10 Best Dog Brush for Old English Sheepdog in 2026: Mat-Free Coat Care
The best dog brush for Old English Sheepdog coats is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker, whose long, flexible pins reach the dense undercoat. We evaluated 10 brushes and combs, scoring each on Coat Penetration, Comfort, and Durability using specs, groomer guidance, and owner feedback. Most brushes glide over an Old English Sheepdog’s top coat but miss the undercoat, where mats actually form. Whether you need daily upkeep, mat removal, or a budget pick, this guide gives you one clear answer.
Quick Comparison: All 10 Brushes Ranked
| # | Product | Best For | Rating | Badge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush | Daily line-brushing of full coats | 4.8/5 | Best Overall | Buy → |
| 2 | Andis Premium Pin Brush | Quick daily upkeep between full sessions | 4.5/5 | Best for Daily Upkeep | Buy → |
| 3 | Chris Christensen Buttercomb Greyhound Comb | Checking every line for hidden tangles | 4.6/5 | Best Finishing Comb | Buy → |
| 4 | Bass Brushes Style & Detangle Pin Brush | Owners who want a long-lasting heirloom brush | 4.6/5 | Best Premium Pick | Buy → |
| 5 | Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush | Budget-conscious owners and first-time brushers | 4.3/5 | Best Budget | Buy → |
| 6 | Resco Original Pet Pin Brush | Owners who want a groomer-style pin brush | 4.4/5 | Best for Show Coats | Buy → |
| 7 | Safari Professional Slicker Brush | Weekly grooming on a steady schedule | 4.2/5 | Best Value Slicker | Buy → |
| 8 | Safari Dog Dematting Comb with Double-Sided Blades | Breaking up existing mats before brushing | 4.1/5 | Best for Mats | Buy → |
| 9 | Wahl Pet Slicker Brush | New owners learning to brush a long coat | 4.1/5 | Best for Beginners | Buy → |
| 10 | Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush | Light touch-ups for casual owners | 3.8/5 | Best Two-in-One | Buy → |
How We Chose These Brushes
What we reviewed
We compared 10 brushes and combs on pin length, pin firmness, head size, handle design, and how well each handles a long double coat.
Our 3 scoring criteria
Coat Penetration (does it reach the undercoat), Comfort (for dog and owner), and Durability (how long it holds up). All scores are out of 5.
Sources consulted
Breed grooming guidance from iHeartDogs, Orvis, and Artero, plus professional line-brushing instruction from Learn2GroomDogs and verified owner feedback.
What we cut and why
Rubber curry mitts and deshedding blades. They suit short coats and can damage or cut a long, dense Old English Sheepdog coat.
What to Look for When Buying a Dog Brush for an Old English Sheepdog
An Old English Sheepdog carries a long, dense, weather-resistant double coat that needs frequent brushing to prevent matting. The right tool is less about brand and more about whether it reaches the skin.
1. Pin Length and Reach
Mats start at the base of the coat, not on the surface. A brush with short pins glides over the top and leaves the undercoat packed. Look for longer, flexible pins on a slicker, or a metal comb to check the work.
2. Brush Type: Slicker, Pin, or Comb
A slicker removes loose coat and light tangles. A pin brush smooths and maintains. A comb confirms nothing is hiding at the skin. Most owners end up needing a slicker plus a comb, with a pin brush as a bonus for daily upkeep.
3. Comfort and Ergonomics
A heavy coat means long sessions, so grip and weight matter. A cushioned pad flexes against the skin, which helps dogs who dislike brushing. If the dog tolerates the tool, you will brush more often, and that is what prevents mats.
4. Long-Term Durability
Pins that bend, sink, or fall out ruin a brush quickly. Metal pins in a firm backing and a well-attached handle last longest. Budget brushes can be fine for starting out, but a sturdier one saves replacements over the years.
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush: Reaches the undercoat fast
Best for: Daily line-brushing of full coats
Old English Sheepdog owners lose most brushing battles at the undercoat, where mats start long before they show. The Big G Slicker is built for that problem, with long, flexible pins on a large head that cover more coat per stroke. It suits the line-brushing method groomers use on this breed, moving through dense hair without the harsh scratching of cheaper slickers. Choose it if you brush daily and want mats caught early. The trade-off is a premium build that costs more than basic slickers, and the long pins demand a gentle hand over sensitive skin.
- Long pins reach the dense undercoat
- Large head covers more coat per stroke
- Flexible pins glide without harsh scratching
- Premium build costs more than basics
- Long pins need a gentle hand
4.9/5
4.6/5
4.8/5
Andis Premium Pin Brush: Gentle, fast surface maintenance
Best for: Quick daily upkeep between full sessions
Not every brushing session needs a deep dig. Between full line-brushing days, a pin brush keeps the outer coat smooth, spreads natural oils, and removes loose debris after walks. The Andis Premium Pin Brush has a cushioned pad that flexes against the skin, so it feels comfortable on a thick coat. It will not fully replace a slicker or comb, because the pins glide over packed undercoat instead of cutting through it. Pair it with a deeper tool once or twice a week and use this one for the rest.
