9 Best Brushes for Great Pyrenees: Our 2024 Top Rated Picks
Quick Guide
The Great Pyrenees, affectionately known by many owners as Pyrs, is a breed that truly earns the name of gentle giant. Originally bred to guard livestock, Pyrs are independent thinkers who exhibit a high level of protection toward their owners.
These calm and kind dogs can grow to a hulking 100+ pounds, which is why they have historically been so great at guarding livestock from wolves, coyotes, and other humans. Because their jobs have always required so much independent thinking, Pyrs can be a bit difficult to train as they don’t think that mundane tasks like sitting and staying are of great importance.
Additionally, the easily recognizable Great Pyrenees coat poses some difficulties of its own. Though the fluffy, white double coat adds to the Great Pyrenees charm (and harkens back to its origins as a mountain dog) it creates a serious amount of shed fur around the home if not properly tended to.
No doubt you knew before getting a Great Pyrenees that you would have to take on a fair amount of brushing in order to keep them comfortable (and to keep your home clean), but it’s likely you aren’t sure where to start with that endeavor. We’ve created this guide to walk you through the different types of brushes you’ll see when shopping for one, and reveal our top picks for Great Pyrenees brushes.
What is the Best Brush For a Pyrenees?
Different Types of Great Pyrenees Brushes
Not sure which type of brush is best for tackling that expansive Great Pyrenees coat? Here are the types you’ll find on the market, and what they do.
- Slicker brush — One of the most popular brush types for thick coated dogs, slicker brushes feature flat brush heads full of fine wire bristles. The bristles are usually curved to protect the dogs’ skin, and they are effective at working out mats and tangles, collecting loose fur to reduce shedding, and removing dirt and debris from the coat
- Pin brush — A great brush for grooming young Pyrs, pin brushes look pretty much exactly like human hair brushes. Dog pin brushes usually feature fewer pins and thicker, sturdier handles to allow for long brushing sessions. This type of brush is great for working out small tangles, loosening dead fur, and helping to remove dirt from the coat.
- Comb — A less common choice for grooming Pyrs due to the fact that their coats are so thick, combs for dogs look practically identical to combs for humans. The sturdy, metal bristles help add smoothness and uniformity to coats, and can even help work out some of the less severe tangles in your pup’s coat.
- Shedding brush — When a Great Pyrenees sheds, it can look like a snowstorm. One of the best defenses against these shedding bouts is a high quality shedding brush. This type of brush is generally made of metal with fine, small teeth that collect loose fur before it can be shed.
- Undercoat rake — Another excellent defense against heavy shedding, undercoat rakes consist of 1-2 rows of long, wide teeth that are generally rounded at the ends. They do look like small rakes, and their primary function is to reach the bottom layer of fur and pull out any that is loose or dead. Since Pyrs have such significant undercoats, this can offer a major relief from severe shedding.
Different Types of Great Pyrenees Coats
As adults, all Pyrs have thick, white double coats. The top layer of their coats resists both water and tangling, making them one of the easier thick-coated dogs to care for. The undercoat is softer and more prone to tangling, as well as semi-annual shedding. Because of this consistency in adult coats, the only real divide in types of Pyrenees coats is one forged by age. We’ve explained the differences between puppy and adult coats here.
- Puppy Coat — For roughly the first year of their lives, Pyrs have a shorter, softer coat that consists of just one layer. This coat is like down for a baby bird, shielding the puppy from the elements. A simple pin brush grooming once a week should suffice for this coat type
- Adult Coat — Somewhere in the first year of their life, you’ll notice your Pyr begins to thicken up. The full coat won’t come in until somewhere between their first and second birthdays. Once they have their adult coats, Pyrs require more in-depth grooming with a number of brushes.
Our Top Picks for Great Pyrenees Brushes
Now that you have a little better idea what you should be looking for in a brush for your Great Pyrenees, we’ll jump into our top picks for this breed!
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Brush for Great Pyrenees | |||
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Pet Republique Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
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FURminator DeShedding Edge Dog Brush
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SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool
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Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake
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Andis Premium Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush
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JW Pet Rotating Comfort Comb
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Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush
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FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
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Pet Republique Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Key Benefits:
- Retractable bristles create self-cleaning function
- Features densely packed, flexible wire bristles
- Ideal for long haired breeds like Great Pyrenees
- Dentangles, smooths, thins, and cleans fur
Overall Best Brush for a Great Pyrenees — Arguably the most versatile of any brush type, our top pick brush for Pyrs is this impressive slicker brush. This one adds a high level of ease, as the brushes are retractable to allow for easy and painless cleaning. The long, flexible bristles are perfect for Great Pyrenees coats as they can pull out all loose fur to help cut down on shedding as they detangle the undercoat.
