Best Brush for Irish Setter – 6 Must-Haves!

Regular brushing is necessary for keeping Irish setters healthy. After all, these dogs have long, luscious coats that can get tangled and matted fast. And as tedious as this task is, it’s essential for your Irish setter. So, how can you make this easier for you? Get the best brush for Irish setter.

The best brushes help ensure your Irish setter is always healthy—in and out! After all, besides maintaining the coat, it can also help improve a dog’s blood flow.

Let’s look at the six best brushes for Irish setters and see which one suits your dog the best.

DOG BRUSH	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Our Top Pick!  Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush		Check Price
	Andis Pet Slicker Dog Brush		Check Price
	Hartz Groomer's Combo Dog Brush		Check Price
	Groomist Ball Tip Pin Dog Brush		Check Price
	FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool Dog Brush		Check Price
	CONAIRPRO Metal Pin Dog Brush		Check Price

What is the Best Brush for Irish Setter? Our Top 6 Picks!

OUR #1 CHOICE

OUR TOP PICK: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush

Product Name: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush

Product Description: My pick for the best brush for Irish setter is the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush. It's the original slicker brush trusted by most dog owners! It can help you remove the most rigid mats and tangles from your Irish setter's coat without harming their skin. So, if your Irish setter sheds a lot, this could be the answer you've been looking for! The brush's bristles consist of thin bent wires that let you penetrate your Irish setter's coat, grooming the undercoat without scratching their skin. Aside from that, most Irish setters adore this brush's unique design as it offers a unique sensation—making brushing sessions more fun! But what stood out about this dog brush is its self-cleaning function. Considering this brush's price, it's an impressive feature, giving you excellent value for money! After each brushing session, all you need to do is press the button, and its bristles will retract back, making fur removal easy and fast. Some reviews have complained about this brush's durability, but it should last you long enough with careful use.

Offer price: $$$

Availability: InStock

• CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

• Design
• Functionality
• Maintenance
• Value for money

5

Summary

If you’re looking for a hassle-free brush you and your Irish setter can enjoy, look no further than Hertzko! Its self-cleaning slicker dog brush can help you go through your Irish setter’s coat without harming their skin. Its unique bent wires reach into your Irish setter’s undercoat, removing even the most stubborn mats and tangles. Best of all, its self-cleaning button helps you collect all the collected fur without touching it!

However, some users have complained about this brush’s durability. If you use it with caution, this should last you for a while, even with daily brushing for your Irish setter.

Pros

• This dog brush has a self-cleaning function. 
• Affordable. 
• Its bristles are ideal for long-hair coats. 
• It can remove tangles and knots with ease. 
• Easy to clean. 

Cons

• It is not as durable as other brands.

RUNNERS-UP

If you’re struggling to maintain your Irish setter’s luscious locks, Andis Pet can help. Its slicker brush is one of the best in the market, using the most delicate wire bristles. As a result, this brush goes through mats and knots smoothly like butter.

The Andis Pet slicker dog brush makes the tedious task of brushing easy and fast. Aside from removing mats and knots, it removes dead hair from your dog’s undercoat. So, you’re getting the functions of a brush and an undercoat rake in one product!

Moreover, this brush makes it easier for owners to brush their Irish setters, thanks to its straightforward design. Its anti-slip handle allows for a comfortable brushing session no matter how long.

But what makes this brush shine is its coarse and fine teeth. The unique mix helps remove tangles and mats easier while stimulating the Irish setter’s hair follicles. As a result, it can also promote healthier and faster hair growth by improving your dog’s blood circulation. And this, in turn, stimulates their natural skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and thriving.

But be careful when using this brush as its bristles are sharp and can harm your Irish setter’s skin. So, brush gently and carefully!

For those with several Irish setters at home, you’ll need the Hartz Groomer’s Combo Dog Brush on hand. It’s an all-around combo dog brush that can smoothen and detangle any coat! And it’s perfect for all budgets.

This brush has two sides, with the other having a bristle brush and the other a pin brush. The bristle brush side is ideal for daily brushing, massaging your Irish setter’s skin, and spreading natural oils throughout their skin. And this, in turn, promotes a healthier and shinier coat!

Meanwhile, the wire-pin brush helps remove nasty mats and detangles knotted fur. So, you’re getting the best both of worlds in one brush! And best of all, it accommodates all long-haired dogs, whether they have curl or dense fur. With this, you can groom your Irish setter like a pro at home.

