If you own a West Highland Terrier, you know that they have a distinctive double coat that requires regular grooming. Trimming your Westie’s coat yourself can be a great way to save money and bond with your dog. However, it’s important to do it correctly to avoid any injuries or discomfort to your pet.
Before you start, gather your supplies. You will need a pair of sharp scissors, a slicker brush, a comb, and a pair of thinning shears. You may also want to use a detangling spray to help make the process easier. Once you have your supplies, you can start the trimming process. Begin by brushing your dog’s coat to remove any tangles or mats. Then, use the scissors to trim any excess hair around the face, ears, and feet. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin, as this can cause irritation.
Preparation Before Trimming
Gathering Essential Tools
To ensure a smooth and effective grooming session, gather all necessary equipment beforehand. This includes:
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Sharp Scissors:
Choose straight and curved scissors specifically designed for dog grooming. Use a separate pair for trimming the coat and for shaping the face, feet, and tail.
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Combs and Brushes:
A wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush are essential for detangling and removing loose hair.
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Nail Clippers:
Sharp nail clippers are necessary for trimming overgrown nails.
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Towels:
Have clean towels handy for drying your Westie after bathing.
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Grooming Table:
A secure grooming table will provide a comfortable and stable work surface.
Bathing and Drying
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Bathe:
Before trimming, give your Westie a thorough bath using a gentle dog shampoo. Avoid using human shampoos, as they can be harsh on a dog’s skin.
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Rinse and Dry:
Rinse your Westie thoroughly and towel dry as much as possible. Use a hairdryer on a low setting to finish drying the coat, ensuring to avoid overheating your pet.
Brushing and Detangling
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Brush:
Use the slicker brush to remove any tangles or mats. Start at the tail end and work your way towards the head, always brushing in the direction of hair growth.
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Comb:
Use the wide-toothed comb to remove any remaining tangles or loose hair. Begin at the head and comb down towards the tail.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight scissors | Trimming the coat |
| Curved scissors | Shaping the face, feet, and tail |
| Wide-toothed comb | Detangling |
| Slicker brush | Removing loose hair |
| Nail clippers | Trimming overgrown nails |
Tools and Supplies Needed
Trimming your West Highland Terrier requires a specific set of tools and supplies. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Blades and Shears
The type of blades and shears you use will depend on the intended result. Here are some common options:
| Blade/Shear | Description |
|---|---|
| Stripping Knife | Thin, double-edged blade used to remove dead hair. |
| Thinning Shears | Sharp shears with closely spaced teeth to reduce hair volume. |
| Blending Shears | Similar to thinning shears but with slightly wider teeth to create a softer blend. |
| Round-Tip Scissors | Blunt-tipped scissors used for trimming sensitive areas like the face and feet. |
Other Essentials
In addition to blades and shears, you’ll need these items:
* Slicker brush
* Comb
* Bathing products (shampoo, conditioner)
* Towel
* Grooming table (optional but recommended)
Bathing and Drying
Before you start trimming, it’s essential to give your West Highland Terrier a thorough bath and dry to remove any dirt or debris from their coat. This will help to ensure a clean, even trim and prevent any mats or tangles from forming.
Step 1: Wetting the Coat
Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly using lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage their skin and coat. Use a mild dog shampoo and massage it into their coat, working from head to tail. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly, ensuring no residue is left behind.
Step 2: Conditioning the Coat
After washing, apply a dog conditioner to your dog’s coat. This will help to soften and detangle their fur, making it easier to trim. Leave the conditioner on for the time specified on the product instructions, then rinse it off thoroughly.
Step 3: Drying the Coat
To dry your dog’s coat, you can use a towel, a hairdryer, or a combination of both. If you use a towel, gently pat your dog’s coat dry until most of the water has been absorbed.
If you use a hairdryer, set it to a low heat setting and hold it at least 6 inches away from your dog’s skin. Continuously move the hairdryer around, avoiding concentrated heat on any one area. Brush your dog’s coat as you dry it to help remove any tangles.
| Drying Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Towel Drying | Removes most water, less likely to damage coat | Can be time-consuming, may not fully dry coat |
| Hairdryer Drying | Faster, more thorough drying | Can damage coat if not used properly, may cause tangles |
Brushing and Combing
Brush your Westie daily to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair and a comb to remove tangles. Brush in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head and working your way down the body. Pay special attention to areas where mats are likely to form, such as the ears, armpits, and groin.
Correct Brushing and Combing Technique:
| Step 1: | Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair, starting from the head and working your way down the body. |
|---|---|
| Step 2: | Switch to a comb to remove tangles, following the direction of hair growth. |
| Step 3: | Pay attention to areas prone to matting (ears, armpits, groin) and brush gently to prevent breakage. |
| Step 4: | Avoid overbrushing, as excessive brushing can cause damage to the hair follicles. |
Identifying and Separating the Different Hair Types
Westies have two distinct hair types that require different trimming techniques: the outer coat and the undercoat.
