---
title: "Best Brushes and Grooming Tools for Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo Puppies"
type: "post"
slug: "best-grooming-tools-small-puppies"
published_at: "2026-07-17T19:15:11+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-16T14:15:46+00:00"
url: "https://sagepuppies.com/best-grooming-tools-small-puppies/"
markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/best-grooming-tools-small-puppies.md"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Cassie’s ‘Sage’ Puppy Picks"
  - "Grooming"
author: "Matt Milar"
publisher: "Sage Puppies"
---

# Best Brushes and Grooming Tools for Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo Puppies

Whether you are preparing for a [Havanese puppy](/breeds/havanese/)
, [Havapoo puppy](/breeds/havapoo/)
, or [Cavapoo puppy](/breeds/cavapoo/)
 in Utah or planning for puppy delivery elsewhere in the country, coat care starts with the same principle: use a gentle brush to open the coat, work in small sections, and finish with a metal comb to confirm that no hidden tangles remain.

Quick answer

## The best starter grooming kit

- **Primary brush**Choose a cushion pin brush for straighter, silkier coats or a soft long-pin slicker for wavy and curly coats.
- **Finishing check**Use a stainless-steel comb after brushing. If the comb catches, the section is not finished.
- **Comfort tools**Add a light dog-safe coat spray, non-slip mat, treats, nail tool, styptic powder, and gentle face and ear supplies.

Practical shopping choices

## Compare two brush styles, then choose a comb

Compare a pin brush with a slicker for the actual coat and the technique your groomer recommends. The Andis finishing comb complements either brush; it does a different job. You do not need a large grooming bundle before you know which tools fit your puppy.

**Affiliate disclosure:** We may earn a commission when you buy through product links in this article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Comparison reviewed October 16, 2026 by Matt Milar. These are researched options; no documented Sage hands-on product trial. Check the exact selected variant and current merchant details before ordering.

### Chris Christensen Original Series Oval Pin Brush, 20 mm

![Chris Christensen wooden oval pin brush with metal pins and a handle marked 20.](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sage-product-chris-christensen-oval-20.jpg)

The Original Series Oval 20 mm brush has a cushioned pin bed and an approximately 8.5-inch body.  
**Pros:** Rounded-tip pins and a cushion provide an option for maintaining a suitable looser coat.

**Cons:** The manufacturer offers different pin lengths for different coats. This 20 mm version is not a universal choice for long coats or dense curls, and the body may feel large around tiny legs or faces. Brushing the surface does not prove the coat is tangle-free.  
**Choose if:** Your groomer recommends this pin-brush style for the actual coat and its size is manageable.

[Manufacturer details](https://chrischristensen.com/products/chris-christensen-original-series-oval-pin-brushes)

[Check current price on Amazon (paid link)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010FEGHFM?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=sageaf2864-20&linkId=d0466191f1cf6b73f5b82bfab9fbb5e4&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)

### Chris Christensen Baby G Slicker — Small, Coral

![Coral Chris Christensen slicker brush with long metal pins and a curved handle.](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sage-product-chris-christensen-baby-g-coral.jpg)

The researched Small Coral Baby G has a smaller slicker head with long, dense bent pins. It is an alternative brush style to discuss with your groomer, rather than an automatic upgrade from the pin brush.

**Pros:** The smaller head offers another shape for reaching suitable sections of coat.  
**Cons:** Pin length and density require gentle pressure and the right coat. It is not a universal first-puppy brush or a way to force out tight mats.  
**Choose if:** A groomer recommends this exact slicker for the puppy and shows you a comfortable technique.

[Manufacturer brush-family details](https://chrischristensen.com/collections/featured-products/products/chris-christensen-big-g-slicker-brushes)
. Researched; no documented Sage hands-on trial.

[Check Baby G on Amazon (paid link)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HMG64R2?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=sageaf2864-20&linkId=1948cf39a68e7da9c6498eb6a0a21fe6&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)

### Andis 7½-inch Steel Comb, model 68550

![Silver Andis grooming comb with fine and coarse teeth.](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sage-product-andis-steel-comb-68550-768x906.jpg)

The Andis 68550 is a 7½-inch steel comb with coarse and fine tooth spacing.  
**Pros:** Two tooth spacings in one tool let you gently check a prepared coat after brushing.

