7 Best Brushes For Pugs to Take Care of Stubborn Shedding

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If you have a Pug or any dog that sheds, you know the never-ending struggle of dog hair. It’s in your clothes, on your furniture, and in your food. 

You vacuum and you lint roll, but it feels like you’re never ahead of the game. 

I have tried many products to reduce the amount of Sid’s hair that ends up everywhere, but nothing seemed to work quite right. 

The first soft-bristle brush just didn’t reach the bottom layer of hair, and the fine-toothed comb got snarled in his fur. 

That’s when I found the Furminator. This brush is amazing! It removes LOTS of hair, but you have to be careful not to use it too often because I found it hurts a little on dogs’ skin. 

I only use it once a week when he’s blowing his coat in spring and autumn. 

For everyday brushing, I prefer the rubber Zoom Groom brush combined with the Mars Coat-King Bristle brush. They’re gentle enough to use more often and can reduce shedding effectively.

If you’re struggling with dog hair and looking for the best brush for Pugs, I would highly recommend giving the Zoom Groom and the Mars Coat-King Bristle brush a try.

Best Brush for Pugs: All About My Favorite Picks

1. Kong Zoom Groom Dog Brush – Editor’s Choice

My Sid absolutely loves being groomed with Kong Zoom Groom, plus the amount of hair it pulls out blows my mind. And don’t even get me started on how affordable it is…besides, it’s so convenient to store for home use or travel.

I always apply Furminator conditioner before using the Zoom Groom – simply leave on for five minutes and then brush with crazy abandon, I was almost shocked to see how much hair come out from the coat!

The Kong Zoom Groom is a rubber brush, so you won’t even need to worry about any yelps of pain coming from your Pug. The brush is gentle enough that your Pup thinks it’s more of a spa day than anything else.

Sadly if only it would collect all the loose fur instead of leaving clumps of it all over my floor – that’d be great!

But regardless, my pup is happy with his grooming routine and I’m happy too because the amount of shed has definitely decreased.

✔ Pros

  • Easy to use and effective
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable

✘ Cons

  • Don’t collect loose fur

2. Furminator Undercoat Brush For Pugs – Best for Deshedding

The FURminator brush for Pugs is a de-shedding tool that works its magic on double-coated dogs, especially short hair dogs. Its bristles make it perfect for getting into the undercoat and collecting as much fur as possible. 

The ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip. The button on the back goes off like a Magic Pooch Fur Cannon, firing off all that collected fuzz!

Be mindful – this brush can be aggressive if pushed too hard or used for too long. Brush lightly and only for a few minutes at a time, otherwise, your dog may end up with brush burn!

This brush is not for everyday use. Using more than once within a 1-2 week period could result in skin irritation. 

Unfortunately, over time I’ve noticed that the handle starts to break down within the softer grip; the head eventually comes off, so you will need to buy a new one.

All in all though, this tool is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to keeping pup fur under control!

✔ Pros

  • Designed for double or thick-coated dogs
  • Removes shed from undercoat effectively
  • Eject button that releases fur from the teeth

✘ Cons

  • Not for everyday use
  • The teeth are scratching if you pushed too hard

3. Mars Coat-King Bristle Cat Hair Brush – Best for Finishing 

The Mars Coat-King Bristle brush is an EXCELLENT tool for brushing surface fur and removing dirt & dander. It is the go-to brush for keeping your Pug looking sleek and shining.  

The brush is good at distributing your Pug’s natural oils which keeps their coat healthy, means you have less hair shed around the house! 

The bristles feel great to the touch – no skin irritation here. The construction is built like a tank, you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.

Plus cleaning is a breeze. 

The only downside is that this brush isn’t effective at removing hair – but that’s where a Zoom Groom goes in to pick up most of the lost fur. 

After all, no one brush will fit all your needs, you just have to do combinations.

✔ Pros

  • The bristles feel great to the touch
  • Remove dirt & dander effectively
  • Construction is sturdy

✘ Cons

  • Not effective at removing hair

4. Home of Paws Dog Bathing Brush – Best for Massaging

The Home of Paws Bathing Brush is terrific for baths and massages. One side is a durable rubber that you can use to lather and loosen up shed during cleaning. The rubber portion is very soft and flexible, not abrasive or irritating. 

You don’t have to use it only during baths, though. It’s a lightweight design that fits nicely in your hand.   The pig hair bristles are perfect for brushing dry hair and collecting hair. The rubber portion works just as well for dry massage. The attractive handle is made of bamboo—all-natural and sturdy. 

This is not the most aggressive brush in terms of heavy hair removal, but it would work well for daily brushing. If you aren’t satisfied, the company offers a hassle-free money back guarantee on the product.