Aside from the two brushes, this product’s handle is also impressive. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and use over time. As a result, even tough and extended grooming sessions will be comfortable and fun with this brush around.

But what makes this brush unique is that it comes in different styles. Aside from the bristle brush and pin brush combo, it can also come in a slicker and de-shedder combo.

The only downside to this dog brush is that the brushes may fall off with excess use over time. Anyway, you can always glue it back together! And for its price, that issue is nothing!

Are you looking for a versatile brush to address your Irish setter’s grooming needs? Look no further than the Groomist Ball Tip Pin Dog Brush. It offers soft bristles for daily brushing and pins that remove mats and knows with each stroke.

Instead of using a double-sided design, it uses a single-sided structure. This design lets you detangle mats while smoothening your Irish setter’s coat. So, you don’t need to continually switch between sides to brush or tackle those nasty mats!

Either way, this brush’s unique design lets you prevent tangles and mats in one. With this, you can groom and finish your Irish setter’s coat in one step.

Unique design aside, this brush’s bristles are also some of the best, restoring balance and shine to your Irish setter’s coat over time. It massages your dog’s skin without harming it, ensuring the best results.

What I like about this dog brush the most is that it’s ideal for all dogs. So, if you ever decide to get other dogs that are not Irish setters, you can also use this brush on them!

Also, it makes it easier for users to handle and control the brush over long grooming sessions, thanks to its ergonomic grip. It has an anti-slip, soft handle that ensures complete comfort when brushing your Irish setter.

FURminator is a brand you’ll always encounter when looking for the best brush for Irish setter. After all, the brand specializes in creating quality brushes for larger dogs! You can get FURminator dog brushes in classic or flex editions.

The FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool Dog Brush is a flex version that offers in-depth brushing and modern features. This dog brush comes with a “FUR ejection” button, doubling as a self-cleaning feature. With this, you easily and quickly can clean up after each brushing session.

It boasts stainless steel de-shedding edges that can penetrate an Irish setter’s topcoat. And this, in turn, helps you remove loose fur on there and their undercoat with ease.

Aside from that, this brush also makes it easier for owners to use and control it during grooming. And it’s all thanks to its ergonomic handle, allowing you to go through even the most prolonged brushing sessions without breaking a sweat!

What makes this brush from the FURminator stand out is its impressive design. It makes it easier and more comfortable for both the dog and owner. Not to mention, it’s incredibly durable! So, you don’t need to worry about using this brush daily on your energetic Irish setter.

The only issue with this dog brush is that it’s pretty pricy. Still, this shouldn’t deter you from considering this product, as it can last you for years!

My last pick for the best brush for Irish setter is the CONAIRPRO Metal Pin Dog Brush. It’s a palm dog brush that makes brushing sessions more stimulating and enjoyable for your Irish setter.

Its design adds palm-petting to grooming, making it soothing for dogs. So, this can make an excellent option for those with skittish Irish setters. Aside from that, its metal pins have comfort tips that let you detangle mats and knots without harming your dog’s skin.

Moreover, those comfort tips make brushing more relaxing for your Irish setter. And they’re flexible enough to accommodate all kinds of coats.

Not to mention, these are incredibly durable brushes! They use quality materials made to last. So, consider this dog brush if you want to get great value from your money.

But since this brush has a design to fit people’s palms, it turned out to be relatively small. So, even if it works well on large and long-haired dogs, it might take you a while to brush them. Anyway, this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re down to spend time with your Irish setter.

Overall, if you have an Irish setter that doesn’t like getting brushed, this palm brush from CONAIRPRO might be what you need!

How to Choose the Best Brush for Irish Setter? (Buying Guide)

Due to the many variations of dog brushes, finding the best brush for Irish setter is tricky. So, how to make the search for the best one for your dog easier? Check out these factors to consider when shopping to find the perfect brush to keep your Irish setter’s coat healthy and always look good!

1️⃣ Type of Brush 

The brush you get is crucial as each variation has unique functions. So, it pays to know your options to find the best one for your Irish setter. Here are some of them: 

🔵 Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles sitting on flat or curved bases. They’re often angled and come with protective nubs, protecting your Irish setter’s skin. And they’re best for removing tangles or knots in dogs with long to medium fur. Aside from that, you may also use them to remove loose hair and undercoat. 

🔵 Undercoat Rake

Dogs like the Irish setter shed in clumps. And this can be troublesome to deal with over time. You’ll need an undercoat rake to help you quickly remove your Irish setter’s loose hair. It comes with wide-set teeth, letting you go through your dog’s topcoat while pulling the dead hair on the undercoat!

