Breed Profiles

Afghan Hound (Ho-Si)
Airedale Terrier (Te-Wi)
American Cocker Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Bearded Collie (Pa-Dc2)
Bedlington Terrier (Te-Wo)
Bernese Mountain Dog (Wo-Dc1)
Bichon Frise (To-Wo)
Border Collie (Pa-Dc1 or Sm)
Border Terrier (Te-Wi)
Bouvier des Flandres (Wo-Dc2)
Boxer (Wo-Sm)
Cairn Terrier (Te-Wi)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (To-Si)
Chow Chow (Ut-Dc1)
Clumber Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Cocker Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Dachshund – Long Coat (Ho-Si)
Dachshund – Smooth Coat (Ho-Sm)
Dachshund – Wire Coat (Ho-Wi)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier (Te-Wi)
Deerhound (Ho-Wi)
Dobermann (Wo-Sm)
English Setter (Gd-Si)
English Springer (Gd-Si)
Field Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Flat Coat Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
German Shepherd (Pa-Dc1)
Giant Schnauzer (Wo-Wi)

Scottish Terrier (Te-Wi)
Sealyham Terrier (Te-Wi)
Shetland Sheepdog (Pa-Dc1)
Shih Tzu (Ut-Dc2)
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Te-Si)
St. Bernard (Wo-Dc1)
Sussex Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Tibetan Terrier (Ut-Dc2)

Golden Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
Gordon Setter (Gd-Si)
Griffon Bruxellois (To-Wi or Sm)
Irish Setter (Gd-Si)
Irish Terrier (Te-Wi)
Irish Water Spaniel (Gd-Wo)
Irish Wolfhound (Ho-Wi)
Italian Spinone (Gd-Wi)
Kerry Blue Terrier (Te-Si)
Labrador Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
Lakeland Terrier (Te-Wi)
Lhasa Apso (Ut-Dc2)
Lowchen (To-Si)
Maltese (To-Si)
Miniature Schnauzer (Ut-Wi)
Newfoundland (Wo-Dc1)
Norfolk Terrier (Te-Wi)
Norwich Terrier (Te-Wi)
Old English Sheepdog (Pa-Dc2)
Papillion (To-Si)
Parson Russell Terrier (Te-Wi)
Pekingese (To-Dc1)
Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Pa-Dc2)
Pomeranian (To-Dc1)
Poodle (Ut-Wo)
Rough Collie (Pa-Dc1)
Samoyed (Pa-Dc1)
Schnauzer (Ut-Wi)

Welsh Springer Spaniel (Gd-Si)
Welsh Terrier (Te-Wi)
West Highland White Terrier (Te-Wi)
Wire Fox Terrier (Te-Wi)
Yorkshire Terrier (To-Si)
Crossbreeds

USE OF BREED PROFILES AND GROOMING TIPS
• Think about the dog you are trimming as an individual. Know about the characteristics
of each breed as these differ from breed to breed, and the details will
help you when styling and handling.
• Two dogs of the same breed can vary enormously.
• Use the trimming diagrams. Interpret them for the individual dog and think
about making that dog look its best possible. There is no hard and fast rule for
choosing the blade size – the size depends on the thickness of the dog’s coat.
Therefore gauge the coat’s quality before you clip the body. Coats can be clipped
with a skip-toothed blade which gives a longer finish than the ‘F’ blades, or they
can be thinned or scissored to give a more natural or longer effect, respectively.
• When clipping, use the blending lines and the position of the tail set (see
Fig. 9.4, Chapter 9) as the line to stop clipping. Then scissor or thin to give the
desired finish for an overall and tidy blended trim.
• When trimming beards, lift the beard furnishings out of the way to tidy round
the clipped area.
• When trimming eyebrows, lift the brow furnishings to clear in front of the eye
corners.
• To give lift to long brows you can thin or scissor a little from the inner corner of
the eyebrow furnishings.
• Never trim chest furnishings with the dog sitting down.
• When trimming ensure all clipping lines are precise and scissoring is even to
give the dog the best possible look.
• Refer to Chapter 9 for points of the dog (Fig. 9.4) and terminology.
• Refer to Chapter 10 for working checklists.
Trims change over time so keep your knowledge of these changes up to date
by attending seminars and dog shows.
THE BREEDS
The following breed appearance and characteristics have been reproduced by
kind permission of the Kennel Club.

Afghan Hound (Ho-Si)
General appearance: Gives the impression of strength and dignity, combining
speed and power. Head held proudly.
Characteristics: Eastern or oriental expression is typical of breed. The Afghan
looks at and through one.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The Afghan should look natural and untrimmed. Fig. 11.1 shows an Afghan
before trimming. Compare this to the finished dog in Fig. 11.4.
• Scissor or clip under the pads.
• Strip any excess hair from the saddle (Fig. 11.2).

