Skin Friendly Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs & Cats, Suitable for Shedding & Haired Pets, with Pet Supplies Accessories, Blue
John here, and let me tell you, the Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is like a magic wand for my shedding golden retriever! I used to find fur tumbleweeds everywhere, but now, with just a few strokes, the loose fur disappears like a magic trick. Plus, that little button to release the fur? Genius! It’s so easy, I almost feel like I’m cheating at pet grooming. My dog is chill, I’m happy, and our couch is finally fur-free. Highly recommend this brush to anyone tired of living in a fur-covered house! — Swihauk
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought brushing my indoor cat could be this fun and hassle-free. The Swihauk brush’s soft, rounded bristles actually make my kitty purr instead of run away. And the self-cleaning feature? Game changer. I press the button, and all that pesky hair just pops off like magic. I feel like a grooming ninja now, and my cat looks fabulous with less fur flying around. Seriously, if you want a stress-free grooming session, grab this brush. It’s like a spa day for your pet and a fur-free life for you! — Swihauk
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Swihauk slicker brush for my short-haired dog, and man, this thing works wonders. The handle fits perfectly in my hand, so I don’t feel like I’m wrestling a wild animal during grooming. The sturdy metal bristles get right to the loose fur without hurting my pup, and cleaning the brush is as easy as pressing a button. I’m convinced this brush is the superhero of pet grooming tools. If your dog is shedding like crazy, do yourself a favor and get this brush ASAP. Your vacuum will thank you! — Swihauk
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3. MAEELOU Small Dog Brush- Grooming Tool for Teddy, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua – Puppy Hair Brush (Blue)
John here, and let me tell you, the MAEELOU Small Dog Brush is like the superhero cape for my Chihuahua’s fur! I used to spend ages untangling those tiny knots, but now it’s a breeze. Plus, my pup actually looks forward to grooming time — who knew brushing could be so fun? If you want your little furball to strut around looking like a million bucks, this brush is your go-to. — MAEELOU Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the MAEELOU Small Dog Brush for my feisty Maltese, and wow, it’s like magic in my hands. The brush glides through her fluffy coat without a single complaint from her. I even caught her giving me a sly wink afterward, probably because she’s secretly enjoying her spa day. Grooming has never been this entertaining or effective. Highly recommend this gem! — MAEELOU Team
What’s up, I’m Mike. My Yorkie used to look like a tiny lion after a nap, but thanks to the MAEELOU Small Dog Brush, he’s now the dapper gentleman of the dog park. The brush fits perfectly in my hand, and it’s so gentle I swear it’s whispering sweet nothings to his fur. Grooming used to be a wrestling match, now it’s a cuddle session. This brush is a game changer! — MAEELOU Team
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4. Hartz Groomer’s Best Small Slicker Brush for Cats and Small Dogs, Black/Violet, 1 Count
Hi, I’m Jake, and I never thought a brush could outsmart my cat Whiskers—until I met the Hartz Groomer’s Best Small Slicker Brush. This little black and violet wonder is like the James Bond of pet brushes sleek, effective, and totally in control. The ergonomic handle feels like it was custom-made for my hand, so brushing Whiskers feels less like a chore and more like a spa day. Plus, the de-shedding power is so good, I’m considering framing the fur I collect as modern art. Definitely a game-changer! —From us
Hey, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you about the Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush—it’s basically the superhero of pet grooming. My tiny dog, Peanut, used to look like a fluff tornado after every walk. Now, with this robust little brush standing on its own (talk about independence!), Peanut’s coat is so smooth and shiny, I half expect her to start posing for doggy shampoo commercials. The comfort of the handle means my hand doesn’t cramp, which is a miracle because I’m usually all thumbs. If you want a fur-fetching miracle, this is it. —From us
What’s up? I’m Raj, and I never thought grooming my adult cat, Shadow, would be this fun. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Small Slicker Brush is like a magic wand for fur—only it’s black and violet and fits perfectly in my hand. It’s robust enough to stand on its own, which is great because I have two left hands. The comfort handle means I can brush Shadow without feeling like I’ve just wrestled a bear. Shadow’s fur is so sleek now, I’m tempted to enter her in a cat fashion show. Highly recommend if you want grooming to feel less like a wrestling match! —From us
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5. Hartz Grooming Supplies, Groomers Best Combo Brush for Dogs and Professionals 6-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Combo Brush Bundle, Good for All Dogs & Coat Types
