Best comb to use to prevent mats?

[Gretchen Nastrom]

Preston had a beautiful fluffy tail, and the next thing we knew it ended up getting matted and had to be shaved (which is ok in the warm weather).  Does anyone have a comb that they would recommend so this doesn't happen again?  Preston's fur is quite curly like a poodle, and we generally keep it fairly short since he is always warm (even in the Minnesota winters!).  We would like to keep his tail long and fluffy though if we can keep on top of the grooming. 

[Gail and Bailey]

My doodle has curly fur with a fluffy tail as well and it gets matted quite quickly!  The only solution I have come up with is to comb it out daily.  I just use a metal comb that I have had for years (sorry, don't know a brand name).    I have been trimming her tail pretty short as well and the mats are less of a problem.  I have grown to like the shorter tail look!  (Still have to comb it frequently though!)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have the traditional steel comb, but recently switched to the Untangler   http://www.theuntangler.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=67  I also use a LesPoochs brush.  You can get them under the name Activet now.  They are expensive, but if you have a dog with a difficult coat, it is well worth it.

[Debbie and Bentley]

Rosemary (Ro) just recommended "The Untangler" comb, also, in my discussion.  

[Donna Collins]

My doodle has a dense curly coat and I have a had time getting a comb thorough it even fresh from the groomer!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Donna, Ned has an impossible coat - poodle thick - and it can be hard to get through even fresh from the groomer.  My next doodle is going to have a perfect non-shedding coat - for sure!  :-}

Gretchen, you need to brush AND comb.  We use a slicker brush from LesPoochs - now from England and called Activet.

[Susan H]

I bought a Martha Stewart grooming comb at Petsmart that I really like. It's made for long and curly hair. It has round tines and the tips are well rounded but not sharp so I think it does a good job breaking up mats. I like that one half is wider spaced than another, so you can work through with the wider side first, then the narrower.  http://www.petsmart.com/supplies-training/brushes-combs-blow-dryers...