Specialist grooming
Hand stripping, the traditional way
The traditional technique for wire-coated breeds, removing dead coat by hand to keep the texture, colour and weather-resistance a clipper can't preserve. It takes time, patience and a trained hand, which is exactly what a private, one-to-one studio is for.
Why hand strip?
A wire coat is meant to be stripped, not cut.
Wire-coated breeds grow a harsh outer coat that, left alone, dies off but stays in the follicle. Hand stripping gently lifts that dead coat out, making room for strong new growth with the correct texture and colour.
Clipping a wire coat cuts through the hair instead. Over time the coat becomes softer, paler and less weatherproof, which matters for terriers who spend their days in Cheshire's fields and woods.
Most dogs find hand stripping relaxing when it's done properly and regularly. Ella works in short, calm sessions at your dog's pace.
Hand stripping vs clipping
| Hand stripped | Clipped | |
|---|---|---|
| Coat texture | Keeps the harsh, wiry texture | Softens the coat over time |
| Colour | Rich, true colour | Can fade to a paler undercoat colour |
| Weather resistance | Retains natural water and dirt resistance | Reduced |
| Skin | Lets new coat grow through and the skin breathe | Dead coat can stay in the follicle |
Breeds
Breeds that benefit
Not sure if your dog's coat is suitable? Send Ella a photo and she'll let you know.
- Border Terrier
- West Highland Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Schnauzer
- Airedale Terrier
- Lakeland Terrier
- Norfolk & Norwich Terrier
- Wire-haired Dachshund
- Cocker Spaniel (partial)
Pricing
Bespoke pricing
Every coat is different. Please get in touch for a bespoke quote.
What is hand stripping?
Hand stripping removes dead outer coat by hand rather than cutting it. It keeps a wire coat's natural texture, colour and weather resistance, which clipping gradually softens and dulls.
Which breeds need hand stripping?
Wire-coated breeds such as Border Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Schnauzers, Airedales, Lakeland Terriers and Wire-haired Dachshunds. Some Spaniels also benefit from partial stripping.
How much does hand stripping cost?
Hand stripping is priced individually because time depends on the breed, coat condition and how recently it was last stripped. Get in touch for a bespoke quote.
By appointment only
Get a hand stripping quote
Tell Ella your dog's breed, age and when they were last stripped, and she'll come back with a bespoke price. Call 07503 122205 or book a consultation online.