✔ Pros

  • For wet/dry use
  • Flexible, grippy rubber nodules
  • All natural bamboo and pig hair
  • Money back guarantee purchase

✘ Cons

  • Not for heavy hair removal

5. Pet Neat Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Self-Cleaning Brush

If you are looking for a brush that is self-cleaning and highly efficient, the Pet neat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is an excellent selection. The wire bristles don’t penetrate the coat deeply enough to scratch or harm your Pug’s sensitive skin. 

When you’re finished, or just need a refresh, you can press the button on top. It releases the trapped hair by retracting the bristles so that you can toss the fur into a bag or trash can. The handle has a decent grip, staying in your hand without slipping.

This brush also does well with removing any dirt or debris from the hair. It leaves the coat super shiny and fresh. Because of the metal bristles, this may not be best for a pug who squirms quite a bit—as they may get scratched. 

✔ Pros

  • Retractable metal bristles
  • Penetrates fur without scratching the skin
  • Easy cleanup
  • Removes dirt and debris

✘ Cons

  • Not for squirmy pugs

6. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Value

The Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush has two bonuses, so you end up getting a lot for your money.  In addition to the brush, it has a sturdy pair of nail clippers and a comb. Both additional products would be excellent for full-grooming sessions at home. 

This slicker brush works efficiently by getting all of the loose top and undercoat fluff. To release the trapped hair, you just press the button on top for an easy throwaway. The design is simple and straightforward. 

It’s quite a decent little starter kit and definitely worth the price. The brush is not quite as heavy-duty as other slicker brushes, but with the added value, it’s hard to beat. 

✔ Pros

  • Two bonus products
  • Affordable price
  • Simple release and cleanup

✘ Cons

  • Not quite as hard-wearing as other slicker brushes

7. Hands On Pet Grooming Gloves—Best Grooming Gloves

When it comes to a versatile pair of grooming gloves, Hands On Pet Grooming Gloves helps with shedding and even more. You can wear these gloves to massage, bathe, and groom your pug. They are made of durable but flexible rubber, comfortable to wear and not too restrictive. 

If your pug has particularly sensitive skin or doesn’t enjoy the abrasiveness of metal bristles, the soft rubber nodules will be a nice change of pace for them. It’s also an excellent alternative for a hyper or anxious pug. If they bite, it shouldn’t do much harm, as the gloves are thick.

These gloves have an adjustable Velcro strap that fits around your wrist, securing the gloves in place. You can wash them off in the sink by rubbing them together and hanging them to dry. They’re also machine-washable if they need an extra clean kick. 

Even though these gloves are wonderful to get off the top layer of the shed, they don’t work as well with the undercoat. 

✔ Pros

  • Great for dogs who hate being brushed
  • Durable and flexible
  • Adjustable and washable

✘ Cons

  • Not as efficient for undercoat

Choose The Right Brush for Pugs: Know Their Coat Type First

Pugs have very sleek, smooth fur. That can be pretty deceiving if you don’t know much about the breed. A lot of people add a pug to their home, surprised to find that they aren’t maintenance-free dogs. 

Different from most dogs who have two major sheds per year. Pugs shed all year-round. You don’t get any breaks, especially in the summer when temperatures are high.

Why?

Because fawn pugs are double-coated, they shed more heavily. 

What about black pugs?

They are with a single coat who shed moderately while not as heavy as fawn ones. However, you do find their hair all over your house.

Quick Tip:

Regardless of the color of Pug you have, it’s important to establish a regular brushing routine to help keep their coat looking soft, shiny, and healthy. 

Let’s learn a bit more about the varieties. 

What Are the Best Types of Brushes For Pugs

Coat type is the most vital factor to consider—and you will need to purchase a brush accordingly.  

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush uses a series of thin pins that are packed densely to detangle fur and reduce shedding. It’s designed specifically for dense and thick coats, like German Shepherds. 

It’s not the first choice for pugs. However, you can still use it to get rid of dirt. Personally, I prefer a bristle brush rather than a slicker brush for Pugs.

Bristle Brush

Bristle brushes are excellent at removing dirt and dander while stimulating the skin, leaving your Pug’s coat healthy and shiny. 

Some bristled options are double-sided, giving you the option of metal pins or softer synthetic bristles.

I highly recommend every pug owner use a boar bristle brush to keep their coat healthy and help reduce shedding significantly.

De-Shedding Tool

De-shedding tools get to the root of the problem—literally. A word of caution, some de-shedding tools are sharp, for example, the Furminator is more like a razor.

You won’t need to use them more than once a month, as they can irritate your pug’s skin over time.

Grooming Gloves

If your pug has a problem with regular brushing, you may be able to fool him with a grooming glove. It will create the illusion that you’re petting them while you get rid of all that extra fluff. 

How to Choose the Best Brush for Pugs

To get the best brush for your pug, you’ll have to consider your willingness to keep up with the process. Results of brushes and tools can last for a day up to a few weeks, depending on the effectiveness. 

Longer Lasting Results

If you want to cut corners and address the issue head-on, a de-shedding tool can get the job done. You may have to brush occasionally, but it will reduce the bulk of the shed. 

