Best Dog Grooming Brushes for Short Hair Breeds
Before I learned about the different types of dog brushes, I thought they all did the same thing, just made from different materials. But that’s not the case. The one I was using is called a slicker brush, and it’s not the best choice for Staffies.
The best dog grooming brushes for short hair breeds have soft bristles made from natural materials, rubber, or silicone. For thicker coats, a blend of boar and nylon bristles can provide the extra firmness needed without being harsh.
Here’s an overview of the best types of dog grooming brushes for short-hair with the pros and cons of each…
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Soft Bristle Brush | – Gentle on sensitive skin, ideal for short-haired breeds like Staffies – Distributes natural oils for a shiny, healthy coat – Helps reduce irritation and discomfort during grooming | – Less effective on mats or heavy shedding – May not provide enough firmness for thicker coats |
| Rubber Curry Brush | – Great for massaging skin and stimulating natural oils – Effective at loosening dirt and shedding hair – Easy to clean and use during bath time | – Can be less durable if made from low-quality rubber – Not suitable for removing mats or tangles – Some dogs may find rubber texture unusual or uncomfortable initially |
| Dog Grooming Gloves | – Turns grooming into bonding, excellent for nervous or anxious dogs – Useful for quick clean-ups, especially after muddy walks – Helps collect loose fur and dirt from coat and furniture | – Smaller bristles cause it to clog with hair/dirt faster – Less effective for deep detangling or heavy shedding – Stitching can be prone to fraying |
With the above in mind, below are the…
Brush Types and Recommendations
3 of the Best Dog Grooming Brushes for Short Hair
Best Soft Bristle Dog Brush: Chris Christensen Boar Dog Brush
- 🟠 Chris Christensen is well known in professional dog grooming circles, including show dog owners.
- 🟠 A very versatile catalogue of specialist dog brushes catering to different coat types — not just breeds.
Soft bristle dog brushes are especially well-suited for dogs with sensitive skin. Since Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to skin sensitivities, choosing a soft bristle brush helps ensure grooming is gentle, comfortable, and less likely to cause irritation. Natural bristle brushes made from pure boar hair offer the perfect combination of softness and effective grooming for short-haired breeds like Staffies.
While natural bristle brushes excel in softness, dogs with thicker coats who need firmer bristles for light detangling or unmatting may benefit from brushes that blend natural boar bristles with synthetic nylon. For this, the Chris Christensen Andreas Nylon/Boar Dog Brush is a great choice. These mixed brushes provide more firmness while still being gentle, though they do sacrifice the 100% all-natural hair feel.
If you find the chris christensen dog brushes a bit on the pricey side but still want natural bristles, this 2-in-1 Grooming Brush is a solid budget option. Just be cautious with the pin side… even with its rounded tips, it can be rough on sensitive skin, so avoid the pin side or use very gently if your dog is prone to skin irritation.
What I like:
- Chris Christensen is well known in professional dog grooming circles, including show dog owners.
- A very versatile catalogue of specialist dog brushes catering to different coat types – not just breeds.
What I don’t like:
- Premium pricing, and not as well known in the UK (made in the USA).
- Wooden handle – comfortable, but if any of my dogs got hold of it, it would be destroyed. I’d prefer a metal handle option.
Best for: Short-haired dogs with sensitive skin, dermatitis, hot spots, or allergies.
Best Rubber Curry Brush: The KONG Zoom Groom
- 🟠 Soft design so I’m not nervous about damaging the dog’s skin, unlike with a slicker brush.
- 🟠 High-quality KONG rubber that’s long-lasting and durable.
- 🟠 Excellent for lathering dog shampoo and giving a good scrub during bath time.
The KONG Zoom Groom is a durable rubber grooming brush designed to remove loose hair and dead skin while gently massaging your dog’s coat. Its soft rubber fingers reach through the fur to stimulate the skin, promoting healthy capillaries and encouraging natural oil production for a shinier, healthier coat… perfect for Staffordshire Bull Terriers and other short-haired breeds prone to skin sensitivities.
