what kind of brush?

[stephanator]

I don't have my dog yet, but have been reading up on them. My question is what kind of brush is best for a Rottweiler. I read that Rotts have sensative skin and it can be scratched by a regular brush. I'm just a newbie here so any and all advise will be appriciated. Also, about how much per month do you spend to feed your dog? I'm trying to budget what the cost of having a Rottweiler will be before I get the dog. Thanks!
Steph

[MVARTANIANM]

My dog's like the soft bristle brushes that people use on their hair and also a soft horse brush,( no hard plastic!!) I have two adults and one pup and I spend an embarrassing amount of money per month on them - but not just on food.( I'll break it down and get back to you!!) The food cost will depend on the product, what type of diet, how much it is in your area, how much of an eater your dog is etc. Good planning on your part though!!It's nice to know you are preparing for the joys of being a dog owner!

[This message has been edited by MVARTANIANM (edited February 21, 2000).]

[WorkinDogz]

I like an Undercoat rake. Having both GSD's and Rottie's I've found this to be the only grooming tool I need to keep both breeds coats in working order. The undercoat rake only removes dead undercoat and leaves the top coat intact. Early in my career in dogs I used "slicker" brushes. They didn't seem to do the job well. Double coated breeds really benefit from the undercoat rake.

[Barbara Surplus]

We use a rake as well. It has one row of plastic coated teeth and goes through the coat very easily but what a fantastic job it does. It's wonderful. Even works very well on our border collie who has a really thick winter undercoat. We've used other brushes in the past which were useless. Be prepared to spend a few dollars for a good one. Ours is from Europe and very well made. It's worth the few extra dollars. We also use a metal comb gently and occasionally to get into those tricky spots behind the ears on our border collie.
Barbara

[CarolineS]

I use a rubber horse grooming mitt. It's a mitt that fits on your hand, is made out of soft rubber and is covered with little "nubbs". It does a good job of removing shedding undercoat and is very gentle on them. If bought at a horse tack shop, it is also very cheap! My dog comes running when she sees it, I think it must feel like a massage. After that, I use a very fine comb, very lightly, all over the body to get out any tangles, which you usually find around the feathers. They are a pretty low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming.

[HerdmyRott]

I use a slicker brush, an stripping comb (for the dead undercoat), a flea comb, a sisel mitt (sp?), and a soft bristle brush....just depends what I need to do! I always use the mitt prior to taking my dog in the ring as it makes the hair lay down nicely, gives a finished look, and spreads the oils around for a shiney coat. The stripping comb is for the times when my boys are shedding...helps get the dead undercoat out fast.

As far as cost goes: Plan on feeding one 40# bag of premium dog food a month per dog. That could be slightly more or less depending on the activity and age of your dog. I buy Nature's Recipe and it runs on the average of about $32 per bag. Some brands will run a little more, some a little less, but figure on about $30 a month to be safe for dry food.

I feed a combination diet using fresh foods, and I just have no idea what I spend on that since it is part of my own food bill.