Coat Types

Wool Coats

Example breeds: Bichon Frise, Curly Coated Retriever, American Water Spaniel, Poodle and Poodle Crosses.

Pooches with curly coats like Poodles, Doodles or Bichon Frises are very popular breeds as they’re typically low shedders. Nevertheless, they still require brushing every other day to ensure their curls don’t get tangled and to remove any debris that might get stuck in their fur on a walk.

For this coat type you will need a slicker brush.

For owners that want to keep their dog short, a shorter pinned slicker brush would be sufficient for you. You may think that because your dog has been shaven short for lower maintenance you wont need to brush. That is incorrect. Usually when a dog is shaven short that only really includes body and legs. They still have head, ears and tail to keep on top of. So if you still want them looking cute as a button make sure your brushing these areas too

For owners that like their dogs long and fluffy make sure you opt for the longer pinned slicker brush so that you are brushing down to the skin to avoid matting

Regardless if you keep them long or short make sure you go over after brushing with a metal comb to make sure you have got all the knots out

Long Silky Coats

Example breeds: Cocker Spaniel, English Springer, Yorkshire Terrior, Afghan Hound, Setter

Silky coats often have straight or slightly wavy hair that is very fine and soft. You’ll find that silky coats shed twice a year so during these times brushing daily is recommended. To keep a silky coat in the best condition, regular brushing is a must to remove dead hair and any tangles.

A Slicker brush and a metal comb will be the best tools to keep on top of this coat. Short pin or long pin slicker brush is recommended depending on the length and thickness of your dogs coat. For Example if you have a show cocker with thick hair all over and extremly thick ears a long pin slicker brush would be best. If you have a thin haired yorkshire terrier on the other hand a small pinned slicker brush would suffice

Always go over with a metal comb to make sure there are no more knots left over.

Double Coats

Example breeds: German Shepherd, Husky, Retriever, Spitz, Pomeranian, Terrier, Sheepdog

Many dog breeds have a double coat, a soft fine layer of fur underneath a courser layer of longer hairs. The dense soft undercoat will help to insulate the dog against cold and heat and the longer course hairs will protect against other elements including water and snow.

Double coated dogs require a lot of grooming, especially when they are shedding their coat, which happens twice a year. The thick, fluffy fur is released and appears to spread everywhere.

Best equipment to use are slicker brushes, metal comb and undercoat rake

Smooth or Short coats

Example Breeds: French Bulldog, Greyhound, Weimaraner, Boxer, Pug, Dachshund.

Some short haired dogs don’t really shed too much or need a lot of maintenance. However some short haired breeds feels like it wont ever stop shedding! for short haired breeds i recommend you use a Kong zoom groom or a rubber mit to get rid of excess hair.

Benefits of brushing

Your dog will benefit from brushing as it will help regulate body temperature, reduce itching as you remove dead hair and distribute natural oils and keep fur free from matting. Regular brushing will help you bond with your pet as well as getting to know their skin better, which means you’ll find any parasites and skin conditions sooner rather than later.

Brushing techniques

You can work from the tail to head or the head to tail, as long as you ensure you brush all the hair, not just the top coat.

• One popular technique is to brush backward against the lay of the fur, then brush it back into place. This loosens and removes dead hair and stimulates the skin.

• With your hand, or a comb, part the fur creating a vertical line and use a Slicker Brush to brush through the soft undercoat. This will remove any loose hair reducing the opportunity for mats and tangles to develop. Many people find it easier to start at the lower part of the of the dog and work upwards until the main body and back is completely brushed.

• Move through the entire coat using this technique and ensure the tummy area and between the legs is not missed. These areas are prone to tangles which if left unresolved, will become difficult to remove.

• Take care when brushing over joints or sensitive areas and reduce any downward pressure.

• When brushing areas without much coat use a soft brush to avoid injury.

• Let the brush do the work for you, it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience by brushing too hard. This is why the right brush is key

• Take it section by section

• Don’t forget they have hair all over not just the top of their head and back, see diagram below for more information