On this page we’ll go through some details about grooming wire haired dogs: different tips for bathing and drying, brushing, and finishing. But first, let’s see the characteristics of this type of coat.

What Is The Coat Like?

• Combines a short, soft undercoat with wiry guard hairs growing through it to create a harsh, wiry and weatherproof jacket.
• The coat will require regular stripping or trimming.
• Trimming or stripping is quite complicated and breed-specific. The majority of breeds in this group are professionally trimmed to show them at their best.
• The coat requires regular maintenance grooming, especially in the molting season. Although quite short, it can form mats and tangles if not groomed.
• Special care should be taken with the feet as a lot of terrier breeds get mud and dirt between their pads, which can cause discomfort and even cysts.

Bathing & Drying

Frequency

• Bathe from once a week to once every 12 weeks.

Bathing

• Make sure that the water temperature is just around warm.
• Thoroughly wet the dog all over except for the head.
• Use a quality, regular, all-purpose shampoo and massage the lather deeply into the coat, especially the thick hind breeches, tail and collar ruff.
• Rinse most of the lather out of the coat.
• Now wash the dog’s head with tear-free shampoo.
• Do not use a conditioner.
• Rinse whole dog thoroughly until coat is clean.

Drying

• Start by vigorously toweling dry as much of the head and body as possible.
• Follow this by using a hand dryer while brushing until completely dry. A lot of loose hair will come away. Finish by combing through when dry.

Body Checks

1. Eyes: Check the eyes and clean out sticky deposits.
2. Teeth: Check teeth and gums for any infections and diseases.
3. Ears: Monitor ears for wax and dirt, and clean with a wipe.
4. Feet: Check the length of nails and condition of pads, and clear any dirt from between the claws.

Bottom Trim

1. Profuse hair growth around the tail means that wire haired dogs can suffer soiling in this area.
2. Very carefully trim away excess hair from above the anus.
3. Also trim excess hair below the anus.

Brushing Sequence

1. Begin at the rear of the dog and apply some anti-static spray to help the brush slide through what is quite a resistant coat.
2. Using your other hand to support the rear leg, work down the leg and over the rear quarters with the slicker. In general, brush in the direction that the hair grows, working line by line up the body.
3. Anchor the tail with one hand and, after applying a little anti-static spray, brush out the hair against the supporting fingers.
4. Follow up with the wide toothed comb to eliminate tangles.
5. Grip both front legs with one hand and raise the dog to allow you to work over the chest and stomach with a slicker brush and then comb.
6. Tilt the head back to expose the upper chest and neck and brush thoroughly here.
7. Brush around the head taking particular care to work on the friction areas behind the ears, which have a tendency to harbor tangles.

Finishing

1. Brush and comb the muzzle, and carefully comb the whiskers and eyebrows.
2. Turn the dog round, raise the front leg and brush under the leg and along the body.
3. Taking a secure grip of the back leg, brush around the hindquarters, back and rump.
4. Use a comb all over the body to impart the finishing touches, paying attention to friction areas under the legs, behind the ears and under the tail.

Few breeds that belongs to this group:

Jack Russel Terrier
Airedale Terrier
Australian Terrier
Irish Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Welsh Terrier
White Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Giant Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzer