How to Groom a Thin Haired Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is bred from the standard schnauzer, and has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1926. Purebred mini schnauzers have double coats: the undercoat is soft, while the outer coat is thick and wiry. A dog that is not purebred or suffers from a condition that affects the quality of his fur may have thin coat. The grooming of thin-haired miniature schnauzers involves combing, brushing and hair clipping.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Slicker or pin rush
  • De-tangling solution
  • Dog shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Towel or dryer
  • Electric clippers
  • Ear powder
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb the mini schnauzer's beard and leg furnishings daily or at least three times per week to prevent knots. Start with the legs and move your way up to the face.

    • 2

      Brush the mini schnauzer with a slicker or pin brush. Should you find any knots, use de-tangling solution and gently take apart the hairs. Cutting out the knots is not desirable, especially if the knots are located on the areas the hair is kept long.

    • 3

      Bathe the miniature schnauzer in lukewarm water. Use dog shampoo or a special shampoo (e.g., anti-bacterial or anti-seborrheic shampoo) if the dog has a skin condition. Rinse and apply conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for up to 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

    • 4

      Dry the dog with a towel or a dryer.

    • 5

      Clip the miniature schnauzer's body hair using electric clippers. Start with the back of the head, the back, tail, neck and chest. Clip with the direction of the hair growth. Alternatively, spread ear powder on the hair and pull out the hairs, avoiding the head and the leg furnishings, where the hair is left longer.

    • 6

      Style the hair on the schnauzer's head. Start from above the eyebrows and brush to the back of the head and between the ears. Remove the hair from the cheeks, between the ears and eyebrows. Clip the hair on the throat but avoid the beard. The cut should emphasize the rectangular shape of the head. Trim the eyebrows with a pair of scissors. Don't trim the beard.

    • 7

      Use scissors to shape the hair on the legs. The standard look for mini schnauzers dictates that the legs are cylinder-shaped.