**Cons:** This is a finishing and checking tool, not a way to force through tight mats. Stop if the comb catches or your puppy is uncomfortable. Ask your groomer to show you which brush and technique suit the coat.  
**Choose if:** You need a finishing check alongside a suitable brush. This is not a replacement for either brush style.

[Manufacturer details](https://www.andis.com/shop/detail/68550/7-12quot-steel-comb)

[Check current price on Amazon (paid link)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6FTV88X?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=sageaf2864-20&linkId=cf94b9cd152b52195fd1cd8c3bc39037&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)

**Buying for a curly coat?** Ask your groomer to choose an appropriate soft slicker and demonstrate gentle use. Neither the pin brush nor a flea comb replaces that coat-specific advice. Follow the guide below for the differences between tool types.

[Start with the full puppy supply checklist](https://sagepuppies.com/new-puppy-supply-checklist/)
 · [Choose a supervised puppy play toy](https://sagepuppies.com/puppy-teething-toys/)
 · [Browse Cassie’s ‘Sage’ Puppy Picks](https://sagepuppies.com/cassies-picks/)

Start simple

## A complete kit without unnecessary tools

You do not need a drawer full of grooming gadgets. For most Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies, a carefully selected set of dependable basics is more useful than a large bundle of low-quality brushes.

![Illustration of a grooming bag filled with brushes, a comb, coat spray, towel, and treats](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/at-home-puppy-grooming-kit-checklist.webp)

Essential

### One primary brush

Select either a quality cushion pin brush or a soft long-pin slicker based on the individual coat. Many families eventually keep both, but one well-matched brush is enough to begin.

Essential

### One metal comb

A two-width stainless-steel comb—with closer teeth at one end and wider spacing at the other—works for checking the body, legs, face furnishings, ears, and tail.

Helpful

### Light coat mist

A puppy-safe detangling or conditioning spray can reduce static and friction. Use only a light mist; the coat should not be wet or sticky during routine brushing.

Comfort

### Stable setup and rewards

Use a non-slip mat on a secure surface, good lighting, and tiny high-value treats. Never leave a puppy tethered or unattended on a grooming surface.

Detail care

### Nail and paw tools

Choose a small dog nail grinder or sharp puppy nail clipper, keep styptic powder nearby, and use a small paw trimmer only after a professional shows you safe handling.

Bath day

### Dog-formulated bath supplies

Keep a gentle puppy shampoo, coat conditioner when needed, absorbent towels, and a cool or low-warmth dryer. High heat can make bath day uncomfortable and can dry the skin.

Tool 1

## Cushion pin brush: best for long, silky, and looser coats

A pin brush has smooth metal pins set into a flexible cushion. It is often the most comfortable everyday brush for a Havanese coat that is kept longer, and it can also work well on looser-waved Havapoo or Cavapoo coats.

![Illustration of a cushion pin brush beside a long-coated Havanese puppy](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pin-brush-for-long-puppy-coats.webp)

### What to look for

- Rounded, polished pin tips with no rough seams
- A flexible cushion that gives under light pressure
- Pins long enough to enter the coat without scraping skin
- A small or medium head that fits a puppy’s body and legs
- A handle that lets you use a loose, gentle grip
- No missing pins, sharp edges, or bent wire

**Best use:** daily maintenance, gentle coat separation, longer furnishings, tails, and coats that are more silky than curly.

**Limitation:** a pin brush can glide over the top of a dense or curly coat without reaching hidden tangles. Always follow with the comb.

Tool 2

## Soft long-pin slicker: best for dense, wavy, and curly coats

A slicker brush uses many fine, angled pins to separate hair and lift small tangles. For Havapoo and Cavapoo coats with more curl or density, a soft slicker is often the most efficient primary brush.

