Grooming Tools For The Newfoundland Dog

One of the most common questions I get about my Newfies is what type of grooming tools I use. 

Surprisingly, the answer to that question isn’t as easy as it sounds because I have a lot but don’t use them all the time. 

When I first started out grooming my own Newfies, I only had a handful of grooming tools but the longer I groomed them, the more tools I added. 

I eventually had enough tools to entirely groom them myself plus more. 

The thing with dog grooming tools is that there are a lot of them available and what works for some Newfoundlands, might not work with others.

I use the same basic tools for Odin and Lou but I also use different ones for each because they have different coats. 

The items I have in this grooming supply list for Newfoundlands isn’t a mandatory list that Newfie owners need to have but it is a list of the most common grooming tools that are used in the Newfoundland community. 

 

Before we get to the list it’s important to be familair with your Newfie’s coat. 

Newfoundlands have a double water resistant coat. 

The outer part of the coat is called the top coat and has a coarse oily texture. 

The undercoat is soft and dense.

According to the breed standard, a Newfie should be trimmed and groomed for neatness.

This is going to mean different things to different people but A Newfie should have the appearance of a well-kept coat. 

This standard is used to describe any Newfie regardless of working, showing, or companion roles. 

I take the same amount of time grooming Odin as I do Lou who is currently in conformation.

In fact, Odin gets a little more grooming due to his coat. 

Newfoundlands have a high-maintenance coat that should be maintained regularly.

Running a pin brush through their top coat isn’t maintaining the coat, you need to get through to the undercoat or mats will form.

Even if your Newfie goes to a professional dog groomer every 6 weeks, they should still be combed.

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Now that we got that out of the way, here’s a list of the most common grooming tools that are used on Newfoundlands

Best Brushes For Newfoundland Dogs

Pin Brush

This is my everyday brush and by far my favorite.

I use the Chris Christensen 20mm oblong pin brush and the CC Orginal T-brush.

A pin brush is great for everyday grooming and can be used to remove some loose undercoats.

Choosing a pin brush is more of a personal preference but try to stay away from the ones with the little plastic balls on the top.

Those will just fall off and I’ve had issues with them snagging the coat.

Check out: Choosing the Right Pin Brush For Your Newfoundland

Grooming Rake

A grooming rake is used to remove undercoats and tangles from double-coated breeds like the Newfoundland and is often used when a dog is blowing coat.

The long teeth (pins/tines) get deep down into the coat and grab out loose fur and mats.

They come in a wide range of styles with different teeth lengths for different coats and textures.

The rakes that come with different lengths and double rows are best for removing undercoats.

A single length, single row is best for everyday use.

You can even use your grooming rake to help remove stubborn dog hair from your carpet!

Slicker Brush

Used for de-matting and removing dead hair from the undercoat.

The wire pins move through the coat to untangle hair while the bent ends gather dead hair.

Slicker brushes come in all different sizes and can be found with soft or firm pins.

I don’t use a slicker brush often but when I do it’s usually for the thickest of hair, the butt on a Newfie.

You can also use a slicker brush before line-combing. 

I have the Big G Slicker because it was highly recommended to me by other Newfie owners. 

Mars Coat King

Also called an undercoat rake, easily removes dead hair and undercoat. 

Normally used to de-bulk heavy-coated areas like the chest, and pants.

It’s actually a stripper and has blades.

It should be used sparingly and with care.

I don’t use it often but when I do I use it on chest, pants and underneath the ears.

Basically, any area that is really thick. 

While sizes vary and people use a variety of sizes the most common among Newfie people seems to be 18″ blade double wide and that is the one I have BUT some people may use a different size.

Mat Splitter

These tools are used to help break up hair mats so that you can comb them easier.

They come in several varieties. I don’t use it often but I have one with a single blade.  

Use caution when using a mat splitter.

They are sharp and can leave holes.

Best Combs For Newfoundland Dogs

Don’t skip your dog combs!

