How to Trim Your American Eskimo's Fur

The American Eskimo dog, or Spitz, has a thick, waterproof double coat that needs constant brushing and combing to prevent it from matting. This breed's coat should not be shaved because it will permanently alter the texture and color of the coat. The only trimming required is on the feet and between pads. Hair at the opening of the ears, on the belly and around the anus can also be thinned, trimmed or clipped to keep those areas neat and clear of debris.

Things You'll Need

  • Blunt-nosed scissors
  • Thinning shears
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim the long hair around the paws. Have the dog stand on the paw and use blunt-nosed scissors to trim the hair short and close to the dog's toes and around the sides of the paws. Trim around the feet every two weeks.

    • 2

      Push the long hair, or feathers, that grow between the dog's toes down through the toes. Lift the paw and trim the ends of the feathers so the are even with the pads of the dog's paw.

    • 3

      Push feathers the other direction up through the toes and trim even with the top of the paw.

    • 4

      Thin, trim or clip hair short around the base of the tail at the anus, around the dog's privates on its belly and at the opening of the ears to prevent matting and keep the areas debris-free.