![Illustration of a soft slicker brush beside a curly-coated puppy](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/soft-slicker-brush-for-wavy-curly-puppy-coats.webp)

### Choose softness and control over aggressiveness

Look for fine, flexible pins and a head sized for a small dog. The brush should move through small sections with light wrist motion. A very stiff slicker, excessive pressure, or repeated brushing in one spot can irritate a puppy’s skin.

**Pressure check:** test the brush on the inside of your forearm. It should feel fine and flexible—not sharp, scratchy, or painful. Then use even less pressure on your puppy.

**Best use:** curly or dense coats, friction zones, line brushing, and lifting the coat before a comb check.

**Limitation:** a slicker is not a license to pull through a mat. Hold hair close to the skin to reduce tugging, work from the outside edge of a tiny tangle, and stop when a knot is tight or painful.

Tool 3

## Stainless-steel comb: the tool that tells you whether brushing worked

The comb is not optional for a long, wavy, or curly coat. A brush can make the surface look smooth while small tangles remain underneath. The comb is your quality-control step.

![Illustration of a stainless-steel grooming comb beside a wavy-coated puppy](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stainless-steel-comb-tangle-check.webp)

### How to use the comb correctly

1. Brush one small section first.
2. Support the hair near the skin with your free hand.
3. Begin at the ends and gently comb toward the skin.
4. When the comb glides from skin to tip, move to the next section.
5. If it catches, stop. Return to the brush or separate the small tangle with your fingers—do not force the comb through.

A comb with both wide and fine teeth is especially useful. Start with the wider side on the body and finish with the finer side where appropriate.

At a glance

## Which brush should you use?

| Tool | Best for | Use it when | Do not rely on it for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cushion pin brush | Silky, long, or loose-waved coats | Routine maintenance and gentle separation | Finding every hidden tangle in a dense coat |
| Soft long-pin slicker | Wavy, curly, or denser coats | Line brushing and small early tangles | Pulling through tight mats |
| Stainless-steel comb | All three breeds and coat types | After brushing each section | Starting on a tangled coat |
| Bristle brush | Finishing and smoothing | After the coat is already tangle-free | Deep detangling |
| Dematting tool | Limited, trained use | Only on small, loose tangles when you know the technique | Skin-tight or painful mats |

Technique matters

## How to line brush a Havanese, Havapoo, or Cavapoo puppy

Line brushing means working through the coat in narrow rows instead of skimming over the top. It is the most reliable way to reach the hair close to the skin without repeatedly brushing the same area.

![Illustration showing a long-coated puppy being brushed in small coat sections](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/line-brushing-puppy-coat-sections.webp)

### Set up for success

Choose a quiet time, place the puppy on a non-slip surface, and keep the first sessions very short. Let the puppy sniff the brush and reward calm contact.

### Lightly mist the section

Apply a small amount of dog-safe coat spray to your hands or the coat. Avoid soaking the hair or spraying directly into the face.

### Lift a narrow row of coat

Use your free hand to hold the upper hair out of the way so you can see a clean line of coat beneath it.

### Brush from ends toward the roots

Use short, gentle strokes. Support the hair near the skin whenever you feel resistance so the puppy does not feel the full pull.

### Comb-check the row

Run the metal comb from skin to tip. If it catches, return to the brush rather than forcing the comb.

### Move upward one row at a time

Continue around the body, then check legs, tail, chest, beard, and ears. Finish with a reward before the puppy becomes restless.

### High-tangle areas to check every day

- Behind and beneath the ears
- Under the collar or harness
- Armpits and inner front legs
- Chest and belly
- Inner thighs and rear legs
- Tail base and long tail hair
- Beard and face furnishings
- Anywhere damp hair has rubbed or dried in a clump

Reduce friction

## Coat sprays, bath tools, towels, and dryers

![Illustration of puppy-safe coat spray, towel, dryer, and a freshly groomed puppy](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/puppy-detangling-spray-and-bath-tools.webp)

### Detangling or conditioning spray

Choose a dog-formulated, leave-in product with a light finish. The purpose is to reduce static and friction—not to make the coat wet, greasy, or heavily fragranced.

