Anyone with a Doodle knows the struggle: that gorgeous curly coat turns into a mat factory the moment you stop brushing. After fighting tangles on my Cavapoo with the wrong tools, I switched to the We Love Doodles Small Slicker Brush. Here's my honest, hands-on review.
It's a professional-style slicker brush sized specifically for puppies and small-to-medium breeds — Goldendoodles, Poodles, Cavapoos, and similar. It features 1-inch soft stainless steel pins bent at a 45-degree angle to reach deep into dense coats and lift out knots, mats, and shedding hair without scratching or causing discomfort. An ergonomic non-slip handle rounds it out for comfortable grooming sessions.
If you have a Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, or Poodle, this brush is purpose-built for those curly, mat-prone coats.
The soft pins are designed to be gentle on developing coats and sensitive skin, making it a good first grooming brush.
Sized for smaller bodies, it's easier to maneuver around a little dog than a full-size brush.
For a big Husky or Malamute, you'll want a larger brush and an undercoat tool — this small version isn't ideal.
Any slicker works best with regular use. If you won't brush consistently, even the best tool won't keep mats away.
The pins are long enough to reach through thick puppy and Doodle coats but soft enough to stay gentle on sensitive skin. That balance is exactly what these coats need.
Each pin is bent and angled at 45 degrees to lift hair and work through tangles while preventing scratching. In practice, it glided through my dog's coat far more smoothly than the stiff brush I had before.
It's specifically scaled for smaller bodies and developing coats — not just a shrunk-down adult brush. That sizing makes grooming a small dog much more manageable.
The comfortable, non-slip grip matters more than you'd think during longer sessions. My hand didn't cramp working through a full de-matting session.
At the time I checked, the We Love Doodles Small Slicker Brush was listed at $36.97 USD and showing as available. For a grooming tool sized and designed specifically for Doodles and small breeds — and one that saves you from costly de-matting at the groomer — that's fair value. Always confirm the current price on the product page before ordering.
Pros:
✅ Soft 1-inch pins reach deep without hurting
✅ 45-degree angle prevents scratching
✅ Sized for puppies and small breeds
✅ Great for Doodle, Poodle, and Cavapoo coats
✅ Comfortable non-slip handle
Cons:
❌ Too small for large double-coated breeds
❌ Works best with consistent, regular brushing
❌ Severe mats may still need a groomer
❌ One size — not for every coat type
I started with a cheap bristle brush and it barely scratched the surface of my Doodle's coat — it smoothed the top but left mats forming underneath. A proper slicker like this one actually reaches into the dense coat to remove knots before they become painful mats. For curly and dense coats specifically, the slicker is the right tool, and the soft angled pins make it kind to your dog at the same time.
For Doodle and small-breed parents, yes. This brush turned grooming from a wrestling match into a calm routine my dog actually tolerates. The soft angled pins are effective without being harsh, and the right sizing makes a real difference on a small dog. As long as your dog isn't a huge double-coated breed, it's a worthwhile, caring addition to your grooming kit.
Always brush gently, work in small sections, and never force the brush through a tight mat — ease it apart slowly to avoid pulling your dog's skin. Regular short sessions keep coats healthier and more comfortable than occasional long ones, and if a mat is severe or close to the skin, a professional groomer is the safest option.
Yes. The soft 1-inch pins and 45-degree angle are designed to be gentle on developing coats and sensitive skin.
It's designed for Goldendoodles, Poodles, Cavapoos, and small-to-medium breeds.
It lifts out knots, mats, and shedding hair from dense coats. Very severe mats may still need a groomer.
Yes — it has an ergonomic, non-slip handle for comfortable grooming sessions.
Ready to make grooming easier for you and your pup? Check current pricing and availability here:
👉 Get the We Love Doodles Small Slicker Brush
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I'd actually use on my own dog.
