Most new dog parents might mistake slicker brush for pin brush and vice versa. The main difference between the two is the space between the pins. The slicker brush is designed with long and tightly packed pins, penetrating deep into the undercoat and removing any matted hair or skin. For this reason, it's ideal for detangling knots and mats from long-furred dogs. Due to the long and wire bristles, a slicker brush is unsuitable for shorter hair and might irritate the skin. On the other hand, a pin brush comes in various lengths with widely-spaced pins, making them ideal for all hair lengths. Another difference is that the slicker brush reaches the skin and massages it to spread the natural oils in your dog's fur to promote a healthy coat. A pin brush is not designed for this intended purpose and is more of a top-coat brush.