Dog Grooming Tools & Products

A healthy dog usually is capable of self "Dog Grooming" by maintaining an impeccable aspect, for which they use the same techniques their ancestors did: rolling in the grass, biting hair, licking their fur, their paws and their genitals, and cleaning, with their front legs, their eyes, nose and ears. All of this due to their instinct. However, it is also true that due to the variety of breeds, there also exist several types of care for each dog. Besides maintaining a shiny and clean fur (for which proper feeding helps a lot), other cares need to be attended to as well.

Dog Grooming Tools & Products for Fur care

Flat/smooth (such as seen in Dobermans, Boxers, etc)
It's the easiest type to take care of, hence a simple weekly brushing session will do, or even better, twice a week, first going against the direction of the fur and then accordingly, to ensure an impeccable look. A bath is generally not a good idea, unless utterly necessary.

Short (German Shepherd, Corgi...)
It usually looks a lot like two different capes of fur, one on top, generally longer, and the one beneath, much shorter. In this case the same kind of weekly brushing or twice a week will do the trick, with a strong brush to get rid of dead fur, and a soft sponge to level afterwards. A bath is not required as well.

Silky (Afghan, Cocker, Yorkies...)
In order to avoid the creation of knots, this type of hair requires special care such as brushing every two days if possible, and bimonthly baths. In order to look after the dog's looks, scissors, a comb, and a pointy and hard brush is usually a good idea.

Long (Bobtail, Collie...)
These dogs have long, smooth or mildly curly hair in some cases, and silky with an under cape of thick fur in other cases. They require daily attention and frequent bathing. The brushing needs to be done with a teasel brush, and other varieties of brushes depending on the thickness and kind of fur. As well, special shampoos and bathing softening creams are very helpful.

Curly (Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue...)
These dogs present a special kind of fur, waterproof, which should be washed, cut and trimmed monthly or every two months. Scissors, an electric shaving machine and all sorts of combs are necessary.

Hard (Airedale Terrier, Italian Hound, Schnauzer, Teckel...)
Dead fur should be removed manually every three or four months, pulling strongly in the direction of its growth, with two fingers or using the help of a small harmless knife. As well, the dog should be brushed once or twice and month to get rid of dust. Bathing is not recommended unless it is once or twice a year only. Eyes, ears and snout maintenance