### Gentle shampoo

Use a dog-formulated shampoo and follow the label dilution directions. Human shampoo is not designed for canine skin.

### Coat conditioner

Conditioner can improve slip in longer coats. Rinse thoroughly unless the product is specifically labeled as leave-in.

### Absorbent towels

Blot and squeeze instead of rubbing vigorously. Circular towel rubbing can tighten tangles and encourage matting.

### Low-heat drying

Use cool or comfortably low warmth and keep airflow moving. Introduce the sound gradually and never concentrate hot air on one spot.

### Post-bath comb check

Dry the coat thoroughly and check it in sections. Damp, tangled hair can tighten as it dries.

**Before bathing:** remove loose tangles first. Water can make existing knots more difficult to manage, especially in curly or cottony coats.

Small details, big comfort

## Nail, ear, face, and paw tools

![Illustration of a puppy paw, nail grinder, styptic powder, and gentle ear-cleaning cloth](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/puppy-nail-ear-and-face-grooming-tools.webp)

### Nails

Use either a small-dog nail grinder or a sharp clipper you can control comfortably. Take tiny amounts, keep paw hair away from moving parts, and stop before the quick. Keep pet styptic powder within reach in case a nail is nicked. When you are uncertain, ask your veterinarian or groomer to demonstrate on your puppy.

### Ears

Check the visible ear flap and opening for redness, odor, heavy debris, or discomfort. Use a veterinarian-approved cleaner only as directed and wipe the outer, visible area with gauze or a soft cotton pad. Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal. Pain, repeated head shaking, odor, redness, or discharge deserves veterinary attention rather than repeated home cleaning.

### Eyes and face

Use a clean, damp, soft cloth or veterinarian-recommended wipe to soften and remove ordinary debris around the face. Wipe away from the eye and use a fresh part of the cloth for each eye. Do not use scissors near a wiggly puppy’s eyes.

### Paw pads and sanitary areas

A compact pet trimmer can help maintain paw-pad hair, but moving blades require training and a very steady puppy. Ask your groomer to show you the correct blade position and skin-stretching technique before attempting detailed trimming at home.

Match the tool to the dog

## Havanese vs. Havapoo vs. Cavapoo coat care

Coat texture can vary substantially—even among littermates—so choose tools for the puppy in front of you rather than relying only on the breed label.

![Illustration comparing silky, wavy, and curly puppy coat types](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/havanese-havapoo-cavapoo-coat-comparison.webp)

Havanese

### Silky, wavy, or softly textured

A flexible cushion pin brush is often comfortable for routine care, especially when the coat is kept longer. Add a soft slicker for denser areas and always finish with the comb.

Havapoo

### Variable from loose waves to curls

Many Havapoo coats benefit from a soft long-pin slicker as the main brush, followed by a metal comb. A pin brush may be preferable when the coat is lighter and more Havanese-like.

Cavapoo

### Soft waves, curls, or a mixed texture

A soft slicker-and-comb system is typically the most versatile. Pay special attention to ears, chest, legs, harness areas, and any feathering that rubs together.

All three

### Individual coat density decides the routine

Longer, denser, curlier, or cottonier coats generally need more frequent section brushing than short, loose coats. A shorter pet trim reduces maintenance but does not eliminate comb checks.

Build the habit early

## A practical puppy grooming schedule

| Task | Practical rhythm | What matters most |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handling practice | A brief session most days | Touch paws, ears, chin, tail, and legs; reward calm cooperation |
| Friction-zone check | Daily | Look behind ears, under harnesses, in armpits, and around the tail |
| Full brush and comb | Several times per week; often daily for longer or denser coats | Work in lines and confirm every section with the comb |
| Bath | As needed for cleanliness and the coat plan | Use dog-formulated products, rinse well, and dry thoroughly |
| Nails | Check weekly and maintain before they become long | Take tiny amounts and keep styptic powder nearby |
| Professional grooming | Use a recurring schedule set with your groomer | Adjust timing to coat length, density, lifestyle, and the desired trim |

Short, successful sessions are better than one long struggle. A one-minute paw-touch session, two minutes of brushing, and a treat can be enough for a young puppy. Gradually increase duration as calm cooperation becomes familiar.

