5 Best Brushes For French Bulldogs to Take Care of Stubborn Shedding
There is no denying that a French Bulldog is one of the most adorable breeds around.But you may not feel so strongly about that when you’re picking fur off your clothes at work.
French Bulldogs, like my French Bulldog have a double-coat, which means they shed constantly.Brushing your Frenchie regularly can take care of the bulk of the hair issue.I nibbed around to find the best brush for French Bulldogs.
Let’s talk about why brushing is an integral part of routine care and what brushes do the job.
French Bulldog Brush: Key Takeaways
Here are a few things you need to remember when it comes to buying the best brush for your Frenchie.
- Even though your Frenchie has short hair, French Bulldogs have a double-coat—which means they shed quite a bit. Even black French Bulldogs, who have a single coat shed quite a bit. Brushing will help you eliminate the excess hair to keep your Frenchie’s coat smooth and your furniture fur-free.
- Not all grooming brushes are created equal. Some will benefit dogs with different hair types. Getting a brush capable of taking care of a thick undercoat will lead to better results.
- A bigger price tag doesn’t always equate to better quality. There are plenty of affordable dog brush selections that can control your Frenchie’s shedding without pay too much upfront.
- For short hair, but double-coats, the most efficient brush styles are slicker brushes, bristle brushes, de-shedding tools, and grooming gloves.
Regular Brushing: How Does your Frenchie Benefit?
As you’re well-aware, your Frenchie 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 Frenchie 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 Frenchie.
- Bonding
On top of reducing shedding, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your Frenchie.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 Frenchie 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 Frenchie 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.
How is French Bulldog Fur Different from Other Dogs?
French Bulldogs 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 French Bulldog to their home, surprised to find that they aren’t maintenance-free dogs.
Different from most dogs who have two major sheds per year. French Bulldogs shed all year-round.You don’t get any breaks, especially in the summer when temperatures are high.
Why?
Because French Bulldogs are double-coated, they shed more heavily.
What about black French Bulldogs?
They are with a single coat who shed moderately while not as heavy as French Bulldogs ones.However, you do find their hair all over your house.
Quick Tip: Regardless of the color of French Bulldog 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.
Best Types of Brushes For French Bulldogs
Coat type is the most vital factor to consider—and you will need to purchase a brush accordingly.
Slicker brushes use a series of thin pins to detangle fur and reduce shedding.Many slicker styles are self-cleaning, which makes them simple and mess-free.
Bristle brushes are excellent at removing dirt and dander, leaving your Frenchie’s coat healthy and shiny.Many bristled options are double-sided, giving you the option of metal pins or softer synthetic bristles.
De-shedding tools get to the root of the problem—literally.You won’t need to use them more than once a month, as they can irritate your Frenchie’s skin over time.That’s because they reduce shed on the undercoat, so the bristles are sharp.
If your Frenchie 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 French Bulldogs
To get the best brush for your Frenchie, 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.
1.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 Frenchie 1-2 times a week, especially during high-shed seasons.But because of the possibility of irritating your Frenchie’s skin, you should use it as infrequently as you can.
2.Daily Brushing
For daily brushing, it’s most efficient to use a slicker or bristle brush.If it’s you or your Frenchie’s preference, you can also use grooming gloves every day.Daily brushing will leave hair softer, shinier, and healthier in between bathing.
3.Brushing a Rambunctious French Bulldog
If you have a French Bulldog that doesn’t take kindly to brushing, using a grooming glove can be your best bet.Not only will they keep your Frenchie from fighting you, but it can also calm a dog with anxiety issues.
When you deal with a French Bulldog 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.
4.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 French Bulldog 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.
Best Brush for French Bulldogs: All About My Favorite Picks
Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool – Overall Favorite
When it comes to the stubborn, thick coat of a French Bulldog, the Furminator Undercoat De-Shedding Tool works wonders, and it’s definitely my favorite.These brushes have the double-coat under wraps, with a design directly meant for smaller dogs with short coats.
This tool is powerful enough to reach through the higher topcoat, able to reach the loose portions of the undercoat.Because it removes both layers, you can afford to go longer in between brushing sessions.
The handle is sensible, fitting to the curvature of your palm for a decent grip.There is a FUR-jector button on top of the brush to release collected hair as you move along. That helps make the experience quicker.
This brush is not for everyday use. Using more than once within a 1-2 week period could result in skin irritation.
Pros:
- √Designed for double or thick-coated dogs
- √Removes shed from top and undercoat
- √Eject button that releases fur from the teeth
- √Longer lasting between brushes
Cons:
- ⊗Not for everyday use
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 Frenchie’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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldogs
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
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
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 Frenchie.
They are made of durable but flexible rubber, comfortable to wear and not too restrictive.If your Frenchie 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 French Bulldog. 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
Related: Best Dog Beds for French Bulldogs
Step-By-Step Guide to Brush a French Bulldog
For this example, I am using the FURminator Undercoat De-Shedding Tool.Let’s walk through how to give your Frenchie a thorough brushing.
- You will need to have your brushing tool of choice handy.
- Grab a plastic bag, poop bag, or other easy-access disposable you want. Pulling a trash can beside you will likely be the best.
- Locate your Frenchie, and chase him down—if you have to! You’ll need him for this next part.
- Secure your Frenchie facing him toward you. You can sit on the floor, using your legs to keep him firmly in place. If your Frenchie is a squirmer, you may need treats or help from a friend.
- 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.
- Empty the brush as needed.
- Once you get to the tail, unwind the spiral. Don’t worry—this is painless.
- Brush all around the tail flush with the fur.
- Once you finish with the whole body, give him an all-over scratch to loosen up the remainder of stubborn hair.
- Repeat the process, this time going against the natural flow of hair to get those hard-to-reach areas.
- Discard hair and clean up as needed.
After this process, you should have one lustrous French Bulldog.
FAQs
Do French Bulldogs Shed a Lot?
Yes, French Bulldogs shed continually throughout the year.You may notice an unusually high volume of hair loss in the summer months.While black French Bulldogs shed constantly, French Bulldogs shed even more because they have a double-coat.
How Often Should I Brush My French Bulldog?
It would be best if you aimed to brush your Frenchie 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 French Bulldog from Shedding So Much?
You can’t prevent your Frenchie 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 slicker brushes, bristle brushes, and de-shedding tools.Grooming gloves are very useful for French Bulldogs that don’t care for brush time, but they aren’t as efficient as the others.
Conclusion
I’m partial to the FURminator Undercoat De-Shedding Tool because it works perfectly with French Bulldog’s coat.It gets to the core where you can remove all excess hair on both the top and the undercoat.However, if you’re looking for another brush style, I tried to find the best variety for each type.
With any luck, you’ve found the best brush for French Bulldogs in this article.