Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush, 27mm

The Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush has a lightweight beechwood body and stainless steel pins that the maker says are ground and polished for your pet’s comfort. It comes in three pin lengths; the 27mm is for medium to long coats.

Who it suits

Long and silky coated dogs, and doodles and other long, wavy coats. AKC calls pin brushes finishing brushes for long-coated breeds.

Key facts

• 27mm pins for medium to long coats; 20mm for short, 35mm for long, thick, full coats (Chris Christensen)
• 8.5 inch beechwood body with an ergonomic handle (Chris Christensen)
• Stainless steel pins, ground and polished; made in Germany (Chris Christensen)
• Pin brushes are finishing brushes for long-coated breeds (AKC)

What reviewers say

An owner at Doodle Doods who used the 27mm and 35mm versions on her Goldendoodle found the 27mm glides through the coat, detangling and smoothing as it goes, and that unlike other brushes it did not irritate her dog. She found the 35mm better for long, thick, full coats.

NBC Select, citing groomers, says pin brushes are great for removing loose hair and tangles on long-haired breeds, and lists pins that might fall out over time as the downside.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Pin length matched to coat length
• Pro: Glides through long coats in an owner’s test
• Pro: Polished pins, comfortable for the dog
• Con: Costs more than basic pin brushes
• Con: Pins might fall out over time, per NBC Select
• Con: Not for heavy mats; use a slicker and comb first

Cautions

• Pick the pin length for your dog’s coat: the maker suggests 20mm for short coats, 27mm for medium to long, 35mm for long, thick, full coats.
• If you find a mat that is tight against the skin or will not loosen with gentle brushing, do not cut it out with household scissors; PetMD advises asking a groomer or vet.