Doodles have taken over grooming tables everywhere: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. They are fluffy, cheerful and endlessly photogenic, but also famously high-maintenance.
Behind every “teddy bear dog” on Instagram, there is a groomer who knows the truth.
Doodles have some of the most complex and time-consuming coats in the pet grooming world. Despite being marketed for years as “low-shedding” or even “low-maintenance”, their coat is actually the opposite.
A Doodle’s fur is a combination of two very different coat types: the continuously growing Poodle coat and the dense undercoat found in Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Choosing the best slicker brush for Doodles is key to preventing matting and ensuring the coat cooperates. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes Doodle coats so challenging and how to choose the right slicker brush based on coat density and curl pattern.
Understanding Doodle coats: why slicker brushes matter
Doodle coats are stunning, but also very high-maintenance. If you groom Goldendoodles, Labradoodles or Bernedoodles, you will already be aware that their hair behaves very differently to a typical single- or double-coat. They mostly fall into one of three categories: wavy coats that mat on the surface; curly coats that felt tightly to the skin; and combination coats, where loose waves and dense curls coexist and tangle at different speeds.
What they all have in common is simple: Doodle matting begins at the skin, not at the top of the coat.
Consequently, surface brushing (the method most proprietors undertake in the domestic environment) has minimal impact. Standard bristle or pin brushes glide over the top layer, leaving the undercoat untouched. Within days, the untouched tangles compress and tighten to form deep mats that are painful for the dog and difficult for you to safely remove.
This is exactly why a professional slicker brush is essential. With the right combination of pin length and density, a slicker brush can reach the skin, lift the compacted undercoat and break up early tangles before they become a problem. One well-selected tool can dramatically reduce matting, speed up grooming sessions and maintain a healthier coat between appointments.
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Best slicker brush for poodles: choosing the right grooming tools for your clients
What makes the best slicker brush for Doodles?
Managing a Doodle’s coat involves dealing with density, curl and undercoat all at once, so the slicker brush you choose needs to be capable of far more than just surface brushing. The ideal tool combines deep-reaching pins with a comfortable design that allows you to remove tangles without irritating the skin or straining your wrist.
A professional-quality slicker brush for Doodles should have:
- Long stainless steel pins that reach the skin, where mats begin, and efficiently lift the compacted undercoat;
- A curved head that adapts to the dog’s body to help you maintain control and work comfortably around the legs, chest and armpits;
- The pins should be flexible so the brush glides instead of scratching, even on sensitive areas;
- An ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip to reduce fatigue, which is especially important when working on heavy, textured Doodle coats;
- It should also have high structural durability, as brushing Doodles daily (or almost daily) puts enormous stress on cheaper brushes that quickly bend, break or lose tension.
Above all, no single slicker brush is suitable for every stage of a Doodle’s coat. Doodles often need different pin lengths or densities depending on whether their coat is freshly brushed, lightly tangled, blown out or deeply matted. It is a well-assembled toolkit, rather than a single brush, that keeps these coats healthy, comfortable and manageable.
Pro Care Antibacterial Slicker (Long Pins)
Our Pro Care Antibacterial Slicker is the ideal choice for Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles with curly, dense or wool-like coats.
This slicker has 22 mm long stainless steel pins and a curved, flexible head that can reach the skin through heavy curls. It is the ideal choice for daily maintenance of dense, curly coats, or for removing early-stage tangles before they become worse. As Doodles trap humidity in their coats, the antibacterial, moisture-resistant body helps to maintain hygiene during frequent grooming sessions.
Use it when the coat looks fluffy but feels dense at the roots, which is a sign that the undercoat is starting to compact.
Pro Care Antibacterial Slicker (Long and Dense Pins)
Ideal for highly textured, hard-to-manage coats, such as F1B/F2 Doodles with tight curls or a very compact undercoat.
The high-density pin layout provides stronger lift at the base of the hair, making this the ideal tool for removing deep tangles or separating tight, wool-like curls. This is the tool you need when the coat starts to mat at the skin, especially around friction zones such as the armpits, collar line and legs.
Use it when you need the power and reach to safely break through thick, fluffy or felted areas without pulling.
Pro Grip Wood Slicker (Long Pins)
This version has the same 22 mm pin reach as the Pro Care line, but has a solid ash wood handle with a natural, non-slip, carved grip. This handle design reduces wrist strain and provides superior control for professionals who spend hours brushing, especially when performing line brushing.
Use it when you want more tactile feedback and control and a brush that supports ergonomic, precise grooming.
Easy Care Colour Slicker (Long Pins)
The Easy Care Colour Slicker is the ideal tool for doodle owners who need a reliable, easy-to-handle brush for daily grooming.
This slicker brush combines lightweight materials with 22 mm pins and a flat head that glides smoothly through coats. It is ideal for owners who brush their dog’s coat daily and need consistent reach to maintain a soft, fluffy finish.
Use it when you need a lighter, more forgiving slicker for frequent home maintenance between grooming appointments.
Why choose Minelli PETS for Doodle grooming?
Doodle coats require tools that offer reach, control and long-term durability and the Minelli PETS slicker collection is designed precisely for this purpose. Every brush is engineered with professional-grade pins and an ergonomic design and the materials are chosen to withstand daily grooming of the most challenging coat types. Whether you’re dealing with tight curls, a dense undercoat or soft waves, you’ll find a slicker designed to work with the coat, not against it.
Discover the full Minelli PETS slicker range and find the perfect fit for your Doodle’s grooming routine.
