The West Highland Terrier is a popular breed known for its distinctive white double coat. While their coats are beautiful, they require regular maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Clipping your West Highland Terrier is an important part of their grooming routine, and it’s something that you can do at home with the right tools and techniques.
Before you start clipping your West Highland Terrier, it’s important to gather the right tools. You will need a pair of sharp grooming scissors, a slicker brush, and a comb. You may also want to use a clipper with a #10 blade for shaving the belly and sanitary areas. Once you have your tools, you can start the clipping process. Begin by brushing your dog’s coat to remove any mats or tangles. Then, use the scissors to trim the hair around the face, ears, and feet. Be sure to trim the hair evenly and avoid cutting into the skin. Once you have trimmed the hair around the face, ears, and feet, you can use the clipper to shave the belly and sanitary areas. Be sure to use a light touch and avoid cutting the skin.
Starting with Basics
Before you dive into the world of West Highland Terrier grooming, it’s crucial to establish a solid foundation. Here are some essential steps to ensure a successful grooming experience:
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Gather Your Tools: Acquire the necessary grooming tools including a slicker brush, a stripping knife or stripping comb, scissors, nail clippers, and a pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner.
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Brush Your Terrier Regularly: Use the slicker brush to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. Brushing should be a calming and enjoyable experience for your pet, so approach it with patience and a gentle touch.
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Decide on a Grooming Style: There are two popular grooming styles for West Highland Terriers – the traditional “show dog” look with a long, flowing coat and the “puppy cut” with a shorter, trimmed coat. Choose the style that best suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
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Practice on Non-Sensitive Areas: Before attempting to groom sensitive areas like the face or paws, practice on less visible areas first. This will help you gain confidence and avoid startling your terrier during the actual grooming session.
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Build Trust with Your Pet: Establish a positive grooming environment by associating it with treats and praise. Make the experience pleasurable for your terrier to ensure cooperation throughout the process.
Brush Before Clipping
Prior to starting the clipping process, brush your Westie’s coat thoroughly to remove any loose or matted hair. Using a slicker brush, gently brush in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head and working your way down to the tail. This thorough brushing not only removes any tangles but also stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils throughout the coat, resulting in a healthier and more lustrous finish.
Benefits of Brushing Before Clipping
| Improves Coat Health | Reduces Knots and Mats | Evenly Distributes Oils | Facilitates Clipping Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| By removing loose hair and stimulating the skin, brushing promotes a healthy and glossy coat. | Thorough brushing before clipping significantly reduces the number of knots and mats in the coat, making the clipping process smoother and easier. | Brushing helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, ensuring an even, healthy sheen after clipping. | A well-brushed coat is more pliable and easier to cut, reducing the risk of nicks and uneven cuts. |
Remember to be gentle while brushing, especially around sensitive areas like the face and abdomen. If you encounter any stubborn mats, carefully work them out with a de-matting comb or consult a professional groomer for assistance.
Shaving Paws and Face
When shaving your Westie’s paws, be sure to use a clipper with a number 10 or 15 blade. Start by shaving the top of the paw, then move on to the sides and bottom. Be careful not to shave too close to the nails, as this could cause discomfort. You can also use a pair of scissors to trim the hair around the nails.
To shave your Westie’s face, use a clipper with a number 10 blade. Start by shaving the top of the head, then move on to the sides and cheeks. Be careful to avoid the eyes, ears, and nose. You can also use a pair of scissors to trim the hair around the eyes and ears.
| Clipper Blade | Area to Shave |
|---|---|
| Number 10 | Paws, face |
| Number 15 | Paws |
**Tips for Shaving Your Westie’s Paws and Face:**
- Make sure your dog is comfortable and secure before you start shaving.
- Use sharp clippers and blades to avoid pulling or snagging the hair.
- Be careful not to shave too close to the skin, as this could cause irritation.
- Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly before and after shaving to remove any loose hair.
Trimming Top Coat
The top coat of a Westie is double-layered and consists of a hard, wiry outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. To trim the top coat, you will need a pair of grooming scissors and a slicker brush.
1. Start by brushing the coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats.
2. Using the scissors, trim away any excess hair from the top of the head, ears, and legs.
3. Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
4. For a more natural look, use blending shears to create a smooth transition between the trimmed and untrimmed hair.
Trimming Undercoat
The undercoat of a Westie is thick and dense, and it needs to be trimmed regularly to prevent matting.
