How to Trim a Schnauzer's Coat

The schnauzer belongs to the terrier group of dog breeds and is available in three varieties, large, standard and miniature. All breeds of schnauzer have an easily manageable, thick, waterproof outer coat and a soft, downy undercoat that does not require much care. However, in order to prevent matting, it is essential to regularly groom your Schnauzer and occasionally trim its coat.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Electric clipper with No. 10 blade
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your schnauzer's coat with a pin brush and remove tangled or matted fur. Brush the coat against the natural lay of hair, using upward strokes, around the beard, legs, back and stomach area.

    • 2

      Fix a No. 10 blade onto an electric clipper. Hold the blade against the back of the schnauzer's neck with one hand, and place your other hand firmly on the skin, keeping it taut to prevent skin irritation and potential clipper burn.

    • 3

      Move the clipper over the neck, throat and both the sides of the head. Draw it lower down along the back, to the sides of the rib cage around the belly and near the base of the loin.

    • 4

      Run the clipper close to the area around the ears and between the eyes -- maintaining a longer length for the fur around the eyebrows. Trim the edges of the ears with scissors and give them a straight cut.

    • 5

      Trim around the base of the front feet in a circular shape. Leave the fur a longer length as you work the clipper towards the base of the legs. Use scissors to cut any fur protruding between the toe pads of each paw.

    • 6

      Clip the tail in the direction of the fur growth. Trim closer to the top edge of the tail, leaving a feathery fringe of fur toward the bottom of the tail.