How to Groom a Giant Schnauzer for Show

The giant schnauzer is a double-coated breed, with a harsh, waterproof outer coat and a soft undercoat. The outer hair becomes long and dry once or twice a year and must be removed, since the giant schnauzer does not shed. Regular brushing and stripping is required to maintain the harsh coat needed for the show ring. This is a time-consuming task, so it is best to groom and strip the coat on a regular basis to avoid doing it all before a show. Keeping your schnauzer's coat in shape also results in a healthier coat.

Things You'll Need

  • Grooming table
  • Pin brush or wire slicker
  • Stripping knife
  • Clippers
  • Number 7 and 10 blades
  • Scissors
  • Shampoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the giant schnauzer on a grooming table. Brush the coat thoroughly with a pin brush or wire slicker.

    • 2

      Strip the coat either with a stripping blade or pulling it out by hand. Begin at the shoulder and work down the dog's body in the direction the hair grows to the top of the legs. Use a number 7 blade with clippers to trim the back of the legs and under the tail. Clip the inner thigh with clipper blade number 10, following the line of the leg. Clip the stomach hair up to the abdomen.

    • 3

      Brush the chest hair down toward the feet. Trim the front legs with scissors to form an inverted ̶0;V.̶1; Brush the hair to the side and even the line. Trim the hocks in the same manner.

    • 4
      These are only a few of the tools needed for grooming a giant schnauzer.

      Brush the beard forward, away from the face and clip the hair to the ridge of the dog's skull with the number 10 blade. Trim the eyebrows and ears with scissors, and strip the top of the head.

    • 5

      Use the clippers or scissors to remove hair between the pads on the bottom of the dog's feet. Trim around the base of the foot with scissors to achieve a round, even contour similar to a cat's paw.

    • 6

      Bathe the giant schnauzer with a shampoo designed for harsh coats, either before trimming or just before the show, depending on the condition of the coat. Bathe earlier if the dog has a softer coat to allow time for it to toughen up. A harsh coat can be washed just before the show if it will hold its texture. Wash the schnauzer's beard and legs prior to the show if you bathe early.