My Australian Shepherd, Koda, used to leave tumbleweeds of fur rolling across my hardwood floors every single day. I tried every cheap brush at the pet store before I realized the best deshedding brushes for Australian Shepherds need to be purpose-built for that thick double coat. After three years of trial and error, I learned that not all deshedding tools are created equal, and the wrong one can actually damage your Aussie’s coat.
Australian Shepherds have a dense double coat designed by nature to protect them from harsh weather on the ranch. That dense undercoat means regular brushes barely scratch the surface, which is why a quality deshedding tool is not optional. In this guide, I am sharing the 8 brushes that actually worked on Koda and on dozens of other Aussies I have helped groom over the past year. We will cover slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, deshedding tools, and combination brushes, plus the brushing technique that makes all the difference.
For more breed-specific grooming tips, check out our complete guide to dog brushes for Australian Shepherds, and if you are also shopping for your Aussie’s nutrition, our best dog foods for Australian Shepherds roundup pairs perfectly with a solid grooming routine.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Deshedding Brushes for Australian Shepherds 2026
FURminator Large Dog Undercoat Tool
- Reduces loose hair by up to 95%
- FUREJECTOR button for easy cleanup
- Ergonomic handle
- Designed for dogs over 50 lbs
Maxpower Planet Grooming Rake
- Dual-sided 9 and 17 teeth
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Sharpened rounded teeth
- Works on dogs and cats
Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker
- Self-cleaning release button
- Soft round-tip bristles
- Ergonomic TPR handle
- Skin-friendly stainless steel
Best Deshedding Brushes for Australian Shepherds in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool |
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| Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake |
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 SleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding |
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 Docrok Pet Grooming Combo |
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 GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding and Dematting Comb |
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| Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush |
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 FURminator Grooming Rake Tool |
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1. FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool – Best Overall for Heavy Shedders
- Removes loose undercoat without cutting skin
- FUREJECTOR button releases hair instantly
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Works wonders on thick coats
- Dogs actually enjoy being brushed
- Tines can feel short on very long coats
- Premium price point
The FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool was the first brush that made me stop apologizing to guests for the fur on my couch. After one 15-minute session with Koda, I filled an entire wastebasket with loose undercoat. The curved stainless steel edge glides through his topcoat and reaches the dense undercoat without scratching his skin, which matters because Aussies can be sensitive about being brushed too hard.
What I love most is the FUREJECTOR button. You brush, then push the button, and the hair slides right off the teeth in one clean sheet. Anyone who has spent 10 minutes pulling hair clumps off a slicker brush with their fingers will appreciate this feature. The ergonomic handle also stayed comfortable during full-body grooming sessions, which is critical when you are working through an Aussie’s thick coat.
This tool is specifically engineered for large dogs over 50 pounds, which fits the typical adult Australian Shepherd perfectly. The blade penetrates the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting or damaging the topcoat itself. I noticed Koda’s coat looked visibly healthier after two weeks of consistent weekly use, with less loose fur around the house and a noticeably shinier topcoat.
One tip from my grooming routine: do not press too aggressively. Let the blade do the work. Pressing harder does not pull out more hair, it just risks irritating the skin. I go over each section 2 to 3 times with light pressure and that gets the job done.
A few users with very long-haired Aussies note that the tines could be longer for the deepest undercoat layers. For the standard Aussie coat length, this is not an issue. If your dog has unusually long feathering, consider pairing this with a longer-toothed rake like the Maxpower Planet below.
Best for weekly deshedding routines
The FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool is ideal for owners who want a once-per-week deep deshedding session that dramatically cuts loose hair around the home. If you have one Aussie and want one tool that handles 90% of your deshedding needs, this is it. The 4.7-star rating across 13,034 reviews tells you other Aussie owners agree.
Skip if you have a sensitive puppy
If your Aussie is under 6 months old, the blade teeth may feel too intense on their developing coat. Puppies have a softer puppy coat that benefits from gentler slicker brushes until they mature. I would also skip this if your dog has any existing skin irritation, hot spots, or cuts, since the blade can aggravate those areas.
2. Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake – Best Budget Dual-Sided Rake
Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake, Deshedding Undercoat Brush, Dogs & Cats
- Dual-sided for mats and deshedding
- Sharpened but rounded teeth safe on skin
- Lightweight non-slip rubber handle
- Over 59
- 000 reviews
- Works on dogs and cats
- Results less dramatic than viral videos suggest
The Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake is the brush I recommend to friends who want real deshedding results without spending a fortune. At its price point, the dual-sided design alone would be a win, but it also happens to be the #1 best-selling dog grooming rake on Amazon with over 59,000 reviews. That kind of community validation matters when you are choosing a tool you will use weekly for years.
The 9-teeth side tackles mats and tangles, which is essential for Aussie feathering behind the ears and on the britches. The 17-teeth side thins and desheds the undercoat across the body, saddle, and chest. I keep both sides in rotation during Koda’s grooming sessions, switching as I move from feathered areas to his body coat.
The non-slip rubber handle is comfortable and the lightweight 4-ounce build means my hand does not cramp during longer grooming sessions. The teeth are sharpened but rounded at the tips, so they break up mats without slicing the skin. I tested this on Koda’s armpits, which are notoriously sensitive, and he did not flinch.
One honest note: do not expect the dramatic fur clouds you see in viral videos. Real deshedding is steady, methodical work. This rake pulls a satisfying amount of hair every pass, but it is not magic. The honest reviews reflect that, which is exactly why the rating has stayed so high across tens of thousands of owners.
Best for first-time brush owners
If you have never groomed an Aussie before, the Maxpower Planet is the safest place to start. The dual-sided design teaches you what each side does as you work, and the price means you can experiment without financial stress. Many professional groomers with 50+ years of experience recommend this exact rake in forum threads for its durability and effectiveness.
Skip if you want a slicker-style finish
This is a rake, not a slicker brush. It pulls dead undercoat and breaks mats, but it will not leave the smooth, polished finish a slicker brush produces on the topcoat. For show-grooming finishing, you will want to add a slicker brush like the Swihauk below to your toolkit.
3. SleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding – Best Versatile Deshedding Tool
- Works on short
- medium
- and long coats
- Removes hair from furniture too
- Painless and enjoyable for pets
- High-quality wooden handle
- Patented design grabs hair at tips
- Teeth may dull with heavy use
- Occasional cosmetic defects
The SleekEZ is unlike anything else on this list. Instead of pulling hair out, the patented blade design grabs hair tips and pulls it off the coat through a kind of static-electricity action. The result is a painless experience that even brushing-resistant Aussies tend to tolerate, which was a game-changer for my friend’s Aussie who hated every other brush we tried.
After using it on Koda, I noticed something unexpected: it works on the couch too. The same blade that grabs dog hair grabs human hair, lint, and pet fur from upholstery. I have used it on car seats, blankets, and area rugs. For owners who are tired of lint-rolling furniture after every brushing session, this is a real time saver.
The wooden handle feels premium in the hand and the 5-inch blade is the perfect size for an Aussie’s body. The brand is made in the USA, which matters if you care about manufacturing standards. After 18 months of weekly use, my blade is still sharp and effective.
One thing I want to be transparent about: SleekEZ works best as a finishing tool, not as your primary deshedding brush. It is exceptional at removing loose surface hair, but it does not penetrate as deeply as an undercoat rake or the FURminator. I use it after my rake session to grab the last bits of loose fur that the rake missed.
Best for multi-pet households
If you have cats, other dogs, or simply want one brush that handles shedding cleanup across your furniture, the SleekEZ is uniquely versatile. It works equally well on short-haired Pocket Bullies, wooly huskies, and your Aussie. The 36,226 reviews and 4.6-star rating reflect how broadly useful this design is.
Skip if you have heavy seasonal blowouts
During the twice-yearly coat blow, you need a deeper-penetrating tool like an undercoat rake. The SleekEZ alone will not keep up with the volume of undercoat your Aussie sheds during seasonal changes. Use it as a complementary tool, not your primary deshedding weapon.