- Cushioned pad feels comfortable on skin
- Great for quick daily touch-ups
- Spreads coat oils for natural shine
- Pins skim over packed undercoat
- Not enough alone for mat prevention
4.2/5
4.8/5
4.5/5
SaveChris Christensen Buttercomb Greyhound Comb: The honest mat detector
Best for: Checking every line for hidden tangles
A brush can feel finished while mats still hide at the skin. That is why groomers finish every section with a comb, and why this one earns a spot in any Old English Sheepdog kit. The Buttercomb is a smooth, polished greyhound-style comb with a mix of wide and fine teeth, so it glides through clean hair and stops at trouble. If it catches, you missed a spot. It is not a brush and will not remove loose coat quickly, so treat it as your quality-control step after the slicker.
- Catches hidden tangles at the skin
- Smooth teeth glide through clean coat
- Metal build outlasts plastic combs
- Does not remove loose coat quickly
- Slow as a stand-alone tool
4.7/5
4.2/5
4.9/5
Bass Brushes Style & Detangle Pin Brush: Built to last years
Best for: Owners who want a long-lasting heirloom brush
Some owners would rather buy one brush that lasts than replace cheap ones every year. Bass Brushes builds its pin brush with a solid handle and a firm, well-anchored pin set, so it feels sturdy in a heavy-coated dog’s thick hair. The comfortable grip helps during long sessions, which matters when you are working through a coat this size. It is a pin brush, so it detangles light knots well but will not cut through tight mats. Expect to pay a premium tier for the quality.
- Sturdy handle with a comfortable grip
- Firm pins stay anchored over time
- Feels solid during long sessions
- Premium tier cost
- Cannot break tight mats
4.3/5
4.7/5
4.8/5
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush: Easy cleanup, friendly cost
Best for: Budget-conscious owners and first-time brushers
A coat this thick fills a slicker brush after a few strokes, and cleaning it by hand gets old fast. The Hertzko solves that with a push-button that retracts the pins and releases the hair in one move. That keeps sessions moving and makes it a sensible first brush for new owners watching their spending. The pins are shorter than those on professional slickers, so they may skim a very dense undercoat and need extra passes. Use it for regular maintenance, then add a comb to confirm nothing is hiding underneath.
- Button release clears hair instantly
- Budget-friendly entry into slicker brushing
- Cushioned handle suits new users
- Shorter pins skim dense undercoat
- Retracting parts may wear sooner
4.3/5
4.6/5
4.0/5
Resco Original Pet Pin Brush: Groomer-style pin brush
Best for: Owners who want a groomer-style pin brush
Show-style grooming favors pin brushes because they separate hair gently instead of tearing it. The Resco pin brush is a long-running groomer staple, with a rubber cushion that gives slightly under pressure and pins spaced to move through longer hair. It is a good partner for line-brushing a coat that has already been detangled, adding smoothness and body. On a neglected coat with tight mats it will struggle, so start with a slicker or dematting comb first. Keep it for maintenance days when the coat is in decent shape.
- Groomer-trusted pin and cushion design
- Separates hair gently without tearing
- Adds smoothness after detangling
- Struggles on neglected, matted coats
- Needs a slicker for first pass
4.4/5
4.4/5
4.4/5
SaveSafari Professional Slicker Brush: Dependable slicker for regular use
Best for: Weekly grooming on a steady schedule
Plenty of owners want a proper slicker without paying for a salon-grade one. The Safari Professional Slicker is a straightforward design with bent wire pins on a firm backing, aimed at removing loose hair and light tangles from medium to long coats. It handles weekly sessions well and is easy to find. On an Old English Sheepdog it works best when used in sections, because the head is smaller than the largest professional slickers. Be careful with pressure, as any slicker can irritate skin if pushed too hard.
- Proper bent-wire pins at a fair value
- Removes loose hair and light tangles
- Easy to find and replace
- Smaller head means more passes
- Pressing hard can irritate skin
4.2/5
4.3/5
4.1/5
Safari Dog Dematting Comb with Double-Sided Blades: Rescue tool for stubborn tangles
Best for: Breaking up existing mats before brushing
Even devoted owners find a mat now and then, usually behind the ears, under the legs, or around the collar. Pulling a brush through a mat hurts the dog and tightens the knot. A dematting comb with blades splits the mat into smaller sections so the hair can be brushed out without yanking. This Safari design has two sides for different mat sizes. Use it slowly and always hold the hair at the base. It is a rescue tool, not a daily brush, and it can cut coat if used carelessly.
