The ACD is a medium-sized, short-coated dog, so you will need a bristle brush designed for short-coated breeds. Rubber brushes are also a great option for short-coated dogs since they have short, flexible rubber bristles that won't irritate their skin. Rubber brushes massage the skin and bring to the surface dirt and loose hair, which you can remove with a bristle brush. For dogs with sensitive skin, rubber brushes are best. Many dog owners also recommend the FURminator de-shedding tool as the best de-shedding brush for Australian Cattle Dogs.
While bristle brushes detangle and remove topcoat debris, de-shedding tools remove the loose dead undercoat from the dog without removing or damaging the topcoat. When used correctly, a de-shedding tool removes most loose hair before your dog has a chance to shed it on the surface of your home! With that in mind, here are the best dog brushes for Australian Cattle Dogs in the United States.
1. FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool
As mentioned earlier, the FURminator Undercoat de-Shedding Tool has been recommended by many Australian Cattle Dog owners, as seen in the above video, for example. This grooming tool features a stainless steel de-shedding edge that reaches through the topcoat to safely and easily remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat. The tool's curved edge conforms to your dog's natural build and shape for comfort. Overall, the FURminator de-shedding tool releases hair with ease, making de-shedding easier than ever!
2. Freshly Bailey Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Freshly Bailey self-cleaning slicker brush is both effective and comfortable, with its self-cleaning feature being the best part. All you have to do is press a button after brushing your dog. Once you press the button, the bristles retract back into the brush, and the hair slides off the brush easily. This self-cleaning bristle brush features fine bent wires with coated tips that penetrate deep into the coat, making it super easy to groom the undercoat without irritating your Australian Cattle Dog’s skin. It massages your dog's skin and creates better blood flow circulation, resulting in a healthy and shiny coat!
- Brand: Freshly Bailey
- Shape: Oblong
- Bristle Material: Plastic
3. HOP Short-Haired Dog Brush
This two-sided pet brush is suitable for dead hair removal and massage. It de-sheds, removes dander, and leaves your dog's coat shiny and healthy. It also doubles as a bath brush for dogs. The brush's silicone needles are soft, comfortable, and not easy to break, and will not harm your dog's skin. They can also play a massage role and promote your Australian Cattle Dog's blood circulation. Its soft bristles are of moderate hardness, which is suitable for sensitive skin areas such as the abdomen and face. The dog brush features an ergonomic handle, which is comfortable to hold.
- Brand: HOP Home of Paws
- Shape: Oval
- Bristle Material: Silicone
How Often Should You Brush Your Australian Cattle Dog?
As a general rule of thumb, you should brush your Australian Cattle Dog twice a week to help distribute oils and remove any dead hair. That keeps the dog's coat shiny and healthy. Your Australian Cattle Dog will blow his coat twice a year, which are two shedding seasons (fall and spring). During the shedding season, the Australian Cattle Dog's coat needs to be brushed every other day to remove the fairly abundant dead hairs.