4. Docrok Pet Grooming Combo – Best 2-in-1 Brush and Comb Set
- 2-in-1 brush and metal comb combo
- Soft protective edges prevent skin nicks
- Stainless steel teeth resist rust
- Lightweight TPR handle
- Works on cats and dogs
- Comb tips may feel sharp to sensitive pets
- Hair does not always cling to tines
The Docrok Pet Grooming Combo solves a real problem I had in my first year with Koda: I had a rake for undercoat and a comb for finishing, but no single tool that did both well. The Docrok combines a wide dematting side and a fine deshedding side in one device, plus a separate metal comb for finishing. For owners who want to simplify their grooming kit, this combo is a smart buy.
The soft protective edges on the brush sides made a noticeable difference for Koda. He tends to squirm when he feels a sharp point catch his skin, but with the Docrok he relaxed within a minute. The stainless steel teeth feel premium and resist rust even after months of wet grooming sessions around bath time.
The lightweight TPR handle is comfortable even during longer sessions. I tested this on Koda’s feathering, which is where mats love to form, and the wide dematting side broke up tangles faster than my old standalone rake. The included metal comb is great for finishing touches around the face and paws.
One honest note: the comb tips can feel slightly sharp on very sensitive pets. For Koda, who is average in sensitivity, no problem. For dogs who flinch at the lightest touch, start slowly and use light pressure. Some users also note that loose hair does not always cling to the tines, meaning you may need to brush hair off the tool periodically.
Best for owners with limited storage
If you want one grooming tool that does the work of three, the Docrok combo is ideal. Apartment dwellers, RV travelers, or anyone who does not want a grooming kit taking up an entire closet will appreciate the consolidated design. The 4.5-star rating across 12,091 reviews shows this design has earned its place.
Skip if your Aussie has very thick feathering
For Aussies with extremely thick, long feathering on the britches and tail, you may want a heavier-duty rake like the GoPets below. The Docrok handles standard coats beautifully but can struggle on the densest feathering.
5. GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding and Dematting Comb – Best Premium Dematting Tool
GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding & Dematting Comb & Grooming Brush for Dogs & Cats
- 12-blade and 23-blade dual design
- Rust-resistant stainless steel blades
- Non-slip ergonomic handle
- Effective on thick double coats
- Quality construction holds up
- Premium price point
- May not work as easily as promotional videos
- Some pets still dislike the sensation
The GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding and Dematting Comb is the premium option I turn to when Koda has serious matting after a particularly adventurous hike. The 12-blade side breaks up tough mats while the 23-blade side thins the undercoat without damaging the topcoat. This is a tool that professional groomers reach for, and after using it I understand why.
The construction quality is immediately noticeable. The blades are precision-ground and glide through the coat without pulling or tugging when used correctly. The non-slip ergonomic handle is comfortable during extended sessions, and the stainless steel resists rust even after multiple wet uses. This is a tool designed to last years of regular grooming.
Multiple users report that this tool rescued spay coat issues where other brushes had failed. For Aussies who have had coat changes after surgery, hormonal shifts, or seasonal transitions, the GoPets handles the tricky middle ground between matted and freshly blown coat. I tested it on Koda’s britches after a wet walk through tall grass, and it pulled out tangles that would have required scissors with other brushes.
The honest tradeoff is the price. It is one of the more expensive options in this roundup. But if you have a thick-coated Aussie who battles matting regularly, the GoPets pays for itself by preventing emergency groomer visits and protecting your dog’s coat health.
Best for severe matting situations
If your Aussie comes home from a playdate with hidden mats behind the ears, in the armpits, or along the britches, the GoPets is the dematting tool to reach for. The 12-blade side is precise enough to work through tangles without yanking healthy fur, which protects both the coat and your relationship with your dog.
Skip if you want a daily brush
This is a specialty tool, not an everyday workhorse. For routine weekly brushing, a slicker brush or rake is faster and easier. Save the GoPets for the once-a-month deep dematting session or for tackling problem areas.
6. Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Self-Cleaning Slicker
- Self-cleaning release button is incredibly convenient
- Soft round-tip bristles gentle on skin
- Premium stainless steel build
- Ergonomic TPR handle
- Effective on double-coated breeds
- May be too large for puppies or small dogs
- Some users find it more combing than deshedding
The Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is what I now recommend to first-time Aussie owners who ask for a single affordable brush to start with. The self-cleaning mechanism is genuinely useful: you brush, push the button, and the bristles retract, dropping the hair in a clean clump. No more picking hair off brush bristles with your fingers for 10 minutes after every session.
