How to Maintain a Hand-Stripped Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is a popular breed, both in the dog show ring and in homes all over the globe. During competition, a dog will be judged on its color and coarse coat, which is only achieved with proper stripping. Clippering causes the fur to soften, as well as lighten and curl, hardly resembling the hard, straight and water- and dirt-repellent coat favored by breeders. Stripping is functional, almost an art form, with the basics mastered in a very short time.

Things You'll Need

  • Ear powder or white chalk
  • Rubber fingers for thumb and index fingers
  • Stripping knives
  • Grooming stone
  • Medicated shampoo
  • Witch hazel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the dog's coat by gently tugging on the hair. A blown, or dead, coat will easily pull free.

    • 2

      Apply ear powder onto a small patch of fur. Rub it into the coat thoroughly.

    • 3

      Stretch the skin, until taut, with one hand. With the other hand pull a small amount of hair with your thumb and index finger, a file or stripping knife.

    • 4

      Keep your wrist rigid and pull from the shoulder to avoid causing wrist pain. Pull in the direction that the hair grows naturally.

    • 5

      Strip in sections, starting with the body and finishing with the head, which grows quickest. Depending on the desired results, strip until the dog is bald or pull the top coat first and wait five to six weeks to pull the bottom coat.

    • 6

      Wash the dog with medicated shampoo after every session. This will relieve any irritation, though a good job will not produce ill effects.

    • 7

      Maintain the coat in the weeks up to competition by rubbing any bald areas with a grooming stone while bathing. This removes the quicker-growing soft top coat while the coarser undercoat grows in.

    • 8

      Switch to a stripping knife, dragging only to pull the soft undercoat. This will cause dander so apply witch hazel to soothe and clean, instead of bathing the dog.