• Ensure that the face is smooth by stripping dead coat or using thinning scissors
(Fig. 11.3).
• If requested, the feet can be trimmed into a round shape. Fig. 11.4 shows a
finished Afghan.
Alternative method
Trimming this coat can be difficult as the texture of the coat shows scissor marks.
If the legs are to be shortened, scissor down the coat following the natural flow of
the coat growth and contours of the dog (Fig. 11.5). Thinning scissors can help
reduce the ‘chop marks’ (Fig. 11.6). If the coat is badly matted, clipping may be the
only option.

Airedale Terrier (Te-Wi)

General appearance: Largest of the Terriers, a muscular, active, fairly cobby dog,
without suspicion of legginess or undue length of body.
Characteristics: Keen of expression, quick of movement, on the tiptoe of expectation
at any moment. Character denoted and shown by expression of eyes and by
carriage of ears and erect tail.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Hand stripping
The coat should be hand stripped all over to maintain the colour and texture. The
process should never be uncomfortable for the dog, therefore stripping should be
carried out when the coat is ready and should never be forced. You can assess the
readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body and by gently pulling a
few hairs. If the coat is ‘tight’ to the body and the hair is difficult to pull out, it is
not ready to strip.
Use either the finger and thumb or a stripping knife to remove the dead topcoat.
Work to the pattern shown for clipping. The head, throat and ears need to be
stripped very close so ensure you do not cause any friction with the knife. Clip
inside the ears. Use thinning scissors to tidy the back muscle and around the feet.
The head should be rectangular with short brows (Fig. 11.9).

American Cocker Spaniel (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Serviceable-looking dog with refined chisel head, strong,
well boned legs, well up at the shoulder, compact sturdy body, wide muscular
quarters, well balanced.
Characteristics: Merry, free, sound, keen to work.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The body coat should be hand stripped – strip dull, fluffy coat with finger and
thumb.
• For pet trims the skirt can be taken down (made shorter) dramatically and the
legs scissored to a tubular shape (Fig. 11.11).
• An undocked tail can be feathered or clipped very short.
• Fig. 11.12 is of an American Cocker Spaniel in show trim.

Bearded Collie (Pa-Dc2)
General appearance: Lean active dog, longer than it is high in approximate proportion
of 5 to 4, measured from point of chest to point of buttock. Bitches may be
slightly longer. Though strongly made, should show plenty of daylight under
body and should not look too heavy. Bright enquiring expression is a distinctive
feature.
Characteristics: Alert, lively, self-confident and active.
Recommended time between trims: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• A full-coated Bearded Collie should only have the hygiene areas and under the
pads clipped.

• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the
topknot (Fig. 11.13). To trim the fringe, place your thumb on the stop and comb
a small amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye
to the outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Bedlington Terrier (Te-Wo)
General appearance: A graceful, lithe, muscular dog, with no signs of either
weakness or coarseness. Whole head pear- or wedge-shaped, and expression in
repose mild and gentle.
Characteristics: Spirited and game, full of confidence. An intelligent companion
with strong sporting instincts.
Recommended time between trims: 6–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The feet should be ‘hare-like’ and the tail ‘rat-tail’.
• Scissor a diamond-shaped tassel on the end of the ear.

Bernese Mountain Dog (Wo-Dc1)
General appearance: Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well-boned, of
striking colour.
Characteristics: A multi-purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and
devoted family dog. Slow to mature.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet with padded hocks.

Bichon Frise (To-Wo)
General appearance: Well balanced dog of smart appearance, closely coated with
handsome plume carried over the back. Natural white coat curling loosely. Head
carriage proud and high.
Characteristics: Gay, happy, lively little dog.
Recommended time between trims: 4 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The coat should be ideally scissored to 7.5–10 cm (2–3 inches) in length.
If a shorter trim is required you can clip the body with a 4F blade.

• Hand-strip the complete coat leaving small padded brows and rounded beard
to create an ‘otter head’ appearance. However, if the skin is in poor condition or
the coat is of poor texture hand-stripping may not always be appropriate as this
could cause irritation.
• Clipping the coat is not advisable as this would cut into the undercoat and leave
marks.
• Using thinning scissors all over the coat will create a more natural look.
• The beard and brow line should run from the outer corner of the eye to the corner
of the mouth.
• If hand-stripping use thinning scissors to tidy under tail, around feet and rear
muscle line.
Bouvier des Flandres (Wo-Dc2)
General appearance: Compact body, short coupled, powerfully built, well boned,
strongly muscled limbs, giving impression of great power but without clumsiness
in general deportment.
Characteristics: Lively appearance revealing intelligence, energy and audacity.
Its harsh beard is very characteristic giving forbidding expression.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Clip top of skull and ear with a fine blade size No. 10. Do not clip cheeks. Blend
in beard with thinners.
• Use thinning scissors on the body and legs to shape to a natural conformation.
• Leave coat longer on the neck to create an arched neck.-
• Trim throat shorter than body coat.