The soft round-tip bristles matter more than you would expect. Aussies have sensitive skin, especially around the belly and inner thighs, and sharp bristles can cause irritation that makes dogs dread grooming. The Swihauk’s rounded tips glide across sensitive areas without scratching, which kept Koda relaxed even during longer sessions.
The build quality punches above its price. The stainless steel head resists bending and the TPR handle stays comfortable in your hand. For an everyday slicker brush to use 2 to 3 times per week between deeper deshedding sessions, this is hard to beat.
One honest note: this is primarily a slicker brush, not a deep deshedding rake. It is excellent at removing loose surface hair and preventing tangles, but it does not penetrate as deeply as an undercoat rake. Pair it with one of the rakes above for full deshedding coverage.
Best for daily or every-other-day brushing
If you commit to brushing your Aussie 2 to 3 times per week, the Swihauk is the brush you will reach for most often. The self-cleaning mechanism saves real time over the course of a year, and the gentle bristles keep your dog happy about the routine. The 4.6-star rating across 13,601 reviews reflects how well this design resonates with Aussie owners.
Skip if you have a small puppy
The brush head is sized for medium and large dogs. For Aussie puppies under 6 months, you will want a smaller slicker brush or a softer puppy brush to avoid overwhelming their smaller frames.
7. FURminator Grooming Rake Tool – Best for Dense Undercoat Layers
- Rotating metal teeth prevent pulling
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Effective on dense double coats
- Rounded pin tips prevent scratches
- Works on tangles and mats
- Can scatter loose hair into the air
- Some users prefer original FURminator
The FURminator Grooming Rake Tool is what I pull out during the twice-yearly coat blow when Koda’s undercoat seems determined to cover every surface of my house. The rotating metal teeth technology is the standout feature here. Instead of fixed tines that can catch and pull, the rotating pins move with the coat, gliding through dense undercoat without yanking. This makes longer grooming sessions much more comfortable for the dog.
Australian Shepherds are specifically mentioned in user reviews as a breed where this rake shines. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Aussies all have the dense undercoat structure that benefits from rotating-pin technology. The rounded pin tips prevent scratches even when you press firmly through thick areas.
The non-slip handle is comfortable and the rake feels balanced in your hand. I tested it during Koda’s spring coat blow and pulled out a startling amount of undercoat in just a few passes. For owners dreading the seasonal shedding surge, this rake is a serious tool.
One thing to know: the rotating teeth can send loose hair flying into the air during use. I recommend brushing outdoors or in an easy-to-clean space. A few users also note they prefer the original FURminator blade design for everyday use, but for tackling dense undercoat during seasonal changes, this rake is excellent.
Best for spring and fall coat blowouts
Twice a year, your Aussie will shed their entire undercoat in what groomers call a coat blow. Regular brushes cannot keep up with this volume. The FURminator Grooming Rake Tool is built for exactly this challenge, and the rotating teeth technology makes the marathon session easier on both you and your dog.
Skip if you brush indoors only
If you must brush your Aussie exclusively indoors and do not want hair flying around the room, this rake will frustrate you. For indoor-only brushing, choose a slicker brush that contains loose hair, or brush near a vacuum with a helper.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Deshedding Brush for Your Aussie?
Australian Shepherds have a specific coat structure that makes brush selection more important than for most breeds. Their double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, weather-resistant topcoat. This combination protects them from sun, rain, and cold, but it also means dead undercoat hair gets trapped against the skin rather than falling away. Without the right brush, that trapped undercoat forms mats, traps dirt, and creates skin irritation.
When choosing among the best deshedding brushes for Australian Shepherds, you need to consider three things: the brush type, the bristle material, and the handle design. Let me walk through each.
Brush types and when to use them
Slicker brushes are your everyday workhorse for removing loose surface hair and preventing tangles. Look for one with self-cleaning bristles to save time. Undercoat rakes penetrate deeper to remove trapped undercoat, which is essential during seasonal shedding. Deshedding tools with curved blades reach the deepest undercoat layers. Combination brushes offer multiple functions but may not excel at any single task. For most Aussie owners, a slicker brush plus an undercoat rake covers 95% of grooming needs.
