Best Deshedding Tools for Double-Coated Dogs
Undercoat rakes vs deshedding blades vs slicker brushes for double-coated dogs, how to avoid coat damage, and 7 picks compared.
We compare published specs, manufacturer information and patterns in owner feedback. We haven't physically tested these products; if we ever do, the guide will say exactly what we tested.
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Double-coated breeds — Huskies, Malamutes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Corgis, Labs, Aussies — don’t shed so much as erupt twice a year. The dense insulating undercoat releases in clumps, and a normal brush skates over the top of it. The right tool reaches through the guard hairs and pulls the loose underlayer out before it ends up on your sofa.
The catch: the most aggressive tools can thin the topcoat if you lean on them. This guide covers seven tools across the three types that matter — undercoat rakes, deshedding blades, and slicker brushes — with how to use each without wrecking the coat. Own a German Shepherd? See our German Shepherd shedding guide for a breed-specific kit and coat-blow routine.
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Quick picks
| Tool | Type | Best for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool | Deshedding blade | Fast bulk removal (light hand) | Check price |
| Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake | Undercoat rake | Thick, dense coats | Check price |
| Chris Christensen Big K Slicker | Slicker brush | Premium finishing for dense coats | Check price |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker | Slicker brush | Budget finishing | Check price |
| Safari Undercoat Rake | Single-row rake | Medium and long coats, budget | Check price |
| Andis Deshedding Tool | Deshedding blade | FURminator alternative | Check price |
| Poodle Pet Dematting Comb | Dematting comb | Mats and tangles | Check price |
The 7 best deshedding tools
Fastest bulk removal
1FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool
The one everyone means when they say “deshedding tool.” A fine stainless edge reaches the undercoat and pulls it out in impressive volume, with a button that ejects the collected hair. Sized by dog weight and coat length — get the right one.
Pros
- Removes a lot of undercoat fast
- Hair-ejector button; comfortable grip
- Sized options for small, medium, large, long/short hair
Cons
- Presses too hard and it drags guard hairs — use a light touch
- Overuse in the off-season thins the topcoat
- Only for a clean, dry, already brushed-out coat
- Genuine ones are pricey; the market is full of fakes
Best for thick, dense coats
2Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake
A double-row rake with rotating, rounded pins that dig through a heavy coat and tease out loose undercoat without a sharp edge near the skin. Gentler than a blade tool, and the pin design snags mats less.
Pros
- Reaches deep undercoat on Malamute/Husky-density coats
- Rounded rotating pins — skin-safe, low snag
- No cutting edge, so it won’t thin the topcoat
- Sturdy handle for long sessions
Cons
- Slower than a deshedding blade for sheer volume
- Doesn’t give the smooth surface finish a slicker does
- Big rake head is awkward on a small dog’s legs and face
Best premium finisher
3Chris Christensen Big K Slicker Brush
A professional-grade slicker from a brand groomers know well, made for dense double coats and heavy, wavy or doodle coats. It lifts the loosened hair a rake leaves behind and adds volume. It comes in three sizes, including a small “Baby K” for little dogs and hard-to-reach areas, so pick the size that suits your dog.
Pros
- Built for dense double coats; removes trapped undercoat in fewer strokes
- Three sizes, including Baby K for small dogs
- A buy-once tool groomers use
Cons
- Expensive for a brush
- A slicker alone won’t clear a thick undercoat; use it after a rake
- Fine pins need a gentle hand near the skin
Best budget finisher
4Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The cheap slicker that does the job. Bent-wire bristles lift loose hair, and a button retracts the pins so the collected fur wipes straight off. Fine for the finishing pass and for general between-shed brushing.
Pros
- Inexpensive; self-cleaning retract button
- Comfortable enough for a full-body pass
- Widely available; easy to replace
Cons
- Wire pins are stiffer than a premium slicker — go gently near skin
- Pad and pins wear out in a year or two of heavy use
- Not a substitute for a rake on a dense undercoat
Best budget rake for medium and long coats
5Safari Undercoat Rake
Coastal Pet’s Safari rake has a single row of precision tapered pins that reach deep into the undercoat to pull out loose hair and help prevent matting. A simple, long-proven budget tool for medium- and long-haired double coats.
