The French Bulldog is a beloved and popular dog breed. These adorable dogs can be challenging to care for because they can have several significant genetic health concerns. So, helping them maintain a healthy skin and coat can give you and your Frenchie one less thing to worry about.
French Bulldogs have short coats that shed a lot more heavily in the summer and winter as they’re changing out their seasonal coats. So, having appropriate brushes can help with the shedding as well as help circulate natural oils on their skin.
It’ll take some trial and error to figure out a combination of brushes that work for your unique Frenchie. Here are some reviews of the most popular brushes for French Bulldogs to help you out.
A Quick Look at Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Safari Short Hair Dog Brush
Designed specifically for short coats
Can reach undercoats
Nylon pins massage coat and skin
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Best Value
Frisco Cat & Dog Combo Brush
Double-sided
Soft bristles are good for sensitive skin
Ergonomic handle
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Premium Choice
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
Stainless-steel edge helps loosen dead hairs
Curved edge glides comfortably
Ergonomic handle
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Best for Puppies
Burt’s Bees Puppy Double Sided Brush
Double-sided
Bristle side is non-abrasive
Made with bamboo and recycled materials
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Safari Short Hair Shedding Dog Comb
Good for heavy shedders
Long teeth reach the base of the coat
Short teeth pick up hair and debris
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The 10 Best Brushes for French Bulldogs
If we had to choose just one brush, we’d have to say that the Safari Nylon Coated Tip Short Hair Dog Brush is the best overall brush for French Bulldogs. This pin brush is specifically designed for short coats and helps to remove loose hair and reach undercoats.
Brush Type: Pin brush
Material: Plastic, nylon
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The pins are coated with nylon, which work to massage your dog’s skin and distribute natural oils to keep the coat evenly moisturized. The material on the face of the brush also does a great job of gripping and picking up dirt and other debris from your Frenchie’s coat.
However, since fur and dirt cling well to the material, it can be a bit of a hassle to remove and clean out loose hairs and debris from the brush.
Pros
Designed specifically for short coats
Can reach undercoats
Nylon pins massage coat and skin
Picks up dirt and debris well
Cons
Difficult to clean
This 2-in-1 Frisco Cat & Dog Combo Brush is a convenient grooming tool that helps make brushing an easier process.
Designed specifically for short coats
Can reach undercoats
Nylon pins massage coat and skin
Picks up dirt and debris well
- Designed specifically for short coats
- Can reach undercoats
- Nylon pins massage coat and skin
- Picks up dirt and debris well
Difficult to clean
- Difficult to clean
Brush Type: Pin brush, bristle brush
Material: Plastic, rubber
One side has a pin brush, which is effective in brushing out loose hairs. Once you finish using the pin side, you can flip the brush over to the bristle side for further cleaning. The bristle brush is relatively soft, so it doesn’t irritate your Frenchie’s sensitive skin. It also removes debris fairly well and helps to distribute natural hair oils.
The brush handle is ergonomic. It has a comfortable rubber grip with contours, so brushing is easier for the handler. However, due to the thick shape of the brush, it can be a challenge to get to hard-to-reach places, such as the armpits.
Most French Bulldog owners are able to work around this minor setback. So, with how convenient this brush is and its relatively affordable price, we’d consider it to be the best brush for French Bulldogs for the money you pay.
Pros
Double-sided
Soft bristles are good for sensitive skin
Ergonomic handle
Cons
Size can be too thick to reach some places
FURminator is a well-known and trusted brand that produces premium dog grooming tools. This FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is no exception to FURminator’s standards of excellence. It’s especially helpful for French Bulldogs that are heavy seasonal shedders.
Double-sided
Soft bristles are good for sensitive skin
Ergonomic handle
- Double-sided
- Soft bristles are good for sensitive skin
- Ergonomic handle
Size can be too thick to reach some places
- Size can be too thick to reach some places
Brush Type: Deshedding tool
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
This deshedding tool has a stainless-steel edge that helps to loosen up dead hairs. The edge is also curved so that it glides comfortably across the dog’s body. The ergonomic handle also provides an easy experience.
Overall, this brush has a very thoughtful design. So, even though it’s typically more expensive than standard brushes, it’s an invaluable tool to help you face shedding season.
Pros
Stainless-steel edge helps loosen dead hairs
Curved edge glides comfortably
Ergonomic handle
Cons
Relatively expensive
The Burt’s Bees Puppy Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush is specifically designed for puppies. Both sides of the brush are gentle to use on a puppy’s sensitive skin. The pin side works to remove dead hairs and debris. The bristle side is made with hemp material and is non-abrasive and able to gently massage the puppy’s skin and coat.