🔵 Rubber Brush

Rubber brushes are all-around grooming tools ideal for all coats! Even if they’re best for short-haired dogs, they also work for Irish setters. Its rubber nubs act as a magnet, removing all loose fur. Aside from that, its soft pins massage your Irish setter’s skin, stimulating blood circulation. As a result, this brush also helps encourage healthy oil to spread on your dog’s skin!

🔵 Double-Sided Brush

Double-sided brushes offer everything you can ask for in a grooming tool. They’re also flexible and work with all kinds of dog coats. The other side is a pin brush, perfect for removing tangles and mats. Meanwhile, the other is a bristle brush, ideal for smoothening an Irish setter’s coat!

They’re best for long-haired dogs like the Irish setter as they address all the concerns for their coat. Not to mention the pin brush feature isn’t helpful for short-haired pups. 

🔵 Bristle Brush

Bristle brushes are best for finishing as they smoothen fur and massage the dog’s skin. As a result, they also spread healthy oils throughout your Irish setter’s skin. And this, in turn, gives your dog a shinier and healthier coat. But the best part is that bristle brushes are flexible!

The size, space, and stiffness of the brush’s bristles let you know what type and length of coat it’s best for! Generally, longer bristles are best for long-haired dogs like the Irish setter. 

🔵 Mat Breaker

Mat breakers are best for Irish setters with severe matting problems. They aim to help owners remove their dog’s matted or knotted fur. And they come with sharp blades that can easily cut through your dog’s hair. 

🔵 Grooming Comb

Finally, the grooming comb is the last brush you should consider for your Irish setter. It’s best for dogs with thick and long fur, thanks to its wide-spaced teeth. The brush lets you go through an Irish setter’s hair, untangling knots and mats without damaging their coat!

I recommend using large-spaced teeth grooming combs for Irish setters as they provide the best results for long, thick fur.

2️⃣ Durability

You’ll need to consider the brush’s durability since you will use it daily on your Irish setter. You can tell how strong or weak a brush is by looking at the materials used for its design and its overall structure. Either way, the brush you get should be a long-term investment. After all, buying one after the other will cost you a lot over time. 

3️⃣ Coat Type

You need to buy a brush that can keep up with your Irish setter’s long and shiny coat. Not only does it ensure the best results, but it also makes it easier for you. So, be on the lookout for the best brush for Irish setter. To give you an idea, look at bristle brushes or undercoat rakes. 

4️⃣ Maintenance

It’s best to settle for a brush that’s easy to clean, maintain, and store. After all, you’re already going to be brushing your Irish setter every day. There’s no need to make things harder for yourself. I suggest considering options like brushes with retractable bristles. This feature makes it easier for you to remove loose fur that got stuck. 

5️⃣ Comfort

How to Groom an Irish Setter?

Whether you’re grooming an Irish setter for show purposes or want easier upkeep, it is necessary. After all, this dog’s silky coat can get matted or tangled if not cared for well. Therefore, Irish setters are among the breeds that need a significant amount of routine grooming maintenance. Here’s how to groom your Irish setter:

✅ Brushing

The most significant part of grooming an Irish setter is brushing. After all, this dog’s long, luscious coat requires a lot of nurturing! So, you’ll have to commit some time grooming your Irish setter daily to prevent mats and tangles. It’s best to use a pin brush or one with natural bristles to go through your dog’s coat without damaging it.

Moreover, brush your Irish setter with a metal rake comb every 2 to 3 days to remove tangles on their undercoat.

Here’s the best way to brush your Irish setter:

Step 1

Start by brushing your Irish setter from the head to their tail. After you go through that part, go from the top of your dog’s body down to its trunk. And finally, go through the top of your Irish setter’s legs down to their paws.

Step 2

Grab a wide-tooth comb once you’ve brushed your Irish setter’s entire body. Comb the same parts but focus on breaking up tangles and removing mats your brush might’ve missed. I recommend checking out your Irish setter’s elbows, legs, flanks, ears, and stomach. After all, these are prone to tangling as they’re pretty wispy!

Step 3

After you’ve combed through your dog’s body with a wide-tooth comb, grab your fine-tooth comb. Use it to com your Irish setter’s hard-to-reach areas like under the chin, tail, and behind their ears. The hairs that grow here are long and thin, resembling a beard, which is susceptible to matting.