Protect skin and trust

## Tools and habits to avoid

### Do not cut a tight mat with household scissors

Matted hair can pull skin up into the knot, making it difficult to see where hair ends and skin begins. Tight, skin-close, widespread, or painful mats should be handled by an experienced professional groomer or veterinarian.

- **Skip harsh de-shedding blades** unless a knowledgeable professional specifically recommends one for your puppy’s coat.
- **Do not force a comb through resistance.** That teaches the puppy that grooming hurts.
- **Avoid brushing only the visible surface.** Hidden knots form close to the skin.
- **Do not repeatedly scrape one spot with a slicker.** Check the skin and change technique.
- **Avoid high heat and unattended restraint.** Keep the session supervised from start to finish.
- **Do not use heavily fragranced human hair products.** Choose products formulated for dogs.

Shopping checklist

## What to buy first

- Small or medium cushion pin brush with polished tips
- Small soft long-pin slicker brush
- Stainless-steel comb with wide and fine teeth
- Light dog-safe detangling or conditioning spray
- Non-slip grooming mat
- Soft cloths or gauze for visible face and ear care
- Dog nail grinder or puppy nail clipper
- Pet styptic powder
- Gentle dog shampoo and appropriate conditioner
- Absorbent towels and a cool/low-heat dryer
- Small training treats
- A regular professional groomer relationship

Buy the core brush, comb, and comfort supplies before your puppy comes home. Add specialized tools only when the individual coat or your groomer shows that they are needed.

Common questions

## Frequently asked questions

What is the single best brush for a Havanese puppy?For a silky or longer Havanese coat, start with a well-made cushion pin brush with smooth, rounded tips. Add a soft slicker for denser areas and always use a stainless-steel comb afterward to verify that the coat is clear.

What is the best brush for a Havapoo puppy?It depends on coat texture. A soft long-pin slicker is usually the most versatile for wavy or curly Havapoo coats. A looser, silkier coat may do well with a cushion pin brush. In either case, finish with a metal comb.

What is the best brush for a Cavapoo puppy?A small soft slicker paired with a stainless-steel comb is a dependable starting system for many Cavapoo puppies. Choose flexible pins, light pressure, and a head size that gives you control around the legs, chest, and ears.

Should I brush my puppy when the coat is dry or wet?For routine brushing, use a very light mist of a dog-safe conditioning or detangling spray rather than saturating the coat. Avoid brushing soaking-wet hair, and avoid repeated brushing of a dry, staticky coat that is catching and pulling.

How often should I brush a Havanese, Havapoo, or Cavapoo puppy?Check high-friction areas daily. Longer, denser, curlier, or cottonier coats may need a complete brush-and-comb session every day, while shorter and looser coats may remain comfortable with several thorough sessions per week. The comb check tells you whether your schedule is frequent enough.

Can I remove a mat at home?A tiny, loose tangle may be separated gently with fingers, coat spray, and careful brushing while you support the hair near the skin. Stop if the mat is tight, flat, painful, widespread, or close to the skin. Do not place household scissors under a mat; schedule a professional groomer or veterinary visit.

Wisely bred. Beautifully loved.

## Preparing for a Havanese, Havapoo, or Cavapoo puppy?

Explore available puppies, learn how our reservation process works, and review the practical steps that help families prepare for pickup or safe puppy delivery.

[View Available Puppies](/available-puppies/)
[Apply / Join the Waitlist](/application/)
[Delivery & Pickup](/delivery-pickup/)

This guide provides general grooming education. Coat, skin, ear, and nail needs vary by puppy. Ask your veterinarian or a qualified professional groomer for individualized advice, especially when your puppy shows pain, skin irritation, odor, discharge, bleeding, or tight matting.

Written by [Matt Milar](https://sagepuppies.com/author/matt/)
 · Sage Puppies