Owning a black Pug means that you’re going to have a lot of hair dot deal with. They tend to shed quite a bit, this is why you need to take precautions to groom them on a regular basis. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best brushes for Pugs and how often you should brush them.
What Is The Best Brush For Pugs?
The best brush for a Pug is the ones that allow you to keep the Pug fur in control and doesn’t cause them to lose hair in clumps. Unlike other breeds, your Pug grooming needs will consist of an arsenal of brushes and other Pug supplies.
Our Recommended Top Products
The JW GripSoft slicker is perfect for daily brushing to help reduce shedding issues. The soft bristles won't irritate Pugs with sensitive skin.
The Kong ZoomGroom is the best brush for grooming your small Pug dog in both wet/dry conditions.
How Pug Fur Differs From Other Breeds
If you’ve ever held or pet a Pug, then you know their hair is short and course. With regular brushing and bathing, you can soften up the coarse hair.
Not all Pug hair is created equally. It will depend on the color of your dog. Fawn colored Pugs have a double coat, which causes them to shed more.
Black colored Pugs have a single coat, which usually consists of a finer texture. Both black and fawn-colored Pugs will shed, the doubler coated Pugs will shed more heavily.
Unlike other breeds, Pugs shed 365 days a year. This article discusses the Pug shedding problem in complete detail.
Regardless of the color of Pug you have, it’s important to establish a regular brushing routine to help keep their coat looking soft, shiny, and healthy.
Occasional baths can also help remove loose dead hair, so it’s completely normal for your dog to shed more after a bath. My Pug used to lose clumps of dead hair during her baths.
You’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right shampoo to help maintain the Pug fur.
Related: Best Shampoos for Pugs
A Look At The Different Types Of Dog Grooming Brushes
With so many different types of dog brushes on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work best for Pugs. I’ll quickly explain all the different types of dog brushes and their uses that you’ll encounter at the pet stores and online.
A Quick Look At The Pug Brushes You May Want to Consider:
Slicker Brush
It’s the perfect brush for dogs with thick undercoats. They are extremely versatile and work best for removing tangles and matted hair on dogs with short to medium-length hair.
Deshedding Tool
Pugs and shedding go hand in hand, so you need to invest in a great de-shedding tool. Something like a furminator deshedding tool is perfect to help remove loose fur on your Pug’s undercoat.
This is the perfect Pug shedding solution, especially, if you’re tired of all that hair around your home.
Comb
You don’t need to invest in a professional dog grooming comb. In fact, all you need is something as simple as a fine comb brush to brush your Pug in those sensitive and hard to reach areas like near their eyes.
Avoid buying a wide-tooth comb, as those are mainly for dogs that have long hair. A Pug hair is short and thick, therefore a wide-tooth comb won’t work.
Bristle Brush
Every Pug parent should invest in a nice bristle brush like Four Paws Magic Coat Brush. Choose a bristle brush that has soft bristles and ensure the bristles are close together.
A brush with close bristles will make it easier to clean and remove the hair after you’re done grooming a Pug.
It’s important to find a bristle brush with soft bristles to avoid irritating your Pug’s skin. If the bristles are too hard, your Pug will hate being brushed and it’ll be extremely hard to keep them groomed.
Gloves
Mindy our black Pug loved being brushed with a hound grooming glove, grooming glove or mitt because she loved being pet. All you do is put it on like a glove and pet away.
These are extremely easy to use because every Pug loves being shown affection, especially puppies! While this isn’t necessarily the best brush for Pug hair, it is a great treat for your dog.
Pin Brushes
A Pin brush looks similar to the brush you use to brush your hair daily. The difference is that a pin brush for dogs is designed to remove loose hair and debris.
The Pin brush helps distribute the natural oils in your Pugs fur to help leave a shiny and healthy coat.
Metal Combs
These are heavy-duty brushes that work best for dogs that have thick coats of fur such as the Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Pomeranian and etc.
