How to Brush a Combination Coat
Medium
15 - 40 Minutes
2 Days
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Several breeds have a combination coat. This typically means they have long outer fur and shorter fur under or throughout their coat. Some dogs will have long fur on the body and shorter fur on the face and legs. Other dogs have an undercoat that is thicker than the wiry outer coat. These combination coats are usually a combination of thick, soft fur under woollier coats. Caring for and brushing combination coats can be a challenge because they may require different brush types to handle tangles that form in one part of your pup’s coat but not others.
Dog's Perspective
Your dog might become frustrated quickly with the length of time it takes to work through his combination coat. He may have areas such as the fur between his paw pads that tangle easily. These tangles can be lost in the outer coat but still pull, causing pain or discomfort.
The Brush Method
Effective
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Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Slicker brush
This brush will pull through a thick undercoat releasing loose fur. It’s also good for small areas like the head. Starting with your pups’ head, brush from the top of his head down his neck and chest.
Step
2
Pin brush
Your dog’s outer coat or longer coat might do well with a pin brush. The pin brush works through long fur but isn’t as effective at working out tangles. Use this brush from the back and sides all the way to your dog’s tail.
Step
3
Outer coat
A pin brush is perfect for a finishing touch on the outer coat. Long strokes will smooth the coat giving it a silky shine.
Step
4
Under coat
The slicker brush will help remove loose fur in the undercoat and detangle knots in the tail and feathers along the backs of the legs.
Step
5
Lift tail
Be sure to brush the underside of the tail and your dog’s bottom. You might find shorter fur in these areas, but with tangles, a slicker brush is most effective. Just be cautious of how short the fur is so the slicker brush does not scratch the skin.
The Under and Outer Coat Method
Effective
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Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Prepare
The proper tools to care for your dog’s double combination coat are key to caring for and maintaining a beautiful combination coat.
Step
2
Long coat
Separate your dog’s long fur and brush in small sections with the slicker brush. Start at the base of the fur and move to the ends. Be sure to brush deep into the undercoat within each section to remove loose fur from the undercoat.
Step
3
Short coat
Start with the slicker brush and use short strokes to remove the undercoat fur. Once you have removed loose fur from the undercoat with short strokes, use the same brush with long strokes to smooth the outer coat.
Step
4
Brush
No matter which coat, long or short, your dog has, end with a pin brush or a wide tooth comb to tidy the look and remove any excess fur left after brushing.
Step
5
Direction
Always brush in the direction the fur grows for best results, tangle removal, and for a smoother look.
Caution & Considerations
- A combination coat on your dog is one thing that makes him beautiful.
- These gorgeous coats aren’t the easiest to care for, but once you are on a maintenance schedule, it will get easier.
- Much of the outer coat repels moisture, which helps keep the undercoat from retaining dirt.
- Brushing your dog daily will help keep tangles at bay.
- Don’t forget to brush your pup’s tail and keep his paws groomed as well to avoid tangles on those areas, which may have a different texture than the rest of his body.
- If your dog has an undercoat, consider keeping his outer coat shorter in the summer but never shave him. The undercoat actually protects his skin from UV rays and sunburn.
- A combination coat will vary by breed. Some breeds will have shorter fur in areas such as the face and paws while others have double coats that vary in texture from the undercoat to the outer coat.
- Brushing before bathing will help keep tangles from forming while washing. Always brush after bathing as well.
- Brush in the direction the fur grows to ensure no-hassle daily grooming.
- You may need multiple brushes and combs for a combination coat.
Conclusion
If you have a dog with a combination coat, you probably know you have the best of the best. With multiple textures in his coat, your dog is likely fluffy and gorgeous. It does take some work to keep up with his amazing coat, but use the qualities of combination coats to your advantage and keep him brushed on a regular basis.
