How to Groom a Dog with Wiry Hair
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
A little Terrier named Terra was known by the kids in her family as "Terra the Terrible Terrier". Though she was actually a nice little dog, she may have been a terror to groom!
Wire-haired dogs from the terrier family have a different coat from most dogs. They have a soft, thick, undercoat, and wiry long hairs that grow through the undercoat and stick out. Sort of like a person wearing a polar fleece with a windbreaker overtop! The wiry coat traps water and dirt on the outside, keeping the undercoat dry and clean. This is probably great if you are a little dog that was bred to go down holes after rodents and such, like a Terrier, for instance! But it presents a grooming conundrum. How do you groom a coat that is made up of two different types of hair?
Well, there are two solutions: you can address it, or you can ignore it. Which you choose depends on whether you have a show dog that requires that wirehair is preserved and maintained by hand stripping so that new wire hairs grow and your dog maintains that scruffy terrier look. However, many pet owners opt for an easier method and clip the entire coat uniformly.
Dog's Perspective
The Hand Stripping Method
The Uniform Clip Method
Caution & Considerations
Hand stripping is time-consuming and may need to be accomplished in several sessions if it has not been done for quite a while.
Hand stripping techniques need to be done with care and taking small amounts of hair at a time so as not to cause discomfort to the dog.
Hand stripping techniques for specific breeds are very particular and can be difficult, so it is usually done professionally. A professional with experience specific to your dog's breed can be difficult to locate.
Wirehair undercoats can form mats, even when short, during the shedding season especially.
Clipping a wiry-haired dog may not address differences in the hair coat, and is not appropriate for dogs that are going to participate in shows.
Mud and debris between the toes of wire-haired breeds can mat hair and cause sores and cysts if not addressed during grooming.
Conclusion
Grooming your wiry-haired dog will require a decision on whether to maintain that wiry scruffy look by hand stripping or whether you just want to take it all off! This decision may be affected by whether you plan on showing your wiry haired pup and need to maintain a breed standard. Either way, your wiry-haired dog will appreciate looking his best--even ratters have a little bit of vanity after all!
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Precious
Precious has loose skin on the back of her neck. Or maybe it's fat rolls? How do you shave/cut that type of area?
Was this experience helpful?
Broken Toe nails
0 Dog owners recommended
Hi Tricia! When dealing with a broken toe nail you may want to ask your groomer or veterinarian if you see bleeding. The main thing is to remove any hanging pieces of nail. Once this is removed a dremel can be used to smooth out any sharp or jagged edges that may catch on carpet or furniture. Thanks for your question! Paige
Add a comment to Tuck's experience
Was this experience helpful?
We’re getting our dog Lucy groomed for the first time on the 19th we have never owned a wire haired dog before and don’t know what to expect she needs it but we don’t want to regret it. She’s not going to be a show dog but we want her groomed and to look like a normal dog
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the question and the cute picture of Lucy! The trim should be pretty straightforward and from what I can see, just a basic neatening up. Have you asked around the dog park or obedience classes for referrals for groomers? This is a good way to choose a groomer - if you see a dog with a trim you like, ask where the owners went to have the dog trimmed. When you are at the groomer, be specific in what you'd like and that way, they can be sure of what you have in mind. All the best!
Add a comment to Lucy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Quick question... is it possible to make my wirehaired dog softer? We like to cuddle
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the question about Frankie's coat. Wirehaired breeds have a unique coat that requires special care. I've attached an information page about the coat and how to care for it, but you may want to consult a groomer once the shelter in place is lifted. It's a good idea to get Frankie started off on the right foot - used to the grooming process and comfortable with it. This breed is really not known for soft fur at all; they were bred for this specific coat. Take a look at these links for assistance until you see the groomer. Good luck and enjoy your pooch! https://wagwalking.com/grooming/brush-a-wire-haired-dog https://thepetretreat.co.uk/blog/wiry-coat-grooming-guide/ You can try coconut oil but the fact is, Frankie's wiry coat will most likely stay that way. Trimming the fur may help. https://wagwalking.com/grooming/brush-a-dog-with-coconut-oil
Add a comment to Frankie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Add a comment to Precious's experience