1. Use a stripping knife or undercoat rake to remove dead hair from the undercoat.
2. Hold the stripping knife or undercoat rake against the coat and gently pull it in the direction of hair growth.
3. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can damage the coat.
4. Strip the undercoat in sections, starting from the head and working your way down the body.
5. Once the undercoat has been stripped, brush the coat thoroughly to remove any loose hair.
| Tools | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grooming scissors | Trim the top coat |
| Slicker brush | Remove tangles and mats |
| Stripping knife or undercoat rake | Remove dead hair from the undercoat |
Grooming with Scissors
When using scissors, it is important to hold them correctly. Place your thumb in the thumb hole and your fingers in the finger holes. Hold the scissors parallel to the skin and cut away from yourself. Do not overcut, as this can lead to injury.
Here are some tips for grooming your Westie with scissors:
- Start by brushing your Westie’s coat to remove any tangles or mats.
- Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle to the skin and cut away from yourself.
- Do not overcut, as this can lead to injury.
- Be careful around the Westie’s eyes, ears, and mouth.
- If you are not comfortable trimming your Westie’s coat yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Body
To trim the body, start at the neck and work your way back. Hold the scissors parallel to the skin and cut away from yourself. Be careful not to overcut, as this can lead to injury. You can use a variety of scissor techniques to create different looks. For example, you can use a blunt cut to create a more natural look, or you can use a point cut to create a more textured look.
The following table provides a summary of the different scissor techniques that you can use to trim your Westie’s coat:
| Technique | Result |
|---|---|
| Blunt cut | Creates a more natural look |
| Point cut | Creates a more textured look |
Shaping the Head
Trimming the West Highland Terrier’s head requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps for a precise and professional finish:
1. Trim the Topknot
Hold the terrier’s head firmly and trim the hair on the top of the skull to a uniform length, around 1 inch. Use a pair of sharp grooming scissors to achieve a clean cut.
2. Trim the Cheeks
Trim the hair on the cheeks to a slightly shorter length than the topknot, leaving about 1/2-3/4 inch of hair. Use a comb to hold the hair in place and trim in the direction of the hair growth.
3. Define the Stop
The stop is the indentation between the eyes. Use the tip of the grooming scissors to softly cut away any excess hair, shaping the stop and enhancing the terrier’s expressive eyes.
4. Trim the Brows
Gently trim the hair around the eyes to create a neat and tidy look. Use a pair of small scissors to trim the brows to the desired length, avoiding any hair falling into the eyes.
5. Shape the Ears
Use the grooming scissors to trim the hair around the base of the ears, giving them a rounded shape. Hold the ears up and gently trim away any excess hair that protrudes beyond the ear’s natural curve.
6. Trim the Muzzle
This section requires meticulous care and precision.
a) Use a pair of fine-tipped scissors to carefully trim the hair around the lips and nose. It’s essential to avoid cutting too close to the mucous membranes.
b) Gradually trim the hair shorter as you move towards the center of the muzzle, creating a gentle slope. This technique helps prevent hair from matting around the nose.
c) Use a comb to remove any loose hair and ensure a smooth and even finish.
Blending and Refining
Blending
Use a #10 blade over areas where the #15 was used to gradually blend the shorter hair into the longer hair. This creates a smoother transition from the shorter to the longer areas.
Scissoring
After blending, scissors are used to reduce bulk and shape the coat. Use thinning shears to remove excess hair and create a more natural, textured look.
Brushing
Brush the coat thoroughly to remove any loose or excess hair. This helps to keep the coat healthy and free of mats or tangles.
Refining
Refining involves using a #15 blade against the direction of hair growth. This smoothes out any remaining rough edges and gives the coat a more refined appearance.
Final Brush
Give the coat one final brushing to remove any stray hairs and ensure that it is evenly blended and refined.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| #10 blade | Blending shorter into longer hair |
| Scissors | Reducing bulk and shaping |
| Thinning shears | Creating a natural, textured look |
| #15 blade | Smoothing out edges and refining |
Finishing Touches
Blending the Coat
Use a blending comb or a fine-toothed comb to smooth out the transitions between the clipped and unclipped areas, creating a gradual and natural-looking appearance.
Trimming the Feet
Use curved scissors to round the edges of the feet. Avoid cutting the hair too short, as this can lead to discomfort for your dog.
