A Samoyed’s coat is both a blessing and a curse. Although beautiful, it also sheds a tremendous amount, leaving tumbleweeds of white fur everywhere.
All of that hair makes many people desperate for solutions. The Furminator is one of the most common, but it’s controversial. Should you use a Furminator on Samoyed dogs? Find out.
What is a Furminator?
A Furminator for dogs is a brand of grooming equipment that is designed as a hair reduction system, meaning it’s supposed to lessen your dog’s shedding. The company claims that its deshedding tools can reduce shedding by up to 90 percent with regular use.
The tools are not cheap. The version for large, long-haired breeds is nearly $70.
Should you use a Furminator on Samoyed dogs?
Although Samoyeds are frequently featured on Furminator advertisements and even packaging, you should avoid buying and using one on your dog. According to the Samoyed Club of Lithuania, a Furminator should never be used.
That’s because the Furminator does more the brush out loose coat. It actually cuts the coat and can ruin the appearance of the hair. Plus, using the Furminator could damage the protection the coat offers your dog from both the cold and the sun.
Furminator reviews and alternatives
Although the Furminator isn’t a good choice for Samoyeds, you don’t have to resign yourself to piles of hair drifting around. There are other tools you can use to safely groom your dog and minimize shedding, without damaging the coat. Below are three of the best grooming tools for Samoyeds:
- Undercoat rake: An undercoat rake is specifically designed to help loosen and remove the undercoat of double-coated breeds. Especially helpful during coat-blow season, the undercoat rake does not damage the coat. You can buy a good undercoat rake for under $25.
- Shedding comb: A shedding comb for long-haired dogs will reach down to the skin to remove tangles, mats, and loose hair.
- High-velocity dryer: A high-velocity dryer for dogs is a godsend for Samoyed owners. The dryer forces air out at a high velocity, without using heat. It forces hair, dirt, and dander out of the coat. Dryers are not inexpensive, but they are a worthwhile investment. (Note: I bought the Metro Air Force Commander dryer five years ago. It’s still going strong, and is one of the best high-velocity dryers on the market for its price point.)
So should you use a Furminator on Samoyed dogs? The answer is a resounding no! But by researching safe alternatives, you can manage your dog’s coat and keep it looking beautiful year-round.