Outer Coat
The outer coat consists of long, coarse, and wiry hairs that form the characteristic “skirt” of the breed. These hairs vary in length from 2 to 4 inches and should be trimmed with scissors or a stripping knife.
Undercoat
The undercoat is a soft, wooly layer of hair that provides insulation and helps to keep the dog warm. It is typically shorter than the outer coat and should be removed with a stripping comb or by hand stripping.
How to Separate the Hair Types
To properly trim a Westie, it is crucial to separate the outer coat from the undercoat. This can be achieved by using the following techniques:
Finger and Thumb
Combing
Stripping Comb
| Method | Tool | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Finger and Thumb | Fingers | Small areas, precise separation |
| Combing | Fine-toothed comb | Larger areas, removing loose undercoat |
| Stripping Comb | Stripping comb | Efficient removal of dead undercoat |
Trimming the Body
The body of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 2 inches. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the shoulders and working your way down to the tail. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Once you have trimmed the body, you can use a thinning shears to blend the hair and give it a more natural look. Pay particular attention to the areas around the legs and tail, where the hair can be thicker and more difficult to trim.
If you are not comfortable trimming your West Highland Terrier yourself, you can take him to a professional groomer. A groomer will be able to trim your dog’s coat correctly and safely.
Trimming the Legs
The legs of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 1 inch. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the top of the leg and working your way down to the paw. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Trimming the Tail
The tail of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 4 inches. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the base of the tail and working your way to the tip. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Trimming the Head
The head of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 1 inch. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the top of the head and working your way down to the chin. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Trimming the Feet
The feet of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 1/2 inch. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the top of the foot and working your way down to the toes. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Trimming the Ears
The ears of a West Highland Terrier should be trimmed to a uniform length of about 1/2 inch. Use a stripping knife or a blunt scissors to remove the dead hair. Work in sections, starting at the top of the ear and working your way down to the tip. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
Trimming the Head and Neck
Trimming the head and neck of a West Highland Terrier requires careful attention to detail, as these areas are prone to matting and tangles. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Face and Ears
Use a small, sharp pair of scissors to trim around the eyes, nose, and ears. Keep the scissors pointing away from the dog’s face to avoid injury. Remove any mats or tangles gently, using a comb to separate the hairs first.
Cheeks
Use thinning shears to trim the hair on the cheeks, creating a rounded, soft look. Avoid over-trimming, as too short hair can look unnatural.
Neck
Trim the hair on the neck to a length of 1-2 inches. Use scissors or thinning shears to achieve a clean, blended look. Brush the hair upward while trimming to remove any loose ends.
Beard and Muzzle
The beard and muzzle should be trimmed to a medium length, with a soft, blended transition to the cheeks. Use thinning shears to avoid a sharp line.
Forelock
Trim the hair on the top of the head, known as the forelock, to a length of 2-3 inches. It should be left slightly longer than the rest of the head hair to create a distinctive look.
Table: Trimming the Head and Neck
| Area | Length | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Face and Ears | Trim around edges | Small, sharp scissors |
| Cheeks | Rounded, soft look | Thinning shears |
| Neck | 1-2 inches | Scissors or thinning shears |
| Beard and Muzzle | Medium length | Thinning shears |
| Forelock | 2-3 inches | Thinning shears |
Shaping the Legs
The legs should be straight and well-muscled. The front legs should be parallel to each other, with the elbows close to the body. The rear legs should be parallel to each other, with the hocks well-angulated. The feet should be small and round, with the nails short.
To shape the legs, start by trimming the hair on the inside of the legs. Use a pair of scissors to cut the hair in a straight line from the top of the leg to the bottom. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can make the legs look too thin.
Next, trim the hair on the outside of the legs. Use a pair of scissors to cut the hair in a curved line from the top of the leg to the bottom. The curve should be gradual, and the hair should be slightly longer at the bottom of the leg than at the top.
Finally, trim the hair on the feet. Use a pair of scissors to cut the hair around the pads of the feet. The hair should be cut short, but not too short, as this can make the feet look too small.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for shaping the legs:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Trim the hair on the inside of the legs. |
| 2 | Trim the hair on the outside of the legs. |
| 3 | Trim the hair on the feet. |
Scissoring the Ears
The most important thing to remember when scissoring your Westie’s ears is to take your time and be gentle. Their ears are very delicate, so you don’t want to accidentally cut them. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re using sharp scissors, so that you can get a clean cut.
