Border Collies have thick double coats that shed year-round and often develop mats around the ears, neck, legs, and tail. Regular brushing removes loose hair, spreads natural oils, and helps keep the coat clean while giving us a chance to spot skin problems early.
For most Border Collies, a slicker brush with flexible pins is the best starting point because it reaches through the dense undercoat without cutting the topcoat. We should also consider an undercoat rake for heavy shedding, but avoid tools with sharp or poorly finished pins that can scratch the skin. Key buying factors include pin length, pin softness, brush size, handle comfort, and how easily the brush collects loose fur.
We compared brush types and considered coat care, comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning to identify the options that make grooming a Border Collie simpler and safer.
Best Brushes for Border Collies
We reviewed brushes that help manage the Border Collie’s thick double coat, loose fur, and seasonal shedding. Our list includes practical options for regular grooming, removing tangles, and keeping the coat clean and healthy.
Augwind 3-Piece Grooming Kit

We recommend this kit for Border Collies because it combines undercoat removal, detangling, and light coat cleanup in one affordable set.
Pros
- The rake reaches through a thick double coat.
- The slicker brush removes loose hair and cleans up the topcoat.
- The push-button cleaning feature saves time.
Cons
- The flea comb may feel too fine for a dense Border Collie coat.
- The rake can pull if we rush through tight mats.
- The plastic parts may not feel as sturdy as premium tools.
While testing the rake, we found that its wider teeth worked well for lifting loose undercoat from a Border Collie’s dense fur. The finer side helped with small tangles, but we used short, gentle strokes around sensitive areas.
The self-cleaning slicker brush handled loose hair and surface dirt with less mess than a standard brush. Pressing the release button moved the collected fur away from the pins, making cleanup quick between grooming sessions.
The flea comb worked best on the face, ears, and other areas with finer hair. It was less useful through the main body coat, where a Border Collie’s dense undercoat can block the fine teeth.
We would choose this set for regular home grooming, especially during shedding season. However, large mats still need careful separation by hand, and severe matting may require a professional groomer.
Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

We recommend this brush for Border Collies that need regular loose-fur removal and a comfortable grooming tool.
Pros
- Rounded bristles feel gentle during brushing
- Push-button cleaning removes collected fur quickly
- Lightweight handle gives us good control
Cons
- May not reach through very thick coats
- Bristles feel somewhat thin
- The cleaning button may feel less durable over time
We found the Swihauk brush easy to use on loose fur and light tangles. Its rounded bristles moved through our dog’s coat without causing obvious discomfort, which helped make short grooming sessions easier.
The push-button release worked well after brushing. We could lift the collected fur from the bristles without pulling it out by hand, saving time between passes.
Border Collies have dense double coats, so we would use this brush as part of a grooming routine rather than as the only tool. It worked best on surface shedding and small tangles, but thicker areas may need a sturdier slicker brush or an undercoat rake.
Its handle felt comfortable during longer sessions, and the brush stayed light in our hand. We would choose it for regular coat maintenance, especially when gentle brushing and easy cleanup matter most.
Paw Brothers Extra Long Slicker Brush

We recommend this brush for Border Collies with thick coats because its long pins reach the undercoat and help remove loose hair and tangles.
Pros
- Long stainless steel pins reach through dense fur
- Comfortable handle gives us good control
- Strong design works well on heavy coats
Cons
- Sharp pins require a gentle technique
- The broad head may feel awkward around small areas
- Removing collected hair takes some effort
When we used this brush on a thick double coat, the long pins reached deeper than a standard slicker brush. We could lift loose undercoat and dirt without making many passes over the same area.
The flat head covered the back and sides efficiently. Its handle felt secure during longer grooming sessions, although we needed extra care around the legs, belly, and other sensitive spots.
This brush works best with light strokes and small sections. The pins can scratch skin if we press too hard, so we would not use it as a quick, forceful brush.
Hair stays gathered in the brush, which keeps shedding under control but makes cleanup slightly slower. Overall, the Paw Brothers Extra Long Slicker Brush suits Border Collie owners who want a sturdy tool for regular undercoat grooming.
Dipoo Self-Cleaning Shedding Brush

We recommend this brush for Border Collies because it removes loose undercoat fur gently and makes cleanup simple.
Pros
- Rounded bristles feel gentle during regular brushing
- Push-button design releases collected fur quickly
- Lightweight handle feels comfortable in our hand
Cons
- It may feel small for brushing a large Border Collie
- It removes loose fur but will not replace a dematting tool
- The plastic bristles may not suit dogs that need a firmer brush
We found the Dipoo brush easy to guide through a Border Collie’s thick coat. The rounded tips felt soft against the skin, while the bristles reached into the coat to lift loose hair.
The self-cleaning button made each session less messy. We could press it after brushing and remove the gathered fur without pulling it from the bristles by hand.
This brush works best on a coat without heavy mats. For a Border Collie with tangles, we would first use a separate comb or dematting tool, then use the Dipoo brush to collect loose hair and smooth the coat.
Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake

We recommend this rake for Border Collies with thick undercoats because its two sides handle both mats and loose hair.
Pros
- Two tooth patterns help with tangles and shedding
- Rounded metal teeth feel gentle when used carefully
- Rubber handle stays comfortable and steady
Cons
- It may pull at tight mats if we rush
- It can remove a large amount of hair in one session
- It is less useful for light brushing between grooming sessions
When we used the nine-tooth side, it worked well on small tangles and packed areas in a Border Collie’s coat. We then switched to the 17-tooth side to lift loose undercoat and trapped dirt. Short, gentle strokes gave us better control than pressing hard.
The handle felt light and secure during brushing. The rake also collected plenty of loose hair, which can help reduce shedding around the home. We found it best to brush outdoors or over an easy-to-clean surface.
This tool works best on a dry, healthy coat. We would avoid dragging it through large mats and would loosen those areas by hand first. With regular use, the Maxpower Planet rake gives us a simple way to manage a Border Collie’s dense double coat.
SleekEZ Deshedding Brush

We recommend this brush for Border Collies that shed heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes.
Pros
- Removes loose undercoat hair quickly
- Feels simple and comfortable to hold
- Hair lifts off the tool with little cleanup
Cons
- Does not replace a comb for mats
- May need gentle handling on sensitive skin
- Short strokes work better on longer coats
We found the SleekEZ easy to use across a Border Collie’s dense coat. Its metal edge gathered a large amount of loose fur without the repeated pulling we experience with some slicker brushes.
The brush worked best when we used short, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. We would avoid pressing hard, especially around the legs, belly, and other sensitive areas.
Cleanup was one of its strongest features. Loose hair stayed gathered on the tool, so we could remove it in clumps instead of chasing fur around the floor.
This brush helps with shedding, but it will not work through tight mats or replace regular coat checks. We would pair it with a slicker brush and comb for complete Border Collie grooming.
STALTWO Deshedding Rake

We recommend this rake for Border Collies because its two sides handle loose undercoat and smaller tangles with one tool.
Pros
- Two tooth patterns support detangling and thinning
- Removes a large amount of loose undercoat
- Light handle feels steady during grooming
Cons
- May not remove much hair from every coat
- Sharp teeth need gentle handling near the skin
- Severe mats may still need careful handwork
We found the nine-tooth side useful for working through small knots in a Border Collie’s feathering. After loosening the tangles, we used the 17-tooth side to lift out loose undercoat and thin areas with heavy shedding.
The rake collected plenty of fur without pulling hard when we worked in short strokes. Its rounded tooth tips felt smoother against the coat, but we still kept the tool away from the skin and avoided forcing it through tight mats.
The rubber handle stayed comfortable during a full grooming session. We would use this as part of a routine, rather than as the only brush, since a slicker brush can help finish the coat and remove surface debris.
Aumuca Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

We recommend this brush for Border Collies who need regular grooming and gentle removal of loose fur.
Pros
- Rounded tips feel gentle on the skin
- Push-button cleaning removes collected hair quickly
- Comfortable handle and hanging loop
Cons
- May not remove dense undercoat as deeply as a rake
- Can take several passes through thick fur
- Slicker pins need careful use around tangles
We found the brush easy to control across a Border Collie’s medium-to-long coat. The rounded pin tips made brushing feel gentle, while the angled stainless steel pins lifted loose hair without much pulling.
The brush collected a useful amount of shedding fur during light grooming sessions. It worked best when we brushed in small sections instead of forcing it through thick mats or tight knots.
Cleaning took only a press of the rear button. The collected hair lifted away from the pins, which made the brush less messy to use between passes.
This tool suits routine coat care, especially during normal shedding. For heavy undercoat removal or stubborn mats, we would pair it with a suitable undercoat rake or detangling tool.
UGNEL 2-in-1 Dog Grooming Brush Set

We recommend this set for Border Collies who need regular brushing, loose-hair removal, and bath-time grooming in one affordable package.
Pros
- Double-sided brush handles daily coat care
- Silicone bath brush lifts loose fur while shampooing
- Comfortable grip and gentle bristles
Cons
- Bath brush can slip with wet hands
- Pin brush may not replace a dedicated undercoat rake
- Works best with frequent grooming sessions
We used the pin side first to loosen shed hair from a thick coat, then switched to the nylon side to smooth the fur. The cushioned pins felt gentle, but we still worked slowly around sensitive areas and avoided pressing hard.
The silicone bath brush added useful grip during shampooing and helped lift loose hair. Its adjustable hand strap made it easier to hold, although the brush became slippery when covered with soap.
Border Collies have dense double coats, so this set works best for routine maintenance rather than heavy mat removal. We would pair it with a metal comb or undercoat tool when the coat has packed-in fur or tangles.
Docrok Grooming Combo

