Best Dog Brush for Gordon Setters (2026)
Gordon Setters are bred as hunting dogs with a long, silky double coat designed to protect them in Scottish moorlands—meaning they shed year-round and heavily during seasonal coat blows. Without proper grooming, their dense undercoat becomes matted and uncomfortable, compromising both their appearance and skin health. A quality brush removes loose hair before it tangles, preventing painful mats and reducing shedding around your home.
The best brush for a Gordon Setter must penetrate their double coat without causing irritation, handle moderate-to-heavy shedding, and work efficiently on their 24–27 inch frame. Look for tools with fine, flexible pins or a specialized undercoat rake that reaches the dense undercoat while protecting the silky topcoat.
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Our Top Pick
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Used by professional groomers and show handlers for long, silky, or curly coats — the extra-long pins detangle mats without damaging the coat texture.
Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best professional slicker for show coatsProfessional-grade slicker designed for long, silky coats like Gordon Setters; the cushioned pad prevents brush burn on sensitive skin during regular grooming.
- Professional groomer standard for long or curly coats
- Cushioned pad prevents brush burn
- 12% longer pins than standard slickers
FURminator
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs, Long Hair
Best deShedding tool for long double coatsSpecifically formulated for long double coats, this deshedding tool removes trapped undercoat that leads to matting in Gordon Setters' dense fur.
- Removes up to 90% of loose undercoat hair
- Stainless steel edge reaches through topcoat
- FURejector button releases hair with one click
Wahl
Wahl Professional Animal Stainless Steel Comb
Best finishing comb for long coatsDual-spacing teeth glide through Gordon Setters' long coat after brushing, catching remaining tangles and preparing the silky topcoat for shows or special occasions.
- Stainless steel — lasts decades
- Dual-spacing teeth (wide + narrow)
- Essential final step after brushing for mats
Hertzko
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best everyday slicker for medium/long coatsAffordable everyday slicker with fine, bent wires that penetrate Gordon Setters' double coat without the premium price of professional-grade alternatives.
- One-click self-cleaning button ejects trapped hair
- Fine bent wires penetrate mat-prone coats
- Affordable — under $15 on most platforms
Safari
Safari by Coastal Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
Best wire pin brush for wire/rough coatsPolished round pins prevent skin irritation on Gordon Setters' sensitive skin, while the flexible cushion base adapts to their muscular frame.
- Polished round pin tips prevent skin irritation
- Flexible cushion base
- Affordable daily-use option
How to Choose the Right Brush for Gordon Setters
Gordon Setters have a thick double coat with a fine, silky outer layer and dense undercoat—not a single-layer coat like Labs or short-haired breeds. This means you need a brush designed for double coats, not general-purpose tools. A slicker brush alone won't remove deep undercoat shedding; you'll want either a pin brush paired with a deshedding tool, or a combination grooming routine that targets both layers.
Shedding frequency matters for Gordon Setters, especially during spring and fall coat blows when they shed dramatically. A deshedding tool like the FURminator, used 2–3 times weekly during heavy-shedding seasons, prevents matting and reduces loose hair. Outside these seasons, a gentle slicker brush 2–3 times per week maintains the coat without over-grooming.
Handle and ergonomics are critical because Gordon Setters are large, active dogs that may resist grooming if it's uncomfortable for either of you. Lightweight, cushioned brushes with ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions. Avoid overly rigid or heavy tools that strain your wrist or cause discomfort to your dog's skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Gordon Setter?
Brush your Gordon Setter 2–3 times weekly year-round with a slicker or pin brush to maintain the coat and prevent matting. During spring and fall coat blows, increase brushing to 4–5 times weekly and use a deshedding tool to remove loose undercoat before it tangles. Daily brushing during heavy-shedding seasons significantly reduces loose hair and mats.
Why does my Gordon Setter mat easily?
Gordon Setters' double coat—a fine, silky topcoat over dense undercoat—creates conditions where loose undercoat hair tangles and mats quickly, especially after bathing or exercise. Mats trap moisture and bacteria against the skin, causing discomfort and potential infections. Regular brushing and deshedding remove loose undercoat before it tangles, preventing painful mats.
Can I use a regular comb instead of a brush on my Gordon Setter?
A comb alone won't remove loose undercoat from a Gordon Setter's double coat—it primarily detangles the silky topcoat. Use a slicker brush or deshedding tool first to remove shedding fur, then finish with a comb to catch remaining tangles. Combs are essential final-step tools but shouldn't replace brushes in your grooming routine.
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