Pet trim
• Follow a rounded head shape as shown for the West Highland White
(Fig. 11.102 later). Trim the hair at the corner of the eye with thinning scissors,
but do not over-trim here.
• Trim a fringe to create a visor over the eyes.
• The head should be a circular shape and all the hair should be of the same
length.
• Scissor a semi-circle outline from the nose to behind the ear – the longest point
being below the eye.
• Comb hair back and tidy any overhang at the back of the neck and ears with
thinning scissors.
• Lift the hair on top of the head and sides in sections, using thinning scissors to
create a circular shape (a layered full appearance).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (To-Si)
General appearance: Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression.
Characteristics: Sporting, affectionate, absolutely fearless.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
Do not clip this breed, in particular, the Blenheim and Ruby colorations. The
undercoat is a different colour and clipper marks show very easily. Black and Tan
and Tricolour do not look as bad but it is preferable that the body coat should be
left natural. Use a Coat King or thinners to help the coat lay flat. If an owner insists
on getting the body coat clipped, you do not have much choice!
• Trim natural feet.
• Tidy hock hair to look padded.
• Trim feathering to look natural and flowing.
• Thin all excessive coat under the ear to help with aeration.

Chow Chow (Ut-Dc1)
General appearance: Active, compact, short coupled and essentially well balanced,
leonine in appearance, proud, dignified bearing; well knit frame; tail
carried well over back.
Characteristics: Quiet dog, good guard, bluish-black tongue; unique in its stilted
gate.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet
• Trim padded hocks

Griffon Bruxellois (To-Wi or Sm)
General appearance: A cobby, well-balanced, square little dog, giving appearance
of measuring the same from withers to tail root as from withers to ground.
Characteristics: Smart little dog with disposition of a terrier. Two varieties, rough
coated, Griffon Bruxellois, and the smooth coated, Petit Brabancon. Both with
pert, monkey-like expression, heavy for size.
Rough coated
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be hand-stripped all over. However, if the skin is in poor condition
or the coat is of poor texture hand-stripping may not always be appropriate
as this could cause irritation.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.

• Leave a light padding on legs.
• Tight feet.
• Use thinning scissors to tidy rear muscle line.
• Hand-strip the head and ears clean, leaving a full face and beard.

Clumber Spaniel (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Well balanced, heavily boned, active with a thoughtful
expression, overall appearance denoting strength.
Characteristics: Stoical, great-hearted, highly intelligent with a determined attitude
enhancing its natural ability. A silent worker with an excellent nose.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Do not clip body coat. Hand-strip excessive coat or use Coat King or thinners to
help coat look flat.
• Trim natural feet with padded hocks.
• Trim excess hair from ears and tidy edges.
• Trim feathering to look natural.
• Tidy throat area with thinning scissors.

Dachshund (Ho)
Long Coat (Si)
General appearance: Long and low, but with compact, well muscled body, bold,
defiant carriage of head and intelligent expression.
Characteristics: Intelligent, lively, courageous to the point of rashness, obedient.
Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong fore
quarters and fore legs. Long, strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold.
Excellent nose. Persevering hunter and tracker.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet, padded hocks.
• If required thin out rear feathers and chest area using thinners or Coat King.

Smooth Coat (Sm)
General appearance: Long and low, but with compact, well muscled body, bold,
defiant carriage of head and intelligent expression.
Characteristics: Intelligent, lively, courageous to the point of rashness, obedient.
Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong fore quarters
and fore legs. Long, strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold.
Excellent nose. Persevering hunter and tracker.
Recommended time between baths: 4–6 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Wire Coat (Wi)
General appearance: Long and low, but with compact, well muscled body, bold,
defiant carriage of head and intelligent expression.
Characteristics: Intelligent, lively, courageous to the point of rashness, obedient.
Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong fore
quarters and fore legs. Long, strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold.
Excellent nose. Persevering hunter and tracker.
Recommended time between trims: 4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be completely stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• If stripping is not possible, use thinning scissors to create a more natural look.
• Leave small padded brows and beard.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Distinctive head with beautiful silky covering, with large,
wise, intelligent eyes offsetting long, low, weaselly body. Short, strong legs;
weatherproof coat.
Characteristics: Game, workmanlike terrier.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The entire coat should be hand-stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• The front legs should be cylindrical in shape, flowing from the shoulder.
• The back legs need to be stripped clear at the back muscle.
• Trim tight feet.
• The tail should be flag-shaped.
• The skirt should be shaped tight to the groin and deep at the chest.
• The ears are stripped leaving a tassel at the end.

• Clear the corners of the eyes and bridge of the nose with thinning scissors.
• Use thinning scissors to create a rounded head shape – trim under the ears to
remove excessive coat and trim the beard so that it falls forwards.
Deerhound (Ho-Wi)
General appearance: Resembles a rough coated greyhound of larger size and
bone.
Characteristics: The build suggests the unique combination of speed, power and
endurance necessary to pull down a stag, but general bearing is one of gentle
dignity.
Recommended time between trims: 6 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be hand-stripped to enhance the outline.
• Do not over-strip the coat. Just tidy all areas including the top of the head and
the ears.
• Keep a rough-coated appearance.
• Use thinning scissors to trim tight feet.

