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Grooming a Havanese
Grooming a Havanese is not that much of a nightmare anymore when you have the right tools. Throughout the last years I have tried a lot of different brushes. Some of them were a waste of money and some really did the job. I will concentrate on the latter ones and introduce you to the useful tools that will keep the fur of your Havanese healthy and good looking.
The first 1.5 years are not easy and this is the reason: The fur undergoes a change when the puppies are 6 month old. Until they turn 1.5 or 2 years it seems as if their hair is matting while one is still brushing the dog and it is easy to get frustrated. No matter how much you brush the fur keeps building up knots and mats. And yes, I gave my dogs to a groomer once in a while. I said to my husband its because of socialisation :-) !!! (Which actually is also a very good reason!)
If you aren`t a big fan of brushing, first, this breed should not be your choice, second, find a good groomer and dont mind spending some good amount of money. But here is a piece of advice: Your dog does not have to have a bath every time. Take it to the groomer for brushing only. That is better for your dog and for your money.
The brushes I use:
1.) No. 1 All Systems Pet Oblong Pin Brush
Very good allrounder! Every grooming session starts with this brush.
2.) No. 1 All Systems slicker brush, small
Best brush ever to work on knots and mats. It is a live saver!
3.) Chris Christensen slicker brush x-small
Soft slicker brush for sensitive areas!
It all gets soooo much easier when the change of the fur has finished. Afterwards brushing your dog once a week can be enough. It depends on the quality of your Havanese fur. Its easier to maintain when it is more silky instead of - I call it - cotton like.
But until than brush with the motto in mind: Never give up, never surrender! You are going to win even though it might take one and a half years!