Stainless-steel edge helps loosen dead hairs
Curved edge glides comfortably
Ergonomic handle
- Stainless-steel edge helps loosen dead hairs
- Curved edge glides comfortably
- Ergonomic handle
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Brush Type: Pin brush, bristle brush
Material: Metal, wood
Along with being a gentle brush, it’s also made with bamboo and recycled materials. So, it’s an eco-friendly option for anyone looking to shop consciously. The only setback is that the handle is pretty stiff. So, while it provides a comfortable experience for puppies, it’s not as comfortable for handlers.
Pros
Double-sided
Bristle side is non-abrasive
Made with bamboo and recycled materials
Cons
Non-ergonomic handle
If you’re looking for a thorough grooming tool that will pick up debris and hair effectively, a fine-tooth comb may be more up your alley. The Safari Short Hair Shedding Dog Comb has thinly spaced-out teeth that will pick up more fur than a pin brush or bristle brush. So, if you have a Frenchie that tends to shed heavily, this comb will help manage the shedding.
Double-sided
Bristle side is non-abrasive
Made with bamboo and recycled materials
- Double-sided
- Bristle side is non-abrasive
- Made with bamboo and recycled materials
Non-ergonomic handle
- Non-ergonomic handle
Brush Type: Fine-tooth comb
Material: Wood, metal
This comb has two sets of teeth. The longer set helps to reach to the base of the dog’s coat while the shorter set will help to collect loose hairs and capture debris. The handle has an ergonomic shape, but it’s still pretty stiff as it’s made entirely out of wood.
Pros
Good for heavy shedders
Long teeth reach the base of the coat
Short teeth pick up hair and debris
Cons
Handle can feel stiff
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Fur Fetcher DeShedding Dog Brush is a great brush for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of hair on furniture and carpets. This brush works extremely well with short, smooth coats because it has a micro comb that can gently pick up short hair.
Good for heavy shedders
Long teeth reach the base of the coat
Short teeth pick up hair and debris
- Good for heavy shedders
- Long teeth reach the base of the coat
- Short teeth pick up hair and debris
Handle can feel stiff
- Handle can feel stiff
Brush Type: Deshedding tool
Material: Plastic
While the brush may look different or intimidating compared to your standard dog brush, it’s actually very safe and doesn’t contain any blades. So, you don’t have to worry about any harm, especially if you have a Frenchie with looser skin.
However, the brush’s teeth are made of plastic. So, the brush will wear out faster than brushes with metal teeth.
Pros
Made specifically for short coats
Micro comb effectively picks up short hair
Doesn’t contain metal blades
Cons
Plastic teeth aren’t as durable as metal ones
- Frisco Soft Slicker Dog Brush
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Brush Type: Slicker brush
Material: Plastic
The Frisco Soft Slicker Dog Brush is a great option for dogs with particularly sensitive skin. Unlike traditional slicker brushes that have fine pins at the end, this slicker brush has plastic-coated pins. So, it glides across the coat without getting snagged. It doesn’t pick up as much hair as a regular slicker brush, but it’s still an effective alternative for easily irritated skin.
Made specifically for short coats
Micro comb effectively picks up short hair
Doesn’t contain metal blades
- Made specifically for short coats
- Micro comb effectively picks up short hair
- Doesn’t contain metal blades
Plastic teeth aren’t as durable as metal ones
- Plastic teeth aren’t as durable as metal ones
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Brush Type: Slicker brush
Material: Plastic
The brush also has an extremely comfortable and ergonomic handle with grooves that help you to maintain your grip. It provides a safe and comfortable experience for both dogs and owners.
Pros
Plastic-coated pins are gentle on skin
Glides smoothly across coat
Ergonomic handle
Cons
Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hairs
The Safari Flexible Slicker Dog Brush is one of the most ergonomic brushes you’ll find. The handle is extremely comfortable to hold, and it has non-slip pads to help you maintain a secure grip. The brush head is also flexible and moves with the contours of your Frenchie’s body. So, it’s an excellent choice for getting to hard-to-reach spaces.
Plastic-coated pins are gentle on skin
Glides smoothly across coat
Ergonomic handle
- Plastic-coated pins are gentle on skin
- Glides smoothly across coat
- Ergonomic handle
Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hairs
- Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hairs
Brush Type: Slicker brush
Material: Metal, plastic
The brush head is double-sided. One side has firm pins that comb through and loosen up dead hairs. The other side has softer pins that brush through the coat and distribute natural skin oils.
Because the brush is flexible, it’s not the best choice for tackling matted fur. However, since French Bulldogs don’t really have fur that easily mats, this isn’t too much of an issue for them.
Pros
Ergonomic brush
Flexible brush head
Double-sided for comprehensive grooming
Cons
Not best option for mats and tangles
If you’re looking for a simple and easy brushing experience, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush is a brush that offers a lot of convenience. It’s pretty versatile and works with multiple types of coats, so it’s a great option for homes with multiple dog breeds.