Dog combs are the most important grooming tool you should have.

They’re important for grooming high-maintenance areas and there are a lot of different ones. 

Fine Tooth Comb

I use a fine tooth comb for the ears.

I probably don’t have to, but I do.

I also use a fine-tooth comb and some cornstarch to remove small mats that form. 

Wooden Handle Poodle Comb

The wooden handle poodle comb is my favorite dog comb and the one I reach for the most. 

At under $10, it’s also the least expensive grooming tool I have!

Greyhound Comb

This is great for line combing and removing debris from the coat.

It has two sides: one with pins that are closer together for fine hair and a side where the pins are farther apart for coarse hair.  

Again, this comes in a variety of sizes.

I use the medium/coarse.

Sullivan comb and/or Scotch comb

Is it a comb or a rake?

Well, it’s kind of both!

A Sullivan Comb is great for heavy shedding (think blowing coat season) and it removes a lot of dead and loose undercoats. 

The difference between a Scotch Comb and Sullivan Comb is going to be in the space and length of the tines. 

The Sullivan Comb has longer tines so it’ll grab the hair better.

If you’re trying to decide between the two, go for the Sullivan. 

Check out: Choosing the Right Dog Comb For Your Newfoundland

 

Best Grooming Scissors For Newfoundland Dog

Thinning Shears

Thinning shears are great you’re nervous about using scissors they have a normal blade on one side and a blade that looks like a comb on the other  

They can be used to thin out the hair on the ears, paws, chest, pants and other areas of the dog’s body.

These can range in price, shape, and size.

The best thing you can find that is comfortable to use.

The 40 tooth shear is a good option.

The fewer teeth, the choppier the cut.

If you’re going to invest in any scissors, this would be the one that I would put my money towards.

You can also get these at beauty supply stores.

Straight Shears

Not everyone is comfortable using straight shears but they can be great for trimming flyaway hairs and paws.

Shears can get pricey.

I’ve bought a few from local hair supply stores and saved a few bucks but the blades dull fast.

Use these carefully!

Straight shears can easily cut the skin and will leave a choppy look if you are using them on the body.

I’ve made this mistake plenty of times, just ask Sherman.

If you get a pair find one that feels comfortable to use.

There’s nothing worse than getting your thumb stuck in the thumb hole.

Curved Shears

These are often used to give shape to ears, paws, and legs.

I hardly ever use mine but I probably should.

Even when we showed I didn’t use curved shears much.

I prefer straight shears and a clean line.

If you’re looking to get a set of grooming shears, I recently upgraded to the CC Classic Shear Set and I really like them. 

However, if you’re new to grooming you definitely do not have to put the money toward a shear set.

It took me 20 years to finally take the plunge on this set!

 

Other Grooming Tools For Newfoundland Dogs

Clippers

Clippers can be used in places of straight shears.

Mostly on the paws or for a short belly trim in the warmer months.

I’m in need of a new one but I had an Oster that lasted me years. 

They come in a variety of different styles.

The blade size will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Grooming Table

If you plan on taking on the task of being your Newfs sole groomer, a grooming table is a great investment from the start.

Not only will it save your back but it will also help keep a Newfie in a single place.

My recommendation is to introduce the grooming table to your Newf when they are a puppy.

We did not do this with Sherman and we had a heck of a time with him getting used to it.

With Leroy, he was on the table the day he came home and has loved it ever since.

Lou was on the table the first we brought him home.

There are several different grooming tables available.

Some come at a set height while others are adjustable.

Since I’m short, we cut a few inches off of ours.

Our table is 48 inches long and both the boys fit perfectly on it.

I must note that a dog should never be left alone on a grooming table.

Serious injuries can result if they fall off.

A sleeping Newfie on a grooming table should be monitored also, even when you are standing right there.

Sherman has almost rolled off more than once.

Check out How To Choose a Grooming Table For Your Newfoundland

High-Velocity Dog Dryer

A velocity dog dryer is an important tool if you will be bathing your Newf yourself or if you have a Newf that likes to swim.