Step 4

Strip your Irish setter’s coat using a stripping knife to remove dead hair from their back. You don’t need to do this every time you brush your Irish setter. Doing this once every three months should be enough to keep the dead hair from invading your dog’s coat.

Step 5

Remove excess fur between your Irish setter’s paws using small shears or scissors. I recommend contouring around the top of your dog’s feet. It gives your Irish setter more traction, reducing tracks of dirt and other debris in your home. Plus, it’ll make running and walking more comfortable for your dog.

Step 6

Bathing your Irish setter after a thorough brushing and trimming session is ideal. But you don’t need to do this daily. At best, you can wash your Irish setter once or twice every month or after a fun day outdoors. Never overdo it, as bathing can remove essential oils from your Irish setter’s coat. And this, in turn, may develop into skin issues.

But if you need to bathe your Irish setter often, pair their regular shampoo with a conditioner. It replaces the stripped natural oils from your dog’s coat. Regardless of how often you need to give your Irish setter baths, brush them at least 3 to 4 times a week.

✅ Hair Clipping

If you’re planning on bringing your Irish setter to a dog show, you must add hair clipping as part of their grooming routine. You must trim the fur around your Irish setter’s neck, ears, and face. Doing so showcases your dog’s best features! Aside from that, cut the excess hair on your Irish setter’s footpads to keep them looking clean. 

✅ Bathing

Since Irish setters are energetic dogs that need daily exercise, baths are necessary. Not only does it keep your dog clean, but it also helps them avoid getting infected or catching a disease. Generally, dogs only need baths once every three months. But long-haired breeds like the Irish setter need them more often. 

Ideally, it would be best to bathe your Irish setter at least once or twice a month. Doing so keeps your dog’s coat in its best condition. However, if your Irish setter always seems to get dirty, you can bathe your dog more than that! But don’t forget to use conditioner when washing them to prevent drying of their skin. 

Here’s how you can give your Irish setter a quick bath: 

1. Brush your Irish setter. Remove all dead hair, mats, and tangles on your dog’s coat before bathing them. 
2. Prepare the tub. Put a rubber mat in the bathtub for a more secure footing for your Irish setter. And fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of water.
3. Start washing. Grab a pitcher or sturdy cup to wet your Irish setter. Remember not to put water on your dog’s eyes, ears, or nose. 
4. Apply the shampoo. Massage your preferred shampoo from your Irish setter’s legs to the head. 
5. Rinse and dry. Rinse your Irish setter, starting with the head down to the legs. Once thoroughly rinsed, help your dog dry up with a towel. 

✅ Nail Clipping

As nerve-wracking as it is to cut your Irish setter’s nails, it’s essential. After all, who would want their dogs to scratch themselves or have difficulty walking? Luckily, cutting an Irish setter’s nail isn’t as challenging as you think! With the proper conditioning, patience, and technique, nail clipping can be easy. 

If your Irish setter is new to nail clipping, make them get used to it via positive reinforcement. Use your dog’s favorite treats to associate nail clipping with a rewarding experience. And once you get a grab of your Irish setter, press on their paws and help them get used to the sensation of clipping nails. 

You don’t have to chop off the nail fast. I recommend working through it by shaving down thin portions bit by bit. Once you’ve cut one successfully, reward your Irish setter with a treat before moving on to the next. Over time, please increase the number of nails you trim per sitting to help your dog get used to it. 

If you can’t tell where to stop, pay attention to the texture of your Irish setter’s nails. Usually, their nails tend to be harder the closer they are to the surface and get softer when close to the quick. 

✅ Eyes & Ears Cleaning

Aside from daily brushing, you’ll also need to pay attention to your Irish setter’s eyes and ears daily! After all, these dogs are prone to eye and ear infections due to their long coats. So, trim and pluck any hair standing out in these areas to keep your dog healthy and comfortable!

✅ Teeth Brushing 

Many Irish setter owners overlook the importance of brushing their dog’s teeth daily. Remember, regardless of breed, most dogs are susceptible to dental issues. Although Irish setters don’t have sensitive teeth, it’s best to pay attention to them. After all, cavities and plaque build-up can still happen to them!

You can keep all these dental problems away from your dog with regular brushing! If you can’t commit to brushing your Irish setter’s teeth every day, you can always do it weekly. 

Additional Grooming Tips for an Irish Setter

Sometimes, solely knowing how to groom your Irish setter isn’t enough.

