What kind of brushes or combs are good

"Can anyone recommend the correct size and style brush and comb to get for a TT? If possible can you reference something specific in the R.C. Steele or F&S catalog?

I'm going to take a stab at letting my TT's hair grow long. His groomer said to get a slicker brush, but the TTCA Owners Manual says to use a pin brush followed by a slickerbrush. Groomer also said to comb more and brush less.

The no-low maintenance of the puppy cut is nice, but I think I can handle some regular (every-other-day?) brushing and I figure if I am going to try this, I better use the right equipment. Then when I give up and go back to the puppy cut :-),at least I'll know I tried it properly."

Response

The best approach in my opinion is to use only a good quality pin brush for the major work. The slicker brush and the comb will break the coat (especially dirty coats) unless used properly.

A good brush is made by No. 1 All Systems. There are others with slightly stiffer pins that we use but I don't recall the names. One type has copper type (no static) pins.

Use the pin brush on the main areas; go through with a Greyhound comb after you are finished, to get out any tiny tufts that remain loose but suspended in the coat. The slicker I would only use on the feet and lower 1/3 of the leg if at all. It has tiny pins and tends to be easier on the feet.

You can also use a small (moustache) comb around those hard to get at places around the beard and eyes where goop might collect.

I wouldn't under any circumstances use those brushes with the balls at the ends of the pins, or the natural hair brushes in general. Some TT people like the Mason Pearson brushes however.

Always mist the coat with a grooming spray before brushing. Brush with straight strokes (don't curl the brush). You can work small mats out with the greyhound comb by picking it apart in small sections.

When brushing with a pin brush there is a tell tale pinging sound when you lightly hit a mat. Keep at until that sound disappears. If it won't, then take it apart with your fingers or a greyhound comb (don't tug at it - pull it apart).

Hope this helps.