Grooming Advice - Wire Haired Terriers

mosi

My two crossbreed terriers both have wire coats and I have been wondering if I should take them to a professional groomer.
I keep their coats reasonably tidy with a Furminator type tool, although they are just naturally scruffy - which is part of their appeal.
I have been told though, that a professional handstripping would be beneficial for their coats. I thought that this was mostly done for showing terriers, so am interested to hear what people's thoughts are on this. The little one needs her nails clipped and I was going to go to the vets (scared to do it myself, and her walks haven't worn them down sufficiently), but am now wondering if I should bring her to a groomers for the full works!

Zapperzy

I have a wirehaired terrier as well but I clip him down a few times a year and brush him with a slicker brush and a comb once a week or more when he's shedding (like at the moment :rolleyes:).

You'l be hardpressed to find a groomer who will handstrip as it takes too much time. Most will just clip them. A groomer will clip her nails too, if you have a nail clippers and an extra set of hands to restrain her it's a simple job to do (unless she has black nails but even so just be extra cautious in how much you clip off).

Groom!

Hi Mosi
I'm a groomer, and have rarely been asked to hand strip, even though I love doing it.

I have sent you a PM to a link from my facebook page of 2 wire haired terriers I groomed, without hand stripping them, and they still maintained the scruffy/vagabond look!

Unless you are very particular, a hand strip session would be a bit of a marathon for them.

The right tools can take a huge amount of hair off, along with a bath and a good blast of the blaster!

Be careful with the nails as the above poster says.:)

Knine

I handstrip my terriers and if you enquire with different groomers you should be able to find someone that will handstrip although it may cost a little more. If a groomer won't or does not know how to handstrip, then go elsewhere.

Handstripping leaves a much better result than clipping. It leaves the dog with the correct wiry weatherproof coat as all you are removing is the dead coat. I use chalk, stripping knife and one of those rubber thumb things to give a better grip. I really enjoy stripping out the dogs coat and the dogs look fantastic as a result of it being done by hand.