Pros
- Tapered pins reach deep into the undercoat
- Also helps work out mats and tangles
- Inexpensive and widely available
Cons
- Single row: slower than a double-row rake on very dense coats
- No rotating pins; go gently near the skin
- Basic handle
Best FURminator alternative
6Andis Deshedding Tool
A stainless deshedding blade from a name known for clippers, usually cheaper than the equivalent FURminator and with a comparable edge. Same rules apply: light pressure, dry brushed coat, shedding season only.
Pros
- Effective deshedding edge for less money
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Solid build from an established grooming brand
Cons
- Same overuse risk as any blade tool — thins topcoat if forced
- No hair-ejector button on some versions
- Fewer size options than FURminator
Best for mats and tangles
7Poodle Pet Dematting Comb
A metal undercoat rake designed to work out knots, matted spots and tangles in long coats, popular with owners of long-haired dogs and cats. Use it on problem areas (behind the ears, the “trousers”, under the tail) before a full deshedding session.
Pros
- Works out mats and tangles in long coats
- Works for dogs and long-haired cats
- Very popular and inexpensive
Cons
- A spot tool for mats, not a full-body deshedder
- Go slowly; pulling on a tight mat hurts. Very tight mats need a groomer.
How to deshed a double coat without wrecking it
Use the tools in order
- Undercoat rake — the main event. Work in the direction of hair growth, section by section, pulling out the loose dense underlayer.
- Deshedding blade (optional) — a few light passes over the heaviest areas (hips, ruff, tail base) if the rake left volume behind. No downward pressure.
- Slicker brush — the finishing pass. Lifts the last loosened hair and smooths the coat.
Never shave a double coat
The coat insulates against heat as much as cold and prevents sunburn. Shaving can make it grow back patchy or wiry, and it doesn’t reduce shedding — it just makes the shed hair shorter. Deshed, don’t shave.
Go easy on the blade tools
FURminator-style tools cut and pull guard hairs when forced. Light hand, dry pre-brushed coat, once or twice a week during a coat blow, and put it away in the off-season. If the coat starts looking sparse or dull, you’re overusing it.
Timing and frequency
- Year-round: a quick brush every 1–2 days.
- Spring and autumn: a full deshedding session 1–2× a week while the coat blows.
- Always deshed a dry, clean coat — wet undercoat mats and pulls.
Watch the skin
Rounded blade or pin tips, no pressure, and stop if you see pink skin or the dog flinches. The neck, armpits, and behind the ears are thin-skinned — slow down there.
Bottom line
The reliable routine for a double coat is a rake then a slicker: pair the Maxpower Planet rake (or the budget Safari rake) with the Chris Christensen Big K or budget Hertzko slicker. Keep a Poodle Pet dematting comb for mats on long coats. Add a FURminator or Andis deshedding blade only if you’ll use it sparingly on the heavy areas.
Versions and sizes change — check the current listing and pick the size for your dog’s weight and coat length on Amazon before you buy:
See deshedding tools on Amazon →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tool to deshed a double-coated dog?
An undercoat rake for the bulk loose undercoat, then a slicker brush to finish. A deshedding blade like a FURminator works fast but needs a light hand — pressing hard drags the guard hairs and can thin the topcoat over time. For most owners, rake plus slicker is the safer routine.
Can you damage a dog’s coat with a FURminator?
Yes, if you press down or overuse it. The blade grabs guard hairs as well as undercoat when forced. Used lightly, once or twice a week in shedding season on a dry brushed-out coat, it’s fine. Daily hard use on a double coat leaves it looking sparse and dull.
Should you shave a double-coated dog to stop shedding?
No. The double coat insulates against heat as well as cold and shields against sunburn, and shaving can make it grow back patchy or coarse. Shaving doesn’t stop shedding — it just makes the shed hair shorter. Deshed and brush instead.
How often should I deshed my dog?
A quick brush every one to two days year-round, and a full deshedding session once or twice a week during the spring and autumn coat blows. Overusing a deshedding blade in the off-season pulls too much coat. Adjust to your individual dog.
Undercoat rake or slicker brush?
Both, in sequence. The rake reaches through the topcoat and pulls out the dense loose underlayer, where the shedding volume is. The slicker then lifts the finer loosened hair near the surface and smooths the coat. A slicker alone barely touches a thick undercoat.
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