furminator vs furbuster

A deshedding tool is used to grab hair from the dog or cat, that has already shed ("let go of the skin") or dropped, and pull it gently off the animal. Otherwise, this hair falls freely all over your house, your black pants, your relatives...

Let's step back a moment... dog hair grows and dies just like ours. Every hair grows from a hair follicle, which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle.

Some dogs shed their hair regularly or even continuously. Other dogs have the same "dead" hair, but it doesn't shed.

• Some dogs have undercoats AND shed... so lots and lots of hair!


• Some dogs have undercoats but DON'T shed, so they're not so bad.


• There are single-coat dogs (no undercoat) that DO shed.... and yes, you guessed it, single-coat dogs that DON'T shed.

It gets a bit confusing, so I've made up a chart:

"FUR" COATS

"HAIR" COATS

Double coat

Single coat

Top coat and undercoat

Top coat only

Shedding

Shedding

Non-shedding

Non-shedding

Single coated or double-coated, if the breed does not shed, it does not need deshedding.

It should be kind of obvious but it's not always, because the FURminator and the Furbuster can get hair out of non-shedding dogs too. The difference is, that hair hasn't really shed; you're pulling it out, no matter how gently.

Dogs that don't shed - so a deshedder shouldn't be used:

SINGLE COAT, non shedding dogs:

• Maltese
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Coton De Tulear
• Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Portuguese Water Dog

DOUBLE COAT, non-shedding dogs:

• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apso
• Bichon Frise
• Schnauzer
• Havanese
• West Highland White Terrier

As one professional dog groomer wrote on DogForums.com, the FURminator and the FurBuster are nothing more than "blades on a stick."

Does that mean that you're shaving your dog's hair?

Not at all. You're actually using the fine teeth on the blade to catch the loosened, already-shed hair from the dog's undercoat. If you overdo it hugely, you CAN cut your dog's topcoat hair, but why would you?

1. Price
2. Quality
3. Multi-use option

PRICE

The Furbuster is about $30 compared to the FURminator's hefty price tag of $60 or so. (Depending where you get it, what size, etc.)

Is the difference worth it? Most die-hard FURminator fans say Yes!

"How did i ever live without FURminator?!"

Some FURminator fans aren't thrilled about the price, but bought it anyway.

"love love love the furminator. I wish it was less expensive. I have to borrow my friend's furminator.

"Every pet owner should have a Furminator. But the price is too expensive. I wish they would consider lowering the price so that they can be part of every household."

Some however, feel the Furbuster is just as good, and much cheaper.

"A good, cheap alternative to FURminator"

"Tried this on the recommendation of a friend. Works just as well as the more expensive brand."

QUALITY

Let's face it, the Furbuster is a knock-off and most knock-offs aren't quite as good as the original.
Consumers are split on this however:

• many Furbuster fans think it is "just as good as" the FURminator

However some claim it isn't as good.

It's the old story - you get what you pay for... Before investing in either tool, it would be great if you could borrow one and try it for yourself.

"Not as good as the DeFurminator."

• Do you like what it does to your dog's coat?
• Is it easy for you to use?
• Do you think you'd use it regularly?

If you answer all 'yes' then it might be worthwhile to invest in the original product, the FURminator.

MULTI-USE CAPABILITY

The Furbuster has a unique advantage over FURminator: the blades can be interchanged, to use on other animals. The Furbuster comes ready-to-assemble, with separate handle and brush (don't worry, it's easy!). That feature also allows you to use other size blades (length of the blade) for other size animals. For example, there is an interchangeable cat blade, rabbit blade, and various sizes to match dog sizes.

"easy to use, affordable, interchangeable ends"

But... not many consumers mentioned this feature as a benefit.

ABC Newsreported in October 2006 that Consumer Reports tested FURminator against several other products, including ShedEnder and regular wire brushes that you can get at any pet store for just a few dollars.

Consumer Reports says

the Furminator is worth considering if you're looking for an effective, easy way to keep your pet's coat under control.

Both deshedding tools work well.
FURminator is the original, and has a higher price. And a lot of raving fans.
Furbuster is lower priced, and may not be as good quality. But you can use the same tool with different ends, for different size animals.

Pick the right FURminator for your dog
Based on your dog's size and length of hair

Toy

Small

Medium

Large

Giant

up to 10 lbs

up to 20 lbs

21-50 lbs

51-90 lbs

over 90 lbs

Short Hair

Short Hair

Short Hair

Short Hair

Short Hair

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Long Hair

Long Hair

Long Hair

Long Hair

Long Hair

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Used and recommended by veterinarians, groomers and pet professionals, this tool is guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, rake or comb!
Features: New long hair stainless steel edge reaches deep beneath your dog's long topcoat to safely remove undercoat and loose hair faster and easier.
FURejector button cleans and removes loose hair from the tool with ease.
Sleek, ergonomic handle makes the tool easy to grip.
Note: Tool is designed for coats longer than 2".
Click to buy FURminator Deshedding Tool for Long Haired Dogs at PetSmart

Used and recommended by veterinarians, groomers and pet professionals, this tool is guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, rake or comb!
Features: stainless steel edge reaches deep beneath your dog's short topcoat to safely remove undercoat and loose hair.

FURejector button cleans and removes loose hair from the tool with ease.
Sleek, ergonomic handle makes the tool easy to grip.
Tool is designed for coats shorter than 2".

Click to buy the FURminator Deshedding Tool for Short Haired Dogs at PetSmart

FurBuster Deluxe Grooming Set for Dogs
De-Shed your pet with FurBuster's professional De-shedding tool.

This easy-to-use brush features an ergonomic handle for comfortable grip and an angled head to help reduce strain to your wrist. The press and release head allows you to replace the stainless steel blade or change sizes with little effort. The included 3 replaceable and interchangeable blades snap securely into the unit's universal handle.

The FurBuster De-shedding tool is designed for pets of all sizes and ideal for household or professional use.

Click to order FurBuster Deluxe Grooming Set for Dogs 810243

Bamboo, the manufacturer of FurBuster products, also makes:

• QuadBrush ultimate pet toothbrushes
• Bowls that add style and function to your dog's meals
• Bamboo Combat® Extreme Toss 'N Pull Dog Toy
• 3-in-1 complete pedicure sets for cats
• Bamboo Catfisher® Mouse Mitts

Their cool website has lots of helpful information on it for dog and cat owners, and some fun things too,
including tips, a pet of the month contest, news and more.

PLUS... really cute, FREE ecards

Click to visit Bamboo - the maker of FurBuster - website