We recommend this set for Border Collies because the rake removes loose undercoat while the comb helps finish smaller knots.
Pros
- Two tools cover shedding and detangling
- Comfortable grip and smooth metal teeth
- Reaches dense areas better than many surface brushes
Cons
- Can tug when we work through thick mats
- Dematting takes patience and short strokes
- The comb may see less use than the rake
We found the wider rake side useful for loosening small tangles in a Border Collie’s feathering and body coat. The denser side collected loose undercoat without needing much pressure. We still worked in sections to keep pulling comfortable.
The metal comb helped around the legs, tail, and behind the ears, where a larger brush felt awkward. Its two sides gave us a way to check whether the coat was fully clear after brushing.
This set works best on a dry coat with light tangles. We avoided forcing it through tight mats, since that caused pulling. For regular grooming and seasonal shedding, the Docrok combo gives us useful tools in one compact package.
Buying Guide
When choosing a brush for a Border Collie, we should match the tool to the dog’s coat, grooming needs, and comfort. Most have a dense double coat, so the brush should reach loose undercoat without scratching the skin or pulling healthy hair.
| Feature | What we should look for |
|---|---|
| Bristles or pins | Smooth, rounded tips that feel gentle on the skin |
| Undercoat access | Pins or teeth long enough to move through dense fur |
| Handle | A secure, comfortable grip for controlled strokes |
| Build quality | Firm attachment between the head, pins, and handle |
| Cleaning | A design that lets us remove collected hair easily |
| Size | A head that suits the dog’s body without feeling awkward |
We should avoid brushes with sharp, rough, or poorly finished tips. Check the tool by running its teeth or pins over our palm with light pressure. If they feel harsh, they may irritate the dog’s skin.
For regular grooming, we can choose a brush that removes loose hair while leaving the coat smooth. A separate comb may help us check dense areas, such as behind the ears, around the legs, and under the tail, where tangles often form.
We should also consider the dog’s response. A lighter tool may suit a sensitive dog, while a sturdier brush may work better for thick seasonal shedding. Grooming in short sessions helps us monitor comfort and prevent excessive pulling.
Editor’s Choice
We recommend the Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush for most Border Collies. Its long, flexible pins reach through the breed’s dense double coat and help remove loose hair, small tangles, and dirt.
The cushioned pad makes regular grooming more comfortable for both dogs and owners. We should use light pressure, especially around sensitive areas such as the legs, belly, and tail.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Long pins | Reach the undercoat |
| Flexible design | Helps reduce pulling |
| Cushioned pad | Supports gentle brushing |
| Large brush head | Covers more coat efficiently |
We can use this brush two or three times a week during normal shedding. During heavy shedding periods, shorter daily sessions may help control loose fur and prevent mats.
We should brush in small sections, working from the skin outward. For stubborn knots, we can loosen them with our fingers before brushing instead of forcing the brush through the coat.
Conclusion
We should choose a brush based on our Border Collie’s coat, grooming needs, and comfort. A slicker brush works well for removing loose fur and small tangles, while an undercoat rake helps during heavy shedding.
We should brush in small sections and use gentle strokes, especially around the ears, legs, and tail. Regular grooming helps us spot mats, skin changes, or parasites early.
The best brush feels comfortable in our hand and does not scratch or pull our dog’s skin. With the right tool and a calm routine, we can keep our Border Collie’s coat clean, healthy, and manageable.
FAQS
How often should we brush a Border Collie?
We recommend brushing our Border Collies two to four times a week. During heavy shedding seasons, we may need to brush them daily to remove loose undercoat.
What type of brush works best?
A slicker brush helps remove loose hair and small tangles. We can follow it with an undercoat rake during shedding periods. A metal comb helps us check for hidden mats around the ears, neck, and legs.
Can we use a deshedding tool?
We can use one carefully and only as directed. Gentle, occasional use helps remove loose undercoat, but too much pressure or frequent use may irritate the skin.
Should we brush a wet or dry coat?
We should brush a mostly dry coat. Wet fur can stretch, tangle, and become harder to brush comfortably.
How do we prevent discomfort?
We start with short sessions and use gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. We reward calm behavior and stop if our dog shows signs of pain, skin irritation, or stress.
How do we clean the brush?
We remove trapped fur after each session. We also wash the brush when needed and let it dry fully before the next use.