This one is great tho $$. Gets lots of the fluff without damaging top coat.
https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-Slicker-Brush-Large/dp/B00KAJQJ74/ref=asc_df_B00KAJQJ74/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194946292260&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11766235489540394653&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003352&hvtargid=pla-314810724624&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-Slicker-Brush-Large/dp/B00KAJQJ74
They are expensive but definitely worth it. I use a metal comb to clean the fur out.
Edit: I also use this shampoo https://www.amazon.com/Douxo-PYO-Shampoo-16-9-500/dp/B0949RKDYC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1SZ6MQ6RT33LU&keywords=dog+s3+shampoo&qid=1642191557&sprefix=dog+s3+shampoo%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-3 My vet recommended it. I have used it as often as three times a week for dandruff and skin allergies. I still use it to keep their skin healthy.
We have this Chris Christensen brush for brushing out. I got it for like $15 less and they occasionally pop up as warehouse deals on Amazon. I was told to not cheap out on the slicker because some of the less quality ones are hard on the skin, but I have only used this one so I can't comment.
This Madan pin brush for brushing while blow-drying (regular size, medium cushion). I liked it because of the quality pins with beveled ends (so no poking the skin). And also the choice of colors.
We also have a comb - this is the one I bought because of the rotating teeth and rounded ends. Used to check for mats/remove mats after brushing.
Right now it's been very wet and I am thankful I invested because my walker just towels her off and she had a few leg mats that I had to pick through. With a conditioning spray and gentle brushing I was able to remove them with minimal pain (and lots of bribes).
I don't think you'll need to do a ton of brushing on the puppy coat, though it's great to get them used to it, especially up standing on a table. My pup's is pretty tangle-free unless she gets very wet and isn't dried and brushed properly. If she's not wiggly, it takes maybe 15 minutes to do everything.
No definitive "bests", because everyone has different preferences and needs. Every dog will like different toys. Even though Sammies are fluffy dogs, they may have some variation on coat textures and styles. Some of my favorite products are stuff I find only at dog show vendors, some stuff I use are cheapy things I get at big box stores.
This is the list of what I have in my tackbox, and I've added one of these to it a few weeks ago, and upgraded my scissors back in March to a still-cheap but sharpen-able pair.
This is another list of stuff I made of cheap tools on Amazon I like a lot that will hold up.
If you search "grooming tools" using the search feature on this subreddit you will find a lot of different recommendations. Many people have different preferences. The only thing most Sammy people will agree on is don't use anything that cuts the coat (like an undercoat rake that cuts, or a Furminator).
Absolutely, they’re a bit pricey but in my opinion worth every penny compared with cheaper dupes. Also always follow up with a metal comb from root to tip and every crevice.
These slicker brushes are my favorite, and always follow up with a metal comb from root to tip!