When using this type of brush, you’ll want to be careful not to irritate your pet’s skin. If you do use one for your Pug, opt for one that has rounded tips as it will be less likely to irritate their skin.
This type of comb will allow you to reach through your Pug’s double layer coat, which will make removing the dead hair much easier.
These types of combs work more efficiently when combined with the slicker brush, which makes brushing the outer coat much easier.
Rubber Brushes
These are also referred to as a curry brush and are often used to keep your dog’s fur clean after they have been rolling around outside playing. Rubber brushes make it easy to remove dirt and grim while spreading the oils over their fur, making it look shiny and healthy.
Curry combs can be gentle enough to use on your dog’s ears, paws, and tail. Metal curry combs are designed for removing tangled hair from your dog. Opt for the rubber curry combs for your Pug!
Wide-Tooth Combs
Combs with wider teeth are designed for pets with sensitive skin. They are great for removing dirt, knots, grime and dead hair from their coats. The wider teeth make it gentler than the combs with finer teeth.
Combo Brushes
These are available in a 2-in-1 design and make it easy for your dog’s grooming needs. These brushes have two sides, one that is specifically for removing dead hair, the other side is used for removing dander and dirt from your dog’s fur.
Combo brushes work best for dogs with medium to long hair and thick coats like the Pug.
Pug Grooming Needs
You’ll be happy to know that your Pug will not require a lot of maintenance, but yes, Pugs need to be groomed.
Like all breeds, you’ll want to make sure that they are properly groomed to maintain their coat and keep them smelling great.
Check out these tools to help you with your Pug grooming needs.
Depending on the color of Pug you have, you need to realize that:
- Fawn colored Pugs have a double layer coat.
- Black Pugs have a single layer coat and tend to shed less. (We used to brush Mindy my black Pug 1-2 times a week)
Many experts advise against shaving their fur because their coat protects them from both the cold and the heat elements.
They may not look like hairy dogs, but Pugs tend to shed a lot. This means that you’ll need to brush them at least 1-2 times per week to keep the shedding under control.
Any of the following dog brushes will work for your Pug regardless of color.
How to Shop for The Right Brush For Pug?
Shopping around for the right Pug hair brush can be challenging.
There are so many options when it comes to choosing the right one, should you get soft, hard, a detangler furminator, deshedding brush, and etc?
As a new pet owner, I know how frustrating it can be. After all, you want to make sure that you buy the for your furbaby while not overspending.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a grooming brush for your Pug.
Sensitivity
Pugs are known to have sensitive skin, so make sure you avoid using metal combs and use the ones that have soft bristles that will not irritate your dog’s skin.
You’ll want to find one that your pet enjoys being brushed with. If your pet shows signs of discomfort or pain, you’re probably using the wrong brush.
You may want to top for a pet groom glove that won’t irritate your pet’s skin.
There are several pet brushing gloves on the market that will help keep your Pug’s fur healthy and free from excess hair.
Use
The type of dog brush you get will depend on how often you use it. If you brush your Pug daily, opt for one with soft brushes or a glove.
5 Of The Best Dog Grooming Brushes for Pugs
#1 JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush
The JW GripSoft slicker is perfect for daily brushing to help reduce shedding issues. The soft bristles won't irritate Pugs with sensitive skin.
The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush Soft Pin is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.
It is soft enough to use daily and offers a non-slip rubber handle with an ergonomic design that makes it extremely easy to use.
Pros
- Sensitive Skin: Ideal for pets with sensitive skin and won’t irritate their skin.
- Soft Pins: The rounded soft pins won’t irritate your dog’s skin. And do a great job of removing matted and dead fur.
- Ergonomic Design: Makes this brush easy for you to grip the handle and brush your dog.
- Price: Extremely affordable to help you groom your Pug.
Cons
- Sharp: Some people have said that the pins are sharp, so you’ll want to be careful when using.
Use
Use daily to remove dead hair and control shedding issues. After brushing, use a comb to remove the excess hair.
