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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

For lots of dense undercoat, brush it out with Silver; if there are knots too, the DUO Red + Silver combines both tasks. Blue is made for regular care of dense short to medium undercoat; for shorter double coats with light undercoat, Green fits. What matters is the current condition of the coat.

Purple is made for firm all-round care of dense, long or curly coats. Loosen individual knots with Red; Silver suits the finish on long, curly coats. Clipped curly coats are best kept up regularly with Blue.

Light hand, straight wrist, controlled movement: don't press on the brush – let the flexible head give way. The pad lies flat on the coat. Brush towards you in straight lines – without a chopping motion – and work through dense coats layer by layer.

Red is made for individual knots and mats – with a light hand and in small sections. Large or close-to-the-skin mats should first be assessed by an experienced groomer. Not every mat can sensibly be brushed out.

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.

It depends on the coat, its length and condition. As a rough guide: short coats about once a week, long coats and double coats several times a week, more often during shedding season with lots of undercoat. Regular brushing helps you spot knots early.

In Germany – by MONTI-Werkzeuge GmbH / ActiVet in Ratingen (North Rhine-Westphalia). ActiVet has existed since 1998.

Shipping within Germany is free. We dispatch within 1–2 working days; delivery takes 2–4 working days. To other EU countries from €14.25.

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.

12 months from the date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship for brushes bought directly from MONTI-Werkzeuge GmbH / ActiVet. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Remove hair after each use. If needed, clean with warm water and mild soap and let it dry thoroughly.

Yes. If you work in a grooming salon, we're happy to advise you personally on choosing brushes and ordering for your salon. Write to us via the contact form.

The brushes developed by SVI and MONTI were also sold for a time under the Les Poochs brand. ActiVet goes back to the same development work. The same colours don't automatically mean identical products – if you'd like to find your previous brush again, we're happy to help.