How to Use Scissors to Clip a Mini Schnauzer

Among the tools necessary to properly groom a miniature schnauzer are scissors. Used in conjunction with clippers, scissors provide the necessary detail work to polish the cut of your miniature schnauzer. Sharp scissors are essential for a good cut; dull scissors will fold the hair instead of cutting it. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club recommends you purchase quality scissors as cheap scissors will not last very long. Your scissors should be flat scissors and your cuts angled.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Sculpting mousse
  • Chalk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply sculpting mousse and some chalk to the coat of your miniature schnauzer. The sculpting mousse reduces static that may interfere with getting a clean clip. The chalk gives you more control when using your scissors. Using the chalk will dull your scissors quicker, but it will provide for a clean trim.

    • 2

      Trim the head of your miniature schnauzer by following the grain of hair growth. Start by trimming above the eyebrows, moving back toward the skull between the ears. Trim between the eyebrows and each ear by holding back the ear while you cut in a downward direction. Then, trim following the cheekbone to the ear. Hold on to the beard while you trim from the beard down the side of the neck going under the ears. Hold your dog's head up and trim from the end of the beard down. Trim the eyebrows to half the length of your dog's muzzle.

    • 3

      Trim your dog's coat over its body evenly following the grain of your dog's hair. You can leave a short skirt all the way around your dog if so desired.

    • 4

      Trim the hair around the legs in a circular fashion with the scissors pointing down to achieve a columnar effect. Follow the bend in the back legs by clipping in a similar curve. Trim the long hairs in between the paw pads.

    • 5

      Trim the length of the tail following the direction of hair growth. Be careful when trimming the tip of the tail so you don't accidentally cut the tip of your dog's tail. You can leave a small fringe at the base of tail if you like how that looks.

    • 6

      Trim the hair on your dog's rear end by scissoring from the sides to the central line under the tail. Trim the hair on your dog's belly from the genitals up to the belly button.