Furminator for Long-Haired Dogs: Undercoat, Tangles, and Mats – A Gentle Approach

Long fur is beautiful – but it can also collect undercoat, become heavy, and eventually form tangles and mats. With the right routine, a Furminator (undercoat brush) can make grooming much easier, especially during shedding seasons. Here's a safe, simple method that feels good for your dog – and delivers results you'll actually notice.

Before we start: Why long-haired coats often get matted

Tangles rarely appear "out of nowhere." Often, it's loose undercoat that remains, mixes with the guard hairs, and begins to mat – especially where there's friction.

Typical friction areas

Behind the ears
Under the collar/harness
Armpits
Behind the thighs and near the rear
Chest and "pants" fur

These are the areas where you'll often see the most benefit from a little extra work.

Furminator as a "de-tangler": The right expectation (and why it matters)

Rule of thumb: A Furminator is best for loose undercoat — not for hard mats close to the skin.

You might hear people call a Furminator both a furminator de-tangler and a furminator felt remover. It can certainly help with tangles indirectly (by removing undercoat that builds up), but: If you have hard mats, they usually need to be loosened first with a comb or the right tool.

When a Furminator helps most

When the coat feels "heavy" or dense with undercoat
During shedding seasons (spring/autumn)
As maintenance to prevent tangles from returning

When you should do something else first

Hard mats that are tight against the skin
Tangles in sensitive areas (armpit, groin, behind the ear)
If the dog reacts with discomfort even with light pressure

The gentle "3-step" routine (that works in practice)

Step 1: Start with a dry and clean coat

A Furminator should be used on a completely dry coat. Dirt and sand can increase friction and make it less comfortable. If your dog is a bit "trail-dusty," give them a quick brush with a regular brush first.

Step 2: Detangle first (especially for long hair)

Do you have tangles? Use a comb and gently detangle before using the Furminator. This will make the session much more comfortable, and you'll avoid "snagging" the brush in mats.

Work from the tip of the tangle inwards
Hold the fur near the skin to reduce pulling
Take breaks – one small tangle at a time

Step 3: Furminate with light pressure + short strokes (in sections)

Use light pressure and short strokes with the hair growth. Divide the coat into sections: back → sides → chest → rear.

For long-haired coats, it's smart to work little by little, so you don't spend too long on the same area.

This is the routine that provides the best "wow" effect without irritating the skin.

How often should you brush a long-haired dog with a Furminator?

Here's a simple plan that works for most (and often provides the best Furminator experiences):

Shedding seasons: 1–2 times a week, approx. 5–10 minutes
Outside shedding: Every 2–4 weeks, or as needed

If you have to choose one thing: keep sessions short. Long-haired coats often tolerate consistent maintenance better than infrequent "marathon sessions."

Choose the right type and size (XS–XL)

For long-haired dogs, you should choose the variant made for long coats: Furminator for long hair. After that, it's about size – XS to XL – so the job goes faster and feels more comfortable.

Quick rule of thumb

Small dogs: XS/S
Medium dogs: M
Large dogs: L/XL (often searched as furminator dog large)

Mini-FAQ (common questions from long-haired dog owners)

Can a Furminator make the coat thin?

If you brush too hard or too often, the coat can look worn. Use light pressure, short sessions, and the right frequency. This primarily removes loose undercoat, not "taking away" healthy fur.

Can I use it every day during shedding season?

Most don't need to. 1–2 times a week is often enough. If you want to do something more often, choose a soft brush between sessions for "finish" and comfort instead.

Is a Furminator a true "de-tangler"?

It's best at removing undercoat that can contribute to tangles. For hard mats, you should loosen them first with a comb/other tool. Think "prevent and maintain" more than "save everything at once."