Welcome back to another installment of grooming essentials! Last week, we delved into grooming tips and tools for short-haired dogs. If you missed it, you can catch up on my grooming background and experience HERE.
This week, we’re focusing on medium coat dogs—those with fur longer than a Labrador Retriever but shorter than a full-coat Maltese. Breeds in this category include Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and similar breeds.
Understanding Medium Coat Dogs
Medium coat dogs often have a double coat: an outer layer of guard hairs and a dense, softer undercoat. This type of coat provides excellent protection against the elements but can be prone to matting and shedding. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coats healthy and manageable.
As these coat types are longer, I use different tools to get the job done. Many people will use the FURminator tool I discussed in my last post to groom their medium coat dogs. While I will use this on some of the shorter hair, I don’t use this on longer coats or feathering.
The Right Tools for the Job
Slicker Brush
I love slicker brushes! By using gentle strokes, you can effectively remove the undercoat. It can be used on just about every dog with a double coat. I don’t suggest using this in dogs with delicate hair such as Yorkies and Maltese. More on that later.
When selecting a slicker brush, you want to select one that is curved and not flat. This will help you get deeper into the base of the hair and make brushing more effective. Use a light touch and don’t overbrush, you can damage the fur and irritate the skin.
Grooming Rake
Grooming rakes are great for removing the dead undercoat and working through lose matting. This tool is T-shaped and has rounded teeth at the the head of the T. These can be 2 inches across and as long as 6 inches. Select the one for your breed size. You don’t want a 2-inch cross on a Newfie! You would be brushing for days!
Steel Comb
Steel combs are amazing for untangling knots and grabbing undercoat that your rake and slicker brush miss.
Did you ever run your fingers through your hair and think, yes, no tangles…until you grabbed your plastic comb and then the truth came out?
When I taught grooming, my students would brush and demat a dog for me to review. Once they were done, or at least thought they were, they would call me over to assess the groom. Here I come with my handy-dandy steel comb, and it would get stuck on tangles that a slicker brush would glide over.
Bathing and Shampoo
I’ll review this here because it is a very important part of keeping your dog clean and smelling fresh.
The frequency of bathing depends on your dog. Some dogs with allergies and itchy skin may need more frequent baths with special shampoos. Others might only need a bath every month. Here’s a general guideline:
- Dogs with skin issues may need weekly baths.
- Most medium-haired dogs do well with baths every one to two months.
Avoid using human-grade shampoo on dogs as it can dry out and irritate their skin. I recommend Skout’s Honor shampoo. It’s all-natural, smells great, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being. Using the right tools and techniques ensures your dog remains comfortable and their coat stays healthy. If you have any questions about grooming tools or techniques, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
In squeaky cleanness,
Joan
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