Here are some additional tips for grooming Irish setters you must know. Each one ensures your dog stays well-groomed, happy, and healthy over time! Plus, it makes your job a lot easier. 

✔️ Start Your Irish setter Young

If you’ve recently adopted or bought an Irish setter pup, make it easier for the both of you by grooming them early! You don’t have to expose your Irish setter to baths or cutting nails. It’s best to start with brushing since it’s a daily necessity for these long-haired dogs. But as easy as it sounds, it may surprise you that not all Irish setters don’t like getting brushed.

So, make it easier for your pup and you by brushing them early. If your Irish setter pups are being uncooperative, give them treats. It can ease your dog’s fears, making them easier to manage and brush.

Aside from controlling your Irish setter, knowing what brush to use is also crucial! Usually, wide-spaced bristle brushes are best for long-haired dogs like the Irish setter. Also, I recommend using an undercoat rake on the side to help you manage tangles and mats. After all, Irish setters have double coats!

If you’ve got the tools, all you need to do is brush your Irish setter! And if you don’t know where to start, I suggest brushing with the grain or beginning from head to tail. After all, it’s the direction where your dog’s hair grows. Aside from that, brushing in that direction will likely make your dog calm down.

Additionally, ensure your Irish setter is lying down on your floor or lap for the entire process. Either way, this position should make it easier for you to brush your Irish setter’s coat.

✔️ Do it Daily

You don’t need to cut your Irish setter’s nails or clean their ears daily. But you do need to brush their coat daily! It frees your Irish setter’s coat from tangles and mats, keeping it silky and healthy.

I recommend keeping the brushing sessions regular but short. Going too long can lead to a tangled coat, resulting in an uncomfortable grooming session! When your Irish setter starts feeling unsettled, they’ll likely be uncooperative. Thus, you’ll end up with a long grooming session.

If your Irish setter has existing tangles or mats, carefully remove them. Being too rough can hurt your dog. Use detanglers or oils to make this task easier for you and your Irish setter.

Although this may seem a tedious task, it’s necessary for your Irish setter’s skin and coat health. If you leave the tangles and mats be, it makes your Irish setter prone to dermatological problems. And this often forces owners to cut their Irish setter’s coat, which isn’t ideal for this breed. After all, they have sensitive skins that can quickly get sunburned or frostbitten!

✔️ Give Your Irish setter Regular Haircuts

Although it’s not ideal for your Irish setter to have a short coat, you can trim their fur for easier upkeep. Also, it’s natural for long-haired dogs to get a haircut in their lifetime. I recommend giving your Irish setter a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks, either by you or a professional. 

If you’re doing this yourself, be careful when trimming your Irish setter’s excess hair. Be safe and keep the scissors parallel to your dog at all times. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to brush my Irish setter?

A: You must brush your Irish setter daily or every other day to maintain their long coats. After all, this dog’s silky coat can get tangled easily. Also, since Irish setters shed, the more reason why you need to brush their coat often. 

Q: How to brush an Irish setter?

A: You can brush an Irish setter with brushes with natural bristles or pin variations. Regardless, it’s best to begin on the feathered parts of the coat. Once you’ve combed through that, remove the mats and tangles. But do it gently to avoid damaging your Irish setter’s fur. You can make this task easier by combing your dog’s coat with a metal rake comb once every 2 to 3 days. 

Q: Does my Irish setter need grooming?

A: You’ll need to groom your Irish setter regularly to maintain their long coats. You must brush your Irish setter’s coat every other day to avoid tangling or matting. But for grooming essentials like cutting nails or cleaning ears, you can do this every 4 to 6 weeks.

Q: How often do I need to groom my Irish setter? 

A: It’s best to groom Irish setters at least every 4 to 6 weeks since they have long coats. It would help if you did it often as this breed’s long coat make them prone to matting and tangles. Aside from brushing your Irish setter’s hair, don’t forget to clean their ears and clip their nails. 

Q: Can I cut my Irish setter’s coat?

A: Since Irish setters shed a lot due to their long coats, cutting them short is ideal for owners who don’t have time to groom them often. You can trim or cut your Irish setter’s coat for easy maintenance and less dog hair everywhere!

Final Words

Having the best brush for Irish setter helps you keep your dog’s coat in optimal condition. So, always pick one that works for your Irish setter’s coat length and type! After all, you wouldn’t want to pull or scratch on your dog’s delicate skin. You can make your search short by considering any of the listed brushes. Regardless of your choice, each one guarantees a healthier and cleaner coat over time!

Igor Rubina