Dobermann (Wo-Sm)
General appearance: Medium size, muscular and elegant, with well set body. Of
proud carriage, compact and tough. Capable of great speed.
Characteristics: Intelligent and firm of character, loyal and obedient.
Recommended time between baths: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

English Setter (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Of a medium height, clean in outline, elegant in appearance
and movement. The Working English Setter may be proportionally lighter in
build.
Characteristics: Very active with a keen game sense.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
If the coat does not lay flat naturally, hand-strip, thin or use Coat King on the
body coat. Do not clip the coat as this ruins the texture and appearance.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Tidy area between the main and stopper pads.
• Trim the tail so that it is flag-shaped.
• Strip, thin or clip the ears depending on the density of the coat. If clipping,
use a 7F blade. Ensure you leave the front edge of the ear unclipped. Tidy
this for a natural look to ensure a soft expression. Trim the ends and backs of the
ears.
• Clip the throat area from the Adam’s apple to the breast bone and blend along
the seam line with thinners.

English Springer (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Symmetrically built, compact, strong, merry, active.
Highest on leg and raciest in build of all British land spaniels.
Characteristics: Breed is of ancient and pure origins, oldest of sporting gun dogs;
original purpose was finding and springing game for net, falcon or greyhound.
Now used to find, flush and retrieve game for gun.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• This coat should be hand-stripped unless the dog is neutered (see below).
Remove dull, fluffy coat with finger and thumb. If the coat lies flat naturally do
not clip unless requested by the owner.
• A neutered dog may have a very fluffy, pale-coloured coat. Clipping is often the
only option for these dogs as hand-stripping will not be successful.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• An undocked tail should be trimmed so that it is flag-shaped.
• The overall effect should be natural and flowing (Fig. 11.39).
• Many owners prefer a much closer, shorter trim. This can include clipping ears
and scissoring all feathers very short (Fig. 11.40).

Field Spaniel (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Well balanced, noble, understanding sporting spaniel built
for activity and endurance.
Characteristics: Ideal for rough shooting or champion for the country dweller.
Not suitable for city.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• For trimming guidelines see the Springer Spaniel colour sketch (Fig. 11.38).
• This coat should be hand-stripped unless the dog has been neutered (see
below). Remove dull, fluffy coat with finger and thumb. If the coat lays flat naturally
do not clip unless requested by the owner.
• A neutered dog may have a very fluffy, pale coloured coat. Clipping is often the
only option for these dogs as hand-stripping will not be successful.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim hocks tight.
• An undocked tail should be trimmed so that it is flag-shaped.
• The overall effect should be natural and flowing.

Flat Coated Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
General appearance: A bright, active dog of medium size with an intelligent
expression, showing power without lumber, and raciness without weediness.
Characteristics: Generously endowed with natural gun dog ability, optimism
and friendliness demonstrated by enthusiastic tail action.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

German Shepherd (Pa-Dc1)
General appearance: Slightly long in comparison to height; of powerful, wellmuscled
build with weather-resistant coat. Relationship between height, length,
position and structure of fore- and hind quarters (angulation) producing farreaching,
enduring gait. Clear definition of masculinity and femininity essential,
and working ability never sacrificed for mere beauty.
Characteristics: Versatile working dog, balanced and free from exaggeration.
Attentive, alert, resilient and tireless with keen scenting ability.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• Long coated – trim natural feet and padded hocks.
• Use Coat King or thinners on the rear feathering if required.
Giant Schnauzer (Wo-Wi)
General appearance: Powerfully built, robust, sinewy, appearing almost square.
Imposing, with keen expression and alert attitude. Correct conformation of the
utmost importance.
Characteristics: Versatile, strong, hardy, intelligent and vigorous. Adaptable,
capable of great speed and endurance and resistant to weather.
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The body coat should be hand-stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Clip the head, throat and chest even on a hand-stripped coat.
• Trim tight feet.
• Ensure rear muscle line perfectly free from hair.

Golden Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
General appearance: Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover;
sound with kindly expression.
Characteristics: Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Trim tail to flag shape.
• Tidy between main and stopper pads.
• Thin excessive coat around throat.
• Thin excessive feathering on ears. Ensure front of ear is left natural to keep a
soft expression.

Gordon Setter (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Stylish dog, with galloping lines. Consistent with its build
which can be compared to a weight-carrying hunter. Symmetrical in confirmation
throughout.
Characteristics: Intelligent, able and dignified.
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet.
• Thin excess hair from throat.

