If your intention is to groom your Russell for the show ring, make sure that you select a show puppy when you buy your Russell. Although puppies can’t compete in the puppy classes until they are six months old, you’ll need to start getting your future superstar ready for his big debut as soon as you bring him home. The Russell is one of the few remaining breeds that is shown in a manner consistent with his breed function.
According to the AKC standard, “the terrier is shown in his natural appearance not excessively groomed…important to breed type is a natural appearance: harsh, weatherproof coat with a compact construction and clean silhouette.” His appearance and general presentation in the show ring should best exhibit his coat and structure as a working terrier.
Preparing your boy for the show ring in such a way that will accentuate his good points and minimize his faults is nothing short of an art. If you’ve never groomed and exhibited a Russell before, ask for help from your breeder or a grooming professional who is knowledgeable about the breed. It’s money well spent to have him groomed professionally the first time you show him. You can learn a lot just from watching the grooming process, and that way, you’ll feel more confident before attempting it yourself.
Once you are ready, begin grooming your Russell by standing him securely on a grooming table and slipping the safety loop collar hanging from the upright arm of the table around his neck. This will keep him from moving while you groom. Be sure the loop is not tight around his neck. Once he is secure and comfortable, use a stripping knife and begin hand stripping him from the base of the neck down the length of his body, sides, and legs in short strokes. This removes dead and loose hair. Your goal is to make your boy look neat, clean, and defined, not bald, so don’t over‑strip. When you can see his fine white undercoat, stop.
Next, go to his neck. Hold his skin taut as you strip. Start at the back of the neck, working your way around to the front. Then proceed to his head. Remember to use short strokes and talk to your boy as you groom. This will keep him relaxed and involved. After you strip his head, proceed to the chest area. Don’t forget to strip the backs of his legs, too, so that the lines of the stifle or knee are visible.
Once your Russell is stripped, take the scissors and go to his feet. Most dogs hate this, so you might have to do one paw and then come back to the next one. Using the scissors, gently trim the hair between his toes so that you can clearly see his feet. Then check his anal area. Often dirt and fecal matter get trapped there, so you’ll want to check regularly to keep the area clean.
You also may need to trim the hairs. For this, use the blunt-tipped scissors. Finally, check his tail. If it seems bushy, use the stripper. Then trim the long hair at the tip of the tail by holding the tail firmly and cutting across with the scissors to make it even and tidy.
Now stand back and take a good look. Congratulations: Your Russell Terrier is show ready!
Good to know: Whether you are grooming for regular maintenance or show, take several breaks and split up the sessions the first few times you groom your Russell. This will make it easier for him to become acclimated to the process and prevent boredom. Grooming is not only one of the best ways to bond with your dog but is also an excellent form of discipline training, so have fun with it!
