How to Use the Artero Apollo Mat Breaker on Stubborn Dog Mats

By Groomer's Warehouse | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: How-to Guides

Learn a safe, step-by-step dematting technique with the Artero Apollo Mat Breaker. See how to break down stubborn mats without yanking, plus the checkpoints that protect skin.

Quick answer

Work the Artero Apollo Mat Breaker through a stubborn mat in short, shallow strokes from the outer edge inward, never pulling against skin. Stop and switch to a slicker or clipper if the mat is tight against the skin or the coat is wet.

Why a mat breaker needs a different hand than a brush

A mat breaker is not a detangling brush. Its long blades slice through the felted center of a mat, so the goal is to break the mat into smaller sections rather than pull the whole knot loose. That distinction matters on stubborn mats because yanking a blade through a solid lump concentrates force at the skin.

Use the tool only on dry coat. Wet or conditioned hair clumps together and hides how much tension you are applying, which makes it harder to feel when the blade is catching skin.

When to put the mat breaker down

Some mats are too tight, too close to the skin, or too large to demat safely. If the mat does not lift away from the skin when you pinch it, or if your dog flinches at the first stroke, stop. Clipping the coat short is often kinder than working a blade into a pelt that has no slack.

The Artero Apollo has long blades, which helps on dense, lofted mats but gives you more blade to control. Keep a hand between the blade and the skin on sensitive areas such as the armpits, groin, and behind the ears.

Step-by-step mat breaker technique

Check the mat before you cut: Pinch the mat between your fingers. If you can lift it away from the skin, it is a candidate for the mat breaker. If it will not lift, clip it instead. If the skin tents up with the mat, do not insert a blade.
Start at the outer edge: Place the blade at the mat's outer edge, not the center, and make a short stroke outward. Work around the perimeter first to break the mat into smaller islands. Never start a stroke in the middle of a solid mat.
Use short, shallow strokes: Keep each stroke no longer than the mat section you can see, and keep the blade parallel to the skin rather than digging down. Let the blade slice, not pull. If you feel the blade snag, shorten the stroke rather than pushing harder.
Shield the skin with your free hand: Slide your fingers under the mat as a guard and work the blade above your hand. Reposition your guard after every few strokes. On armpits and groin, use a comb as a guard instead of fingers.
Clear the blade between strokes: Hair packs between long blades quickly. Wipe or pick the blade clean after each section so it keeps slicing instead of dragging. A clogged blade pulls coat and is more likely to catch skin.
Switch tools once the mat breaks apart: When the mat separates into loose tufts, stop using the mat breaker and finish with a slicker or comb to remove the freed hair. Continuing with the mat breaker on loose hair adds risk without speeding up the job.
Check the skin and stop: Part the coat and look for redness, nicks, or sensitivity. If the skin is irritated, end the session and let it settle before continuing another day. Do not chase a perfect finish on a dog that is already uncomfortable.

Product facts

Artero Apollo - 9 Long Blades Mat Breaker: Long steel blades set in a bamboo handle, part of the Artero nature collection. The long blade reaches into the center of a thick mat, while the handle shape gives you a controlled grip for short, deliberate strokes.
Artero Apollo - 9 Long Blades Mat Breaker