How to Brush a Wire Haired Dog

Wire-haired dogs such as Airedales, Schnauzers, and many terrier breeds require specific grooming. There are two types of grooming for these dogs: rough and stripped. Dogs can be hand-stripped or clipped. Stripping removes the dead undercoat and may be done by hand, with a stripping knife, or with clippers. A dog who is not stripped and remains fuzzy is "in the rough."

Wire-haired breeds have a thick, soft undercoat and a firm, wiry outercoat. They do not shed much and need only occasional bathing. Strip the coat two or three times a year, and brush weekly.

Things You'll Need

Firm bristle brush
Slicker brush
Stripping blade or clippers
Shampoo for wire-haired dogs

Instructions

Bathe and Brush
- 1
  Bathe the dog, using a shampoo designed for wire-haired dogs. Towel or air-dry the dog. Once dry, use a firm bristle brush, and starting at his legs, brush thoroughly so that his coat is fluffy.
- 2
  
  To hand-strip, pull the hair out a little at a time.
  
  Place the dog on a comfortable surface. Using your fingers or a stripping knife, separate a few strands at a time with one hand and pull with the fingers of the other. This does not hurt the dog, but start gradually and slowly so the dog gets used to the feeling. Do a little at a time; it takes several hours to do the entire dog.
- 3
  Clip in the direction the hair grows, not against the grain. You can clip the coat instead of stripping it or combine clipping with hand-stripping, clipping the dog's stomach and under the tail.
  
  Clipping removes the wiry end of the coat, allowing the softer undercoat to grow out. Stripping removes the entire hair from the base, making way for new, wiry hair.
- 4
  
  With proper care, your wire-haired dog will have a healthy, shiny coat.
  
  Finish the grooming with a slicker brush. Brush the way the hair grows for a shiny coat and to stimulate hair growth.