To Strip or to Clip?

Hand-stripping - Definition: to pluck/strip out dead hair

Breeds suitable for Hand-stripping: West Highland Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Border Terrier, Irish Terrier to name but a few.

Hairs are found in bundles set in the skin. Each bundle may have between 7-15 hairs. One hair is usually longer and coarser than the rest and is known as the "guard" hair. This guard hair is surrounded by fine, soft secondary hairs. It is the combination of the two different hair types that accounts for the characteristic coat types of the different dog breeds.

The guard hairs are the ones removed when hand stripping.

Advantages of Hand-stripping

Weather-proofs the coat
Protects the skin in the sun
Pet dogs need only be stripped 1 - 2 times a year
Hand stripping maintains the required texture and colour of the coat

Disadvantages of Hand-stripping

Takes twice as long as clipping to complete, therefore not many Groomers include Hand-stripping in their service.
Does not look quite as neat as a clipped dog would at first, but comes into its own 2 - 3 weeks later as the new coat has settled down.

When to Hand-strip? When the coat is shedding, usually early Autumn and early Spring.

Clipping - Most breeds are suitable for clipping, please ring me on 07776100371 to discuss.

Advantages of Clipping

Looks smart after the groom
Is quicker than hand-stripping and less uncomfortable for the dog

Disadvantages of Clipping

Kills off the harsh hair and encourages the soft undercoat to grow, therefore a dog can never be hand-stripped after its coat has been clipped
Fades the colour of the coat
Removes the weather proofing qualities of the coat.