You adore your Pug, but you probably don’t adore the amount of shedding it does. A Pug’s fur can be difficult to manage—especially considering some are single-coated, while others are double-coated—but getting a good brush can make the job a lot easier. With just the right brush, you can reduce the amount of shedding your dog does and keep its coat smooth and shiny.
The problem is finding that brush. Brushes are a dime a dozen, so figuring out which one meets your dog’s needs can be a challenge. While the first step is getting the right brush for your pet’s coat type, there are other factors you need to take into consideration as well. Then, it’s just a matter of deciding which brush you need. Luckily, you can read extensive reviews of all kinds of brushes to make your choice simpler, starting with our reviews of the 10 best brushes for Pugs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
KONG Dog Multi-Use Brush
Multi-use
Attracts hair like a magnet
Stimulates natural oils
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Best Value
JW Pet Slicker Brush Soft Pin
Made from pups with sensitive skin
Multiple teeth lengths get rid of more hair
Designed for your comfort too
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Premium Choice
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Self-cleaning
Curved bristles to get through tough patches
Less wrist strain for you
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HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves
Provides massage, as well as brushing
Can use wet or dry
Hypoallergenic
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Hartz Combo Dog Brush
Two-sided with different bristles
Helps prevent wrist strain
Safety tips on bristles to protect dog’s skin
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The 10 Best Brushes for Pugs
1. KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush – Best Overall
Your Pug deserves the best, so why not get them the best overall brush? Our choice for the best overall is the KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush, a 2-in-1 brush that massages your pup during the brushing process and can also be used for shampooing. In fact, using this brush while your Pug bathes and then brushing them out with it after may give them an even smoother coat! With the KONG, you can easily remove all your pet’s loose hair in minutes while also stimulating their natural oil production, resulting in a shinier, healthier coat. Made in the United States, this multi-use brush comes in sizes suitable for puppies and adults and works for all fur types.
Multi-use
Attracts hair like a magnet
Stimulates natural oils
- Multi-use
- Attracts hair like a magnet
- Stimulates natural oils
Brush is very stiff
A bit awkward to hold
- Brush is very stiff
- A bit awkward to hold
2. JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin – Best Value
Looking for the best brush for Pugs for the money? Then you’ll want the JW Pet Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin! You won’t want it only for the excellent price point, however. This brush is made for pets with sensitive skin, so it contains teeth at 90 degrees—rather than straight up and down—that avoid scratching your dog’s skin. The JW slicker brush is also optimized for your comfort with its ergonomically designed handle and non-slip handle grip; that means no more tired hands when you’re only halfway through with brushing.
This brush’s teeth are made from metal and have more than one length, so they not only can get rid of loose hairs from undercoats but loosen matted hair as well.
Made from pups with sensitive skin
Designed for your comfort too
Multiple teeth lengths get rid of more hair
- Made from pups with sensitive skin
- Designed for your comfort too
- Multiple teeth lengths get rid of more hair
Some dogs found brush to be uncomfortable
May kick up dandruff
- Some dogs found brush to be uncomfortable
- May kick up dandruff
3. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush – Premium Choice
When you want to get a brush that’s a bit more premium for your Pug, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush is just the thing! Curved bristles designed to get through thick fur will help to remove the toughest of undercoat knots without irritating your Pug’s skin. Plus, with this brush, there’s no need for attempts to pull out hair from the bristles when you’re done brushing – with a click of a button, the bristles retract, leaving the hair free so that you can toss and go. And, as a bonus for you, the handle is anti-slip and created with comfort in mind.
Self-cleaning
Curved bristles to get through tough patches
Less wrist strain for you
- Self-cleaning
- Curved bristles to get through tough patches
- Less wrist strain for you
Button that retracts bristles stopped working after a while for some
Small size was larger than expected
- Button that retracts bristles stopped working after a while for some
- Small size was larger than expected
4. HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing & Grooming Gloves
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Material: Rubber
Size: Junior, small, medium, large, x-large
Color: Purple, green, black
Instead of using a regular, old brush, why not invest in these gloves that double as another excuse to pet your Pug? The HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing & Grooming Gloves claims the non-abrasive nodules on the gloves gather more hair from your pet than a typical brush while also providing them with a gentle massage. You can even use them during bath time, as these gloves will stay put no matter how wet or soapy they get. Plus, they’re mildew resistant, so you can get them wet without any worries. The HandsOn gloves are also hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, and durable enough not to rip or crack.
Provides massage, as well as brushing
Can use wet or dry
Hypoallergenic
- Provides massage, as well as brushing
- Can use wet or dry
- Hypoallergenic
Some hair flies around rather than sticking to glove
A few complaints of static while using
- Some hair flies around rather than sticking to glove
- A few complaints of static while using
5. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush has two sides. One side features nylon bristles designed to stimulate the natural oils on your dog’s coat, making its fur nice and shiny. The other side features stainless steel bristles designed to work through tough tangles and remove loose fur. The bristles have safety tips, however, so they’ll still be gentle on your Pug’s skin. Plus, the handle is ergonomically designed to help prevent wrist strain as you brush. Users of this brush say that it’s easy to use, clean, and store. Hartz says this brush is perfect for dogs with wiry, long, or curly hair.