Shaping the Tail
Use thinning shears to trim the hair on the tail, creating a tapered and natural-looking shape. Blend the clipped area with the unclipped area using a blending comb.
Cleaning the Ears
Use a soft cloth or cotton balls to gently clean the inside of your dog’s ears, removing any excess hair or debris.
Styling the Coat
Use a brush to style the unclipped areas of the coat. Brush against the grain to create volume and lift. You can also use a small amount of hairspray to hold the style in place.
Additional Grooming Tips
Here are some additional tips for grooming your West Highland Terrier:
| Grooming Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Bathing | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Brushing | Daily |
| Nail trimming | As needed |
Maintaining the Trim
Once you’ve clipped your West Highland Terrier, it’s important to maintain the trim to keep your dog looking its best. Here are some tips:
Regular Brushing
Brush your dog’s coat at least twice a week to remove loose hair and dirt. This will help to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
Bathing
Bathe your dog every 6-8 weeks. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner, and be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly.
Trimming the Nails
Trim your dog’s nails every 2-3 weeks. Use a pair of nail clippers specifically designed for dogs.
Checking the Ears
Check your dog’s ears weekly for any signs of infection or irritation. Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with a dog-friendly ear cleaner.
Brushing the Teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week. Use a dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush.
Eye Care
Check your dog’s eyes daily for any signs of discharge or irritation. Clean your dog’s eyes with a cotton ball moistened with a dog-friendly eye cleaner.
Anal Gland Expression
Express your dog’s anal glands every 6-8 weeks. This is a simple procedure that can be performed at home. For more information, consult your veterinarian.
Shedding
West Highland Terriers shed moderately. Regular brushing and bathing will help to reduce shedding.
Weekly Grooming Schedule
Here is a suggested weekly grooming schedule for a West Highland Terrier:
| Day | Grooming Task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Brush coat |
| Tuesday | Check ears |
| Wednesday | Brush coat |
| Thursday | Trim nails |
| Friday | Brush coat |
| Saturday | Bathe (every 6-8 weeks) |
| Sunday | Brush teeth (every other day) |
Beyond the Basic Trim
Definition
Beyond the basic trim encompasses techniques that extend beyond the standard "teddy bear" cut to create more stylized and personalized grooming styles.
Techniques
- Scissoring Feet: Use scissors to shape the hair on the paws into round balls or pointed "kitten feet."
- Blending Mane and Topknot: Smoothly transition the long hair on the back of the neck into the shorter hair on the body.
- Carving: Use shears to create intricate patterns or designs in the hair, such as paw prints or hearts.
- Thinning: Remove excess hair with thinning shears or a stripping knife, creating a more lightweight and textured appearance.
- Skirting: Trim the hair around the underside of the dog, creating a rounded or flared effect.
- Layering: Cut hair in varying lengths to add volume and dimension to the coat.
- Shaping Tail: Use scissors or clippers to contour the tail to a desired shape, such as a round "pom" or a pointed "flag."
- Face Trim: Neatly trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and muzzle to enhance the dog’s features.
- Puppy Cut: A short summer trim that maintains the natural texture of the coat while reducing shedding.
- Full Breed Trim: A traditional style that showcases the breed’s signature double coat and includes a sculpted head and body.
How To Clip A West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with a distinctive double coat. The outer coat is harsh and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and dense. This type of coat requires regular clipping to keep it looking its best and to prevent mats and tangles. Clipping a West Highland Terrier is not difficult, but it does require some practice. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Gather your supplies. You will need a pair of sharp clippers, a slicker brush, a comb, and a pair of scissors.
- Brush the coat thoroughly to remove any mats or tangles.
- Start clipping the coat from the back of the neck, working your way down the body.
- Use short, even strokes and be careful not to cut the skin.
- Clip the legs, tail, and face last.
- Use the scissors to trim any stray hairs and to shape the coat around the face and feet.
- Once you have finished clipping the coat, brush it again to remove any loose hair.
People Also Ask About How To Clip A West Highland Terrier
How often should I clip my West Highland Terrier?
Most West Highland Terriers should be clipped every 4 to 6 weeks.
What type of clippers should I use?
You should use a pair of sharp clippers that are specifically designed for clipping dogs.
How short should I clip my West Highland Terrier’s coat?
The coat should be clipped to about 1 inch in length.
