What is hand stripping and which dogs need it?

Hand stripping is a dog-grooming technique where dead outer coat is removed by hand rather than simply cutting the hair shorter with clippers.

It's associated particularly with certain wire-coated breeds and coat types.

Not every dog needs hand stripping and not every dog groomer offers it, so if your dog's coat may require this technique it's worth finding a groomer who provides the service and discussing your individual dog with them.

What does hand stripping mean?

Some coats naturally reach a point where older outer hairs are ready to come away.

During hand stripping, these hairs are removed using the groomer's fingers and appropriate hand-stripping tools.

Despite the name, the objective isn't to pull out healthy hair indiscriminately. The groomer works with coat that is ready to be removed.

Is hand stripping the same as clipping?

No.

Clippers cut the hair. Hand stripping removes appropriate dead outer hairs from the coat.

Because the techniques affect the coat differently, clipping a coat and hand stripping it are not interchangeable ways of producing exactly the same result.

Which technique is appropriate depends on the individual dog's coat and circumstances.

Which dogs are commonly hand stripped?

Hand stripping is often associated with wire-coated breeds and terriers.

Examples can include some:

• Border Terriers
• Wire Fox Terriers
• Welsh Terriers
• Norfolk Terriers
• Norwich Terriers
• Irish Terriers

Other breeds and individual dogs can also have coats suitable for stripping.

However, breed name alone doesn't determine what should happen to an individual dog's coat. Coat texture, previous grooming and the dog's individual circumstances matter.

If you're unsure, ask a groomer who offers hand stripping to assess your dog's coat.

Do all Border Terriers need hand stripping?

Hand stripping is commonly associated with the traditional coat maintenance of Border Terriers, but individual owners and dogs have different circumstances.

Some Border Terriers may previously have been clipped, some coats may behave differently, and the individual dog's comfort and needs need to be considered.

Rather than assuming a technique solely from breed, discuss your dog's coat and grooming history with the groomer.

Does hand stripping hurt a dog?

Correct hand stripping works with appropriate coat that is ready to come away.

However, individual dogs vary in how comfortable they are with grooming and handling.

A groomer offering hand stripping can assess the coat and discuss whether the technique is appropriate for the individual dog.

If you have concerns about your dog's comfort, raise them before the appointment.

How long does hand stripping take?

There isn't one standard appointment length. It can depend on:

• Breed and size
• Amount of coat
• Coat condition
• How ready the coat is
• How the dog responds to the process
• The finish required
• The groomer's way of working

Ask the individual business how they structure hand-stripping appointments.

How often does a hand-stripped dog need grooming?

Again, there isn't one universal interval.

The coat goes through its own growth cycle, and the grooming schedule can depend on the dog, coat and desired finish.

Some owners also maintain coats differently depending on whether the dog is a pet, working dog or being presented in a particular style.

A groomer experienced with the individual coat type can recommend an appropriate schedule.

Can I hand strip my dog myself?

Hand stripping is a technique that requires understanding which coat should be removed and how to work with it appropriately.

If you're interested in maintaining some of your dog's coat at home, ask an experienced groomer to explain what's appropriate for your individual dog rather than simply pulling at coat based on a generic online demonstration.

What if my dog has previously been clipped?

Tell the groomer.

Previous clipping can affect what the groomer finds when assessing the coat and what options they recommend.

Don't assume that because your dog was previously clipped, hand stripping definitely can or cannot be used in future.

Let someone experienced with the technique assess the actual coat.

How do I find a dog groomer who offers hand stripping?

Hand stripping isn't offered by every grooming business.

When comparing groomers, look at their service list rather than assuming that every full-groom service includes hand stripping.

Book A Dog Groomer allows businesses to select hand stripping when it is a service they offer.

This means you can use the directory as a starting point and then contact the individual groomer to discuss your dog's breed, coat and grooming history. It also helps to understand your dog's coat type before you enquire.

Service information is supplied by the individual grooming businesses. Contact the groomer directly to confirm the service is appropriate for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

Is hand stripping only for terriers?

It is strongly associated with a number of wire-coated terrier breeds, but suitability depends on the individual coat rather than simply whether the word terrier appears in the breed name.

Is hand stripping better than clipping?

Neither technique is universally better. They do different things to the coat. The appropriate option depends on the dog's coat and individual circumstances.

Can an older dog be hand stripped?

Age alone doesn't answer whether hand stripping is appropriate. The dog's coat, comfort, health and tolerance of the process all need consideration. Discuss the individual dog with the groomer.

Do all dog groomers offer hand stripping?

No. It is a specific grooming service and individual businesses choose whether they provide it. Check the groomer's service list and ask before booking.