Should you get the Paw Brothers Professional Grade Extra Long Slicker Brush for your thick-coated dog? This professional-grade tool targets the specific challenge of managing double coats and heavy shedding that standard brushes often can't handle effectively.
The Paw Brothers slicker brush stands out with its extra-long pins designed to penetrate dense undercoats without causing discomfort. Unlike shorter-pinned brushes that only skim the surface, this tool reaches deep enough to remove loose undercoat hair that would otherwise end up on your furniture.
What It Does
This slicker brush tackles two main grooming challenges: undercoat removal and tangle elimination. The extra-long stainless steel pins measure approximately 20mm, making them ideal for dogs with thick double coats like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies.
The ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue during extended grooming sessions, which matters when you're working through a heavily matted or shedding coat. The pin spacing allows for effective debris removal while the fine tips help separate individual hairs rather than pulling them out.
The brush head features a cushioned base that provides gentle pressure distribution. This prevents the pins from digging too deeply into your dog's skin while maintaining enough contact to grab loose undercoat effectively.
Best For Which Coats
Perfect for medium to long-haired dogs with double coats, this brush excels on breeds that shed seasonally or year-round. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Pomeranians benefit most from the extended pin length.
Dogs with single coats or very short hair won't need this level of penetration. Breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, or Bulldogs would be better served by shorter-pinned brushes or rubber curry combs.
Not suitable for dogs with severely matted coats - the long pins can get stuck in dense mats and cause discomfort. Address heavy matting with a dematting tool first, then use this brush for maintenance.
How to Use
Start with short 5-minute sessions to let your dog adjust to the deeper brushing action. Work in sections, brushing in the direction of hair growth with gentle, consistent strokes.
Apply light to moderate pressure - the pin length does most of the work. Heavy pressure can cause scratching or discomfort, especially on sensitive skin areas like the belly or legs.
For thick undercoats, make multiple passes over the same area rather than pressing harder. Supervision required for first-time users to ensure your dog's comfort level and prevent over-brushing.
Focus on high-shedding areas like the hindquarters, chest, and behind the ears where undercoat tends to accumulate. Follow up with a standard pin brush or comb to catch any remaining loose hairs.
Results & Limitations
The undercoat removal capability is impressive. A single brushing session can collect significantly more loose hair compared to standard slicker brushes, reducing household shedding for several days.
Tangle removal works well on mild to moderate mats. The long pins can work through small tangles without cutting the hair, though patience is required for best results.
Where it falls short: The extended pins can be overwhelming for dogs new to regular grooming. Some sensitive dogs may find the deeper penetration uncomfortable initially.
The brush requires more skill to use effectively than standard grooming tools. Inexperienced groomers might apply too much pressure or work too aggressively, potentially causing skin irritation.
Worth the Price?
At the professional tool price point, the value depends on your dog's coat type and shedding intensity. For owners of heavy-shedding double-coated breeds, the superior undercoat removal justifies the investment through reduced household cleanup time.
Better than most competitors in terms of pin length and durability, but the ergonomic handle design varies between individual units - some feel more comfortable than others.
Budget-conscious owners might start with a standard slicker brush first to see if their dog tolerates intensive brushing before upgrading to this professional-grade option.