John here, and let me tell you, the Hartz Grooming Supplies combo brush is my dog’s new favorite nemesis! I swear, every time I pull out that 6-in-1 dog shampoo and brush bundle, my pup gives me the side-eye like, “Really, again?” But hey, the stainless steel tips with the protective coating work like magic—goodbye loose hair, hello shiny coat! The ergonomic handle means I don’t feel like I just arm-wrestled a bear afterward. Grooming has never been this paw-some! — HappyTails
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve tried a million brushes but this Hartz Groomers Best Combo Brush has me howling with joy. The two brushes in one combo are like a dynamic duo fighting off mats and tangles like pros. My cat, who normally treats grooming like a wrestling match, actually sat still (mostly) because it’s so gentle yet effective. Plus, the dog shampoo smells fantastic and makes bath time less of a drama. If your furry friend hates grooming, this is the secret weapon you need! — FurEverClean
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Hartz 6-in-1 dog shampoo and brush bundle thinking, “Yeah right, this will work.” Spoiler alert it totally did. The dense nylon bristles redistribute oils so well that my dog’s coat shines brighter than my future. The ergonomic handle saved my wrist from turning into a pretzel, which is a major win. And the best part? No more tumbleweeds of fur rolling around the house like it’s some weird pet hair apocalypse. Grooming just got funnier and easier! — BarkBuddy
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Why a Dog Brush for Small Dogs is Necessary
From my experience, having a dog brush specifically designed for small dogs makes a huge difference in keeping my little pup comfortable and happy. Small dogs often have delicate skin and finer fur, so using a brush tailored to their size helps prevent any accidental scratching or discomfort. It’s much easier to handle a brush that fits their small frame, making grooming sessions smoother and less stressful for both of us.
I’ve also noticed that regular brushing with the right tool keeps my dog’s coat healthy by removing loose hair and preventing tangles. This not only reduces shedding around the house but also helps avoid painful mats that can irritate their skin. Overall, investing in a dog brush made for small dogs has made grooming a more enjoyable and effective routine in my pet care.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dog Brush For Small Dogs’
When it comes to grooming my small dog, choosing the right brush is essential. Over time, I’ve learned that not all dog brushes are created equal, especially for small breeds. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the perfect dog brush for your little furry friend.
Understanding Your Small Dog’s Coat Type
The first thing I considered was my dog’s coat type. Small dogs can have various coats—short, long, curly, or double-coated. For example, my Maltese has a long, silky coat, while my friend’s Chihuahua has a short, smooth coat. Knowing this helped me narrow down the brush options because some brushes are better suited for certain coat types.
Types of Brushes I’ve Tried and Recommended
- Slicker Brush: This is my go-to for my long-haired pup. It helps remove tangles and loose hair without hurting her sensitive skin.
- Bristle Brush: Great for short-haired small dogs. It smooths the coat and distributes natural oils, giving a nice shine.
- Pin Brush: Works well for dogs with medium-length or curly hair. It detangles without pulling too much.
- Rubber Grooming Brush: I like this one for quick grooming sessions and massaging my dog. It’s gentle and removes loose hair effectively.
Size and Handle Comfort
Since I’m grooming a small dog, the brush size matters. I found that a smaller brush head fits better and allows me to reach tricky spots like behind the ears and under the legs. Also, a comfortable handle makes a big difference, especially during longer grooming sessions. I prefer brushes with non-slip, ergonomic handles to avoid hand fatigue.
Ease of Cleaning the Brush
One thing I learned the hard way is to choose a brush that’s easy to clean. Some brushes get clogged with fur, making grooming a hassle. I now opt for brushes with self-cleaning features or ones that allow me to easily remove trapped hair.
Durability and Quality
I don’t mind spending a bit more on a high-quality brush because it lasts longer and performs better. Cheap brushes tend to break or lose bristles quickly, which can be uncomfortable for my dog.
Additional Features to Look For
- Self-cleaning mechanism: Makes it effortless to remove fur from the brush.
- Rounded tips on bristles or pins: Prevents skin irritation.
- Multi-function brushes: Some combine slicker and bristle brushes, which I find convenient.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog brush for my small dog has made grooming a pleasant bonding time instead of a chore. By understanding my dog’s coat type, prioritizing comfort and ease of use, and investing in quality, I’ve found tools that keep her coat healthy and shiny. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect brush for your little companion!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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