To start, gently pull your Westie’s ear back so that you can see the inside. Then, use your scissors to trim away any excess hair from the inner ear flap. You’ll want to be careful not to cut too close to the skin, as this could cause irritation.
Once you’ve trimmed the hair from the inner ear flap, you can start to shape the outside of the ear. To do this, hold the ear up and use your scissors to trim away any excess hair around the edges. Again, you’ll want to be careful not to cut too close to the skin.
Trimming the Long Hair on the Ears
The long hair on the ears should be trimmed to a length of about 1 inch. Use thinning shears to create a layered look. Start at the base of the ear and work your way up, cutting small sections of hair at a time. Be careful not to cut too much hair, as this could make the ears look thin and wispy.
Once you’ve trimmed the hair, use your scissors to create a rounded shape to the ends of the ears. This will help to give your Westie a more finished look.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gently pull your Westie’s ear back so that you can see the inside. |
| 2 | Use your scissors to trim away any excess hair from the inner ear flap. |
| 3 | Hold the ear up and use your scissors to trim away any excess hair around the edges. |
| 4 | Use thinning shears to create a layered look to the long hair on the ears. |
| 5 | Use your scissors to create a rounded shape to the ends of the ears. |
Finishing Touches
1. Remove Excess Around Toenails
Using curved nail scissors, carefully trim any excess fur around your Westie’s toenails. This will help keep their feet clean and prevent matting.
2. Clean Up Paws
Use a damp cloth or ear cleaner to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from your Westie’s paws. This will help keep their feet healthy and prevent infection.
3. Brush and Comb
Once your Westie is trimmed, brush them thoroughly using a slicker brush. This will remove any loose hair and ensure their coat looks its best.
4. Shampoo and Condition
If necessary, bathe your Westie using a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
5. Blow Dry
Once your Westie is dry, you can use a blow dryer to give their coat a boost of volume and shape. Start by blow-drying the hair on their head and body, then move on to their legs and tail.
6. Hairspray
If desired, you can use a small amount of hairspray to help keep your Westie’s hair in place. Spray evenly over the coat, avoiding their eyes and nose.
7. Trim Whiskers
If your Westie’s whiskers are too long, you can trim them carefully using curved scissors. Be careful not to cut them too short, as whiskers are important for sensing their surroundings.
8. Clean Ears
Use a cotton ball soaked in ear cleaner to gently clean your Westie’s ears. Remove any wax or dirt that may have accumulated.
9. Trim Nails
Using nail clippers, trim your Westie’s nails to a safe length. It’s important to avoid cutting the quick, which is the sensitive part of the nail. If you’re not comfortable trimming your Westie’s nails, you can take them to a groomer or veterinarian to have them done.
10. Grooming Schedule
To keep your Westie’s coat in top condition, it’s important to establish a regular grooming schedule. The following table provides a general guideline for how often to groom your Westie:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily |
| Bathing | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Trimming | Every 4-6 weeks |
By following these tips, you can help keep your Westie looking and feeling their best.
How to Trim a West Highland Terrier
West Highland Terriers require regular trimming to keep their coat healthy and prevent mats. Trimming a Westie can be done at home with the right tools and techniques.
Materials You’ll Need
- Sharp thinning shears
- Blending shears
- Slicker brush
- Metal comb
- Grooming table (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brush and comb the coat. Remove any tangles or mats before trimming.
- Trim the body. Use thinning shears to trim the hair on the body to an even length of about 1-1.5 inches. Hold the shears at a 45-degree angle and follow the contours of the body.
- Blend the legs. Use blending shears to blend the fur on the legs into the fur on the body. This will create a smooth transition and prevent a harsh line.
- Shape the head. Use thinning shears to shape the fur on the head. Trim around the eyes and ears, and blend the hair on the top of the head into the hair on the body.
- Trim the tail. Use blending shears to trim the fur on the tail. Hold the shears at a 45-degree angle and follow the contour of the tail.
- Brush and comb again. Once the trim is complete, brush and comb the coat to remove any loose hair.
Regular trimming is essential for keeping your West Highland Terrier’s coat healthy. By following these steps, you can give your Westie a professional-looking trim at home.
People Also Ask About How to Trim a West Highland Terrier
How often should I trim my West Highland Terrier?
Most Westies should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
What kind of shears should I use to trim my West Highland Terrier?
Thinning shears and blending shears are the best choices for trimming a Westie’s coat.
Can I use clippers to trim my West Highland Terrier?
Clippers can be used to trim a Westie’s coat, but it is important to use a fine-toothed blade and to be careful not to cut the hair too short.
How do I prevent mats in my West Highland Terrier’s coat?
Regular brushing and combing can help to prevent mats. If you do find a mat, you can carefully cut it out with a pair of scissors.