Irish Setter (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Must be racy, balanced and full of quality. In conformation,
proportionate.
Characteristics: Most handsome, and refined in looks, tremendously active with
untiring readiness to range and hunt under any conditions.
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat must not be normally clipped as this ruins the texture and appearance.
Clipping should only be done as a last resort if the owner requests it.
• If the coat does not lay flat naturally, hand-strip or use Coat King to remove
straggly ends.
• If the dog is neutered the coat may become dull and lifeless. Try using a Coat
King or stripping knife to remove the dead looking coat.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Tidy area between the main and stopper pads.
• Trim tail to flag shape.
• Strip, thin or clip the ears depending on the density of the coat. If clipping, use a
7F blade. Ensure you leave the front edge of the ear unclipped – tidy this to a
natural look to ensure a soft expression. Trim the end and back of the ear.
• Clip the throat area from the Adam’s apple to the breast bone and blend along
the seam line with thinners.

Irish Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: An active, lively and wiry appearance; plenty of substance
but free of clumsiness. Neither cloddy or cobby but showing a graceful racy
outline.
Characteristics: There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is
characteristic and, coupled with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences,
with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epitaph
of ‘the Daredevils’. When ‘off duty’ they are characterised by a quiet caressinviting
appearance, and when one sees them endearingly, timidly pushing their
heads into their masters’ hands, it is difficult to realise that on occasions, at the
‘set-on’, they prove that they have the courage of a lion, and will fight to the last
breath in their bodies. They develop an extraordinary devotion for, and have been
known to track their masters for almost incredible distances.
Recommended time between trims: 3 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be completely hand-stripped. However, if the coat is not suitable
for hand-stripping due to poor skin condition or poor coat texture, use
thinning scissors to create a more natural look.
• Clipping the coat is not advisable as this will cut into the undercoat and leave
unsightly clipper marks.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Clear muscle on rear leg and leave padded coat on bottom of leg and stifle.
• A short skirt can be left.
• Leave padded front legs.
• The head should have short, separated padded brows and a slight beard.

Irish Water Spaniel (Gd-Wo)
General appearance: Smart, understanding, strongly built, compact.
Characteristics: Enduring, versatile gundog for all types of shooting, particularly
in wildfowling.
Recommended time between trims: 6–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Dry the coat to maintain the natural wave.
• Clip the excessive coat on the tail with a no. 10 blade leaving the hair at the base.
• Clip the neck with a 7F blade against the growth up to the Adam’s Apple –
leave the beard under the jaw.
• Scissor the entire coat to follow and accentuate the dog’s natural outline. Leave
longer hair on the neck.
• Blend the topknot across the ears and leave a fringe over the eyes.

Irish Wolfhound (Ho-Wi)
General appearance: Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance,
very muscular, yet gracefully built.
Characteristics: Of great power, activity, speed and courage.
Recommended time between trims: 6 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be hand-stripped to enhance the outline. Do not over-strip the
coat. Just tidy all areas including top of head and ears. Keep a rough-coated
appearance.

• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Use thinning scissors to trim tight feet.

Italian Spinone (Gd-Wi)
General appearance: Solid, squarely built, strong bone and well muscled. Kind
and earnest expression.
Characteristics: Intrepid and untiring, very hardy, adaptable to any terrain
including water. All-purpose gundog.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The entire coat should be hand-stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Leave padded leg furnishings but thin out the coat from the middle of the thigh.
• Tidy round the feet and hock area to neaten.
• Ensure the tail remains thick.
• Hand-strip the head leaving the eyebrows and beard. The eyebrows should fan
out and not be too pronounced. The foreface should be full.
• Leave a little feathering at the bottom of the ear.
• Ensure that the throat is clear from excessive coat.

Kerry Blue Terrier (Te-Si)
General appearance: Upstanding, well knit and proportioned, well developed
and muscular body.
Characteristics: Compact, powerful Terrier, showing gracefulness and an aptitude
of alert determination, with definite terrier style and character throughout.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Labrador Retriever (Gd-Dc1)
General appearance: Strongly built, short coupled, very active; broad in skull;
broad and deep through chest and ribs; broad and strong over loin and hind
quarters.
Characteristics: Good tempered, very agile. Excellent nose, soft mouth; keen love
of water. Adaptable, devoted companion.
Recommended time between baths: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Lakeland Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact.
Characteristics: Gay, fearless demeanour, keen of expression, quick of movement,
on the tiptoe of expectation.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The entire coat should be hand-stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Scissor or thinning scissor at the outer edge of the eye.

Lhasa Apso (Ut-Dc2)
General appearance: Well balanced, sturdy, heavily coated.
Characteristics: Gay and assertive.
Recommended time between trims: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• A full-coated Lhasa Apso should only have the hygiene areas and under the
pads clipped.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the topknot
(Fig. 11.60). To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a small
amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye to the
outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs (Fig. 11.61).