You can brush your dog 1-2 times a week, especially during high-shed seasons. But because of the possibility of irritating your pug’s skin, you should use it as infrequently as you can.

Daily Brushing

For daily brushing, it’s most efficient to use a Zoom Groom combined with a bristle brush. If it’s you or your dog’s preference, you can also use grooming gloves every day. Daily brushing will leave hair softer, shinier, and healthier in between bathing. 

Brushing a Rambunctious Pug

If you have a pug that doesn’t take kindly to brushing, using a grooming glove can be your best bet. Not only will they keep your pug from fighting you, but it can also calm a dog with anxiety issues. 

When you deal with a pug who disagrees with what you’re doing bites can happen. Having an added layer of protection between your skin and their mouth will help to keep you both safe. 

Multiple Brush Types

There is nothing wrong with having a few brushes, or a brush of each type. Owning a slicker brush, bristle brush, or pair of grooming gloves can take care of the periods in between using your de-shedding tool. 

My pug Sid loves any kind of attention, and brushing is no exception. So, while I prefer a de-shedding tool, having a brush to fill in the gaps satisfies his need for attention and leaves my house hair-free. 

Deshedding Tips: Step-By-Step Guide to Brush a Pug

For this example, I am using the FURminator Undercoat De-Shedding Tool. Let’s walk through how to give your pug a thorough brushing.

  1. You will need to have your brushing tool of choice handy. 
  2. Grab a plastic bag, poop bag, or other easy-access disposable you want. Pulling a trash can beside you will likely be the best. 
  3. Locate your dog, and chase him down—if you have to! You’ll need him for this next part.
  4. Secure your pug facing him toward you. You can sit on the floor, using your legs to keep him firmly in place. If your pug is a squirmer, you may need treats or help from a friend. 
  5. For round one, always brush the fur flush to the skin with each pass, moving away from your body. You don’t want to go against the natural flow of fur.
  6. Empty the brush as needed.
  7. Once you get to the tail, unwind the spiral. Don’t worry—this is painless.  
  8. Brush all around the tail flush with the fur.
  9. Once you finish with the whole body, give him an all-over scratch to loosen up the remainder of stubborn hair.
  10. Repeat the process, this time going against the natural flow of hair to get those hard-to-reach areas.
  11. Discard hair and clean up as needed.

After this process, you should have one lustrous pug.  

FAQ

Do Pugs Shed a Lot?

Yes, pugs shed continually throughout the year. You may notice an unusually high volume of hair loss in the summer months. While black pugs shed constantly, fawn pugs shed even more because they have a double-coat. 

How Often Should I Brush My Pug?

It would be best if you aimed to brush your pug daily with a slicker brush, bristle brush, or grooming glove. If you solely use a de-shedding tool, limit brushing sessions to once every 1-2 weeks.

How Can I Prevent My Pug from Shedding So Much?

You can’t prevent your pug from shedding, but regular brushing and grooming will get rid of excess fur.

What is the Best Dog Brush for Short Hair?

The best dog brushes for short hair are rubber brushes, bristle brushes, and de-shedding tools. Grooming gloves are very useful for pugs that don’t care for brush time, but they aren’t as efficient as the others.

How Does Your Pug Benefit from Regular Brushing?

As you’re well-aware, your pug has a thick coat—and the proof is everywhere. Regular brushing can reduce a lot of residual dog hair you’ll find in your home.

Ideally, it would help if you brushed your pug daily. I know our schedules make it difficult to commit to that. But if you’re able, I highly suggest it.

The main reason to brush is, of course, to combat hair around the home. But there are several other benefits for you and your pug.

Bonding

On top of reducing shedding, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your pug. It creates a level of trust between you that leads to a fulfilling companionship. 

Checking for Abnormalities

Also, when they’re used to being handled, brushed, and looked over, it can be a surefire way to discover if anything is out of the ordinary. 

You’ll be able to find skin breaks, irritation, hot spots, wounds, and lumps more easily. If your pug needs vet care, getting them the attention they need can prevent bigger issues in the long run. 

Discovering Pests  

No one wants a rogue tick in the house. If your pug enjoys the great outdoors, brushing can also help you find and eliminate pesky pests like ticks or fleas that they could have picked up.

Finding these irritating bugs can get you ahead of the game.  

Conclusion

Trying to keep my Pug’s furry coat from turning my house into a furball-filled land can be quite a challenge. 

Despite feeding Sid high quality food, I have introduced the best brush for Pugs to keep unwanted shedding at bay. 

Everyday I’ve used the Kong Zoom Groom brush for removing loose hair and the HOP pet brush to keep my Pug’s coat smooth, shining and healthy.

Using them as part of my daily routine have made much difference in shedding levels. 

Who knew that all these grooming sessions would be such an effective way to keep those little furballs away?