If you have an Affenpinscher, you will know that combing and brushing is an important part of their grooming routine. So it’s important to know how to properly brush and comb their fur. This includes knowing exactly which tools should be used and in which order.
Why Brushing and Combing Your Affenpinshcer is Important
Regular brushing and combing of your pupper is crucial for maintaining their coat’s health and well-being. Neglecting to do so can lead to a host of problems, including: matting, skin irritation, and even infection.
By regularly brushing and combing your doggo, you can remove tangles and mats that can cause discomfort and pain. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin irritations, bumps, or lumps that may require veterinary attention. By catching these issues early, you can ensure that your affen receives prompt and appropriate care.
Another important aspect that may be overlooked, is that regular grooming also provides an opportunity for bonding between your doggo and you. Take that time to cultivate a trusting and special bond between the two of you. This will not only bring you closer to your pooch, but allow them to complete the necessary grooming ritual in a safe and loving way. This will create positive lasting effects, especially when they then transition to regular groomer or veterinary appointments.
Affens have a wiry and dense coat. Brushing also helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, which can reduce shedding. This also helps to reduce the amount of loose hair and pet dander within your home; thus reducing the increased risk of exposure for allergy sufferers.
It is recommended to brush your doggie at least once a week, if not more.
What You’ll Need
- Brush Types
- A pin brush or slicker brush
- Comb Types
- A greyhound comb
- A metal rake comb
- Other Tools
- A dog grooming table or high surface
- A detangling spray
- A treat to reward your affenpinscher for good behavior
Preparing to Brush and Comb Your Affenpinshcer
It is important to start the grooming process as early as possible. For pupper up to 4 months of age, you should brush several days a week with a metal pin brush in order to begin to establish a grooming routine. Always make sure to remain patient and gentle when completing. Place the puppy on an elevated surface with a non-slip mat such as a dog grooming table in order to complete the grooming routine (brushing, combing, teeth, and nails). Get them comfortable lying on their side and standing while on the higher surface. Just make sure you grab all the necessary equipment required prior to placing your pup up high, and if you have forgotten something then lower them back down to the floor so as you’re making sure not to leave them on a high surface unattended.
Bringing them to a higher work surface will not only signal to your pup that ‘now it’s time for the grooming routine,’ but will also save your back. It will allow you to have proper body mechanics, which will become especially important as they become bigger and stronger. Also, please make sure to incorporate praise and treats prior to and after completing the grooming routine. This will not only help solidify the bonding experience, but will signal to your pupper that the grooming process is a safe and loving space for them.
How to Brush Your Affenpinscher
- You should start by removing all mats, dirt, debris, and loose hair from their coat. Attempt to use your fingers firstly, by gently pulling apart small sections at a time and working your way from outermost mat sections and moving closer to the skin. You can use your comb or metal rake to assist, trying to work the tangle out delicately and in small sections at a time. And a detangling spray is always a good option in order to ease the tangles out more freely.
- Affens should be brushed weekly with a short pin brush or slicker brush, a greyhound comb, and a metal rake comb. The face and beard being brushed through daily, making sure to brush away from the eye so as not to impede their vision. Their head and necks should be brushed twice a week in order to prevent matting. (*note: slicker brushes should only be used by professionals as they could cause pain if not used properly).
- You will want to brush the coat in layers, starting on the topcoat and working your way down to their undercoat and skin. You can start with a soft pin brush or slicker brush, as both options will work well with this wiry coat. (*note: slicker brushes should only be used by professionals as they could cause pain if not used properly). You should remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth so as to avoid hurting them.
- Begin brushing under the chest moving up to the chin, making sure to be gentle around the sensitive belly area. Then move from the belly to the insides of the legs. And then brush their spine, by brushing vertically down and continue down to the outside of their leg. Finish with the hair on their head, including their beard, cheeks, and the top of the head; making sure to brush towards the mouth. Make sure to be gentle around the sensitive areas of the face. Pay special attention to the coat around their face, beard, and legs; using a metal rake comb with longer hair if needed.
- Check for any signs of skin irritation or parasites as you brush.
How to Comb Your Affenpinshcer
Once done brushing, switch to a greyhound comb and comb through; using the wider teeth for the body and the closer teeth for the face. Remember to comb the same way/same order as you brushed (chest and chin, belly and inside of legs, spine and outside of legs, and face).
- You will want to comb the coat in layers, starting on the topcoat and working your way down to their undercoat and skin. You can start with a greyhound comb. You should remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth.
- Using the wide-tooth section for combing. Comb under the chest moving up to the chin, making sure to be gentle around the sensitive belly area. Then move from the belly to the insides of the legs. And then comb their spine, by combing vertically down and continue down to the outside of their leg.
- Using the finely-spaced section for combing. Finish with the hair on their head, including their beard, cheeks, and the top of the head; making sure to comb towards the mouth. Make sure to be gentle around the sensitive areas of the face. Pay special attention to the coat around their face, beard, and legs; using a metal rake comb with longer hair if needed.
- For a finishing touch, you can use a soft cloth to wipe down your affen’s coat and remove any remaining debris.
Tips for Maintaining Your Affenpinscher’s Coat
To keep your doggo’s coat healthy, you should brush and comb it regularly. Here are some tips:
- Brush their entire coat at least once a week.
- Brush the face daily.
- Brush the head and neck at least twice a week.
- Use a pin brush or *slicker brush to remove tangles and mats. (Slicker brushes should only be used by professionals, because if used incorrectly, it will be very painful)
- Use a comb to remove loose hair and debris.
- Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the coat.
- Pay special attention to areas that are prone to tangles, such as behind the ears and under the legs.
- If you encounter a mat, use your fingers first. A detangling spray and/or dematting tool or scissors to carefully remove it are also options.
- After brushing, use a damp cloth to wipe your pupper’s coat and remove any remaining debris.
- Always give a treat and praise for good behavior.
By following these tips, you can maintain your Affepinscher’s coat and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
As long as you are able to maintain regular brushing, shedding will be minimal and consistent stripping will drastically reduce shedding as well.