Hi All,

I've got Briards. Enough said..for some.

Problem is when I groom them I use a slicker brush before I use the comb. The slicker brush leaves their coat split so that it splays out and looks generally untidy. Although they're not show dogs I am getting increasingly unhappy with the state of their coats. My  breeder says I should use a Mason & Pearson brush, I'm well acquainted with the brush as I used to use it in hairdressing but don't feel that I can justify the £60.00 odd quid expense to use on my non - show dogs! Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge them but at the moment life is expensive. What do other people use that doesn't split long coats?

Jo

I have Afghans and use a mason and pearson nylon and bristle mainly.  If tangled then I tend to use a sliker brush to brush out the tangle  - if not too bad a find toothed comb. I also bath about every 3 weeks and brush through thoroughly every other day.  I find this works for me.

Sue

Hi Jo I may be trying to teach my grandmother to suck egg but have you looked at other hairbrushes made from bristle. Hub Int do various brushes at different prices that may be suitable.

I have a GR and use a plastic curry comb that is normally used for horses. It gets the tangles out gently but thoroughly. Despite the name it is not actually a comb but more a cross between a comb and a brush. I have put a link in to show you what I mean but have never used the company the link sends you to. I buy mine from a local store.

http://www.horse-tack-and-equestrian-clothing.com/grooming-kits-plastic-curry-comb-prod753.html?hrsid=777759608c804cc6cf10b122ef63283f

You can also buy rubber curry combs but these have shorter "teeth/bristles" and although softer than the plastic ones are not so good at getting through the hair down to the undercoat.

Hi Jo (fancy meeting you here ;) )

You should be able to get a M&P med size nylon brush (usually blue is best one for damp/sprayed hair) for between £20/25 - still pricey but def the best brushes I've used on the furballs or you could try one of the Denman nylon brushes - much less expensive but should do a thorough job (aim for wider versions / paddle brush styles).  Always spray with water or grooming product first to avoid breakages/stretching!  If and when dry brushing, better to use a mix of natural bristle & nylon together.

HTH tame the tresses of the terrors :)

Teri x

I also have afghans. I use 3 types of brush, and one sort of comb.  I have a Mason Pearson full bristle brush that cost £30. This works fine on my bitches very fine relatively tangle free coat. It.  is hard wearing and I have had mine 6 years and it is like new. My boy has a coarser coat that tends to matt more...For him I have a Denman Bristle brush with nylon Quill, that cost about £13, and it is in new condition after 4 years of use. I only use these two brushes on wet coats, after a bath. I also have a pin brush from Plush Puppy, that cost about £8, that seems to last forever without getting damaged (6 years and going strong). I really dont think you could find a better pin brush to be honest.I can use this on dry coat or wet coat, but dont usually need to use it on a wet coat unless there is a stubborn mat.  I also use one of those combs with rotating teeth for gentle detangling. I someone told me I could only have two brushes and not 3, Id be honest and say I would go for the Denman bristle/quill, and the Plush puppy pin...I could probably live without the Mason Pearson.

http://www.denmanbrush.com/catalogue/new_catalogue.asp  and its number D81M in the catalogue

http://www.plushpuppy.co.uk/metal_pin_cushion_brush.html

cathy

I would recommend a Plush Puppy pin brush as well.Also try spraying some Canter Mane and Tail conditioner(a horse product) on first,it works brilliantly and will cut the grooming time in half.As its got silicone in it be careful you don't get any on the floor though as it'll make it very slippery!

I have a load of tools for my Newfie. I'm not to worried about his looks as he loves mud and those lovely wet puddles :) I've been using some Les Poochs slickers which are fantastic and really do work well with his long coat and a large furminator which again is great for removing the old undercoat.
However the best product I have is my blower which gets all the dust and crap out.

I have an American Cocker in full coat. I use one of those combs that have rotating pins. Works great. But then an ACS coat is much finer I would think than a Briard, so not sure whether it would work on that breed.

Vera

I have beardies bought and slung so many brushes including a mason and pearson which cost me £35 ,
I now have 2 brushes which I favour one being the silver bullet from plush puppy and a longer pin brush from hub I use 'amazing trix' spray from dezynadog (smells lovely too) dont like slicker brushes I also use a comb with rolling pins which gets the undercoat out witout pulling plus a wide tooth metal comb .
Maybe you also need to give a supplement to help the coat, occasionally I give SA37 ,lately I have used fit and fertile products called pregnant and lactating bitches but think you can also give it as a supplement my girls coat looks and feels fantastic .

Thanks guys,

You've given me a wide range of choices there so I will try a few with fingers crossed :)

Thank's again for your suggestions.

Jo