On the BichonFrise-L, Judith asked: Can you suggest a mat breaker? My groomer has a small instrument with a razor blade in it - it seemed to work quite well. But I have no idea what is best or where to get one.

One way to tackle mats is to break the knotted area into smaller pieces. This can be done by slicing or breaking up the knot.

Here is a picture of the original Mat Splitter tool. It is still on the market, although the type of razor blades used can be hard to find.

In my first year of grooming, I cut myself badly with this tool, requiring stitches. I still have the scar to remind me that this blade is very exposed. The tool is still available, but the "injectable" style razor blades can be hard to find. I do NOT recommend this tool. I think it is treacherous.

A more safe alternative for slicing mats is the letter opener style, with a single tooth and recessed blade.

I am working on getting some of these for my shopping cart. Plastic letter openers work to a degree, but do not have the space to handle really fat mats. The tool as pictured is a little better. This would be a use and dispose tool, no replaceable blades.

Another way to break up mats is the Mat Breaker tool. This is the tool that I personally use the most.

This tool requires a technique of picking apart the mat. With a splitter, you would work from the skin outwards, to slice the large mat into smaller pieces. With the Mat Breaker, you would work from the outside inwards, or from one side of the matted area, to break it apart. Then you would comb and brush out the pieces. The key word here is "picking". You do not try to slice or drag the Mat Breaker through the fur. Pick, pick, pick.

A comb that I like to use for breaking apart mats and tangles is this extra coarse-medium from Chris Christensen.


If you are more comfortable with brushing, the Mars Flexy King is uniquely designed for tackling difficult areas.


Flexy King brushes and Chris Christensen brushes and combs are available through BBird. Click here to go there.