Stripping a Border Terrier

Your Border Terrier is a breed of dog which has two coats, designed to keep the dog warm and waterproof. The top layer is harsh bristly hair and the lower level a softer shorter hair.

The top layer will need to be stripped, rather than clipped, out. Contrary to some beliefs a Border Terrier will moult, especially as the coat is becoming ready to be stripped.

Stripping can be carried out by a reputable groomer or you can learn to do it yourself, this may sound a daunting task but once you get the hang of it you can strip while you and your dog relax, plus you can save a fortune on groomers fees!

Your Border's coat is ready to be stripped when it becomes 'blown'. This just means the hairs are starting to part naturally. 

A Border will generally need to be fully stripped twice a year but each dog is different and can be done in between main strips to keep the coat thinned during the warmer months.

It's a good idea to get your dog used to the process of stripping from an early age, before the first strip, and with practice you will soon get the hang of it. 

You wont actually be stripping to begin with but getting the dog used to your touch, sitting still and even enjoying the process. Treats, patience and rewards will help a lot here!

Stripping at home doesn't need to be done all in one day like a groomer would, half an hour a day for a week will achieve the same results just make sure you move around the body to ensure they aren't patchy. 

The lower back of the head and neck are generally the hardest parts to strip with the sides above the back legs generally being a lot easier and so may be a good place to practice. 

People generally pull out hairs with the hand they write with and hold the skin with the other. 

To strip all you need to do is gently hold and pull a few hairs at a time with your thumb and finger, you may want to hold the skin still with your other hand. 

Scissors can be carefully used around the paw pads and the belly as it is usually soft fur and around the genitals but legs, chest, under the jaw, along with the main body should all be hand stripped. 

You just need to practice holding the skin with one hand and pulling the hairs with the other. 

Take a look at a few videos we found on Youtube too for more help.

Good luck.