Two-sided with different bristles
Helps prevent wrist strain
Safety tips on bristles to protect dog’s skin
- Two-sided with different bristles
- Helps prevent wrist strain
- Safety tips on bristles to protect dog’s skin
Some complaints of bristles being too stiff
Some users said only lasted for a year or less before unusable
- Some complaints of bristles being too stiff
- Some users said only lasted for a year or less before unusable
6. FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
The FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool is made explicitly for dogs with short hair and works on both topcoats and undercoats. It contains a curved edge designed to conform to your dog’s body, so they’re never uncomfortable and won’t be accidentally scratched. And the handle is designed with a grip that’s sure to lessen any wrist strain on your side.
A groomer designed the FURminator tool, so it offers professional results and claims that if used regularly, your dog’s shedding may even be reduced! Several pet owners raved that they did indeed see a reduction in shedding, as well as an improvement in coat health with this brush.
Specifically for dogs with short hair
May reduce shedding
Curved edge to conform to dog’s body
- Specifically for dogs with short hair
- May reduce shedding
- Curved edge to conform to dog’s body
Some thought smaller size worked better than larger size
Rare complaint of brush causing hair to fly around
- Some thought smaller size worked better than larger size
- Rare complaint of brush causing hair to fly around
7. Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush for Short Hair Grooming
The Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush for Short Hair Grooming, Deshedding, Massaging & Bathing Dog & Cat Brush does a lot for something so small! Not only does this brush work at getting through tough tangles, but it also gets rid of dander and de-sheds. Plus, you can use it on furniture and clothing to remove loose fur and lint. It even massages your dog as you brush! You can also use this brush on a wide variety of fur and coat types, so it should work well with your Pug.
This brush is made from medical-grade silicone designed to attract loose fur and can be used either dry or wet. Cleaning it between brushings is simple—just toss it into the dishwasher or washing machine.
Has several uses
Dishwasher/washing machine safe
Works on a variety of fur and coat types
- Has several uses
- Dishwasher/washing machine safe
- Works on a variety of fur and coat types
May cause dog’s coat to become staticky
Brush gets rid of fur but doesn’t hold it on brush, so may be messy
- May cause dog’s coat to become staticky
- Brush gets rid of fur but doesn’t hold it on brush, so may be messy
8. Andis Pin Dog Brush
The Andis Pin Dog Brush doesn’t just get rid of loose hair; it also helps remove dirt and tangles. Plus, using this brush may help to reduce shedding in general. This brush also stimulates hair follicles, so your Pug will enjoy healthier hair and more hair growth, resulting in a softer, silkier-looking coat. And with the soft-grip handle, you can brush as long as you want—even all day—without your hand or wrist becoming tired! The Andis Pin brush is perfect for dogs of all sizes and coat types.
Helps remove dirt
Soft-grip handle for comfort
Stimulates hair follicles
- Helps remove dirt
- Soft-grip handle for comfort
- Stimulates hair follicles
Rare report of brush scratching dog
Some found the handle to be too small
- Rare report of brush scratching dog
- Some found the handle to be too small
9. Andis Firm Dog Slicker Brush
The Andis Firm Dog Slicker Brush features a larger design, so more hair is brushed with each stroke. Using this brush, you can easily get rid of loose hairs from both the undercoat and topcoat, thus reducing the amount of shedding your Pug does. You can also use the Andis slicker brush to get rid of dirt, tangles, and even mats, so your dog’s coat becomes smoother and silkier. This brush also has the same soft-grip handle as the pin brush, so you won’t end up suffering from wrist fatigue.
Larger brush covers more area
Can use on undercoat and topcoat
Gets rid of mats and tangles
- Larger brush covers more area
- Can use on undercoat and topcoat
- Gets rid of mats and tangles
Rare reports of brush scratching dog’s skin
Occasional complaints of pins falling out
- Rare reports of brush scratching dog’s skin
- Occasional complaints of pins falling out
10. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
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Material: Metal
Size: One size
Color: Raspberry, boysenberry
Grooming is made easy with this slicker brush that features pain-free bristles. You can remove not only loose hair from your Pug with the Ruff’N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush but also dander and knots, so your dog’s coat is healthier and shinier. And, because this brush is self-cleaning, all you need to do when you’re done brushing out your Pug is a button you press to make the bristles retract while the hair is released. Plus, the handle of this brush is anti-slip and designed for comfort to prevent your wrist from tiring out. The Ruff’N Ruffus slicker brush also comes with heavy-duty nail clippers and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Comes with nail clippers
Self-cleaning
Comfort grip
- Comes with nail clippers
- Self-cleaning
- Comfort grip
Some found the bristles to be too stiff and painful
Complaints of bristles not fully retracting
Occasional reports of brush breaking after a few uses
- Some found the bristles to be too stiff and painful
- Complaints of bristles not fully retracting
- Occasional reports of brush breaking after a few uses
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Brush for Pugs
Benefits of Brushing Your Pug
Before we look at what you should know about buying a brush for your Pug, you should know the benefits of brushing your Pug—it’s not just to keep them neat and handsome!
