🐾 Hand Stripping for Dogs – A Complete Guide

Hand stripping is one of the most skilled grooming techniques, yet many owners are unsure what it actually involves or why it’s so important. If you own a terrier or wire-coated dog, hand stripping is often the best and most natural coat care method.

At Paw Shine Dog Groomers in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, we specialise in welfare-first hand stripping to keep dogs comfortable, healthy, and looking their best.

What Is Hand Stripping?

Hand stripping is a grooming technique where the dead outer coat is removed by hand rather than cut with clippers.

Instead of shortening the hair, we gently remove hairs that are already loose and ready to come away. This allows:

✔ A strong new coat to grow through✔ The coat to stay weatherproof and protective✔ Better airflow to the skin✔ A natural, correct texture

It is not painful when done correctly — it only removes hair that has already died at the root.

Why Is Hand Stripping Necessary?

Certain breeds have a double coat with a coarse topcoat and a soft undercoat. When the dead coarse hairs are not removed, they can block the follicles and cause:

⚠ Dry, flaky skin⚠ Soft, fluffy coat⚠ Loss of colour intensity⚠ More matting⚠ Discomfort or itching

Hand stripping keeps the coat in its natural, healthy condition.

Which Breeds Need Hand Stripping?

Hand stripping is mainly for wire-coated and rough-coated breeds, including:

• Border Terrier

• Jack Russell Terrier

• Fox Terrier

• Cairn Terrier

• Schnauzer

• Irish Terrier

• West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

• Some Spaniels

• Lakeland Terrier

• Norfolk and Norwich Terriers

Not every dog will need a full strip — we always provide a coat consultation first.

Benefits of Hand Stripping

✔ Maintains Correct Coat Texture

Clipping can make the coat:

❌ Soft❌ Fluffy❌ Dull in colour

Hand stripping preserves the hard, wiry texture that these breeds were naturally born with.

✔ Improves Skin Health

Removing dead hair at the root allows the skin to breathe and encourages healthy growth.

✔ Better Temperature Regulation

A properly maintained coat:

🧊 Keeps dogs cool in summer🔥 Keeps dogs warm in winter

This is especially important for active terrier breeds.

✔ Prevents Colour Fading

Hand stripping promotes:

🌈 Richer pigment🌈 Stronger colour🌈 Better finish and condition

How Often Should Hand Stripping Be Done?

Most wire-coated dogs benefit from hand stripping every 8–12 weeks.

We tailor this depending on:

🐶 Age🐶 Coat type🐶 Lifestyle🐶 How quickly the coat grows

Some dogs benefit from smaller maintenance sessions in between.

Hand Stripping vs Clipping: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Hand Stripping	Clipping
Method	Removes dead hair from root	Cuts the hair
Skin health	Excellent	Can trap dead coat
Texture	Maintains wiry coat	Makes coat soft/fluffy
Colour	Rich & strong	Can fade over time
Comfort	Natural for the dog	Can become itchy if coat is trapped
Cost	Higher due to time & skill	Lower initially

We always discuss the best option for your dog. Some older dogs may transition to clipping if it becomes more comfortable – welfare first, always.

Welfare-First Hand Stripping at Paw Shine

At Paw Shine we are known for our calm, quiet and one-to-one grooming.

🌿 No rushing🌿 Dogs can take breaks🌿 Owner is welcome to stay if it helps🌿 Stress-free approach

Every dog is treated with kindness and patience.

How Long Does Hand Stripping Take?

Hand stripping takes longer than clipping because it is done:

🖐 By hand🐕 At the dog’s pace⏳ With rest breaks where needed

Appointments often take:

👉 2–3 hours depending on coat type

We never rush the process — comfort comes first.

Hand Stripping Prices

Hand stripping at Paw Shine usually starts from £55, depending on:

• Size of dog

• Coat condition

• Time required

A price estimate is given after the initial coat consultation.

Signs Your Dog Needs Hand Stripping

You may notice:

⚠ Soft, fluffy coat instead of wiry⚠ Hair not shedding naturally⚠ Dull colour⚠ Patchy coat⚠ Matting in rough areas

A short appointment can quickly reveal whether hand stripping is suitable.

Why Choose Paw Shine Dog Groomers?

✔ Known for welfare-first grooming✔ One dog at a time✔ Calm environment above Pets Takeaway in Baddeley Green✔ Open 7 days a week✔ Highly skilled terrier and hand-stripping work✔ Customer can stay if it helps✔ Free coat and skin check

We put the dog’s comfort and wellbeing above everything else.

Book a Hand Stripping Appointment

If you have a terrier or wire-coated dog in Baddeley Green or Stoke-on-Trent, we’d love to help.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 07308 941028🌐 Book online: pawshinedoggroomers.co.uk📍 Above Pets Takeaway, Baddeley Green

Early bookings are recommended, especially before busy periods.

Final Thoughts

Hand stripping is the most correct and natural way to maintain a wire dog’s coat. It keeps the coat comfortable, healthy, protective and true to the breed — and when done with patience and care, dogs enjoy the process.

If you’re unsure whether your dog needs hand stripping, just send us a message or give us a call. We’re happy to offer friendly, honest advice.

🐾 Paw Shine Dog Groomers – Welfare First, Always.