Pros:
- Highly versatile tool
- Costs less than $12
- Retractable function makes for easy cleaning
Cons:
- May prick the skin with too much pressure
- Flexible bristles may get caught in especially thick fur
FURminator deShedding Edge Dog Brush
Key Benefits:
- Row of fine metal teeth traps fur
- Reduces shedding up to 90%
- Easy to remove fur from brush
- Designed by a groomer for best possible results
Best Shedding Brush for Great Pyrenees — With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, you can rest assured that this brush gets the job done. The single row of fine teeth glides through fur, trapping any loose or dead strands along the way. This is especially important for Great Pyrenees owners, as it can look like a snow storm when they begin to shed.
Pros:
- Reduces shedding almost completely
- Extremely highly rated
- Skin guards on side for added safety
Cons:
- May take a long time to clear out loose fur from a Pyr
- Won’t assist with detangling
SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool
Key Benefits:
- Large wooden handle with shallow teeth
- Multiple sizing options
- Designed to protect skin
- Can clear fur from furniture as well
Best Deshedding Tool for Great Pyrenees — This smooth, comfortable tool prominently features a polished wooden handle with a row of small, ridged teeth below. You need only run this tool through your Pyrs coat, and watch the loose fur come pouring out. The multiple sizing options ensure that this item won’t be too small for your gentle giant, and it can also clear fur off of furniture.
Pros:
- Can accommodate extremely large dogs
- Clears loose fur from your dog’s coat as well as furniture
- Teeth are designed to protect skin
Cons:
- Will take a long time to clear out all the loose fur
- Won’t reach into the undercoat
Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake
Key Benefits:
- Double rows of wide teeth
- Made of metal for long term use
- Curved teeth designed to collect fur
- Can help clear out tangles in addition to loose fur
Best Undercoat Rake for Great Pyrenees — With not one, but two rows of curved teeth, this undercoat rake is sure to catch any loose fur that’s hiding out in your Pyr’s coat. The curved design of the teeth collects maximum fur while keeping your dog’s skin safe, and can also help work through some of the knots that crop up in the undercoat.
Pros:
- Double rows add value
- Curved teeth are effective and safe
- Thins coat and clears knots at the same time
Cons:
- May be too small for Pyr coats
- Won’t be able to cut through thicker mats
Andis Premium Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush
Key Benefits:
- Broad brush head
- Tightly-packed stiff wire bristles
- Sturdy design for long term use
- Works through knots and mats while collecting loose fur
Best Slicker Brush for Great Pyrenees — This slicker brush features an unusually large head, which is perfect for giant breeds like the Great Pyrenees. Because of the large head, it won’t take you as long to thoroughly brush your dog’s coat. Knots, mats, and extra fur can all be remedied with this versatile tool.
Pros:
- Large enough to work well for Pyrs
- Bristles should penetrate that thick fur
- Will effectively detangle the coat
Cons:
- Stiff bristles may feel uncomfortable for your dog
- Will not completely clear out loose fur
JW Pet Rotating Comfort Comb
Key Benefits:
- Teeth rotate a full 360 degrees
- Wide, metal bristles won’t get stuck in thick coats
- Shallow design ensures you have control
- Comfortable handle makes the process more enjoyable for you
Best Comb for Great Pyrenees — Though trying to brush a Great Pyrenees coat with a comb may feel a little bit like trying to mow your lawn with a toothbrush, combs do come in handy for these big dogs in certain situations. Especially nasty mats can be handled with a high degree of control using a comb, and the rotating teeth ensure that you’ll work out the tangle without causing your pup any pain.
Pros:
- Rotating teeth minimize unnecessary pain
- Metal bristles won’t break off in tangles
- Grip handle keeps you comfortable
Cons:
- Only works for Pyr coats when used in a localized area
- May not reach into thick undercoats
Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush
Key Benefits:
- Classic pin brush design
- Safety tipped pins
- Solid handle and head construction
- Smooths coat, catches fur, and removes dirt
Best Pin Brush for Great Pyrenees — The classics are classics for a reason; this brush falls in that category because it’s hard to beat a good pin brush when you’re strapped for time. Since Great Pyrenees top coats aren’t prone to tangling, a quick once over with a pin brush like this one is a great way to clear out some loose fur and give coat a more uniform look.
Pros:
- Great for Pyr coats when time is of the essence
- Collects fur and smooths coat
- Costs less than $8.50
Cons:
- Won’t work out serious tangles
- Does not reach into the undercoat
2 More Top Rated Great Pyrenees Brushes
Who ever complained about having too many options? Here are a couple more top rated brushes that didn’t quite make it to the top of our favorites list, but that are sure to serve your Great Pyrenees well if you choose them.
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush for Dogs
Key Benefits:
- Flex design conforms to your dog’s shape
- Double sided with two full heads of bristles
- Curved wires on one side, straight on the other
- Removes mats, tangles, dirt, and loose fur
This unusual slicker brush features a double sided head which is split down the middle in order to allow flexibility in conforming to your dog’s shape. Curved bristles on one side gently work out mats, and straight bristles on the other collect loose fur from the coat to help cut down on shedding.
