I'm hoping to get a miniature schnauzer (can't wait!)~and was told by my current groomer that she doesn't do "hand stripping". She said it was only really important if I intended to show, but I've heard that the coat would be spoiled if this method of grooming was not used. Does anyone out there know anything about this?
Many Thanks,
Michele

If you want the perfect short harsh coat and the trim outline then hand stripping is the only way. However I think clipped schnauzers can look absolutely fine although you will find the coat is a bit softer and probably a bit lighter in shade. Your groomer is right though that the coat will need to be stripped if you intend to show your puppy.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

If your pup is bred with the correct course coat, then it really is better to be handstripped. Clipping is fine if it has an incorrect soft coat. It looks tidy when it's just done but as it starts to grow ......... It's worth finding a experienced groomer who will handstrip for the first year at least, so that you can see what sort of adult coat is going to come through. And a good groomer can help to improve a poor coat too!
The reason for trying to keep the coat coarse is for an easy life, both for dog and owner! If the coat is coarse, any mud and debris collected can be easily brushed out and you have a "good as new" dog again! A soft coat will hang on to dirt, and you'll be forever bathing - which in turn will soften the coat even more!

clipping your schnauzer will change his/her coat but lots of groomers wont hand strip as it is very time consuming and therefore expensive, ask your breeder to show you how to hand strip then you can groom him/her yourself

Just as everyone else has stated the only way to having a good show coat is handstripping but there is also a method called rolling the coat , this is still handstripping but it is done all year round every time your dog has a loose wire hair you strip it out , this keeps the dog in tip top all year round for the show instead of letting the hair get really long and having him done once every 6-8 weeks, like it was said before ask your breeder to show you how this is done, if you start them slowly as pups it makes it so much easier when they are adults.

Sam

hi if ya dont mind me asking...my sister has been looking everywhere for a min schnauzer do you have any contact breeders details email private if prefered...thanx

if you are still looking for a min contact the kennel club they have list of breeders or breed club tel 01245 475441 mrs M Gill

Hi Michelle,

I've got a Mini as you know. I think stripping the coat looks a lot better than trimming it (but a trimmed coat looks acceptable as well, as long as you're not showing), as it leaves a good harsh finish and gives a better defined pepper and salt look (if you're getting that particular colour).
If you're feeling brave you could always learn how to groom your mini yourself :-) You can use a stripping knife which makes the job a lot easier and a lot quicker, and gives good results. Get a fine knife and a medium knife (red handled and blue handled Mikki knives - most pet stores do them or go to a show and buy them from the stalls there). If you decide to have a go yourself then you really need someone to show you the ropes a couple of times to get the hang of it, as getting the stripping and trimming right is quite hard at first, especially on the face. I've found that a grooming table with a restraining arm is an absolute must and you will also need to buy an electric trimmer and scissors! It's quite expensive starting out but well worth it in the end. E-mail me if you need any more help.

hi there yes the best way to keep a good coat is hand stripping.However a lot of Min sch dont have the harsh coat but a soft coat.If you intend to show do try to stripped if not clipping is just as good.You can get a booklet on how to groom from the breed club Tele no 01245 475441 Marjorie Gill sec or i also live in London could popover and talk