schnauzer owners

[rosebud*]

when you groom your dog do you shave from the neck down or from the tail down. My breeder has offered to show me how to shave Kenzy and I want to take her up on the offer since I don't want to pay 50-70 dollars once a month for grooming. But I have heard different things. For instance my breeder shaves her mini tail to neck, which her SIL does ( who by the way is a big shower and breeder of mini schnauzers) but the groomer out in town shaves them neck to tail. So I am wondering which way is the best way. Thanks

 

[Wings]

I used to own a show mini schnauzer quite a few years back, now he's on rainbow bridge -sniff-. I thought show schnauzers are hand plucked to get the undercoat off and not shaved?
Well I used to plucked them from neck to tail, never shaving till he retired from show business.

 

[rosebud*]

well I am not going to show mine and my breeders SIL shaves those who aren't show quality. if that makes sense. Also I don't really want to get into the whole stripping process. makes me nervous

 

[groominggal]

You can shave dogs either with the growth of hair (from neck to tail) or against the growth (from tail to neck). I have done both on many different breeds of dogs, including schnauzers. For me, it just really depends on how the hair grows. Coats that are super flat and don't have much fluff to them look MUCH better shaved against the growth. I know some groomers that can't stand to cut against the growth, and some that love it and perfer to. I don't really care either way, just what looks the best is fine with me. But be warned, the clipper blades cut twice as much hair when you go against the growth of hair! And yes, show schnauzers are supposed to be hand stripped.

 

[rosebud*]

Cool thanks for the info. Kenzy has a ton of fur, but it is soft and straight. Unusual I know. So in that case would it be best to go with or against the grain? thanks again