THE ACTIVET METHOD
The ActiVet method: flexible head, 2 steps, colour = function.
Flexible head, targeted pin pattern: at ActiVet, construction, grooming task and use belong together. Discover the six pad types and their combinations in PRO and DUO.
Why ActiVet exists
No two coats are the same.
Dog coats are incredibly varied and differ a lot from breed to breed – and from dog to dog. Whether it's a dense double coat with lots of undercoat, tightly curled hair, fine long hair or a silky topcoat – hardly any two coats are alike.
That's why there's no single all-purpose brush that suits every dog. The right tool always has to be matched to the coat's current condition, the hair length and the density of the undercoat.
See the six pad types →- Dense double coatwith lots of undercoat
- Tightly curled hair
- Fine long coat
- Silky topcoat
① FLEXIBLE HEAD
The technology behind the flexible head
The ActiVet head gives elastically as you brush and returns to its starting position. This movement follows the coat instead of pressing against it – especially with dense undercoat or unevenly lying coats.
Head flexibility and pin pattern are two independent properties. A more flexible head does not automatically mean finer pins; together, both determine which coat structure and which grooming task a pad is suitable for.
The design is based on the basic principle developed by MONTI.
② The secret: 2 steps
The 2-step system
For most coat types, the secret to proper coat care is the 2-step system. Whether it's everyday grooming at home or professional grooming in the salon, the principle stays the same. Almost every dog needs two brushing steps to keep the coat in top condition:
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Step 1
Pre-brushing
This step is about thoroughly detangling the coat, loosening the undercoat, gently removing mats and tangles and, with curly coats, opening up the curl.
e.g. Red, Purple or Green
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Step 2
Finishing
Next, you go over the coat again with finer wire pins. This removes loose hair and keeps the topcoat in optimal condition.
e.g. Silver or Gold
Two steps. One brush.
So you don't have to use two separate brushes, we developed the ActiVet DUO brushes. They combine two different brush sides in a single tool, making your dog's daily grooming especially comfortable and efficient.
Discover DUO brushes③ COLOUR = FUNCTION
Six pads, six tasks
Each pad type combines a specific head flexibility with a specific pin pattern. This combination determines the grooming task — not the colour alone.
Red
MatZapper · Red Zapper
For targeted loosening of tangles and mats in very dense or curly coats.
Firmer head · strong straight pins
To the brush →Blue
Blue Zapper
For the regular care of dense short to medium-length undercoat and clipped curly coats.
More flexible head · strong straight pins
To the brush →Purple
PRO Firm · Firm
Powerful all-round care for dense, long or curly coats; also for tangles and light mats.
Firmer head · medium-strength staggered pins
To the brush →Green
PRO Soft
Soft all-round care for shorter double coats or silky long hair with light undercoat.
More flexible head · medium-strong staggered pins
To the brush →Silver
Coat Grabber Firm
For brushing out undercoat and finishing long, dense or curly coats.
Firmer head · fine, densely set pins
To the brush →Gold
Coat Grabber Soft
Soft finish for short or silky coats with light undercoat.
More flexible head · fine, densely set pins
To the brush →The colour helps you recognise it. Which brush is right depends on the coat, its current condition and the grooming task.
PRO AND DUO
PRO — One function. On both sides.
PRO brushes carry the same pad type on both sides. This results in a clearly defined, consistent function — ideal when a particular task is carried out regularly and in a targeted way.
Two identical sides do not mean “half the function”. For many professionals, it is precisely this focus that is the deliberate choice.
DUO — Two matching functions. One handle.
DUO brushes combine two different pad types. You switch function simply by turning the brush over. Which combination is right depends on the coat and the grooming task.
Tuffzappercoater
Red (MatZapper) + Purple (PRO Strong) — loosening and powerful all-round care
To the Tuffzappercoater →Undercoater
Red (MatZapper) + Silver (Coat Grabber Firm) — loosening and brushing out
To the Undercoater →Tufffinishcoater
Purple (PRO Stark) + Silver (Coat Grabber Firm) — all-round and finishing
To the Tufffinishcoater →Silcoater
Green (PRO Soft) + Gold (Coat Grabber Soft) — Gentle all-round care and a soft finish
To the Silcoater →WIDTH
4.5 cm — for dogs under 40 cm shoulder height (measured without the head) and for hard-to-reach areas.
