How to Groom a Matted Schnauzer

Schnauzers are considered to be working class dogs and originated in Germany. Although they are sturdy, muscular dogs, they are suitable to be around the whole family including children. The colors of their coats vary from white, black and salt-and-pepper, and they are non-shedding. Due to a dense undercoat, if schnauzers are not groomed regularly, their coats can become matted. However, with the right equipment, you can groom a matted schnauzer without the help of a professional groomer.

Things You'll Need

  • Detangling spray
  • Metal comb
  • Slicker brush
  • Mat splitter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put your schnauzer in a comfortable position such as letting it lay down. Hold a small layer of matted hair with one hand. Use the fingers on your other hand to break up the matted hair before combing it, making sure not to pull at your dog's skin.

    • 2

      Apply a light mist of detangling spray to make the matted coat more manageable. Spray a small layer of hair with the detangling spray and use a metal comb to gently free the matted hair. Hold the base of the dog's hair and start combing the section of the hair that is tangled, working your way outside of the hair mat.

    • 3

      Continue to gently untangle the matted hair until the bigger knots are loosened. Use a slicker brush to brush your schnauzer's coat while holding the hair closest to the dog's skin.

    • 4

      Break up stubborn matted hair with a mat splitter. A mat splitter is a blade with a curved handle that is used to cut through matted hair. Split the matted hair in vertical or horizontal strips, then use a metal comb to untangle small individual pieces of hair.