To look his best, the Mini Schnauzer’s coat should be either hand stripped (a process in which loose hair is removed by hand or with a special tool) or clippered. His furnishings, from his distinctive eyebrows to the flowing fullness of his cylindrical legs, should be trimmed to perfection. Balance is the groomer’s goal in enhancing his sharp image.<\/p>\n
When a Miniature Schnauzer’s outer coat\u2028 is hand stripped or plucked, the breed’s double coat is maintained. Minis shown in conformation are always hand stripped, never\u2028 clipped, except for the head and private\u2028 areas. Hand stripping, however, is very time\u2011\u2028intensive and requires knowing which areas \u2028grow at a fast or slow rate.<\/p>\n
It is not just a matter of randomly pulling hairs but rather a strategic grooming process designed to shape and show the coat to its best advantage. Those who show Schnauzers usually strip their coats over three or four months, beginning with the area they want to be the longest when the dog is shown.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that whatever the season, it’s always easy for a Schnauzer’s coat to get matted. A summer swim, a roll in autumn leaves, a romp in the snow or a springtime tussle with his canine buddies can turn him into a bramble bush in short order.<\/p>\n