Quick answer: For a double-coated breed (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Husky), the best de-shedding tool is a FURminator-style blade (or Fur Magic, £10 to £45 depending on size) used 1 to 2 times a week during the spring and autumn moults. Pair it with a rotating-tooth undercoat rake (£6 to £8) for routine maintenance. Do not use a FURminator-style blade on a short or curly coat.
Which de-shedding tool do you actually need
The right tool depends on the coat. The wrong tool damages the coat and does not remove the loose undercoat.
Double coat (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Husky, German Shepherd). A two-layer coat: a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser topcoat. These breeds need a tool that reaches the undercoat. A FURminator-style blade or an undercoat rake is the right tool.
Smooth coat (Staffy, Whippet, Pug, French Bulldog). A single-layer short coat. Shedding is light. A rubber curry or bristle brush is enough.
Curly coat (Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Bichon, Poodle). A single layer of curls with minimal shedding but a strong tendency to mat. A slicker brush is the right tool, not a de-shedder.
Wire coat (Wire Fox Terrier, Schnauzer). Hand-stripping is the main technique, not de-shedding. Different tool, different process.
The three main tool types
FURminator-style de-shedder
A blade tool with a row of fine teeth that reach through the topcoat to the undercoat. The original FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is the gold standard; the Fur Magic is a budget alternative with comparable results.
- Best for: heavy seasonal moulting on double-coated breeds.
- Typical UK price: £17 to £45+ (size-dependent) for the FURminator; £9.99 for the Fur Magic.
- Use: 1 to 2 times a week during the spring and autumn moults. Every 2 to 3 weeks the rest of the year. Overuse irritates the skin.
Undercoat rake
A row of long, rounded pins on a handle. The pins reach through the topcoat and lift loose undercoat. Less aggressive than a FURminator-style blade. Many have rotating teeth to reduce pulling.
- Best for: routine maintenance on double coats, especially between heavy moults.
- Typical UK price: £6 to £8 (Groomers Undercoat Rake, Groom Professional).
- Use: weekly on a thick double coat, every 2 weeks otherwise.
Grooming glove
A glove with rubber or silicone nubs on the palm. You stroke the dog as normal and loose hair sticks to the glove.
- Best for: light shedding on short or medium coats; nervous dogs that hate a brush; bath-time de-shedding.
- Typical UK price: £3 to £20.
- Limit: does not penetrate a thick undercoat. A double-coated breed still needs a rake or de-shedding blade.
When NOT to use a de-shedding blade
A FURminator-style blade on the wrong coat causes real damage. Do not use it on:
- Curly or wavy single coats (Poodle, Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Bichon). The blade cuts the curl structure and the coat grows back uneven.
- Short smooth coats (Staffy, Whippet, Pug, French Bulldog). The blade reaches the skin and causes irritation.
- Wire coats (Wire Fox Terrier, Schnauzer). The blade clips the wire outer coat and changes the texture.
For these coats, a slicker brush (curly) or a bristle brush / rubber curry (short smooth) is the right tool.
What you actually see on the dog
A typical Labrador moults year-round, with a heavy spring and autumn coat blow. During the heavy moult, a weekly de-shed session with a FURminator-style blade removes a tennis-ball-sized pile of undercoat. Most owners are surprised by how much comes out, and how much less the dog sheds on the sofa afterwards.
A typical Border Collie sheds less obviously but has a very dense undercoat. A weekly rake session keeps the coat in good condition and reduces the mat-prone areas (behind the ears, around the collar).
UK picks for 2026
Top pick: the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool, £17 to £45 depending on dog size. The original, with replaceable blades.
Budget alternative: the Fur Magic Deshedding Tool, £9.99. Comparable results, less brand recognition. Available on Amazon UK.
Best rake: the Groomers Undercoat Rake (rotating teeth), £6.95 retail or £5.79 trade. Reaches the undercoat without scratching the skin.
Best glove: the HandsOn Grooming Gloves, around £20. Five-finger design, useful for nervous dogs and bath time.
Best budget glove: any of the £3 to £7 silicone grooming gloves on Amazon. Fine for a small dog or occasional use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I de-shed my double-coated dog?
Once or twice a week during the spring and autumn moults, and every 2 to 3 weeks the rest of the year. Overusing a de-shedder irritates the skin and can damage the undercoat.
Can I use a FURminator on a Cockapoo?
No. A FURminator-style blade on a Cockapoo or any curly coat cuts the curl structure and the coat grows back uneven. Use a slicker brush and a metal comb for a Cockapoo instead.
What is the difference between an undercoat rake and a de-shedding blade?
An undercoat rake is a row of long rounded pins that lifts loose undercoat gently. A de-shedding blade is a row of fine teeth that reaches through the topcoat more aggressively. The rake is the maintenance tool; the blade is the heavy-moult tool.
Pair de-shedding with our handmade dog accessories - comfortable collars and bandanas for double-coated breeds.
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