Here’s a few tips on how to clip your Brussels Griffon and what blade to use on different body parts. In general, clip in the direction the hair grows using a #7 blade. Run the clippers over the dog’s body from neck to thigh.

In the front, hold the dog’s head up slightly and run the clippers from his neck down to his chest, then over the top of the head.

Don’t go over an area more than twice in an attempt to get it exactly even; doing so may cause clipper rash. You can do any fine-tuning with scissors or clippers with a #10 blade.

Tummy

To clip your dog’s tummy, hold both of his front legs together and stand him on his back legs.

Ears

Change the clipper blade to a #10 and work in a downward fashion, both inside and out, then use scissors to trim the edges, as you can’t easily get them neat with the clippers.

Legs

Comb the hair outward and then, following the leg’s shape, use scissors to cut the hair in a downward direction about an inch (2.5 cm) from the leg.

Feet

Turn the dog’s feet over and cut away any long hair, which can track dirt into your house.

Tail, rectal, and urinary areas

Use a #10 blade here. Go slowly and clip these areas only once so as not to cause a rash. If you are not confident enough with the clippers, use scissors.

Face

Hold your dog’s head still by holding his beard firmly but gently. The face is the most important part to keep clear of hair; be sure there is none that can get in the dog’s eyes and cause irritation.

For the beard, comb out and use scissors to cut across it, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm). Some people like the look of a long beard, but a long beard needs to be cleaned quite often.

Hand Stripping your Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons shown in conformation must be hand stripped. This is a process of removing the dead coat with either fingers or a stripping knife, a grooming tool that is usually available in any pet stores.

They are sold at dog shows and through some pet supply catalogs. It is a time consuming process because only a few hairs are removed with each pull.

The advantages to hand stripping are that the new coat that comes in is harsh and wiry, and dark red in color. Clipping sometimes leaves a soft or woolly coat, and sometimes a lighter color than rich, dark red.

Both the National Brussels Griffon Club and the American Brussels Griffon Association have details about hand stripping on their web sites.

Learn more about hand stripping your dog at home.