Lowchen (To-Si)
General appearance: Coat clipped in traditional lion clip, tail also clipped, topped
with plume, giving appearance of a little lion. Strongly built, active, well balanced
and alert.
Characteristics: Gay, happy, lively little dog.
Recommended time between trims: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Should traditionally be in a lion clip, however most pet owners prefer either a
full length of coat or a teddy bear trim (Fig. 11.62).
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Maltese (To-Si)
General appearance: Smart, white coated dog, with proud head carriage.
Characteristics: Lively, intelligent, alert.
Recommended time between baths: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• A full-coated Maltese should only have the hygiene areas and under the pads
clipped (Fig. 11.63).
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the topknot.
To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a small
amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye to the
outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.

• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Miniature Schnauzer (Ut-Wi)
General appearance: Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square (length of body
equal to height at shoulder). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation
is of more importance than colour or other purely ‘beauty’ points.
Characteristics: Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.
Recommended time between trims: 6–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The coat should be hand-stripped. However, the head, throat and rear leg
muscle should be clipped.
• Undocked tails should be clipped short.

Newfoundland (Wo-Dc1)
General appearance: Well balanced, impresses with strength and great activity.
Massive bone throughout, but not giving heavy inactive appearance. Noble,
majestic and powerful.
Characteristics: Large draught and water dog, with natural life-saving instinct
and devoted companion.

Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Tidy natural feet.
• Tidy hocks.
• Then trim rear feathering and chest with thinners or Coat King if required.
• Strip or thin excessive hair around ears.

Norfolk Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, short back, good
substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear permissible.
Characteristics: One of the smallest of terriers, a ‘demon’ for its size. Loveable disposition,
not quarrelsome, hardy constitution.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The entire coat should be hand-stripped. However, if the skin is in poor condition
or the coat is of poor texture hand-stripping may not always be appropriate
as this could cause irritation.
• Using thinning scissors all over the coat will create a more natural look.
• Clipping the coat is not advisable as this would cut into the undercoat and leave
marks.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Leave a little feathering on the rear and front legs.
• The top of the head should be stripped short leaving hair on cheeks and under
throat to form a ruff.
• Leave short padded brows.
• Undocked tails should be padded.

Norwich Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong with good substance
and bone. Honourable scars from wear and tear not to be unduly
penalised.
Characteristics: One of the smallest of terriers. Loveable disposition, not quarrelsome,
tremendously active with hardy constitution.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The entire coat should be hand-stripped. However, if the skin is in poor
condition or the coat is of poor texture hand-stripping may not always be
appropriate as this could cause irritation.

• Using thinning scissors all over the coat will create a more natural look.
• Clipping the coat is not advisable as this would cut into the undercoat and leave
marks.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• Leave a little feathering on the rear and front legs. The top of the head should be
stripped short leaving hair on cheeks and under throat to form a ruff.
• Leave short padded brows.
• Undocked tails should be padded.

Old English Sheepdog (Pa-Dc2)
General appearance: Strong, square-looking dog with great symmetry and overall
soundness. Absolutely free from legginess, profusely coated all over. A thickset,
muscular, able-bodied dog with a most intelligent expression. The natural
outline should not be artificially changed by scissoring or clipping.
Characteristics: Of great stamina, exhibiting a gently rising topline and a pearshaped
body when viewed from above. The gait has a typical roll when ambling
or walking. Bark has a distinctive toned quality.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• A full-coated Old English Sheepdog should only have the hygiene areas and
under the pads clipped (Fig. 11.71).
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the topknot.
To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a small

amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye to the
outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• The coat may be scissored all over to any length (Fig. 11.72).
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Papillion (To-Si)
General appearance: Dainty, well balanced little dog. An alert bearing and intelligent
expression.
Characteristics: The name ‘Papillion’ is derived from the shape and position of
the ears. When erect they are carried obliquely like the spread wings of a butterfly,
hence the name. When the ears are completely dropped this type is known as the
‘Phalene’ (Moth). Head markings should be symmetrical, about a narrow white,
clearly defined blaze which is desirable but not essential to represent the body of a
butterfly.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months (but note: show dogs do not
require trimming, only baths).
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• For show purposes no trimming is required.
• Most pet owners prefer feet trimmed to a natural style and hocks tidied.
• Thinning out of featherings around the rear and throat can be done with
thinning scissors or a Coat King.

Parson Russell Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and
endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars
permissible.
Characteristics: Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go
to ground and run with hounds.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The entire coat should be hand-stripped. However, if the skin is in poor
condition or the coat is of poor texture hand-stripping may not always be
appropriate as this could cause irritation.
• Using thinning scissors all over the coat will create a more natural look.
• Clipping the coat is not advisable as this would cut into the undercoat and leave
marks.
• Leave slight padded brows and beard.
Pekingese (To-Dc1)
General appearance: Small, well balanced, thick set dog of dignity and quality.
Characteristics: Leonine in appearance with alert and intelligent expression.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The show dog should not be trimmed.
• Many pet owners prefer feet trimmed in a natural style (Fig. 11.75).

Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Pa-Dc2)
General appearance: Medium size, cobby, strong, muscular, fairly long, thick
coat.
Characteristics: Lively but self-controlled, watchful, bright, clever, perceptive
with excellent memory. Easy to train, works as a herding and watchdog.
Recommended time between trims: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• A full-coated Polish Lowland Sheepdog should only have the hygiene areas
and under the pads clipped (Fig. 11.76).
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the topknot.
To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a small
amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye to the
outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• The coat could be scissored all over to any required length.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Pomeranian (To-Dc1)
General appearance: Compact, short-coupled dog, well knit in frame. Exhibiting
great intelligence in expression; activity and buoyancy in deportment.
Characteristics: Sound, vivacious and dainty.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Scissor the ear tips.
• To create a circular-shaped dog place tail over back and trim all outer edges
(Fig. 11.77).

Poodle (Ut-Wo)
General appearance: Well balanced, elegant looking with very proud carriage.
Characteristics: Distinguished by a special type of clip for show activity and by a
type of coat that does not moult.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The lion trim should be followed for show dogs.
• Most pet owners prefer a more practical style – the commonest being the lamb
trim (Fig. 11.79).
• Variations can be a scissored face (Fig. 11.80), scissored body and scissored feet.
• Moustaches and beards can be left on a clipped face. To align correctly follow a
diagonal line from the just above the nose to the canine tooth.

Rough Collie (Pa-Dc1)
General appearance: Appears as dog of great beauty, standing with impassive
dignity, with no part out of proportion to whole.
Characteristics: Physical structure on lines of strength and activity, free from
cloddiness and no trace of coarseness. Expression most important. In considering
relative values it is obtained by perfect balance and combination of skull and
foreface, size, shape, colour and placement of eyes, correct position and carriage
of ears.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Tidy area between main and stopper pad.

Samoyed (Pa-Dc1)
General appearance: Most striking. Medium and well balanced. Strong, active
and graceful, free from coarseness but capable of great endurance.
Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, full of action. ‘Smiling expression’.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.

Schnauzer (Ut-Wi)
General appearance: Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square (length of body
equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation
is of more importance than colour or purely ‘beauty’ points.
Characteristics: Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The coat should be hand-stripped.
• The head, throat, chest and rear muscle should still be clipped.
• An undocked tail should be clipped short.

Scottish Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Thick-set, of suitable size to go to ground, short-legged,
alert in carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass.
Head gives impression of being long for size of dog. Very agile and active in spite
of short legs.
Characteristics: Loyal and faithful. Dignified, independent and reserved, but
courageous and highly intelligent.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• The body coat should be hand-stripped.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.
• The head, throat and chest should be clipped.
• Leave a tuft of hair on inside of corner of ear.

Sealyham Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Free moving, active, balanced and of great substance in
small compass. General outline oblong, not square.
Characteristics: Sturdy, game and workmanlike.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Shetland Sheepdog (Pa-Dc1)
General appearance: Small, long-haired working dog of great beauty, free from
cloddiness and coarseness. Outline symmetrical so that no part appears out of
proportion to whole. Abundant coat, mane and frill, shapeliness of head and
sweetness of expression combined to present the ideal.
Characteristics: Alert, gentle, intelligent, strong and active.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Tidy area between main and stopper pads.
Shih Tzu (Ut-Dc2)
General appearance: Sturdy, abundantly coated dog with distinctly arrogant carriage
and chrysanthemum-like face.
Characteristics: Intelligent, active and alert.
Recommended time between trims: 4–8 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• A full-coated Shih Tzu should only have the hygiene areas and under the pads
clipped.
• For show purposes the top knot should be fastened (Fig. 11.90).
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the topknot.
To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a small
amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one eye to the
outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• The coat could be scissored all over to any required length.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Te-Si)
General appearance: Medium-sized, compact, understanding terrier well covered
with a soft, wheaten-coloured, natural coat that falls in loose curves or
waves. An active, short-coupled dog, strong and well built; well balanced in
structure and movement, not exaggerated in any way. Standing fore square with
head and tail up, giving the appearance of a happy dog, full of character.
Characteristics: A natural terrier with strong sporting instincts, hardy and of
strong constitution.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• Tidy body and legs to accentuate shape.

St. Bernard (Wo-Dc1)
General appearance: Well proportioned and of great substance.
Characteristics: Distinctly marked, large-sized, mountain-rescue dog.
Recommended time between trims: 3–4 months.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• For rough-coated, feet may be trimmed to natural style.
• Tidy the hocks.
• For pet purposes thinning of rear feathers can be done using thinners or a
Coat King.