Drying a wet dog will help cut down on hot spots because a high-velocity dryer gets down to the skin.

It can also be used on a dry coat to blow out loose hair and dander.

Do you know how much dander a Newf can accumulate? 

A ton!

Dryers can be costly and there are a ton of options available.

I still use the one we got 20 years ago.

A cool dryer with different airflow settings is nice to have.

Some of the more popular dryers among Newfie owners are the K9 high-velocity dog dryers and  Metro Air Force dryers.  

I recently upgraded to the K9III variable speed dryer but before that, I had a Metro Force that lasted me 20+ years!

NEVER use a regular human blow dryer on a Newf. It gets too hot and it will never dry their coat.

Note: It can take several hours to completely dry a Newfoundland so set aside time for that.

Check out our post How To Choose a Dog Dryer For Your Newfoundland.

Grooming Spray

A grooming spray makes for an easier brush and comb out.

Dry hair tends to break.

I don’t use a grooming spray every single time but if it’s a full-out grooming session I do.

With so many available it’s hard to recommend one.

Pick a smell that you like or one that works with your dog’s coat condition.

Currently, I’m using iGroom Magic Mist but I’ve used at least a dozen different ones over the years.

When we showed I used Crown Royale and Ice on Ice Detangler Spray.

Tackle Box

A tackle box is a great place to store all your small grooming tools!

Scissors and combs on the top and brushes and spray on the bottom!

Or you can get a rolling cart to store all your grooming stuff in. 

Where To Buy Grooming Tools For Your Newfoundland

You can get grooming tools for dogs online, at many pet stores or at dog events such as conformation shows. 

If you’re looking to buy grooming tools online you can check:

• Amazon
• Cherrybrook (If you shop at Cherrybrook, you can use my code NEWFIES10 to receive 10%off your order)
• Pet Edge

You can also visit the grooming brand on their individual websites like Chris Christensen. 

Over the years I’ve noticed that Tractor Supply carries a lot of good grooming tools in the horse or dog area. 

 

If you decide to take on all your Newfoundland’s grooming care it can be a great bonding experience for you both.

I feel it’s very therapeutic.  

Starting them young is the best way to go.

I hope this list is helpful to those of you who have been asking about grooming tools over the years!

Many grooming tools are based on personal preference.

I have small hands so I like smaller grooming tools that won’t cause my fingers and palms to cramp.

I also prefer wooden tools.  

My preference is not necessarily going to be your preference.  🙂

And now I want to address a comment that was recently left on this post:

The amount of grooming “requirements” I read from others don’t fully gibe with what we’ve experienced with ours at all over the years. Take it with a grain of salt if you will, but what people hold up as true-isms for Newfs (double + multiple other coated dog breeds we’ve had) don’t always require the level of attention and hours or grooming service expense I read about on many blogs. What I have found firsthand is that the level of grooming determined by the owners has far, far more to do with a specific look and personal standards. Many, many giant breed working dogs don’t get the level of attention that housepets with fancy carpets and slinger-free walls do yet live happy, healthy lives.

This comment is the reason why dog groomers turn down grooming Newfies. 

My personal standard is to have a Newfie trimmed for neatness with a healthy coat and skin, regardless if they’re in the show ring or not. 

Keeping a dog trimmed and well groomed is basic care and requires more than just a pin brush, regardless of their lifestyle. 

Suggesting otherwise is irresponsible and the fact that this lady thinks any home occupied by a Newfie has fancy carpets and slinger-free walls might be the most hilarious comment I’ve had on this blog in over 10 years. 

And one last thing, the fact that this comment came from a fellow Newfie owner disappoints me. 

I only endorse and recommend products that I personally use or products that come highly recommended by my peers. Please don’t spend money on any of these products unless you believe they are best for you and your Newfoundland. Read our full privacy policy here.

 

 

 

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