Hand stripping a Spaniel: what owners need to know

Some coats naturally release dead hair as new coat develops.

During hand stripping, suitable dead coat is carefully removed by hand or with appropriate grooming tools.

It is a skilled process and very different from simply pulling healthy hair from the dog.

The coat needs to be suitable and ready to be worked.

No.

Breed alone does not determine suitability. Coat type, previous grooming, coat condition, neutering related coat changes, age, health and the individual dog's tolerance all matter.

If a coat has previously been repeatedly clipped, its texture and behaviour may also have changed.

We assess the dog in front of us rather than promising hand stripping based only on the breed name.

For an appropriate coat, hand stripping can help maintain a more natural texture, colour and finish.

Owners who value the traditional appearance of their Spaniel may prefer it for that reason.

Clipping can still be a practical choice for some dogs and owners, particularly where age, health, coat changes, behaviour or lifestyle make a different approach more appropriate.

There is no value in insisting on a technique that is wrong for the individual dog.

It can take considerably longer than a standard clipped groom.

At BARKERS, appointments involving hand stripping or extensive scissor work may take around three hours depending on the dog and the amount of coat that needs to be worked.

That time allows us to work carefully rather than rush the process.

Correct hand stripping is performed on suitable coat that is ready to release.

The dog's comfort and response still matter throughout. As with every service at BARKERS, we pay attention to body language and do not believe in forcing a dog through a process that is inappropriate for them.

Ask for an individual assessment.

Tell your groomer about previous grooming, how you maintain the coat at home and the look you would ideally like.

We can then consider the coat itself and discuss whether hand stripping or another grooming approach is the better option.

BARKERS Pet Stylists in Neath has specific experience and interest in Spaniel hand stripping alongside full grooming for small and medium breeds.