Best Dog Brush for Old English Sheepdogs (2026)
Old English Sheepdogs are defined by their iconic shaggy double coat, which requires consistent grooming to prevent matting, skin issues, and excessive shedding. Without proper brushing, their dense undercoat becomes prone to tangles and can trap moisture against the skin, leading to irritation or infection. This breed's coat demands more than casual maintenance—it requires the right tools and technique.
The best brush for an Old English Sheepdog combines the ability to penetrate both the topcoat and undercoat, remove loose hair efficiently, and prevent mat formation without causing skin irritation. Look for tools with cushioned pads, stainless steel construction, and designs specifically suited to long, thick double coats. Pairing multiple tools—a slicker brush, deshedding tool, and finishing comb—ensures comprehensive grooming.
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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 groomers trust this slicker for Old English Sheepdogs' shaggy coats; its cushioned pad prevents brush burn during the frequent sessions their dense double coat demands.
- 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 coatsThis deshedding tool removes up to 90% of loose undercoat, preventing the matting and skin issues that plague Old English Sheepdogs with their heavy double coats.
- 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 coatsThe dual-spacing teeth tackle mats in Old English Sheepdogs' thick coats after brushing, essential for maintaining the breed's characteristic shaggy appearance without painful tangles.
- 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 coatsIts fine bent wires and self-cleaning button make daily brushing manageable for Old English Sheepdogs' mat-prone long coats without the premium price of professional tools.
- 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 coatsThe flexible cushioned base and rounded pins suit Old English Sheepdogs' coarse texture while preventing skin irritation during regular maintenance grooming sessions.
- Polished round pin tips prevent skin irritation
- Flexible cushion base
- Affordable daily-use option
How to Choose the Right Brush for Old English Sheepdogs
Old English Sheepdogs have a thick, double-layered coat that sheds year-round and heavily during seasonal blows. A single brush won't address all grooming needs; you'll need a combination approach. Slicker brushes with cushioned pads work through the topcoat without brush burn, while a dedicated deshedding tool reaches the dense undercoat where mats form. Avoid tools that only skim the surface, as they leave trapped undercoat hair that leads to tangling and skin problems.
Brushing frequency directly impacts coat health and your dog's comfort. Old English Sheepdogs require 3–4 brushing sessions per week minimum, or daily during shedding season. Tools with self-cleaning mechanisms save time and make frequent grooming more manageable. Additionally, finishing with a metal comb after brushing catches remaining mats and ensures thorough grooming, especially around high-friction areas like the ears, legs, and hindquarters.
Consider your grooming experience and commitment level. Professional-grade slickers like the Chris Christensen offer superior results for show-quality coats but require proper technique. Budget-friendly daily-use options like the Hertzko slicker are more forgiving and ideal if you're new to grooming. Regardless of choice, invest in at least two complementary tools—a primary brush and a deshedding or finishing tool—to handle the breed's demanding coat effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Old English Sheepdog?
Old English Sheepdogs require brushing 3–4 times weekly minimum to prevent matting and manage shedding. During spring and fall seasonal blows, daily brushing becomes necessary as they shed their undercoat heavily. Neglecting this schedule leads to painful mats, skin irritation, and excessive loose hair throughout your home. Start a routine early to keep your dog comfortable.
What's the best way to prevent mats in an Old English Sheepdog's coat?
Consistent brushing with a slicker brush combined with a deshedding tool removes loose undercoat before it tangles. Always finish with a metal comb to catch remaining mats early. Pay special attention to high-friction areas like ears, armpits, legs, and the tail. Bathe your dog every 4–6 weeks and brush before drying to prevent mat formation. Address small tangles immediately rather than waiting until they worsen.
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Yes, Old English Sheepdogs shed year-round and heavily during seasonal blows in spring and fall. Their thick double coat naturally releases loose undercoat hair as part of their coat cycle. A quality deshedding tool like the FURminator removes up to 90% of loose hair, dramatically reducing what ends up on furniture and clothes. Regular deshedding is essential for managing this breed's significant shedding.
Old English Sheepdog Full Breed Profile
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