Specialist Coat Work
Dog Hand Stripping in Holyport, Near Maidenhead
Traditional coat care to help preserve your dog’s natural colour, texture and character.
At The Grooming Studio, we offer hand stripping for suitable wire coated breeds and coat types. Hand stripping is a traditional grooming technique that removes the dead outer coat by hand rather than cutting it away with clippers. When carried out on an appropriate coat, it helps maintain the strong colour, texture and weather resistant qualities that these coats are known for.
What is hand stripping?
Wire coated dogs have a different coat cycle to many other breeds. As the outer hairs mature, they loosen and are ready to be removed, allowing the new coat to grow through underneath. Hand stripping removes these mature hairs from the root using careful hand techniques and specialist grooming tools where appropriate.
Clipping simply shortens the existing hair. Over time, repeated clipping of some wire coats can alter their appearance, with the coat potentially becoming softer and the colour looking less vibrant. Hand stripping is chosen by many owners because they want to retain the more traditional texture, colour and finish of their dog’s natural coat.
Is hand stripping suitable for every dog?
Not every wire coated dog is automatically suitable for hand stripping. The condition and maturity of the coat, previous grooming history, age, skin condition and how comfortable the dog is with the process all need to be considered.
Before recommending hand stripping, we will assess your dog’s coat and discuss the most appropriate grooming option with you. If a coat has previously been clipped, or is not ready to strip, we can explain the options available rather than simply carrying out a treatment that may not be right for your dog.
Hand stripping small terriers
Hand stripping is particularly associated with many small terrier breeds and can produce a beautifully natural finish while retaining the character of the breed. Rather than creating an overly styled appearance, our aim is to work with the dog’s natural coat and shape.
Sally has trained with Marie Burns, winner of Crufts 2015 with a West Highland Terrier, in both pet and show dog grooming. This specialist training sits alongside Sally’s wider qualifications and continuing professional development in coat types, scissor skills, skin, ears and nails.
A patient, individual approach
As with every service at The Grooming Studio, your dog’s comfort comes first. Hand stripping can take time, so appointments are approached patiently and according to the individual dog. We do not believe in forcing a dog through a grooming process simply to achieve a particular finish.
If your dog needs breaks, a shorter session or a different approach, we will discuss this with you. Our priority is a result that considers both the health and condition of the coat and your dog’s experience in the salon.
The Grooming Studio
Would you like to know if hand stripping is right for your dog?
If you have a wire coated dog and are unsure whether hand stripping would be suitable, please get in touch with The Grooming Studio. Tell us a little about your dog, their age, breed and previous grooming history and we can advise you on the next step.