How to Groom a Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are even-tempered dogs and adapt well to grooming. Their hard, wiry coats tend to feather out, particularly along the legs, and can easily become matted. Routine brushing and combing every two weeks will prevent this problem and make the regular grooming process easier to manage. Schnauzers require grooming every six weeks at a minimum.
Things you will need:
- Clippers (with a #10 blade)
- Slicker brush
- Comb
- Shearers
- Dog-sized nail clippers
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- After gathering the necessary equipment, set the items within reach and place the dog on a sturdy table. This will make the procedure easier on your back.
- Do not bath a Schnauzer prior to grooming unless he has been outdoors for an extended period and is dirty. Bathing will remove some of the natural oils essential for a healthy skin and coat.
- Using the slicker brush, comb out the areas of longer hair along the legs and under the chin. If any matting has occurred, be sure to remove the clumps with the brush and comb.
- With the clippers, begin shaving above the eyebrows. Work your way along the back to the end of his tail, going with the grain of the hair. Trim around the tail taking care to avoid the anus.
- Run the clippers along the dog's body. Trim the longer, feathery hair on the animal's legs and chest area with your shearers.
- Carefully clip the dog's toenails. Avoid clipping too far into the colored portion of the nail. Piercing this area, called the quick, is painful to the animal and may cause bleeding.
- Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Squeeze the liquid out so that it is moist, but not dripping and gently swab the interior of the dog's ears.