Small dogs get groomed badly for a simple reason: a full-size brush is too big to work around a Yorkie's legs and face without pulling. Shrinking the head down solves that without changing what the brush actually does, because the two-tier teeth are the same technology as the full-size version, from the people behind the Tangle Teezer. It is the manoeuvrability that changes rather than the performance.

Two tooth lengths working together are what make this style of brush effective: the longer teeth reach through the topcoat to lift loose undercoat, while the shorter ones smooth and detangle the surface on the same pass. The hollow, ergonomic body keeps the wrist in a neutral position, which matters more than it sounds when grooming a wriggly small dog takes twenty minutes rather than five. It works on wet or dry coats.

• Two-tier teeth for de-shedding and detangling in one pass
• Compact 12 x 5 x 5cm size for smaller breeds
• Hollow ergonomic body reduces wrist strain
• Works on wet or dry coats, so it is useful after a bath
• Cleans out quickly after use
• Weighs 70g

Two things worth knowing. Some older copy lists this brush in blue and purple, while we currently hold a single option, so ask before ordering if the colour matters to you. And this is a maintenance and finishing brush rather than a dematting tool: a coat that has already gone to solid mats needs those cut or clipped out first, and brushing at them only hurts.

Who it's for: Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers and other small breeds with double or longer coats.