Has anyone used a furminator and what do they think of them. Do they only take out the undercoat.

It depends on what coat... and possibly the individual dog. On the official website there is a list of coats it's not recommended for, such as wire, single, 'poodly' etc.

I have a furminator copy (Mikki moultmaster I think it's called) and raved about how much it got out of my Malinois's coat without touching the topcoat. I must have got a carrier bag or more the first time.

However, it's no good for my BSDxBC's coat and doesn't do a thing, although it's handy for his legs and thighs where he gets fine woolly wispy tufts from being neutered - nothing else touches them (though I suspect a fine stripping knife would).

Still use it on the Malinois but TBH a good quality double-row undercoat rake can do just as well, without as much fine fluff flying. My weapon of choice now, as I did notice all the fine hair the furminator removes (but doesn't collect!) set off my minor allergy.

Couldn't live without one! but yes it is the undercoat it removes so must not be used on single coated dogs.

I have an aussie who has a thicker coat on his bum and want to take some out to show his level topline. Tried a slicker brush also a fine comb.

Then I would try to borrow a Furminator/copy before buying one. It doesn't suit some semi-long double coats, despite what you see on the videos.

I assume this is thick coat on the body (and not the "bum curtains")? A good undercoat rake might do just as well. Slickers and fine combs don't go deep enough in my experience, but an undercoat rake will. I'm not a groomer but have tried quite a few things for my dog who from the sounds of it has a similar coat to yours, i.e. semi-long and thick double.

The bum curtains are another thread in their own right - I have used a long-bladed mat splitter and a Coat-King type of tool to deal with them, as my boy being neutered builds his own cushions in that area if I don't thin them out somehow.

The bum curtains lol, I'll have to remember that one !

I had a furminator and it did do what it said on the tin for my TM, but tbh, I got just as good results with a comb and rake.

Hi Peppe,

I found an undercoat rake really sorted out my Aussies tangly furry bottom. I'd try that before the furminator.

I would (very gingerly) use a coat king on this area.  And, I wouldn't own a double coated dog without an undercoat rake.  Best bit of kit in my box!  Comb him out with the rake and then comb with the coat king.  Be very careful and go with the lay of the coat as it will break the top coat if you cross any.

You could try a Spratts type fine metal comb with a rubber band threaded through each of the teeth. I bought a Moultmaster and it does what it says on the tin, but the comb technique is less aggressive than the Moultmaster and much better than a slicker or a comb on its own.

Interesting thread I have a longcoated gsd with very thick "bum curtains" getting the undercoatout is a nightmare and the amount of flying fine fur with the furminator is enough to recarpet the room/garden IN fact I feel i should be grooming him in the nude it sticks and flys everywhere. Maybe I should try an undercoat rake ?t 

I have two furminators - the large one I use on our horse and our bernese and it is fantastic at removing dead hair. Yes hair does tend to fly but use it outside so the birds get the flying fluff for their nests. The small one I use on our PBGV and the cats and again it does a fantastic job, quickly and easily. The only one I don't use it for is our Gordon as it is no use for single coats. I would imagine that the aussie coat would be similar to the bernese coat so it should work.

It's the coat on his rump not his trousers just above his bob tail. Tried an undercoat rake that didn't work. The coat in middle of his back dose not have the undercoat so lays very flat.

try the threaded rubber band trick, peppe. My dogs have a similar coat and this takes out just enough.

furriefriends, I don't know how you've managed a GSD longcoat without a rake!!:O  I had a GSD (10mths) come to me last week for a groom and he was so badly matted, I had to cut out some of his hair.  He was thick with muck and poo underneath and everything.  Disgusting.  And When I brushed him, I realised that his undercoat had never been brushed out so it was all just matted into his skin.  What a job! Took me about 4 hours with loads of breaks.  Must say he looked great when finished! But, when I took him home, his owner told me that she only uses a slicker brush.  She now has a shopping list with an undercoat rake and a wide toothed comb!  Necessary, I think.

Got mine off eBay, so much cheaper. When his undercoat is ready then it works well on my Bernese otherwise it cuts his top coat. Brilliant on the Rott and also Labs :-)

Will try the rubber band on the comb need to get it sorted before WELKS next week.

Thanks cracar perhaps Ishould bring him to you !! Its hard work and I cant pretend he looks wonderful especially his trousers. He does go to the groomer every few months when I can afford it but otherwise its me.
Sorry to nick this thread but wouldyou mind telling me what Ishould have on my shopping list other than the furminator which to be hionest doesnt get right through. btw he isnt like the one you described his fur maybe but not the condition it is in :)

I much prefer the long coats, furriefriends, as the short coats just throw coat everywhere all the time!! The long coats need brushed to loosen the undercoat and you need to make sure you are getting right to the skin.  A lot of owners THINK they are.  I would definately get an undercoat rake.  Without a doubt!  It's fabulous.  I also use a wide tooth comb (for round the ears, etc).  I haven't used a furminator but a lot of people say they are brilliant for long coat sheps.
Make sure you brush him right out as much as you can before bathing(you don't want to tighten any matts) then use a good conditioner.  My dogs used to love condition time as they got a good,ole massage for 5 mins while I let the conditioner work.  Then wash it all out.  Don't rumble the coat, just try and wipe the water down the coat and then dry him.
I also use a detangling spray(get all this stuff from Groomers online) on trousers, etc, just to let the comb through easier.
And blast till dry!
FAB!
Then post a piccy of my favourite ever breed looking fab!!

I've used one on my American cocker, but I find the coat king works better to keep the fluff under control, as I can't be bothered to handstrip when I don't show him, but I definitely wouldn't clip him.

Thanks cracar will take note and do some shopping are you on fb if so pm me you name and you can see pics of him on there :)

Lucydogs, I use the CK on my little girl too.  I don't show her but like a natural coat(although I trim up her skirt or she couldn't come walks!!) Do you oil your cockers feathers?  I know a lot of people do this but I don't.  I wonder if it makes a huge difference?  My old cocker gets shaved all over as she is stinky in her old age and after getting spayed this year, her coat has totally change.  Easier but horrible to snuggle with!lol.
Furriefriends, no probs at all.  I love a beautifully groomed long coat!  Well jeal as they say! and I'm gonna PM you!

No, I've never tried oiling his feathers, is that to stop them getting cotton-y and fly away? I don't show him so I'm happy with a rough approximation of a show coat. :-)

Well, apparently oiling them makes them less prone to tangling? And if you oil the feathers in front of the boys willies, it stops the pee sticking to the coat.  I've done the pee thing but I never noticed a big difference with the tangling though.  I just wondered if you did?

George doesn't wee on his feathering thank goodness, though my male Cavalier used to make a terrible mess of himself!

thats great cracar. have given him a furminator going over  but havnt yet got the undercoat rake hvae looked on ebay atthe mikki ones thinking of getting oneof those but he is also due for his groomer at the beginning of next month.