Choosing the right brush for your pet is an important first step for even the most basic home grooming.
Brush Types - Although there are many different shapes and sizes, there are basically only three different brush types.
Bristle brushes: Bristle brushes can be used on all coat types, and vary according to the spacing between the bristles and length of the bristles. In general, the longer the hair coat, the more wide spaced and longer the bristles should be. Also the coarser the hair, the stiffer those bristles need to be.
Wire-Pin: Wire-Pin brushes, with or without rubber-tipped ends, are the preferred choice for pets with medium to long hair and those with curly or wooly coats.
Slicker brushes: Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles and are especially useful for removing mats and tangles.
Hair Coat Types - The right brush and brushing technique will depend on your dog's hair type.
Short , smooth coats (most Retrievers, Hounds, Chihuahuas, etc.): Brush with the coat's grain using a soft to medium bristle brush with short, closely spaced bristles.
Medium to long, flowing coats (Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters, Lhasa Apsos, etc.): Brush with the coat's grain using a wire-pin brush or soft to medium bristle brush with long, medium-to wide-spaced bristles. Use a slicker brush for mats and tangles.
Harsh outer coats with soft, woolly undercoats (Sheepdog, Collies, Shepard, Chow, Pomeranian, etc.): Brush with the grain on the outer coat and against the grain on the undercoat using a wire-pin brush or firm bristle brush with long, wide-spaced bristle. Use a slicker brush for mats and tangles.
Thin, delicate coats (Yorkies, Maltese, etc.): Brush with and against the coat's grain using a wire-pin brush and a soft slicker brush for mats and tangles.
Grooming Tip
When brushing, be gentle and take your time. Be especially careful when removing mats or tangles. Brushing can and should be a pleasant experience for your pet as the gentle stroking feels good on your pet's skin. It does not take to many painful "rips" through snarls, however, to make brushing a procedure your pet will try to avoid rather than invite. The best way to build trust and make this a pleasurable bonding time for you both of you is to brush your pet often, preferably daily. This prevents mats and tangles from developing.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
