How to Brush a Silky Coat

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Easy
10 - 20 Minutes
1 Day

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Introduction

Breeds like the Yorkshire terrier, the Afghan hound, and the Lhasa Apso all have a similar coat type. With long, luxurious looking fur, these dogs all have a silky top coat that flows and mimics human hair when it’s been brushed and styled. It’s no easy task to keep these dogs looking their best, so routine maintenance is especially important. Brushing through your dog’s silky coat should be a daily practice, ensuring that it doesn’t get tangled or matted, which can cause discomfort or other health problems, especially if it inhibits his ability to run and play.

Dog's Perspective

Many dogs don’t enjoy sitting still for brushing, especially if the brushing routine takes a little longer than usual. For silky coated dogs, the process could be irritating, especially if there are any tangles or mats you need to work through. Brushing through your dog’s fur will take a little bit of patience if he isn’t used to having to sit still for it.

The Daily Brush Method

Effective
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Slicker Brush
Scissors
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Set aside time every day
Silky coated dogs need brushing every day. Set aside a small block of ten to twenty minutes, depending on how long and thick your dog’s coat is to get your brushing done. You may need to set aside more time than that per day if your dog is especially outdoorsy or enjoys the dirt and mud.
Step
2
Use a slicker brush
Slicker brushes will help get out the bulk of any looser tangles and will work at getting rid of any clumps of dirt or debris that has gotten tangled into your dog’s fur. While the slicker brush is generally used for dogs with coarse fur, it can come in handy for those rough spots. Be cautious with the slicker brush as it can scratch the skin with too much pressure. It should be used only for these problem areas.
Step
3
Go through a second time with a pin brush
A pin brush has wider bristles for longer coated dogs that will help smooth out the rest of the fur with ease. It can’t scratch the skin and will be better for general brushing. You’ll likely spend most of the grooming time with this brush in particular.
Step
4
Finish up with a comb
You can then go through the finer areas like around the ears and face with a comb. This can prevent your dog from getting a bristle in the eye or nose accidentally. A comb can help with the finer details and keep those areas free of debris or tangles.
Step
5
Trim ends if necessary
Even dogs can suffer from split ends. If you want to keep the fur healthy, a small snip of the ends with a pair of scissors will help keep things tidy and help the fur grow properly.

The Detangle Method

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Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Step
1
Find mats and tangles
Locate the problem areas in your dog’s fur beforehand. The easily tangled areas can be around the belly, the paws, and the tail. These areas may need some special attention with a dematting tool when it comes down to it, in order to avoid having to tug and pull on the fur for it to come undone.
Step
2
Brush out as many as possible
Before using the dematter, use the slicker brush to try and untangle them first. This may take some patience, and while some may come undone, if the area is especially matted, it may be better to cut it. However, you’ll want to brush out as many as possible in order to try to keep the fur even.
Step
3
Use fingers to untangle
If the slicker brush can get you some of the way, your fingers may help with the other last bit. Pulling the fur apart may be easier done with your hands when there are particularly large and stubborn knots. Your dog may also see it as more of an act of petting if it’s with your hands and may resist less.
Step
4
Cut through mats with dematter
A dematting tool will help with the rest of the tangles that can’t be brushed out. Use the tool and comb it gently through the matted area, following the flow of the fur and not against it. Pull out the mats and fur from the tool as you go, as it will work to remove some of the fur that is causing the tangle or mat. Use this in the problem areas as necessary, but don’t overdo it.
Step
5
Comb through
Once the mats are removed, finish up the brush with a comb to go through the areas you cleaned up with the dematting tool. The comb will help with the removal of any lingering loose fur.

Caution & Considerations

  • Try using treats or chew toys to keep your dog distracted while you brush through his hair. It can be hard to sit still without something to occupy his time.
  • For especially stubborn mats or tangles, a professional groomer might best know how to comb or cut through them without causing any excess stress.
  • Keep in mind that silky coated dogs don’t have an undercoat, so it’s important to keep the top coat as clean and neat as possible to prevent any issues. 
  • Clipping the coat shorter may make it easier to brush and manage every day. 
  • It’s best to give your dog a bath after being brushed. Wet hair may be more difficult to comb out and detangle. 
  • Never tug or yank on a brush while combing through a silky coat, as it might cause pain and stress to your dog. If there is a tangle you absolutely can’t get out, it’s better to trim it than keep trying to brush it out. 

Conclusion

If you have a silky breed, keep in mind that regular brushing and grooming isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Grooming will keep your dog happy, healthy, and both cool and warm in the right seasons. You should have multiple types of brushes and combs on hand and be able to set a regular routine for maintenance. Remember to take your time and make the experience pleasant for both you and your dog!

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