#2 KongZoom Rubber Multi-Use Wet/Dry Brush
The Kong ZoomGroom is the best brush for grooming your small Pug dog in both wet/dry conditions.
The Kong ZoomGroom multi-use brush is perfect for removing loose dead hair and keeping it healthy and shiny. This brush is perfect for all dogs regardless of coat type.
Pros
- Removes Dead Hair: Acts like a magnet to remove the dead hair, while stimulating capillaries and natural oil production to give your Pug’s coat a shiny healthy look.
- Multi-use: Can be used on both wet/dry hair.
- Reduce Shedding: When used daily, it can help control your Pug’s shedding problem.
- Natural Rubber: Made in the USA
- Colors: Comes in blue or pink.
Cons
Grip: Some people have complained that it can be hard to hold the brush, especially, if your dog tries running away.
Use
For best results, brush your dog in a circular motion. If using on wet fur, apply dog shampoo directly to the ZoomGroom brush and use a circular motion.
#3 Hartz Slicker Brush For Dogs and Cats
The Hartz Groomer's Best Slicker Brush is developed by professional groomers to gently de-shed your Pug and reduce the excess undercoat.
The Hartz Slicker brush is recommended and used by professional groomers to help with de-shedding, detangling, and removing dead hair on both dogs and cats.
It has soft bristles to ensure it won’t irritate your dog’s skin but is still strong enough to remove loose hair on your dog’s undercoat.
This is a great brush to remove undercoat hair that your dog is losing all over your home.
Pros
- Fine Bristles: Tough enough to remove loose hair and detangle pet hair.
- Healthy: Daily use will help keep your Pug’s hair shiny and healthy.
- Bristle Tips: Designed with soft safety tips which make it a great brush for pets with sensitive skin.
- Ergonomic Design: Makes it easy to hold and control while brushing your pet.
- Variations: Sold in different types of brushes such as; detangling brush, flea comb, combo brushes, and the Fur-Fetcher.
Cons
- Small Brush Surface: This can make it difficult to catch the falling hairs. Make sure you brush your Pug on a towel if brushing indoors.
Use
For best results brush your dog daily to keep their hair shiny and healthy.
#4 Pet Thunder Gentle Grooming Glove
An enhanced 255 silicone grooming glove to help reduce shedding while giving your Pug a relaxing massage.
The Pet Thunder Grooming Mitt is great for Pugs that don’t like to be brushed. Most Pugs in general love being pet and they will finally stop running from you and come to you for grooming.
Pros
- Multi-Use: Perfect for all dog coat types, long or short hair.
- Wet/Dry: Can be used on wet or dry hair.
- Mitt Size: Once size will fit most people.
- Adjustable: The adjustable fuzzy fastener keeps it secure on your hand so it won’t fall off.
- Gentle: no bristles to irritate your dog’s skin. They will love the soothing massage and will beg for more!
- Bonding: Spending time petting your Pug and removing loose hairs will help you spend quality time with your pet.
Cons
- Long Coat Types: Some people complained that it didn’t work well for their Pyrenees long coat hair.
Put the glove on your dominant hand and adjust the fuzzy fastener. Put your Pug on your lap or beside you and stroke your pet.
Continue petting until all the excess hair is removed. Once you are done petting, you can peel away the dead hair from the glove to clean it.
#5 Safari Wire Pin Brush For Dogs
- Wire Pin Dog Brush: An essential tool for dog grooming kits that lifts out shedding hair and debris
- Soft Dog Brush: A general dog grooming brush that can be used daily on dogs with short and long hair
The Safari Pin brush is one of those Pug grooming tools that can make your life easier. It makes removing debris and loose Pug hair so easy.
Their hair will look shiny and healthy without a lot of effort from you. This brush is perfect for double-coated dog breeds.
Pros
- Easy To Use: Remove dirt and debris, the best part is it doesn’t take a lot of effort on your part.