Unlike cheaper rubber brushes, the KONG Zoom Groom uses high-quality rubber that resists wear and degradation, ensuring long-lasting performance. It’s especially handy during bath time, helping to loosen dirt and dead hair while providing a soothing massage. It also works well for quick cleanups between baths and is ideal for nervous or anxious dogs thanks to its gentle action.
Many customers highlight its ability to remove loose hair without applying pressure, and note improvements in coat shine and skin health after regular use.
What I like:
- Soft design so I’m not nervous about damaging the dog’s skin, unlike with a slicker brush.
- High-quality KONG rubber that’s long-lasting and durable.
- Excellent for lathering dog shampoo and giving a good scrub during bath time.
What I don’t like:
- It’s a KONG, and my dogs love to try to destroy KONG toys.
- Rubber creates static, making it harder to clean mid-use. A 5–10 minute session won’t remove as much hair as a soft bristle brush.
Best for: Short-haired, single-coated breeds; regular grooming (not just occasional use); or as a dedicated bath-time brush.
Best Dog Grooming Gloves: USION Pet Grooming Gloves (2-Pack)
- 🟠 Mimics petting, so dogs don’t associate it with “brushing.”
- 🟠 Keeps my hands clean when washing off all sorts of grime from their runarounds.
Not every dog loves a brush. For anxious pups, grooming gloves offer a gentler, less intimidating option. These USION grooming gloves turn brushing into bonding time. Each pack includes left and right gloves, each with 259 soft silicone tips that gently lift loose fur while massaging your dog’s skin. Adjustable Velcro cuffs ensure a secure, comfortable fit, and BPA-free materials make them safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
Perfect for Staffies who aren’t fans of traditional brushes, especially those with thicker coats needing a deeper groom. They’re also ideal for muddy-day clean-ups: after a walk, skip the indoor shower and head straight to the garden hose. Use warm water and both gloves for a speedy scrub (or one glove if you’re flying solo). It keeps your hands clean from whatever they’ve rolled in (cowpats included) and saves your carpets and floors.
What I like:
- Mimics petting, so dogs don’t associate it with “brushing.”
- Keeps my hands clean when washing off all sorts of grime from their runarounds.
What I don’t like:
- Fabric stitching can fray, especially when wet.
- The gloves clog frequently and need unclogging every few strokes. I find using one glove easier since the other hand is free to clear the hair.
Best for: Nervous dogs and washing off dogs prone to rolling in smelly stuff.
Bonus Pick: FURminator Hair Collection Tool
No matter whether you brush your dog weekly or more regularly, their hair will get everywhere! When it does, turn to the trusted FURminator hair collection tool. It works like those lint rollers, but without the constant refills. It’s a reusable tool that lifts fur from furniture, carpets and car seats without sticky tape.
How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Dog
The best brush for your dog comes down to two main factors: coat type and personality. Not all short-haired dogs have thin coats – they can still be short and thick. For example, we have a white Staffy with a thick coat and a brindle one with a thin coat.
- For thicker coats – A firmer bristle brush (such as a boar/nylon blend) can help lift dirt and loose hair more effectively.
- For thinner coats or sensitive skin – firm brushes may be too harsh making dogs anxious of them. In those cases, use grooming gloves, as they feel more like a gentle petting session.
- Consider material associations – If your dog has a history with certain textures, it can influence how they react. For example, because our two had plenty of rubber chew toys as puppies, anything rubber now signals “playtime” rather than “grooming” – not ideal when I’m trying to get them cleaned up after a muddy walk.
The right choice is the one your dog is most comfortable with, making grooming an enjoyable experience for both of you.
For a more in-depth look at Staffy grooming, check out Will Atherton’s video below. If you want to skip straight to the brushing advice, start at 47 seconds — this section runs until about 2 minutes and 10 seconds and covers the exact techniques and tools he recommends. After that, Will moves on to bathing, ear care, eye care, and other essential grooming tips that are worth watching for the full picture.
