raz

I dont use a pumice stone, GM. I think it breaks the coat although I will give a go at using it on ears when I get around to buying one. I like crisp, neat ears. For the rest of the bod I use rubber thimbles. Stripping knife on the legs for nice neat lines and under the jaw. I never use a knife on the head and face because it can take out a chunk. Knife for ontop of tail, and scissors for underneath.

Loki looks like a dwarf afghan when he's not stripped - like now!

No you havent gone too far, GM, and that's the hard part when first starting out. Knowing when to stop. It's like pruning a rose bush. I get snap happy and all of a sudden there's only one twig left ;) With the feet - just neaten them up so they look small and catlike. Doesnt stripping bring up richness in the tan? I do think he was rather cute unstripped though. The Little Spud-Meister!

Definitely remove the whispy bits on his ears, too. ;) and his legs & tootsies.

Far out you have done some work, GM. personally I'd take more off, especially on Spud's neck and tail, but he's looking brilliant.

What moron posted that pitbulls have lockjaw? Oh dearie me. Some things never cease to amaze me. And as for Dobes herding - ofcourse they can bloody herd. I regularly see a couple in action on a friend's property.

What on earth does that have to do with Homoeopathy?

That's what was used, Rusky.

No you didnt upset me, Nuiloa. I'm just not brave enough to venture into this forum very often. I absolutely love your poem. Thankyou.

Oh damn I knew I shouldnt have looked at this. I'm so sorry lovey. No it's not weird. I dont know what else to say to you.

You need a Dr Raz's triple espresso, Quill.

It was the spelling Quill, but Shorn just doesnt look as cute

Hi Quill, My SIL has her border clipped, so does my sister. You'll have to change the Little Bruiser's name to Sean, though

Hmmm. Remember to sing stuff like "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" and your dogs are guaranteed to hate it even more. Other than that - No Idea. Turn the hose on and they love it. Give them a nice warm bath and they think it's torture. I cant work it out!

I disagree. Double coat for temp control as well as water proofing. Clipping invalidates the coat cooling mechanism. I have a non Show terrier with a double coat and there is no way in the world I'll have him clipped for my convenience. The summer heat would just about kill him. I would be finding a Westie Exhibitor in your area to show you how to strip the traditional Westie coat Failing that, any terrier exhibitor/breeder in your area should be able to show you how to strip just to get started.

Out of interest, how long have you been researching pet nutrition, Panda? I imagine there is a lot in it.

Phwoar! Be still my beating heart

Good idea, GG. It's pretty well de rigeur with a lot of people on dogzonline. Those owners of dogs with non shed coats have no idea what they're missing out on I mean, what on earth would I do without a mohair husband?

Ah yes. The old demented-hair-that-squirrels-into-everything routine. I just tell people I'm going through a mohair phase ie. Mohair clothes, mohair car, mohair floorboards, mohair furniture. Sometimes even mohair food.

God he's gorgeous. I could squeeze him 'til he pops.

Ooh Yeah! We do the "Oh god you're a sexy boy" thing!!!!

Hmmmmmmmmmm. I'm going for a wash and wear dog next time, GM! A lot of work goes into making them look scruffy. Little bastards

Good stuff, Meriment You said it well. GM - get ready for the ride of your life Nothing quite like getting a chunky mini afghan (wild rough coat) ready for a show It's almost like pruning in the garden........once you start you cant stop!

I've just sent a pretty lengthy reply, GM, and hope it hasnt put you off. Now looking for pics.......... Oh by the way - I do about 30 minutes then let the dog scamper around to 1. for him to have a break, 2. rest my hands and have a smoke, coffee 3. check out what I've done (or stuffed up ) from a distance. LOTS of chalk if hand stripping!!! I dont wash until after stripping, but if you go for the mars method - wash and dry first.

I've just PMd you, Gracesmum. For future reference, if ever you want to PM someone just click on the pm box under their post. Expert my big hairy butt, BL, but thanks for the plug.