Healthier Coat
The main benefit of brushing your Pug is, indeed, making sure they have a nice, healthy coat. Brushing gets rid of loose hairs, tangles, mats, knots, and dirt. It also stimulates the natural oils on your dog and redistributes them, resulting in a smooth, silky, healthy coat of fur.
Bonding
Brushing your Pug on the regular is an excellent way for the two of you to spend quality time together. This process also helps create a level of trust between you and your dog, resulting in a stronger bond.
Check For Wounds or Pests
The final benefit to brushing your Pug? It’s an easy way to check and see if they have any irritations to the skin, cuts, or lumps that weren’t there previously. If you find something strange during the brushing process, you can get your pet to the vet quickly to remedy any possible issues. Plus, brushing means you can check for fleas and ticks. The sooner you find those bad boys, the sooner you can get rid of them!
Types of Dog Brushes for Pugs
As you likely noticed in the reviews above, several different types of dog brushes are available. Finding out more about these types will enable you to decide which will be best for your Pug.
Bristles
Bristle brushes typically consist of small, closely clustered bristles that can catch loose hairs and remove dirt from your dog’s coat. Bristle brushes also work to smooth out your dog’s coat and stimulate their natural oils for a shinier look.
Deshedding
Deshedders (and undercoat rakes) are usually made of metal. They have a row of tines that can really get into the undercoat and catch all the loose hair. Just be sure to choose a deshedder that has shorter tines on it since your Pugs have shorter hair. You’ll also likely only need to use one of these once a month or so; too much use may end up irritating your dog’s skin.
Double-sided
A double-sided brush is exactly what it sounds like—a single brush with two different brush types. You’ll find that most feature a pin brush on one side that’s best used to brush out tangles and mats, while the other side is bristled to smooth everything out at the end of the process.
Grooming gloves
Some pups are super sensitive and just don’t like the feel of a brush. If that sounds like your dog, you can give grooming gloves a try. These gloves with rubber teeth can get rid of loose hairs in a gentler way—plus, it feels more like a good round of petting to your pup! This type of brush will likely work better on single-coated dogs.
Pin
Pin brushes are possibly the most common type of brushes (in fact, your own brush is likely a pin brush!). Made with wires that have round knobs on the ends, this type of brush works well on tangles that are small and aids in stimulating oil production for a shinier coat. Just because they’re the most common, though, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best for gathering loose hairs. Some may do a great job, but others may just brush loose hair around rather than catch them.
Rubber
Rubber brushes tend to do an excellent job on dogs with short hair as the rubber acts similarly to a magnet to attract loose hairs. Plus, these brushes feel like a massage for our furry friends and aid in stimulating blood circulation!
Slicker
Slicker brushes are another popular type of brush. Designed with short wires to catch fur, reduce shedding, and loosen tangles, many slicker brushes are self-cleaning, which is definitely a bonus. Most slicker brushes are designed for dogs with long hair, so if you’re going this route, be sure you’re getting one with a bristle length that works for short-hair dogs.
What to Look for in a Dog Brush for Pugs
You need to consider only a few things when looking for a dog brush for your pet.
Meets Your Needs
Clearly, the most crucial aspect of finding the best dog brush for your Pug is determining whether it meets your needs. If you just want a brush to do a casual brushing every once in a while, you’ll need a different type than if you wanted to work on deshedding your dog.
Bristle Length
Because Pugs have short hair, you’ll want to find a brush with shorter bristles. If the bristles are too long, they could scratch and irritate your dog’s skin.
Price
Price is always a factor in making a purchasing decision. Luckily, brushes tend to be quite affordable. You may find some that range a bit pricier, but you’ll absolutely be able to find one that fits your budget.
Reviews
It’s vital to check reviews from other pet owners who have used the product you’re eyeing. Reviews can tell you whether a brush actually works as it should or if it has worked for other Pug owners.
Conclusion
Getting your pet the best overall dog brush for them means looking at the ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush by KONG. as it can be used for a variety of purposes, including brushing, shampooing, and massaging. When you’re looking for the best dog brush for Pugs for the money, we recommend the JW Slicker Brush, as it’s great for those pups with sensitive skin and comes at a fabulous price. Finally, if you want to get a brush that’s a bit more on the premium side, our pick is the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, as it works well on tough knots and tangles and because clean-up is a breeze!
Featured Image Credit: Zoriana Zaitseva, Shutterstock
See also:
- 10 Best Hot Spot Treatments for Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks
- 10 Best Dog Leashes for Large Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks
- 10 Best Dog Brushes for German Shepherds – Reviews & Top Picks!