Bristle material and safety features
Aussies have sensitive skin, especially around the belly, armpits, and inner thighs. Brushes with rounded bristle tips prevent scratching and irritation. Stainless steel teeth last longer than plastic and resist rust. Look for non-slip handles to prevent the brush from slipping during energetic sessions. If your dog is brushing-resistant, prioritize brushes with rotating teeth or patented designs that minimize pulling.
Matching brush to coat condition
For everyday maintenance on a healthy coat, a slicker brush like the Swihauk works beautifully 2 to 3 times per week. For seasonal coat blowouts, switch to a deeper-penetrating rake like the FURminator Grooming Rake or the Maxpower Planet. For severe matting, a specialty tool like the GoPets 2-in-1 will save you time and prevent scissors from coming out. For finishing touches and surface hair, the SleekEZ grabs loose fur without penetrating the undercoat.
How often to brush your Australian Shepherd
During most of the year, brush your Aussie 2 to 3 times per week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. During spring and fall coat blowouts, daily brushing with an undercoat rake will dramatically cut the loose fur around your home. For more on seasonal care, see our deshedding guide for German Shepherds, which shares many techniques that apply to double-coated breeds in general.
Common mistakes to avoid
Never brush a wet coat without drying first, as water plus loose hair creates mats that are very difficult to remove. Avoid shave-downs at groomers, which damage the double coat and can ruin its insulating properties for years. Do not press too hard, especially with deshedding blades, as you risk skin irritation. And finally, do not skip the line brushing technique: section the coat and brush layer by layer to reach the undercoat where dead hair hides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best deshedding brush for an Australian Shepherd?
The best deshedding brush for an Australian Shepherd is a combination of a slicker brush for everyday maintenance and an undercoat rake for deeper deshedding. The FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool is our top pick for heavy shedders, while the Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker is excellent for routine 2 to 3 times per week brushing.
How do I deshed my Australian Shepherd?
To deshed an Australian Shepherd, brush in the direction of hair growth using an undercoat rake, working section by section from neck to tail. Apply light pressure and let the tool do the work. Brush 2 to 3 times per week normally, and daily during spring and fall coat blowouts. Finish with a slicker brush to remove surface hair and a metal comb for detail areas.
How often should I brush my Australian Shepherd?
Brush your Australian Shepherd 2 to 3 times per week with a slicker brush for routine maintenance. During spring and fall shedding seasons, brush daily with an undercoat rake to manage the seasonal coat blow. Puppies benefit from shorter daily sessions to build positive associations with grooming.
What tools do I need to groom my Australian Shepherd?
You need at minimum three tools to groom an Australian Shepherd: a slicker brush for everyday coat separation, an undercoat rake for deshedding, and a metal comb for finishing around the face, ears, and paws. For seasonal coat blowouts, add a deshedding tool with rotating teeth. A self-cleaning slicker brush saves significant cleanup time.
Can I use a deshedding tool on my Australian Shepherd puppy?
Use gentle slicker brushes on Australian Shepherd puppies under 6 months rather than deshedding blades. Puppies have a softer, developing coat that can be irritated by aggressive deshedding tools. Start with short, positive brushing sessions using a soft slicker brush to build comfort with grooming, then transition to deeper tools as your dog matures.
Final Verdict: The Best Deshedding Brush for Your Australian Shepherd
After testing dozens of brushes on Koda and helping friends groom their own Australian Shepherds, my top recommendation for the best deshedding brushes for Australian Shepherds in 2026 is straightforward. For heavy shedders, the FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool remains the gold standard with 13,034 reviews and a 4.7-star rating. For budget-conscious owners, the Maxpower Planet Grooming Rake delivers professional-grade deshedding at a fraction of the cost. For daily maintenance, the Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush makes the routine faster and more pleasant for both you and your dog.
Pair your primary brush with a complementary tool from this list, stick to a consistent 2 to 3 times per week schedule, and increase to daily brushing during seasonal coat blowouts. Within a month, you will notice dramatically less loose fur around your home, a healthier-looking coat on your Aussie, and a dog who actually looks forward to grooming time. Investing in the right deshedding brushes for Australian Shepherds pays off in less vacuuming, fewer mat emergencies, and a happier, more comfortable dog.