Sussex Spaniel (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Massive, strongly built. Active, energetic dog, whose characteristic
movement is a decided roll, and unlike that of any other spaniel.
Characteristics: Natural working ability, gives tongue at work in thick cover.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• This coat should be hand-stripped unless the dog has been neutered (see
below). Remove dull, fluffy coat with finger and thumb. If the coat lies flat naturally
do not clip unless requested by the owner.
• A neutered dog may have a very fluffy, pale coloured coat. Clipping is often the
only option for these dogs and hand-stripping would not be successful.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• An undocked tail should be trimmed in a flag shape.
• The overall effect should be natural and flowing.

Tibetan Terrier (Ut-Dc2)
General appearance: Sturdy, medium-sized, long-haired, generally square outline.
Balanced, without exaggeration.
Characteristics: Lively, good-natured. Loyal companion dog with many engaging
ways.
Recommended time between trims: 4–6 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• The coat could be scissored all over to any required length.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs (Fig. 11.96).
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.
• Finish the head in a ‘teddy-bear’ trim.

Welsh Springer Spaniel (Gd-Si)
General appearance: Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for
endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push
and drive.
Characteristics: Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and
very active.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.
• The body coat should lay flat. Use finger and thumb, stripping knife or Coat
King to remove straggly ends.
• DO NOT clip body coat. This will ruin colour and texture.
• Trim natural feet.
• Trim padded hocks.
• Tidy area between main and stopper pad.
• Feathering should be natural and flowing.
• Strip, thin or clip excessive coat on the ears depending on density.
• Thin out excessive coat on throat.

Welsh Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact.
Characteristics: Affectionate, obedient and easily controlled.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• This breed is normally hand-stripped for the show ring.
• You can assess the readiness of the coat by how it stands away from the body
and by gently pulling a few hairs. If the coat is tight to the body and the hair is
difficult to pull out, it is not ready to strip.

West Highland White Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Strongly built; deep in chest and back ribs; level back and
powerful quarters on muscular legs and exhibiting to a marked degree a great
combination of strength and activity.
Characteristics: Small, active, game, hardy, possessed of no small amount of
self-esteem with a varminty appearance.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• Trim the hair in the corners of the eyes with thinning scissors – do not over
trim here.
• Trim a fringe to create a visor over the eyes.
• The head should be a circular shape and all the hair the same length.

• Scissor a semi-circle outline from the nose to behind the ear – the longest point
being below the eye.
• Comb hair back and tidy any overhang at the back of the neck and ears with
thinning scissors.
• Lift the hair on top of the head and sides in sections using thinning scissors to
create a circular shape (a layered full appearance).

Wire Fox Terrier (Te-Wi)
General appearance: Active and lively, bone and strength in small compass,
never cloddy or coarse. Conformation to show perfect balance; in particular this
applies to the relative proportions of skull and foreface, and similarly height at
withers and length of body from shoulder point to buttocks appear approximately
equal. Standing like a short-backed hunter, covering a lot of ground.
Characteristics: Alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on tiptoe of expectation
at the slightest provocation.
Recommended time between trims: 8–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

Yorkshire Terrier (To-Si)
General appearance: Long coated, coat hanging quite straight and evenly down
each side, parting extending from nose to end of tail. Very compact and neat,
carriage very upright conveying an important air. General outline conveying
impression of vigorous and well-proportioned body.
Characteristics: Alert, intelligent toy terrier.
Recommended time between trims: 6–12 weeks.
Consult checklists in Chapter 10.

• For show purposes the top knot should be fastened with the coat long and
flowing (Fig. 11.107).
• A full-coated Yorkshire Terrier should only have the hygiene areas under the
pads and tips of the ears clipped.
• Most pet owners prefer the feet scissored round and a fringe cut into the
topknot. To trim the fringe, place your thumb onto the stop and comb a
small amount of coat forward and trim across from the outer corner of one
eye to the outer corner of the other eye. Comb another section and trim the overhang.
• To take the coat down further you can layer the coat using thinning scissors.
Lift one section of the coat at a time and layer, following the coat growth. Trim
the edges of the legs to neaten and trim around the head shape.
• To shorten further clip the body coat (following the West Highland White body
lines) and scissor the legs (Figs 11.108 and 11.109).
• Some fine-textured coats are suitable to use thinning scissors to shorten the
back coat.
• If badly matted the coat may require complete clipping.

CROSSBREEDS
These can have any of the coat types or a combination of coat types and colours.
Many dogs that visit a grooming salon are crossbreeds, varying from first cross
(both parents are known) to multi-cross (parentage unknown).
Many crossbreeds may have specific names, e.g. Patterdale Terrier, Fell Terrier
and Labradoodle to mention a few. Remember that these dogs may vary in coat
type so do not assume that two Patterdales or Labradoodles are the same.
When deciding how best to trim a crossbreed, take into account:
• Its characteristics
• Its coat type
• The owner’s wishes
Use your knowledge of styling specific breeds and adapt styles for the crossbreed.
Do not be afraid to mix and match styles, e.g. a West Highland White (Te-
Wi) trim may suit a dog’s body and legs but if it has dropped ears an Airedale
(Te-Wi) head may suit its head better.