Styles for wool coated breeds

Wool coated dogs include Poodles, Bichon Frise, Poochon, Cockapoo and Labradoodle. These are the most difficult coats to maintain at home, so will need frequent visits to the salon (around every 4-10 weeks). Below are some examples of different styles for wool coated breeds.

Styles for drop coats

Drop coated dogs include Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Maltese. These dogs coats can be difficult to maintain, so frequent visits to the salon are necessary. Below are some examples of the different styles available for drop coats

Styles for Spaniels

There are a few styles to chose from for spaniels, most are low maintenance, so will only require a visit to the salon every 2-3 months. Below are some examples of the different spaniel styles

Styles for Terriers and Schnauzers

There are 2 main styles for Terrier heads and bodies. Most Terriers suit a very short body and head, with a little bit of beard and eyebrows left. This style is low maintenance and requires a visit to the salon every 8-10 weeks. For some Terriers, a rounded, or longer face is more suitable, and sometimes a little length is left on the legs. This style will require more brushing at home and a visit to the salon every 6-8 weeks. Below are some examples of these 2 main terrier styles

Examples of De-shedding

Regular de-shedding is essential for double coated breeds such as German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Long-Haired Chihuahuas, Labradors and Collies. As hair sheds, it doesn't always fall out, it can get stuck in the coat and cause areas of compacted hair. This can be uncomfortable for the dog, and reduces their ability to regulate their body temperature. De-shedding removes most of the dead hair, allowing cool and warm air to flow through the remaining hair and keep your dog at a comfortable temperature. It also means less hair around your home too!

For long-haired double coated breeds, they may also require trimming of their feet, legs, skirt and tail. See examples below

Examples of Puppy Grooms

Puppy grooms are an essential part of your dog's early socialisation. They should start as soon as your vet has said it is safe for them to go out following their vaccinations (usually at 12 weeks old). Puppies typically enter a fear stage at around 16 weeks, which means they are much more likely to find new experiences scary during this time, so their first puppy groom ideally needs to be before 16 weeks old. Puppy grooms are done every 2-4 weeks, depending on how comfortable they are with the grooming process, until they need their first full groom at around 20-24 weeks old. There are also things you can do at home to help your puppy get used to the grooming process, see my help page for details. A puppy groom usually includes a bath, blow dry, nail cut, introduction to the equipment and tidying face/feet/bum. No length is taken off the body or legs until their first full groom, so they may not look much different after their puppy grooms. Below are some before and after examples of puppy grooms

Examples of Matted shave-offs

Wool and drop coat breeds such as Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Maltese and any crosses of those breeds can be prone to matting. Matting occurs when the coat is not brushed regularly and the hair tangles together. Matting can range from mild (a few small, loose bits here and there) to severe (whole body covered in tight matts that pull at the skin). Attempting to brush out matts would cause a lot of pain and discomfort, so the only option is to shave it off. This often means we have no choice as to what the dog will look like, we just have to do what is necessary to make the dog comfortable again. Sometimes parts of the dog such as head, ears or tail can be saved, but in extreme cases they will have to be completely shaved all over. Check out my help page for a video demonstration of how to brush your dog correctly to prevent matting. Below are some before and after examples of matted shave-offs