I also like pin brushes but prefer ones with the tips on the ends so it does not scratch the skin. I am not a fan of slicker brushes as the pins are so short they only get the outer layers of hair unless you really work with them. I do not show so I do not have to worry about the cut and tons of hair so I cut as much as I can to make things easier. I do puppy cut in spring and always keep the inside of ears shaved year round to let more air into them and I also shave the belly,only leaving enough hair to make it look like he has a full shirt and I keep the back and neck shaved. The less hair the easier,summer I do a full shaving,they look funny but they love the short hair when it is so hot. This cut is easy for summer and also grows back in nicely just in time for fall and winter. I brush every couple of days and always use Johnson's baby spray no more tangles, I spray enough behind the front legs till it is almost wet (this is a really bad spot for tangles) I have used it for years as it is so gentle,works well and smells so good. When you are brushing the hair,instead of just brushing down with the hair, brush the hair up in layers also,helps to get into it deeper and helps keeps out the tangles. Baths every couple of weeks,check ears every couple of days and clean them weekly. I also have had lots of smooth coated dogs and grooming is so easy but once you get into a routine with these guys it will get a lot easier and really does not take that long. I usually brush of the evening when Levi is lying on my lap,then roll him over on his back,holding his leg up and brush hair both ways up and down to get into the legs really good. He is really used to this routine and looks forward to it as soon as he sees the brush and spray bottle. You can also get a snood to put on Teddy ears when he eats,will keep the ears from falling down into his food bowl keeping them cleaner and less tangles.