Handstripping Specialists

At Ashgate we are well known for being specialists in hand stripping. This type of grooming is suitable for a number of terrier coats and also some silky coats like spaniels and setters.

The coat needs to be assessed as suitable for stripping and our specialist groomers will advise you on the time and costs involved. We also undertake hand stripping of some show dogs and this is charged on an hourly basis.

On double coated breeds like the Westie or Border Terrier, the coarse longer hair is removed by pulling the coat out leaving the soft undercoat intact. By using this technique, which is not painful or uncomfortable for the dog, we preserve the coat texture and the new coat will quickly grow to replace the pulled coat. Hand stripping also preserves the colour of the coat and many people who have previously clipped their dogs are amazed at how the coat looks after it is stripped. It is a very natural finish.

To get the best from hand stripping we need time and regular appointments. A complete strip of a Border Terrier should be done 3 times a year, but if the dog is being shown it is done on a fortnightly basis to “roll” the coat. This technique does not take the top layer of coat out completely, but as the coat is stripped on a very regular basis, only the oldest coat is removed.

If you would like your dog stripped we will need to see him and access the coat beforehand. We will then be happy to give you a price and let you know how long it will take us. We need breaks during a handstrip just as much as your dog does, and we will build this in.