What are the benefits of a wiry coat?
There are a range of benefits that come with owning a dog with a wiry coat, some of which we’ve already discussed, including: –
To groom a wiry haired dog breed we’ll use a method known as handstripping. This is a time intensive grooming technique that requires older hairs to be pulled out of the coat by hand or using a grooming knife. The process can take any time up to two hours depending on the dog breed. You can find the pricing for our handstripping by using our online quote tool.
Everything you need to know about wiry coat health
From Jack Russells to Yorkies, wiry haired dog breeds will always have a place close to the hearts of many dog lovers. Some iconic breeds boast this coat type and it’s blessed with character. That said, the wiry nature of the coat can present a frustration and problem for many home groomers keen to get their pet looking ship shape.
This wiry haired grooming guide from your groomers at The Pet Retreat should give you all the information you need to keep your dog’s coat healthy and looking great.
A wiry coat, sometimes referred to as a “broken coat”, feels exactly as the name suggests. The coat is rough and coarse to the touch and the hair is thick and bristly when compared to the soft coats that other dogs possess.
Wiry haired dog breeds were initially used for hunting small animals, with their rough and ready coats protecting them from sharp plants in the undergrowth. Now though they tend to be favoured by people who have dog allergies as they don’t shed their coat, unlike many other dogs. This lack of shedding creates a unique requirement for grooming however, as it’s necessary to pull the old dead hairs out using a process known as hand stripping.
Set your wire-haired dog on a tall surface such as a counter top or table. This will deter him from trying to jump or remove himself from his grooming. A taller surface saves you from bending over to groom your dog.
Work from the front to the rear of your dog with a slicker brush. Brush his hair in the direction it grows in long, even strokes. This finishing brush gives him a shiny and smooth coat. If your pet has a beard or mustache, brush it out with a slicker brush in downward strokes. If his facial hair is long, place your hand on the backside of it next to his face and brush it in your hand. Don’t forget the eyebrows. Brush them forward and with upward strokes away from his eyes.
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Fold over the outer coat against the grain to reveal a mat in the undercoat. Grasp the mat and hold it upward from his skin. Pick up a dematting tool in the other hand. Brush the mat gently starting at the longest hairs with quick short strokes. Work farther down into the mat as the tips release and comb out. Remove all mats in this manner down to the skin level. You will most likely remove a small amount of hair from his undercoat, but it will not be noticeable when you are finished grooming him.
Brushing a wire-haired dog daily keeps his coat clean, removes tangles and old fur and spreads natural oils throughout his coat to keep him shiny. Start with short grooming sessions and lengthen them with lots of praise and petting. You will create a gleaming coat for all to see.
FAQ
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