Some breeds have double coats; the undercoat is soft and short, where as the top coat in some breeds can be made up of coarse/wirey longer hairs. For example, Border and Wire Fox Terriers. Hand stripping maintains the correct coat texture (making the coat easier to keep). If this type of coat is clipped then it becomes fluffy and can alter the colouration, making it dull. Hand stripping helps the coat colour to remain stronger and brighter.
What does hand stripping involve?
Hand stripping means pulling out the dead top coat. This is usually done by gently stretching the skin, applying grooming chalk to the coat and using the thumb and forefinger to grip the hairs and pull them out, rather than cutting the hair with clippers. Stripping the coat is quite a time consuming method.
Does it hurt?
Hand stripping, when done correctly, does not hurt the dog in any way, because the coat that is being stripped is already loose and dead.
When should I have my dog hanstripped?
A silky coat will require hand stripping every 4 to 5 weeks.
A wire coat will require hand stripping when the coat is 'fully blown'. This means that the top coat is dead and ready to be removed. Normally this will occur around every 6 months.
Will there be any trimming or clipping involved in the process?
Clippers may be used on a pet dog that is hand stripped, on sensitive areas such as the groin area, the ears and the face and this will be fully discussed at the time of booking. Hand stripping your pet dog is normally finished off with scissors, which would not affect the natural life stages of the coat.
Can all dogs be handstripped?
Sometimes castrated/neutered dogs can not be stripped because the change in hormones can affect the texture of the coat making it too soft to hand strip.
Elderly dogs may not be suitable for hand stripping as it can take a long time.
Some dogs with skin complaints may not be able to be hand stripped.
Some dogs may not have the correct coat for handstripping.
A final note...
At Paws of Par we know that each and every dog is different and the style and method of grooming chosen is entirely down to your own preference. I always invite you to discuss your requirements for your 4 legged friend's groom with me and I will give you the best possible advice I can.