Best brush for a Great Dane
A Great Dane's short, smooth coat sheds more than people expect for a coat that looks so low-maintenance, and a rubber curry brush or a short-bristle grooming mitt, used weekly, does far more for a Dane's coat than a wire slicker brush designed for longer hair.
Why a short coat still needs the right brush
Great Danes have a single, short coat that sheds steadily year-round rather than in the heavy seasonal blowouts seen in double-coated breeds, but the sheer surface area of a dog this size means loose hair adds up quickly if it isn't brushed out regularly.
A rubber curry brush or grooming mitt with short, blunt rubber teeth lifts loose hair and distributes natural skin oils without scratching the skin, which suits a short coat far better than a wire pin or slicker brush built for detangling longer hair.
How often to brush, and what to check for
A weekly brush is usually enough to keep loose hair under control on a Great Dane, increasing to a couple of times a week during heavier shedding periods in spring and autumn.
Because the coat is so short, brushing is also a good opportunity to check the skin underneath for dry patches, lumps or irritation, since these are easier to spot on a Dane than on a longer-coated breed where the skin is hidden by hair.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Ancol Ergo Double Sided Comb
Ancol Ergo Double Sided Comb: a SGL grooming comb for combing the coat
£8.79
Ancol Ergo Grooming Glove
A rubber grooming glove for dogs, for removing loose hair on wet or dry coats
£9.79
Wahl Pet Grooming Scissors with Finger Rest
Stainless steel finishing scissors with ergonomic offset handles — perfect for tidying around eyes, ears, mouth, and paws.
£5.49
Ancol Ergo Palm Pin Pad
A palm-strapped pin grooming pad for dogs, for silky, long, wiry and curly coats
£8.49
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Slicker Brush for Dogs — Detangling & De-shedding
An ergonomic slicker brush with anti-scratch pins that works through tangles and removes dead hair from top and undercoat.
From£9.99
Groom Professional Curved Soft Slicker Brush
A professional-grade curved slicker brush with soft pins, designed to groom delicate and soft-coated pets without discomfort.
From£8.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush
A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.
£25.99
Common questions
- Do Great Danes shed a lot?
- They shed steadily year-round rather than in one dramatic seasonal blowout, but given their size, the total amount of loose hair can still be noticeable. Regular brushing with a rubber curry brush keeps it more manageable than leaving it to fall out on its own.
- What type of brush is best for a Great Dane's coat?
- A rubber curry brush or a short-bristle grooming mitt suits a Great Dane's short, smooth coat better than a wire slicker or pin brush, which is designed for longer hair and can be uncomfortable or ineffective on a coat this short.
- How often should I brush my Great Dane?
- Once a week is usually enough to manage everyday shedding, increasing to two or three times a week during spring and autumn when shedding tends to pick up. Brushing more often than needed does no harm, so it is fine to do it more if you notice extra loose hair.
- Can I use a slicker brush on a Great Dane?
- A slicker or wire pin brush is designed for longer or curlier coats and can feel harsh or scratchy on a Great Dane's short, smooth coat. A rubber curry brush or grooming mitt tends to be more comfortable and just as effective for this coat type.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.