Breed family
Long-coated dog breeds that mat: brushing, trims and tools
Daily brushing to the skin, paw and face trims, clipping options and mat safety for long, silky and feathered coats like the Shih Tzu, Yorkie and Cocker.
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Short answer
Long, silky and feathered coats tangle and mat unless they're brushed through to the skin. AKC's home-grooming guide says long-coated breeds often do best with daily brushing, and VCA says the same for long, silky coats. Core tools: a gentle slicker or pin brush, a metal comb and, for pet trims, clippers. Never cut mats out with scissors: VCA says use clippers only, or a groomer or vet for severe tangles.
What they share
Watch out for
- Never cut a mat out with scissors. VCA says to use clippers only, and to get a groomer or vet for severe or extensive tangles.
- Pick tangles apart from the tips instead of pulling through, as AKC advises for Cocker Spaniels, then comb to the skin.
- Nail grinders can catch long hair; VCA advises caution with long-haired dogs, so hold the paw hair back or use a clipper.
- Hair between the toes mats easily and may need a careful trim from a professional (AKC).
- Keep hair out of the eyes: AKC says the hair on top of the head should be trimmed short or tied up for the Shih Tzu and Yorkie.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Slicker brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush (PS1140)Choose the single brush; any color.
For working out tangles; AKC lists slicker brushes for removing mats and dead hair. Use light pressure on fine coats.
Sold by Stone's Store
Long-pin slicker
Extra-long-pin slicker brush for curly and doodle coatsChoose the single brush; any color.
Longer pins for layering thick coats such as the Shih Tzu's; the seller lists it for long and curly coats.
Sold by Stone's Store
Paw trimmer
LED paw trimmer with nail-grinder headChoose the white trimmer, not the spare cutter head.
For hair between the pads. If you use its grinder head, hold long hair back (VCA).
Sold by lazyishhouse Official Store
Clipper
Rechargeable pet hair clipperChoose the standard version.
For pet trims such as a Shih Tzu puppy trim or a short Havanese clip. The seller doesn't state blade lengths.
Sold by YiHong Kuchi Store
Nail clipper
Scissor-style pet nail clipper with LED lightChoose the gray clipper.
A scissor-style clipper avoids the hair-snagging risk VCA notes for grinders.
Sold by Shop1105233629 Store
Breeds in this family
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie
- Maltese
- Havanese
- Cocker Spaniel Cocker
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavalier
Daily: brush in layers from the skin out, then run a metal comb through; finish with the face, ears and feet. Weekly: an ear check, which AKC suggests for the Yorkie, Maltese and Cavalier. Every few weeks: a bath, a tidy of the feet and, for a pet clip, a trim at home or at a groomer.
These coats shed little (AKC rates the Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese 1 of 5), so combing matters more here than collecting loose hair.
No catalog pick yet for a pin brush, a metal comb or a dog dryer. See slicker vs pin brush, how to line brush a dog and how to trim dog paw hair.
Questions
How often should a long-coated dog be brushed?
Daily is the usual answer. AKC's home-grooming guide says long-coated breeds often do best with daily brushing, worked down to the skin with gentle strokes, and VCA says long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing to keep them from tangling or matting.[1][3]
Can I cut a mat out with scissors?
No. VCA says to remove mats only with clippers, never scissors, and to be extremely careful not to cut the skin. When tangles are severe or extensive, it strongly recommends a groomer or veterinarian.[3]
How often do long-coated dogs need a groomer?
AAHA suggests considering professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for long-haired breeds. Treat that as typical guidance rather than a rule; AKC's advice differs by breed.[2]