The Furminator: Why It's Not in Our Toolbox (and Shouldn’t Be in Yours)

Roman's Empire • May 23, 2025

What Is a Furminator—And Why Is It So Popular?

The Furminator is a well-known grooming tool marketed for deshedding double coated dogs. It looks like a slick brush—but it’s actually a blade in disguise.


Because it "removes hair," it gives the illusion of working—owners brush for hours and keep seeing fur come out. But what most don’t realize is that the tool is cutting through coat, not safely removing dead undercoat.


The Problem: It’s a Blade, Not a Brush

Let’s be clear: the Furminator is not a gentle grooming tool. It’s a cutting device—more like a clipper blade than a brush. And when used on breeds with protective double coats, it acts like dragging a #40 surgical blade across their fur.

That’s not just dramatic—it’s damaging.


What’s the Big Deal? Hair Grows Back, Right?

Not always.


When you break the coat structure repeatedly, it can result in:

  • Patchy, brittle regrowth
  • Permanent coat damage
  • Balding or alopecia
  • Loss of the insulating undercoat altogether


The real risk? You may not see the damage right away. But one day, after that "harmless brushing," the coat may stop growing back properly—and it’s often irreversible.


Furminator Damage Isn’t Just Cosmetic

Double coats are designed to protect dogs from both heat and cold. When damaged:

  • Dogs may overheat faster in the summer
  • Lose water resistance in rain or snow
  • Experience skin exposure or irritation


A damaged coat means your dog has lost their natural armor. That’s more than just an aesthetic problem—it’s a health issue.



If It’s So Bad, Why Do Some Groomers Still Use It?

Great question. Some groomers still rely on the Furminator due to a lack of education, coat knowledge, and tool knowledge. But here at Roman’s Empire, we believe in long-term coat health over shortcuts.


We don’t gamble with your dog’s wellness. We take the extra time and use the right tools and techniques to protect coat integrity and function.


Think of It This Way...

Imagine using a blade on your own hair every time you combed it.


Would your hair stay soft, even, and healthy—or would it end up frizzy, broken, and weak?

Now apply that to your dog’s coat—and imagine the long-term impact.



What a Safe, Professional Deshed Actually Involves:

A proper deshedding process isn't about endlessly brushing—it’s about breaking up and removing the dead undercoat from the root, safely and thoroughly.


Here's what we use instead:

  • High-grade deshedding shampoo
    Softens the coat and begins breaking up impacted undercoat.
  • Premium conditioner
    Reduces friction, minimizes breakage, and promotes coat elasticity.
  • High-velocity dryer with correct technique
    This is where most of the deshedding magic happens—our dryers lift dead hair out safely without damaging healthy coat.


Specialized grooming tools

  • Pin rake
  • Undercoat rake
  • Slicker brush
  • Rubber curry brush


Each tool is designed to lift and release hair without cutting or scraping.


Which Breeds Are at Risk?

Breeds like:

  • Huskies
  • Pomeranians
  • German Shepherds
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Border Collies


...all have true temperature-regulating double coats. Using a Furminator on these breeds puts them at high risk for long-term coat damage and functional loss of insulation.

Note: Doodles and Shih Tzus, while double coated, have a coat more akin to hair, and are not temperature-regulating. But the Furminator is still too harsh and unnecessary.


Bottom Line:

The Furminator might look helpful—but it's a shortcut with consequences.


If your groomer uses one, it’s worth asking why. If you’re using one at home, we encourage you to stop and consider safer alternatives. Coat damage can take months—or even years—to show up… but once it does, it may not be reversible.


Ready for a Deshed That Actually Helps?

At Roman’s Empire, we combine luxury, precision, and coat integrity. We never cut corners—just coat damage. Serving Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and beyond.


Book your appointment today and see the imperial difference.


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