- Distribution of Natural Oils: Making your dog’s hair look shiny and healthy.
- Handle: Ergonomic and easy to use without causing discomfort.
- Sizes: It is available in both large and small sizes for any breed.
- Everyday Use: To help reduce shedding, you’ll want to ensure you’re brushing your Pug at least 2 – 3 times per week.
Cons
- Some people have said that the pin bristles can be a bit flimsy.
Use
For best results, brush your dog in the direction the hair grows. This will help remove all the dirt and debris.
How Often to Brush Your Pug
A Pug’s hair is short and thick and it doesn’t look like they would shed a lot. Unfortunately, they do and once they have been all over your furniture and your bed, you’ll start to notice just how much their shed.
I would recommend brushing your pet at least twice a week. That’s how often we tried to brush Mindy although I have to admit that we weren’t always consistent with a regular brushing routine.
Life would get in the way and sometimes there wasn’t enough time to brush her twice a week. Although, we did brush her once a week and it got to the point where she actually enjoyed the quality time that we spent together.
You’ll need to brush them on a regular basis, but don’t forget to bathe them as well. Regular bathing will help them smell better.
Brush Properly
In order to control the shedding problem and keep your Pugs coat shiny and healthy, it’s important to learn how to brush a Pug properly.
If you’re just starting the grooming process with your Pug, then have some treats ready. It may take some time to get them to let you brush them.
Start at the top of the head and brush all the way down to their curly tail. Make sure that you’re going deep into the fur, without aggravating their skin. Pull the brush out after each stroke and you may have to remove the clumps from the brush.
Make sure that you brush the top, sides and bottom of their body. It will take a while to get into a routine, but once you start doing it regularly, you’ll notice that each brushing session will only take you about 10-20 minutes.
You’ll love it because there will be less hair floating around your house. Your black Pug will love it because you’re spending quality time with them and giving them attention.
Brush Them Outdoors
When you sit down to brush them, make sure that you brush them outdoors. You’ll be surprised at how much hair comes out of your Pug, even though you can’t see it. If you brush them indoors, you better be prepared to vacuum right afterward.
Speaking of vacuums, Mindy used to love it when we would vacuum. We couldn’t understand why, until one day we vacuumed her coat. She loved it and every time we pulled out the vacuum, she wanted us to run it over her body.
We started looking for that perfect brush that she would love. After purchasing several brushes and using all the ones above, we found the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, which she loved and so did we.
She would get so excited when we pulled the brush out and we loved it because it was so easy to use and clean up afterward.
Related Questions:
Do Pugs shed a lot? Yes, they do, in fact, I’ve written an article to explain just how much they shed.
Should Pugs be shaved? Absolutely not, their undercoat helps keep them cool in the Summer. Read this to find out why shaving Pugs is highly discouraged.
Do Pugs need grooming? Every dog regardless of the breed will need some amount of grooming. Pugs require regular grooming, in fact, I’ve put together this article to help you learn how to groom your Pug.
Do Pugs have a double coat? Yes, and this is the reason that they shed so much. Double coated canines have a dense undercoat that consists of short hairs. This is why a wire or bristle brush is vital for keeping your Pug’s undercoat free of debris and combed properly.
What is the best brush for short hair dogs? Brushes with bristles tend to work the best for short-haired breeds like the Pug. As a Pug owner, you don’t need to worry too much about tangles, your focus should be spreading your dog’s oils around their skin.
Do Pugs need haircuts? No, this breed does NOT need their hair cut or trimmed like other breeds. The Pug hair just needs to be washed and cleaned on a regular basis.
Final Thoughts On Best Brush For A Pug
Choosing the right brush for your canine friend is so important. You want to choose a product that doesn’t aggravate their skin or causes them any type of discomfort. If your dog is anything like mine was, it is going to take time to get them into the grooming habit.
If you can find the right brush and make the whole experience pleasant, you’ll have a better chance of them enjoying and looking forward to the weekly grooming routine.