Ergonomic brush
Flexible brush head
Double-sided for comprehensive grooming
- Ergonomic brush
- Flexible brush head
- Double-sided for comprehensive grooming
Not best option for mats and tangles
- Not best option for mats and tangles
Brush Type: Slicker brush
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
The unique bristles help to get deep into coats while simultaneously massaging your dog’s skin and increasing circulation and distribution of natural oils. The bristles are made with durable stainless steel, which means that it lasts longer. However, they’re also relatively stiff, so they may be a little too abrasive for puppies and dogs with particularly sensitive skin.
There aren’t a lot of brushes that can outperform the convenient clean-up process of this brush. At the push of a button, all the fur captured on the brush comes off completely, making clean up quick and easy.
Pros
Works with multiple coat types
Long lasting stainless-steel bristles
Self-cleaning mechanism
Cons
Bristles may be too abrasive for some dogs
- ConairPRO Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush
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Brush Type: Bristle brush
Material: Plastic, boar bristles
This unique ConairPRO Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush is designed to mimic a petting motion to help dogs feel comfortable during grooming. The handle slips comfortably into the hand, and it’s easy to control and maneuver it as your brush.
Works with multiple coat types
Long lasting stainless-steel bristles
Self-cleaning mechanism
- Works with multiple coat types
- Long lasting stainless-steel bristles
- Self-cleaning mechanism
Bristles may be too abrasive for some dogs
- Bristles may be too abrasive for some dogs
Brush Type: Bristle brush
Material: Plastic, boar bristles
The bristles are made with 50% natural boar bristles and 50% synthetic material. This combination allows for a smooth brush that also effectively picks up debris and massages the skin.
This bristle brush isn’t as thorough with picking up loose pet hair as other types of brushes. However, it’s a safe option for pets that are more resistant to being brushed because of its natural handling.
Pros
Mimics petting motion for dogs resistant to brushing
Ergonomic handle
Picks up debris and massages skin
Cons
Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hair
Mimics petting motion for dogs resistant to brushing
Ergonomic handle
Picks up debris and massages skin
- Mimics petting motion for dogs resistant to brushing
- Ergonomic handle
- Picks up debris and massages skin
Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hair
- Doesn’t thoroughly pick up all loose hair
Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy the Best Brush for Your French Bulldog
There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best brush for your dog. Depending on your French Bulldog, there will be slight variations in taking care of its skin and coat. Some may shed more, while others may have dryer skin. These factors will help determine the types of brushes that you’ll need.
Bristle Brush
Most French Bulldogs will benefit from having a bristle brush. Bristle brushes are usually made with synthetic materials or boar bristles. They’re used to pick up loose hair and remove dirt and debris.
They’re especially good for French Bulldogs that have dry skin because they help distribute natural oils throughout the skin and coat. If you have a Frenchie with particularly dry or sensitive skin, make sure to shop for brushes with softer bristles.
Deshedding Tool
While French Bulldogs are light to moderate shedders for most parts of the year, they can do some heavy shedding in the summer and winter. Since they have straight, short coats, their hair can cling to furniture and be difficult to remove.
A high-quality de-shedding tool does a great job of reaching the base of a dog’s coat and gently picking up and collecting loose hair.
Pin Brush
Pin brushes tend to have a broad head with plastic-coated pins. This type of brush is mainly used for untangling hair. However, it’s also great at loosening up fur and distributing natural oils. It’s often accompanied with a bristle brush because the two work well together to keep a dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush has a flat head with thin metal wires positioned closely together. It’s mostly used to pick up loose hair and prevent matting. While it’s a brush that’s mostly used for dogs with medium to long hair or curly hair, it can be appropriate for a French Bulldog as well. If you have a Frenchie that tends to shed a lot, regular use of slicker brush can help keep its hair off of furniture and carpets, especially during shedding seasons.
Fine-Tooth Comb
A fine-tooth comb can be helpful for picking up any additional hair after brushing a dog with another brush. It’s a great finishing tool that can also remove smaller debris, such as dead skin. They’ll get caught in the comb’s teeth as you rake the comb through a French Bulldog’s coat.
Conclusion
Out of our reviews, the Safari Nylon Coated Tip Short Hair Dog Brush is our favorite because it’s gentle on the skin and great at picking up loose hair. The 2-in.1 Frisco Cat & Dog Combo Brush is a close second because it’s an excellent budget option that does a great job of keeping a French Bulldog’s coat clean and healthy.
A French Bulldog’s coat may require minimal care. However, they still need a proper grooming routine. You’ll be sure to notice improvements in your dog’s coat when you regularly use any of these fine brushes.
Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Arellanos, Unsplash