Pros:
- Double sided head means an extra brush worth of bristles
- Works for dogs of all shapes and sizes
- Detangles as effectively as thins coat
Cons:
- Won’t reach into the undercoat
- Will have a difficult time detangling below the topcoat
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
Key Benefits:
- Double sided brush head
- Features both pins and bristles
- Detangles, cleans, and smooths
- Costs less than $6.50
Another double sided item, this pin brush works double duty as a bristle brush. Though bristles aren’t the most useful tool for Pyrs, it doesn’t hurt to have a bristle brush on hand if you are especially concerned about smoothing out your dog’s coat. The pins will help add uniformity to your Pyr’s coat, improving the texture and cleanliness.
Pros:
- Double sided head adds extra value
- Pins improve texture of Great Pyrenees coats
- Cost effective
Cons:
- Bristles aren’t especially useful for Pyrs
- Won’t detangle much or reach into the undercoat
6 Tips for Brushing your Great Pyrenees
One look at your Great Pyrenees can make you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of grooming them. Don’t worry! We’ve created a list of 6 tips to help make the brushing experience easier on both you and your dog.
- Make your dog believe it is important to be brushed — The Great Pyrenees is a guard dog by nature. They are traditionally difficult to train, because they’re naturally endowed with a sense of what is important and what is not due to generations of independent thinking. To your Pyr, being brushed may feel trivial. Try to find ways to intimate that being brushed is, in fact, important, and a job that they should take seriously.
- Get ahead of the shedding — Keep track of the seasons, and try to estimate at what point that thick white coat is going to blow. Of course, your Great Pyrenees will shed year round, but it will be much worse when the temperature changes dramatically. Amp up your brushing a few weeks before a seasonal change to get ahead of that loose undercoat.
- Use more than one brush — Though a single brush may cut it when they’re a puppy, your Great Pyrenees will need a more thorough grooming routine in adulthood. Start with a brush that removes tangles, like a slicker brush, then move on to one that helps reduce shedding, like an undercoat rake. If you should so wish, you can finish your routine with a pin brush to give your dog’s coat a nice uniform texture.
- Reward your Pyr after brushing is done — Giving your dog a treat or special toy after brushing sessions will positively reinforce the experience, and signal to them that being brushed isn’t something to dread. Make the reward you give after brushing something that is only used for that situation, so the experience feels special to your Great Pyrenees.
- Establish a weekly routine — All working dogs thrive with a set routine. Choose a day and time that you will consistently brush your Great Pyrenees, then stick to it. A consistent routine will help both of you become used to the brushing, and will signal to your Pyr that it’s an important practice to take part in.
- Buy the right brush — For all dogs, the right brush can make a world of difference. This is especially true for giant, thick coated breeds like the Great Pyrenees. You wouldn’t want to use a small bristle brush for this dog, or a dematting tool meant for a toy breed. Do your research before purchasing a brush to make sure it’s the right one for your dog.
FAQs Regarding Brushes for Great Pyrenees
Everyone wants what’s best for their dog, and navigating the world of grooming can be confusing. We’ve answered some of the most common FAQs regarding brushes for Pyrs here to help clear things up!
- How often do I need to brush my Great Pyrenees? At least once a week. In adulthood, it’s a good idea to brush your Great Pyrenees 2-3 times a week, especially when they’re going to be experiencing an undercoat blow around the changing seasons. If you are lax about a brushing schedule, expect to see a lot of that white fur around your home.
- At what age does a Great Pyrenees develop their full coat? Around 1 year old. You’ll begin to see your Great Pyrenees pup thicken up somewhere around 6 months, but they won’t have that full fluffy coat until they are about 2 years old. It’s best to start brushing your Pyr pup before their full coat develops, as it will get them accustomed to the routine.
- What type of brush is best for a Great Pyrenees? It depends on what your main concerns are, and how old your Great Pyrenees is. For puppies, a quick once over with a pin brush once a week should suffice. For adults, a slicker brush is the best option to keep the coat tangle free, and an undercoat rake or shedding brush are the right choice to help cut down on shedding.
- How much does a Great Pyrenees shed? No way around it, Pyrs shed a whole lot. These giant dogs shed year round, and then experience extra heavy shedding twice a year when the seasons change. As a Great Pyrenees owner, you’ll want to invest in a high quality undercoat rake and slicker brush to keep some of the excessive shedding at bay.
Conclusion
Pyrs have a hulking and intimidating appearance due to their powerful size, which is what has historically made them great guard dogs, but owners know that deep down these dogs are big softies. Calm and kind, these gentle giants make affectionate and independent pets for families who don’t have time to spend hours exercising their dog.
Because they’re a mountain dog, Pyrs have incredibly thick coats that can’t simply be ignored. From matting to shedding, there are plenty of issues with which you’ll have to contend as a Great Pyrenees owner. Make brushing easier on both you and your dog with the right tools—shop our guide to find which one works best for you!
