Want to learn how to groom a Jack Russell Terrier from the comfort of your home? Here’s some ideas you can adapt, when it comes to grooming your puppy. There is nothing more pleasing to the eye than a clean, well-groomed Russell . Just remember what your mother said: “Cleanliness is next to godliness!”
The more active your Russell, the more you will appreciate this old adage. It’s a fact of nature: A normal, healthy Russell is more likely than not to come into the house from play needing a good brushing or hosing down.
It’s just part of young Jack’s charm. When he’s out in the yard, he’s in his element: running, frolicking, rolling around, digging, and investigating, and that could make for one messy pup by the end of the day.
Don’t think that just because he’s a short-coated dog, he doesn’t require regular grooming. Even if your Russell doesn’t crave daily mud rolls, he’s bound to pick up burrs, and other vegetation when he’s outdoors. Furthermore, the Russell is a shedding breed. So, if you don’t want to see tenacious little white hairs all over your carpets and furniture, get into the habit of giving him a good brushing or combing before he turns in for the night.
Russells come in two coat types, smooth and broken or rough, which can be distinguished as follows: The smooth coat is short and lies flat along his body; the broken or rough coat has a smooth undercoat with longer, wiry guard hairs lying on top. Typically the rough coat gives the Russell his signature scruffy look. Although both of these coats shed, many owners swear that their smooth‑coated Russells shed the most.
Grooming Supplies You’ll Need
Before you prepare to groom your Jack Russell Terrier from head to toe, have all the following supplies handy for each phase of the process:
✓ Tub (yours or a doggy tub)
✓ Natural sponge
✓ Cotton balls
✓ Washcloth
✓ Bath-sized terry cloth towels
✓ Handheld shower head
✓ Mineral or baby oil
✓ Shampoo (hypoallergenic, botanicals are best)
✓ Coat conditioner
✓ Grooming table
✓ Natural bristle or nylon brush
✓ Slicker brush
✓ Wide-tooth metal comb
✓ Stripping knife or Fulminator
✓ Scissors
✓ Blunt-edged scissors
✓ Toenail clippers
✓ Kwick stop or similar styptic powder
✓ Doggy toothpaste
✓ Doggy toothbrush
✓ Ear cleaner
Most dogs initially resist any kind of grooming, particularly if they’ve never been groomed or if it’s been an unpleasant experience in the past.
Word to the wise? Start early on. In fact, as soon as you bring your Russell puppy home, get him used to being handled; that includes handling his feet, head, and muzzle. Begin accustoming him to regular, short grooming sessions and make them a fun experience by giving him a treat or making the grooming time a prelude to playtime, so he will look forward to it.
Regular grooming for your Russell Terrier bathing him, cleaning his eyes and ears, brushing his teeth, and trimming his toenails. Make daily brushing and combing part of his regular routine. Reward him after each session and he’ll look forward to it. If your Russell is a working terrier, regularly takes part in terrier trials, or simply engages in rough play outside, he will need more intensive daily grooming.
Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to get down and serious about making your boy put his best terrier foot forward. The first step is good brushing.
Helpful Tips
When stripping your Russel, the stripping knife should be held parallel to his body to avoid a choppy look in the coat. Grasp the knife in your right hand. Take a few hairs between your thumb and the knife blade, then give a sharp pull. Until your dog becomes accustomed to stripping, do only a small area each time.
To prevent him from getting bored or fidgety, have some tasty treats available, which should keep him interested and cooperative.