Wire-haired dogs are lovely, widely adored, and very popular among dog owners. However, their unique coat requires some extra attention and upkeep. One method to keep this coarse fur well-maintained is hand stripping. But what is hand stripping, and how does it help with grooming your dog?
In short, hand stripping removes dead hair straight from the root instead of cutting it. This method is preferred with wire-haired breeds, because cutting their fur may change its natural texture and color. Cutting such a coarse coat may even make it look patchy, which is certainly something to be avoided.
But know that you understand what hand stripping is in dog grooming, we’ll show you how to do it properly, as well as teach you some additional info:
How Hand Stripping Actually Works
Wire-coated dog fur doesn’t shed the same way as the fur of soft-haired breeds does. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even have the same growth cycle. Hand stripping considers these differences, and it is perfect for wire-coated breeds. With that being said, you probably wonder how this process actually works.
1. Start with an Inspection
First, you, the groomer, or dog owner need to inspect to see if there are dead hairs ready to come out. The old hairs loosen at the root, but it doesn’t have to be visible, so you don’t want to just rely on its appearance. Gently comb through the fur with your fingers to see if it’s loose.
2. Remove Loose Fur Patches
If you notice any loose fur patches, they are “ripe” to be removed. For the next step, you’ll need a specialized tool called a stripping knife. This knife doesn’t cut the hair, but it holds it and allows you to remove the old hair efficiently.
How to Remove Loose Fur
When using the stripping knife on a dog, you need to pull it in the same direction of fur growth. Go through all of your dog’s fur, one section at a time. There will be sections that won’t release much hair. It’s a sign that these sections aren’t “ripe” yet. Move on to the next section that will release old hair more easily.
3. Repeat Until Done
Keep doing this until you have gone through each fur section on your dog. By doing this, you’ll remove dead hairs, allow your dog’s skin to breathe, and stimulate new hair growth. And don’t worry about using a stripping knife. It's not actually a knife; it’s basically a comb with short and dense teeth.
Which Breeds Typically Require Hand Stripping
As we already mentioned, hand stripping is a grooming technique suitable for wire-haired dog breeds. This includes the following dog breeds:
- Terrier breeds, such as the Wire Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Border Terrier, and Scottish Terrier.
- Schnauzers
- Spaniel breeds, such as the Irish Water Spaniel and some show-line Cocker Spaniels
- Working dogs, such as the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Wirehaired Vizsla
However, keep in mind that, even if your dog doesn’t belong to any of these breeds, it could still have a wire-haired fur. If you are unsure whether your dog has such fur or not, you can always ask your vet or take your dog to a local groomer.
Benefits of Hand Stripping
Apart from preventing your dog’s fur from looking patchy and dull, hand stripping also has other benefits. For example, a stripped coat stays waterproof and dirt-resistant. This means your dog will stay and look cleaner for longer stretches of time.
- Also, when stripping the fur, its texture will remain crisp rather than soft, which will preserve the breed’s signature look.
- As a result, the natural color shows up more clearly, too, since dead hairs can fade or lighten.
- Many dog owners have also noticed their dogs have healthier skin because hand stripping encourages new coat growth and better air circulation.
Hand Stripping vs. Clipping: What’s the Difference?
When clipping, you are cutting the fur and making it shorter, but you don’t remove any dead hairs. This can also make the fur look softer and fluffier, which isn’t an issue if you’re going for that look.
However, if you want to preserve the natural and unique texture of your dog’s fur, you don’t want to clip it.
With hand stripping, you preserve the natural texture of your dog’s fur. This is especially important for working dogs, because their fur keeps them protected against the elements.
Also, if you own a show dog, you’ll get the best show scores if you leave your dog’s fur in its natural state. The judges on these shows value unique fur textures.
Can You Hand Strip at Home?
You probably wonder if you can do hand stripping at home or if you need to take your dog to a professional groomer. You can do it on your own.
You’ll need to get a stripping knife or a stripping comb. Ideally, you would also get a dog grooming station, as it will provide you with more comfort and control while hand stripping your dog’s fur:
Heavy Duty Electric Dog Grooming Table with Adjustable Height
This electric grooming table will be extremely helpful to you while hand stripping, nail clipping, and doing other grooming activities on your dog. It has a sturdy steel frame, locking casters, and built-in storage.
50" Stainless Steel Pet Grooming Tub - Dog Bathtub
If you also want to bathe your dog, take a look at this stainless steel dog grooming tub. It has a raised, nonslip stainless-steel tub with warm-water options, a sliding door, and steps. Ag such, it will allow you to groom and bathe your dog with ease.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you have learned the answer to “What is Hand Stripping in Dog Grooming?” By now, you also understand that hand stripping is the best way to keep your dog’s fur free of old hairs, without compromising its natural texture. Don’t forget to use a dog grooming table for best results!
You might be interested in a complete guide on how to use a dog grooming table.
