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The Irish terrier, the erdel terrier, the griffon and the rough-coated dachshund are all representatives of rough-coated breeds that need a specific coat treatment called trimming. Why is trimming necessary for them and what is it all about?
Why trim?
For most dogs, molting and general coat renewal takes place 2 times a year - always in spring and autumn. Their hair stops growing in the last stage of development and is released spontaneously. The owners only need to brush the dog properly during this period.
This is not the case with coarse-haired breeds - their hair grows throughout the year. Once the hair reaches the last stage, it does not stop growing, but is nourished and does not fall out spontaneously. If the dog does not mechanically get rid of this aged hair, it is very unpleasant for him. He often tries his best to get rid of the hair - obsessively scratching, rubbing himself against the fence, etc. We try to prevent this condition by mechanical removal - trimming. Once we remove the old hair, we create space for new hair to grow, thus mimicking shedding.
Although this process may seem unpleasant for the dog, it is not. When trimming dogs is done regularly, with the right technique and at the right time, it is relieving, even enjoyable, for the dog.
How to trim dogs?
You can tell when a coat is ripe for trimming by grabbing an overgrown hair and pulling on the coat, pulling it all out of the skin with no problem. Some dogs will change colour (e.g. lighten in colour) - this is also how you can tell if the coat is ready for trimming.
If you do trim your dog yourself, you can use tools such as a trimming knife, a rake, a trimming brush or a dog comb. These will make your job much easier.
You can also find plenty of video tutorials on how to trim a dog on the internet.
In order for the dog to tolerate trimming well, it is important to get him used to the whole process from a young age. A puppy can have its first trim at the age of six months, when the hair can be removed very easily. You can take the opportunity to teach your dog the right habits. As the dog matures, the interval between trims varies - this is because each individual's coat grows for a different length of time. For show dogs, it is recommended to trim every 2-4 weeks to maintain a healthy and strong coat. For non-show dogs, it is recommended not to exceed an interval of 2-3 months.
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If you want to trim your dog, he must not have been bathed for 2-3 weeks. After bathing, the coat is smooth and slippery, making the job unpleasant for both the trimmer and the dog.
Clipping versus trimming
wners of coarse coated dogs often request that their dogs be clipped instead of trimmed. However, the damage to the coat is often irreversible after the clipper has been used. The coat grows poor quality, soft, and may even change color. It also loses its function of repelling water, so if the dog gets wet, it easily gets drenched and cold.
Clipping the dog will not solve the primary problem - loosening the hair from the follicle. The hair doesn't fall out and form a place for new hair, so the dog's coat will itch and the problem of scratching and trying to get rid of unwanted hair will recur.
Finally, the coat should be washed with a suitable shampoo, we recommend either a shampoo for puppies and sensitive dogs or a mud mask to prevent skin inflammation.
