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Coat Type Guide
Best Tools for Wiry Coats
Terriers, Schnauzers, and wire-haired breeds need undercoat rakes, stripping knives, and slickers designed for coarse, harsh coats.
Wiry coats have a harsh outer jacket and softer undercoat. Hand-stripping or carding maintains the correct texture — over-clipping softens the coat permanently. An undercoat rake removes dead hair from the softer layer while preserving the wire texture on top.
- Card or strip the jacket coat rather than clippering the body short.
- Brush the furnishings (beard, legs, eyebrows) daily to prevent food and dirt mats.
- Pluck or trim ear hair — wiry breeds are prone to ear infections.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keeps the harsh coat texture intact.
Recommended Products
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Brush
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
The ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
Brush
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs
The professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.
Brush
FURminator Short Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs & Cats
Specifically engineered for short-coated breeds with double coats. The stainless steel edge reaches through the topcoat to pull out loose undercoat fur before it ends up on your furniture. A must-have for Labs, Beagles, Boxers, and short-haired cats during shedding season.
Tool
Safari Professional Stainless Steel Dog Comb
A professional all-purpose metal comb with both coarse and fine teeth. The go-to finishing tool after brushing to confirm there are zero remaining mats all the way to the skin. Rounds, pins, and slickers remove surface tangles — this comb finds what they miss.
Shampoo
Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo
A gentle, tearless hypoallergenic shampoo formulated specifically for cats and kittens. Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals. Made with shea butter to condition while it cleans — suitable for cats with sensitive skin or those that require occasional bathing, including Persians and Maine Coons.
Shampoo
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
A fan-favorite among pet owners for its soothing oatmeal and organic aloe vera formula that relieves dry, itchy skin. Soap-free, paraben-free, and pH balanced for dogs and cats. Conditions while it cleans and leaves the coat shiny without residue — ideal for sensitive-skinned breeds and allergy-prone dogs.
Shears
Andis 7.5-Inch Curved Shears for Pet Grooming
Professional-quality curved shears with Japanese stainless steel blades and a contoured ergonomic handle. The curved blade helps shape rounded heads and legs without flat lines — essential for teddy bear cuts on doodles and Bichons. Ideal for amateur and professional groomers trimming long and medium-length coats.
Other coat types