I am often asked what tool is best to maintain a pets coat. Keep in mind that any tool
can and will remove, tear, stretch or damage hair if used improperly because it is the nature of hair to give way to force. Tangles and matting will not completely undo without damage to the hair, but that damage can be minimized.  This information may help you decide which tools are better suited for your dog. These are two categories of tools I consider in coat care:

Non- invasive: These are least likely to cause hair damage. Used on dogs growing a long or natural hair coat and many Show dogs. Some examples are:
Pin Brushes- steel pins set in a rubber backing (without a ball tip is preferred).
Bristle Brushes- natural bristle preferred.
Wide Tooth Steel Comb- coarse tooth, also called a Poodle Comb.
Rotating Tooth Comb- from fine to coarse tooth.
Wide Tooth Rake- for short thick shedding coats as on Shepherds and Huskies.
Hound Glove- for slick breeds like beagles and Dobermans.
Rubber Curry- for dogs like Pugs

Invasive: These are needed for removing mats and tangles on most breeds that get haircuts. (These have a tendency to break hair). Slicker Brushes- use the softest wire possible. Heavy thick coats may require a hard slicker.
Double Tooth Rake- for dogs that shed heavily. (You can see tufts of hair coming out with use).
Mat Splitters- sharpened blades actually cut through the mats.
Thinning Rakes: Curved blades for removing undercoat but will cut the topcoat
Carding Combs: Also called stripping knives.
Plastic Flea Comb: A small very fine tooth for removing fleas and tiny burrs

As a Groomer I provide the following recommendations based on the premise that
your pets upkeep at home is done at least every other day:
Cocker Spaniel kept in a 1" puppy cut- A mat splitter used as needed for hard knots,
a medium Slicker Brush for the initial comb-out, and a medium/ fine comb for the final comb-out.
Poodle in Continental style- A Pin Brush for coat lengths longer than 2",
a Poodle Comb for the final "fluff out". Keep a soft Puppy Slicker on hand for mats (as a last resort).
Australian Shepherd with natural coat- A soft to medium Slicker Brush for mats, a fine to coarse comb
(depending on the hair coat density). A wide tooth rake will be helpful for shedding seasons.
Miniature Schnauzer- A hound Glove for short cut backs (important for keeping skin and hair stimulated).
Soft Slicker Brush for leg and skirt hair, a fine/medium comb for final comb-out.
If you have questions on coat care for a specific breed not covered here, please visit my home page.

 Carol is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer,
 certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.
 A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in 2002.
 To visit her website, click http://www.carolsbows.com
 Here you will find her selection of dog bows, dog collar charms, links to pet product suppliers
and more articles on care for your pet.

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