- Splits mats into manageable sections
- Two sides cover different mat sizes
- Saves a painful trip to the groomer
- Blades can cut coat if rushed
- Not a daily grooming tool
4.5/5
3.8/5
4.1/5
Wahl Pet Slicker Brush: Simple, approachable slicker
Best for: New owners learning to brush a long coat
If you are new to brushing a heavy coat, a simple, no-frills slicker is a fair place to start. The Wahl slicker uses a familiar pin-on-pad design with a comfortable handle, and it is widely available. It removes loose hair from the surface and from light tangles, which covers the basics for owners still learning to line-brush. As your skills grow, you will probably want something with longer pins to reach the base of the coat. Until then, pair it with a metal comb so you can check your work.
- Familiar, simple design for beginners
- Comfortable handle for longer sessions
- Widely available and easy to replace
- Pins are short for deep coat
- Outgrown once skills improve
4.0/5
4.3/5
4.0/5
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush: Convenient but not coat-specific
Best for: Light touch-ups for casual owners
A two-sided brush looks like a bargain, one side with bristles for smoothing and one with pins for detangling. The Hartz Combo is easy to use for light tasks like a quick tidy before guests or a daily pass on a recently groomed dog. For a full Old English Sheepdog coat it is not enough on its own. The pins are short, and the bristle side does not reach the skin. We rank it last for that reason, but it is a handy extra for the car or a travel bag.
- Two sides for smoothing and detangling
- Convenient for quick touch-ups
- Handy backup for travel bags
- Short pins miss the undercoat
- Not enough for full-coat care
3.6/5
4.1/5
3.8/5
Top 3 Head-to-Head: Big G Slicker vs Andis Pin Brush vs Buttercomb
These three cover the whole routine, from deep brushing to daily upkeep to final checks. Most owners end up choosing one as a base and adding a second.
| Feature | #1 Big G Slicker | #2 Andis Pin Brush | #3 Buttercomb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Penetration | 4.9/5 (Best) | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Comfort | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 (Best) | 4.2/5 |
| Durability | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.9/5 (Best) |
| Choose if… | You brush daily and want mats caught early | You want gentle, fast daily upkeep | You want to verify every section is tangle-free |
Who These Brushes Are NOT For
A good brush cannot fix a coat that is already badly matted or a routine that happens only once a month.
Owners who prefer a short clip all year need fewer tools, and the Hartz Combo or a simple slicker may be plenty. These picks are built for owners keeping a long, full coat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most mats trace back to a few habits, not the brush itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Brushes for Old English Sheepdogs
What kind of brush works best for an Old English Sheepdog?
A slicker brush paired with a metal comb works best. The slicker removes loose hair and light tangles, while the comb confirms nothing is hiding at the skin. A pin brush is a good extra for daily upkeep. Choose tools with longer pins so they reach through the dense double coat.
How often should you brush an Old English Sheepdog?
Most days is the safest answer. The long, dense coat tangles quickly, especially after outdoor exercise, and daily brushing is the most reliable way to prevent mats. If you cannot manage daily, aim for at least several thorough sessions each week and check behind the ears and under the legs.
How can you reduce shedding in an Old English Sheepdog?
Regular, thorough brushing is the most effective way to manage shedding. It removes loose undercoat before it lands on your floor and keeps the skin healthy. A proper slicker and comb routine, plus a good diet and occasional baths, helps keep loose hair under control throughout the year.
Can you shave an Old English Sheepdog in summer?
A full shave is generally not recommended, because the double coat helps protect against both heat and sun. A trimmed, well-brushed coat is a safer option. If you want a shorter style, talk to a professional groomer or your vet first so the cut suits your dog and climate.
Can you groom an Old English Sheepdog at home?
Yes, many owners do, with the right tools and patience. A slicker brush, metal comb, and detangling spray cover the basics. Learning line-brushing helps a lot. Some owners still use a groomer for baths, trims, or mat removal, which is a sensible mix for a heavy coat.
When should you start grooming an Old English Sheepdog puppy?
Start as early as you can, even before the adult coat grows in. Short, gentle, positive sessions teach the puppy to accept brushing, combs, and handling. Use soft tools at first, offer treats, and build up gradually so brushing feels normal long before the coat gets heavy.
Our Final Verdict
For Old English Sheepdog owners, the right brush is the one that reaches the undercoat. A long-pin slicker leads the pack, a metal comb confirms your work, and a pin brush handles quick days. Buy for coat penetration first, comfort second, and brand last.
Thomas Cutter is a lifelong dog owner and the founder of FindOutAboutDogs.com. With over 10 years of hands-on experience owning multiple breeds, Thomas created this site to provide honest, research-based dog advice that real owners can actually trust.
