TL;DR
The best grooming tools for small breeds are the ones that match your dog’s coat type and give you precise control in tight areas like legs, underarms, paws, and around the face. For most small dogs, a quality slicker brush is the workhorse tool — but you’ll get better results (and fewer mats) if you pair it with a “comb check” routine and keep sessions short and gentle.
Top Recommended Dog Grooming Tools
| Product | Best For | Price | Pros/Cons | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush Large | Detangling long, wavy, curly, and dense coats | $50 – $75 | Fast at tackling tangles and early mats; can be too much brush for very short coats or sensitive skin | Visit Amazon |
Top Pick: Best Overall Dog Grooming Tools
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush Large
Best for: Small breeds with long, curly, wavy, or “tangle-prone” coats (think Havanese, Shih Tzu, Maltese mixes, Yorkie mixes, small doodle mixes) — especially when you’re trying to keep friction areas like behind the ears and under the collar from turning into mats.
The Good
- Excellent detangling efficiency: A slicker is often the primary tool for coats that knot up easily, and this one is built to move through hair quickly without needing a ton of pressure.
- Useful for line brushing: You can work in small sections (a key technique for small dogs that hate long grooming sessions) and then follow with a comb check.
- Good for early mats and shed hair: It’s well-suited to pulling out loose undercoat and catching small tangles before they tighten.
- Owner-perceived time savings: Multiple owners buy a higher-end slicker specifically because it shortens sessions — helpful for wriggly toy breeds that tap out fast.
The Bad
- Not a universal fit for every small dog: If your dog has a very short coat (like a Chi mix) or easily irritated skin, a rubber curry-style brush is often the gentler first choice.
- Brush-burn risk if you overdo it: Like any slicker, too much pressure or too many passes on thin-skinned areas (armpits, belly, groin) can cause redness — go slow and use short strokes.
4.7/5 across 14,584 Amazon reviews
“This brush is AMAZING! I have a Tibetan Terrier, and the breed is notoriously challenging to groom. This brush was so efficient it literally cut our brushing time in half, which was great for both me and my dog, Mitzi.Tibetan Terriers are technically a non-shedding breed, but they have a very wooly undercoat that can mat easily, especially when the seasons…” — Verified Amazon buyer (5 stars)
“We had a cheap brush before getting this one. It worked okay, but the shorter bristles felt like they weren’t getting very deep. We wondered if that was the reason for all of the shedding, since the Bernedoodle is supposed to be a low shedder. We did a lot of research for top brands, and this one was on every single list if not at the top of them. Everyone…” — Verified Amazon buyer (4 stars)
Typical price: $50 – $75
“This brush was so efficient it literally cut our brushing time in half, which was great for both me and my dog” — verified buyer, 5 stars
Our Take: If you can only buy one “serious” grooming tool for a small breed with a coat that tangles, this is the one we’d start with — then make your results much more consistent by adding a comb check and keeping your technique gentle.
FAQ
What grooming tools do I need for a small long-haired breed?
At minimum, plan on a slicker brush plus a metal comb for a “comb check” after brushing. AKC guidance also emphasizes choosing tools based on coat type and keeping grooming gentle and routine-based; see American Kennel Club grooming guidance.
How often should I brush my small dog?
It depends on the coat: long, curly, or cottony coats may need brushing daily or every other day to prevent mats, while short coats might only need 1–2 times per week. If you’re finding tangles behind the ears, at the collar, or in the armpits, that’s a sign your schedule (or your technique) needs adjusting.
What’s the difference between slicker brushing and line brushing?
A slicker is the tool; line brushing is the technique. With line brushing, you lift a thin “line” of coat, brush that small section from the skin outward with short strokes, then move to the next line — and you finish by running a comb through to confirm you’re actually mat-free down to the skin.
When should I not remove mats at home?
If mats are tight to the skin, your dog is painful or extremely fearful, or you see irritation/hot spots, it’s safer to book a professional groomer or consult a vet rather than try to “work it out” yourself. ASPCA notes that grooming should not be a struggle that risks injury; see ASPCA dog grooming tips.
Is it safe to cut mats out with scissors on a small dog?
In general, no — especially on small breeds where skin is thin and loose and a sudden wiggle can turn into a cut. If you can’t loosen the mat with careful brushing/conditioning and it’s close to the skin, that’s typically “groomer territory” (or vet, if the skin looks inflamed).
How do I keep grooming tools sanitary and working well?
Remove hair after each session, wash/degunk brushes and combs periodically, and let them dry fully so they don’t collect odor or residue. For any topical grooming product (like sprays), stop using it if you notice redness or irritation and consider reporting concerns through FDA guidance on reporting pet product problems.
My small dog hates being brushed — what can I do?
Keep sessions very short (even 1–2 minutes), brush in low-sensitivity areas first, and reward calm behavior. If your dog consistently panics, snaps, or seems painful during grooming, involve a vet to rule out skin/ear pain and to discuss stress-reduction strategies.
Bottom Line
For most small breeds with tangle-prone coats, a high-quality slicker brush is the most important grooming tool to own, and the Chris Christensen Big G is our top pick for overall brushing performance. Use gentle line brushing, keep sessions short, and don’t push through tight mats — when grooming becomes a struggle or skin looks irritated, a pro groomer or vet is the safer next step.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.