5 things to know before taking a Miniature Schnauzer to the groomer
August 22, 2023 4:02 pm
Congratulations on owning one of the smartest, liveliest, and feistiest breeds. There is no wonder why Miniature Schnauzers are one of the most popular choices of breeds; thanks to their fun-loving behaviour and their prominent personalities, these stunning pooches are highly friendly and make the perfect family member. They are an extremely versatile breed and a favourite among many competitive groomers due to their unique features and incredible double coat. But, with a great coat comes great responsibility, and we are here to help you understand some of the most popular questions groomers get about one of the cutest breeds around, the miniature schnauzer.
1 – How often should you groom your Miniature Schnauzer?
Every 6 weeks your Miniature Schnauzer should get groomed, according to Tuft Ambassadors Lindsey Warren and Julain Raymond-Sandy. Due to their double coat, which is made up of a firm wirey topcoat, and a soft undercoat, Miniatures Schnauzers require professional groomers. They require regular grooming and frequent brushing to maintain their beautiful coats.
They can be given a standard pet groom, which is more of a low maintenance trim created with clippers, or they can be traditionally hand-stipped to stay in show condition, says Tuft Ambassador Emma Li.
Hand stripping uses the traditional method where groomers ‘strip’ out the coat with their hands or a stripping tool such as a stripping knife or pumice stone. Tuft Ambassador Lindsey believes that Schnauzers could go a little longer between full grooming sessions if they are hand-trimmed. According to Tuft Ambassador Emma Li, hand stripping is more expensive, but it doesn’t work out at much of a price difference because they don’t need to be groomed as often. Depending on the dog, they could be groomed every 2-3 months.
2 – What is the best style for a Miniature Schnauzer?
These dogs are easily recognisable by their traditional bristly whiskers and iconic expressive eyebrows. They are a favourite among competitive groomers as the breed standard is highly regarded, and the cut itself can be very technical.
Here are three fantastic examples of Miniature Schnauzer grooms from Tuft Ambassador Lindsey Warren. Each of these styles was processed using dog clippers to a high-quality professional level. These styles are (starting from the left) Mohawk cut, Pet style, and Asian fusion.
3 – What to expect on arrival when bringing in a Miniature Schnauzer?
Most groomers will require consultation about your dog’s requirements upon arrival. All dogs are different, and depending on how often your dog gets a full groom or whether they are hand-stripped, or clipped, will determine the full extent of the groom’s requirements. For example, if your dog is hand stripped, your grooming session may require a nail clipping and perhaps some work to the eyes and feet. Or, your dog may need a full-grooming session to bring out its best coat condition.
Dog grooming consultations are an essential part of any Miniature Schnauzers grooming session. During the consultation, you’ll discuss treatments, type of groom, price, and styles. Pricing could change depending on the dog’s coat type and coat condition.
4 – How often should you brush a Miniature Schnauzer?
3 or 4 times a week minimum. Brushing your schnauzer is crucial to prevent its coat from matting. As a breed, Schnauzers require regular brushing maintenance to remove the shredded hair of their undercoat that gets caught in the top coat. If their coat is not regularly maintained, it can cause skin problems and health issues.
5 – Can I groom my Miniature Schnauzer myself?
No. Miniature Schnauzers are challenging to groom thanks to their double coat and unique features such as skirts, beards, and angled eyebrows. It’s best to leave it to the experts, who can give your dog the best trim and style possible. Dog groomers train for years and consistently improve their skills with experience and seminars to deliver a stunning and safe groom.
If you’re looking for a groomer near YOU, Tuft is a FREE app that you can use to find, book, and review a dog groomer in your area.
Download it here today.
