How to Groom a Terrier

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Strip or pluck the dead hair from a terrier, either by hand or by using a stripping comb. Stripping removes only the dead hair and leaves the texture of the coat unchanged. Pull in the direction the hair grows.
Step 2:
Use a clipper to taper the hair along the back of the terrier's tail. Most groomers groom the tail with a Number 5 clipper.
Step 3:
Cut a 1-inch-long fringe around the sides of the terrier's belly. Some terriers have a longer skirt while others have no skirt at all, depending on the terrier breed and if the dog is a show dog or a house pet.
Step 4:
Trim the ears and skull of the terrier using a Number 10 clipper. Pull the brows forward and trim using scissors so they have a V-shape.
Step 5:
Comb the terrier beard down and cut it using scissors so it's straight and neat.

Tips & Warnings

Find a photograph of your specific terrier breed to determine the appropriate way to groom your dog. Various terrier breeds are groomed in differently.
If your terrier is not a show dog, you can groom him with clippers, which is less expensive and time consuming.
When stripping a terrier, never pull up and never twist the hair, or you'll break it rather than remove it.

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