Buying guide
Best Dog Grooming Tools in Australia 2025 — By Coat Type
Different coats need completely different tools. Using the wrong brush can damage your dog's coat — here's exactly what you need for your breed.
4 picks, 6 min read
Our top picks
- 1
Best for Double Coats
FURminator deShedding Tool
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Pro-Grade Quality
Chris Christensen Slicker Brush
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Best for Home Trimming
Wahl Arco Dog Clipper Kit
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Vet Favourite
Aloveen Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
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Compare at a glance
Short / Smooth
- Breeds
- Labrador, Boxer, Beagle
- Primary Tool
- Rubber curry brush
- Secondary Tool
- Slicker brush
- Grooming Frequency
- Brush every 6–8 weeks; bathe monthly
Double Coat
- Breeds
- German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Husky
- Primary Tool
- Undercoat rake / FURminator
- Secondary Tool
- Slicker brush
- Grooming Frequency
- Brush every 4–6 weeks; daily during shedding season
Curly / Poodle
- Breeds
- Poodle, Cavoodle, Labradoodle
- Primary Tool
- Slicker brush
- Secondary Tool
- Pin brush + wide comb
- Grooming Frequency
- Brush weekly; professional groom every 6–8 weeks
Long Silky
- Breeds
- Afghan, Maltese, Shih Tzu
- Primary Tool
- Pin brush
- Secondary Tool
- Wide-tooth comb
- Grooming Frequency
- Brush every 2–3 days; professional groom every 4–6 weeks
Wiry / Rough
- Breeds
- Terrier, Schnauzer, Wire Fox
- Primary Tool
- Slicker brush
- Secondary Tool
- Undercoat rake
- Grooming Frequency
- Professional groom every 8–12 weeks
| Coat Type | Breeds | Primary Tool | Secondary Tool | Grooming Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short / Smooth | Labrador, Boxer, Beagle | Rubber curry brush | Slicker brush | Brush every 6–8 weeks; bathe monthly |
| Double Coat | German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Husky | Undercoat rake / FURminator | Slicker brush | Brush every 4–6 weeks; daily during shedding season |
| Curly / Poodle | Poodle, Cavoodle, Labradoodle | Slicker brush | Pin brush + wide comb | Brush weekly; professional groom every 6–8 weeks |
| Long Silky | Afghan, Maltese, Shih Tzu | Pin brush | Wide-tooth comb | Brush every 2–3 days; professional groom every 4–6 weeks |
| Wiry / Rough | Terrier, Schnauzer, Wire Fox | Slicker brush | Undercoat rake | Professional groom every 8–12 weeks |
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product links on this page go to Amazon AU. Prices shown are approximate, check Amazon for current pricing.
Every coat type needs different tools. A slicker brush on a silky-coated dog causes breakage. A pin brush alone won't touch a double coat's undercoat. And if you're shedding buckets in Australian summer, you're almost certainly using the wrong tool. Here's exactly what each coat type needs.
Coat Types and the Tools That Work
Essential Grooming Products
Best for Double Coats
FURminator deShedding Tool
The gold standard for double coats and heavy shedders. Removes up to 90% of loose undercoat before it hits your lounge. Works on wet or dry coat. Available in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs. Reduces shedding dramatically within weeks.
- Removes up to 90% of loose undercoat
- Works on wet or dry coat
- Ergonomic handle, skin-safe design
- Available at Pet Circle, Petbarn, Amazon AU
Pro-Grade Quality
Chris Christensen Slicker Brush
Professional-grade slicker used by Australian dog show handlers. Fine stainless steel teeth detangle without breakage. Works on curly, long, and double coats. Expensive but built to last years.
- Fine-tooth stainless steel pins
- Prevents coat breakage during detangling
- Perfect for Poodles, Cavoodles, Doodles
- Lasts years with proper care
Best for Home Trimming
Wahl Arco Dog Clipper Kit
Cordless, quiet clipper for home grooming. Includes multiple guards for sanitary trims, foot pads, and face work between professional grooms. Runs 90 minutes per charge, low vibration. Significantly reduces professional grooming frequency for curly breeds.
- Cordless — 90 minutes per charge
- Includes 5 guide combs
- Low vibration, quieter than most clippers
- Great for Poodles, Doodles, Schnauzers
Vet Favourite
Aloveen Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Vet-recommended Australian brand formulated for dry, itchy skin. Aloe vera and oatmeal soothe while gently cleaning. Hypoallergenic. Every Australian vet clinic stocks this — widely trusted and easy to find.
- Hypoallergenic oatmeal formula
- Soothing for sensitive and itchy skin
- Gentle enough for regular use
- Available at all AU vet clinics and pet stores
Australian Summer Shedding Strategy
Professional Grooming Costs in Australia
- Small dog (under 10kg) — Maltese, Cavoodle, Chihuahua
- $80–$120 AUD per session
- Medium dog (10–25kg) — Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Labradoodle
- $110–$150 AUD per session
- Large dog (25kg+) — Golden Retriever, Husky, GSD
- $150–$200 AUD per session
- Mobile groomer (comes to you)
- Add $30–$50 on top — more convenient, less stressful for anxious dogs
- Frequency for curly/long coats
- Every 6–8 weeks for full grooms. Use Wahl clippers at home between visits to reduce cost.
Bathing: Frequency and Best Practice
- Short-coated dogs (Lab, Boxer)
- Bathe monthly or when visibly dirty. Overbathing strips natural oils from the skin.
- Double-coated dogs (Golden, Shepherd)
- Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Always blow-dry fully — damp undercoat causes skin infections.
- Curly coats (Poodle, Doodle)
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks. Brush before bathing to remove mats — water tightens mats permanently.
- Dog smells bad between baths
- Usually a skin or ear issue — see your vet. Don't compensate by bathing more frequently.
Common questions
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. Human shampoo has a different pH and can irritate your dog's skin. Use dog shampoo only. Aloveen is widely available at Australian vet clinics and Petbarn.
My dog hates being brushed. What do I do?
Start young and make it positive. Use treats, keep sessions short (5 minutes), and brush gently. If your dog has severe matting or anxiety, a professional groomer can help desensitise them over several visits.
Do I need to brush my short-coated dog?
Yes, but less often. Even short-coated dogs shed (especially in Australian summer) and benefit from weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair and improve circulation.
What's the difference between a slicker and a pin brush?
Slicker brushes have short, fine, tightly packed wires — great for detangling and double coats. Pin brushes have longer, wired bristles spaced apart — better for long silky coats and finishing touches.
Is it safe to groom a wet dog?
It depends. A FURminator works on wet or dry coats. But slicker brushes can snag wet hair and cause breakage. Most groomers dry dogs first, then brush. Always brush before bathing if possible.
How do I know if my dog has mats?
Feel through the coat toward the skin with your fingers. Mats feel like hard, tangled clumps, especially behind ears, under armpits, and between back legs. Catch them early — large mats are painful to remove and may need professional help.