How to Clip and Groom a Wheaten Terrier

Wheaten terriers are known for their soft coats, which are curly and wavy and prone to matting, according to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America. Clipping the legs of the Wheaten terrier requires extra care and delicacy to ensure the fur does not look choppy and uneven. Some professional grooming tools will make the clipping and grooming process go much smoother at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Comb
  • Shampoo
  • Blow dryer
  • Clippers with various blades
  • Spray bottle
  • Thinning shears
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the coat thoroughly. Because their hair mats so easily, be sure you have removed any and all mats using a slicker brush and thin comb before trimming the dog's coat. Wash the entire coat using a dog shampoo and conditioner. Use a blow dryer and a comb to dry the coat smooth. Dry the coat in the direction the fur lays to create a glossy shine.

    • 2

      Trim the Wheaten's rump and front legs using a pair of trimmers with a #4 blade attached. Work from the top of the rump and down to just below the thigh on the back legs. Trim the back of the front legs using the same blade and working downwards until you reach the elbow joint on each leg. As you trim the legs, be sure to use the trimmer sparingly, lifting the blade off at the end of each stroke to create a feathered effect in the fur. Avoid making abrupt cuts. The goal is to create leg "columns" on all four legs to accentuate the Wheaten physique.

    • 3

      Spray all four legs using a spray bottle to moisten the fur. Use a comb or brush to fluff out all the leg hair and look for any choppy areas. Use a pair of thinning shears to feather out any clumps or uneven areas. These shears are designed to take out wisps of hair, rather than cutting in a straight line.

    • 4

      Trim the sides of the Wheaten's head using thinning shears. Trim down the sides of the face, leaving the hair at the top of the head long. Use a pair of scissors to trim the fur from the front area of the ear to just underneath each eye. The cheeks should have short hair.

    • 5

      Trim the top of the head using thinning shears. Trim the fur slightly from the crown of the head towards the muzzle. You still want about an inch of fur to sit at the top of the head. Part the fall of hair that falls down the center of the Wheaten's face. Use thinning shears to thin out the fall on each side of the part. Replace the fall back on the center of the Wheaten's face.