grooming and bathing of long haired breeds

[madguinealady]

keep getting conflicting advice on looking after texel coat. Do they need brushed or can i just run hands through and check for knots then remove them if any found Will keep hair at back short as not show just pets. Her coats checked every day but they are still nervous when picked up. Other one sheltie. Do they need bathing regularly

 

[klee]

keep getting conflicting advice on looking after texel coat. Do they need brushed or can i just run hands through and check for knots then remove them if any found Will keep hair at back short as not show just pets. Her coats checked every day but they are still nervous when picked up. Other one sheltie. Do they need bathing regularly

I would brush them fairly regularly to be honest as they are a long haired breed. I would probably first use a soft brush to try and remove any tangles, and then a wide toothed comb and then use a slicker brush to finish off.
This is the set I have, I use them on my swiss-cross girls, who isn't long haired but can get quite tangled : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosewood-Op...d=1378292213&sr=8-4&keywords=guinea+pig+brush

You may find if there are any knots/matts that it is easier and less stressful to cut them out with scissors, I also wash my girl about every 6 weeks- generally less in the cold weather using gorgeous guineas shampoo. I use posh n go which is for long haired pigs, it has some conditioning ingredients which make her hair more manageable.

I would definitely agree with you suggestion of keeping the hair short particularly whilst it is still warm, it will mean the hair doesn't collect bedding in it and does not get dragged through wee and soiled bedding so will be much more hygienic .