A Show Dogs Life

GROOMING, Long haired breeds

Brushing/Combing/De-Matting

Breeds such as Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Coton De Tulear, Lhasa Apsos, Shih-Tzu etc.

Brush daily with pin brush, or rotating tooth comb. Depending on your breed, and coat length and thickness, do this biweekly, weekly or every other day. Brush & then comb the entire coat in layers from the skin out. You need a metal comb, not plastic. It is important to get right to the roots. It is wise to Comb out the dog to make sure there are no mats after brushing.

This is usually easiest if the dog is lying on your lap, on its back and side. With one hand, the hair is parted to the skin and held down while the other hand gently combs through the hair below the part. Once this section is smooth and tangle free, another section of hair is pulled down along the part and groomed in the same way. You should moisten each layer with a light mist of conditioner or coat dressing before brushing/combing to avoid breakage, especially if you are trying to keep coat in Show Condition. Fabulous grooming spray serum is just one example of products that can be used.

Comb out the face, corner of the eyes and beard, using the teeth on the fine end of the comb or use an extra-fine facial or flea comb. This comb is also good for removing debris from the eyes.

Extra Fine Flea Comb

After the hair has been completely brushed; take the medium/coarse end of the comb and comb through the coat to make sure that all mats and tangles have been removed. If your dog has a curly coat you may find it easier to use a wide tooth poodle comb.

For a finished look, or while blow drying, a 'Slicker' may be used. A slicker can break the coat, and scratch the skin if NOT used correctly. Be sure to have someone show you the proper way to use a slicker.

 

Slicker

For shedding breeds. A Slicker is great to remove excessive hair.

Applying her top knot

You can use special elastics or clips to make a top knot, (pony tail). Leaving these in too long, can cause breakage. Trying to get them out, can also cause breakage, they make a tool (seen below) to remove the top knot elastic.

Feet
Trim slipper feet with blunt scissors, or clippers.
Be sure NOT to have the clippers set on closest cut, or you can cut the skin between the toes.

De-Matting
Sometimes if matts are so bad, it is just too much pain for the dog, and you will need to clip down to the roots, (brush cut) puppy cut, and start over. For mild matts, and a show Coat they are easy to undo. Using your fingers and a comb, separate the mats. This means, if you have a 1" matt. separate it into 8 small matts, by pulling it apart. Spray with a detangler oil, or sprinkle with baby powder. Slowly work on one matt at a time. For a non show coat, matts can be cut out, or worked out. More on Matting

Leave in moisturizer

 

 

Grooming Main

Showing, Genetics and Breeding

Getting down and dirty

Getting cleaned up and pretty

Grooming tips and general grooming care

Playing, cuddles +  favorite spots 1 - 2

Social Life

Showing and Jr. Handling

Brace

Breeding / Reproducing

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