Furminator deShedding Tool
The Furminator is a professional-grade deshedding tool with a stainless steel edge that reaches deep beneath the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat.
Check Price on Amazon →Updated June 2026 · 8 min read · By PetHomeHacks Team
If you're drowning in dog fur, you've probably narrowed your search down to two popular brushes: the Furminator deShedding Tool and the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Both have thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, but which one actually works better for shedding?
After testing both brushes on three different short-haired breeds (Labrador, Beagle, and French Bulldog) over four weeks, here's our honest comparison.
| Feature | Furminator deShedding Tool | Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Deep undercoat removal | Surface fur & tangles |
| Shedding Reduction | Up to 95% (manufacturer claim) | ~60-70% (our test) |
| Self-Cleaning | No (FURejector button on some models) | Yes (push-button release) |
| Price | $35-$55 | $16-$18 |
| Skin Guard | Yes (built-in edge guard) | No |
| For Short Hair | Excellent (dedicated short-hair model) | Good |
| For Sensitive Skin | Moderate (can scratch if pressed too hard) | Gentle (soft bristles) |
| Durability | 5+ years | 2-3 years |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (requires technique) | Very easy |
The Furminator is a professional-grade deshedding tool with a stainless steel edge that reaches deep beneath the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat.
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The Hertzko features fine bent wire bristles that gently remove tangles, dander, and loose fur. Its standout feature is the push-button self-cleaning mechanism that ejects collected hair instantly.
Check Price on Amazon →Winner: Furminator. The Furminator's stainless steel edge is specifically designed to reach the undercoat where most shedding originates. In our 4-week test, we saw a noticeable reduction in loose fur around the house within the first week. The Hertzko does capture surface fur, but it doesn't reach the undercoat as effectively.
Winner: Hertzko. This is where Hertzko shines. One push of the button and all the collected fur pops right off. The Furminator requires manual pulling of hair from the blade, which can be messy (though premium models have the FURejector button).
Winner: Hertzko. At roughly $16, the Hertzko is significantly cheaper than the Furminator ($35-$55). If you're on a budget, the Hertzko gives you 70% of the performance at 30% of the price.
Winner: Furminator. The Furminator has a built-in skin guard that prevents the blade from contacting your dog's skin directly. The Hertzko's wire bristles are gentle but can poke if you press too hard, especially on small dogs.
Winner: Furminator. The Furminator is built like a tank — we've seen reports of it lasting 5+ years with regular use. The Hertzko typically lasts 2-3 years before the self-cleaning mechanism starts to weaken.
Buy the Furminator if: You have a heavy-shedding breed (Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd) and want maximum fur removal. The investment pays off in less vacuuming and a cleaner home.
Buy the Hertzko if: You have a light-to-moderate shedder, want an easy daily brush, or are on a budget. It's also great for dogs with sensitive skin who don't tolerate the Furminator's blade.
Buy both if: You can afford it. Use the Furminator 1-2x per week for deep deshedding and the Hertzko daily for quick maintenance. This combo gives you the best of both worlds.
Furminator is better for reaching undercoat on short-haired breeds, while Hertzko's self-cleaning feature makes it more convenient for quick daily use.
Use the Furminator 1-2 times per week for deep deshedding sessions. Use the Hertzko daily for surface fur removal and maintenance.
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