9 cm — for dogs from 40 cm shoulder height: a larger working surface per brush stroke.
Every brush – PRO or DUO – comes in both widths. Width and pad type are independent choices.
TECHNIQUE
Light hand. Straight wrist. Controlled movement.
- Guide the brush in the direction of the coat structure — don't hook or tug.
- Keep your wrist straight; the movement comes from the arm.
- Use light pressure — the flexible head gives way and springs back.
- With DUO: turn the brush over for the second function. No need to switch tools.
For severe mats: get an expert assessment before continuing to brush. Not every mat is suitable for brushing out.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
ActiVet — the story behind the brushes formerly sold under Les Poochs
The brushes developed by SVI and MONTI were also sold for a time under the Les Poochs brand. ActiVet brushes are based on the same development work.
Looking for your old Les Poochs brush? Write to us – we'll help you find the right current ActiVet model. The same colours don't automatically mean identical products.
ActiVet at a glance
Frequently asked questions
What is the ActiVet method?
The ActiVet method combines three things: ① the flexible head, which gives way as you brush, springs back and follows the coat; ② the 2-step system of pre-brushing and finishing; and ③ colour = function – six pad types, each colour one task. Every brush comes in 4.5 and 9 cm.
What is the ActiVet 2-step system?
Most coat types need two brushing steps. Step 1 – pre-brushing: the coat is thoroughly detangled, the undercoat loosened, mats and knots gently worked out and curly coats opened up. Step 2 – finishing: a finer wire pad removes loose hair and cares for the top coat. ActiVet DUO brushes combine both steps in one brush – just turn it over.
Which ActiVet brush suits my dog?
It depends on the coat, not the breed: coat length, texture (smooth, wavy, curly) and undercoat decide. In the brush finder you answer three questions or upload a photo for the AI coat scan – you get the best brush plus alternatives.
4.5 cm or 9 cm – which width do I need?
For dogs from 40 cm shoulder height (measured without the head) the 9 cm brush, for smaller dogs the 4.5 cm brush. The 4.5 cm also suits hard-to-reach areas on large dogs. Every ActiVet brush comes in both widths.
What do the colours of ActiVet brushes mean?
Colour = function. Red (MatZapper): loosening knots and mats. Blue (Blue Zapper): dense short to medium undercoat and clipped curly coats. Purple (PRO Firm): firm all-round care for dense, long or curly coats. Green (PRO Soft): gentle all-round care. Silver (Coat Grabber Firm): brushing out undercoat and finishing. Gold (Coat Grabber Soft): soft finish for short or silky coats.
What is the difference between PRO and DUO?
PRO brushes have the same pad type on both sides – for one clearly defined task. DUO brushes combine two different pad types, usually pre-brushing and finishing: you switch function by turning the brush over.
Which sides do the four DUO brushes have?
- DUO Red + Silver (Undercoater): loosen knots, then brush out undercoat.
- DUO Red + Purple (Tuffzappercoater): loosen knots and firm all-round care.
- DUO Purple + Silver (Tufffinishcoater): firm all-round care and finishing.
- DUO Green + Gold (Silcoater): gentle all-round care and a soft finish.
Why is the brush head flexible?
The ActiVet head flexes as you brush and returns to its original position. That way it follows the coat and the body's shape instead of pressing against it. The design goes back to the principle developed by MONTI; how much the head gives way differs by pad type.
Where are ActiVet brushes made?
In Germany – by MONTI-Werkzeuge GmbH / ActiVet in Ratingen (North Rhine-Westphalia). ActiVet has existed since 1998.
Can ActiVet check whether the brush suits my dog?
Yes. When you buy, you can optionally upload a photo of your dog. Our team checks before dispatch whether the brush suits the coat and gets in touch if another one would fit better.
