Hi ,

There is a Soft coated wheaten terrier in the kennels where I work that the owners want groomed before he goes home tomorrow. I wasn't there when they dropped him off so i don't know exactly how they want him.

This is the first one i've done , but have seen others! They all have longish wavy coats but this one looks like the previous groomer has clipped him off , as his coat is still short on the body.

Does anyone know what would be the best way to groom him? Just tidy him up a bit , or can they be clipped off?

Any help really appreciated!

Thanks , Kate

The SCWT coat is prone to matting but if this dog's coat is quite short it may only need a good comb through and a bath. If the owner didn't leave specific instructions about clipping it might be best to just tidy him up. When I had my wheaten I usually found the feet and ears needed quite frequent attention.

Good luck !

the coat should never be clipped! its left natural for the show ring with slightly more tidying in usa

A wheatens coat is usually trimmed with scissors. He should have a fringe and beard and the body coat is usually layered to give shape; left long on legs - a bit like a kerry, but longer. Lots of pet wheatens are trimmed, but really could be done like a show trim only shorter - I personally hate to see them clippered like a Bedlington. http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/86 shows a picture

I've noticed at shows lately, the Wheatens seem to be more and more 'groomed' looking and actually seen people spending ages trimming them before going in the ring - I was under the impression that they were supposed to be shown in a more natural state   seems a shame really, they look lovely without all the trimming ;)

There is differing opinion on the amount of trimming which should be done - we seem to be going through a similar stage that Kerry exhibitors went through a few years ago. The breed standard states "Over trimming should be penalised. For show purposes the coat may be tidied to present a neat outline." Obviously exhibitors (and judges) have very mixed ideas of what that means! The American dog which won the terrier group at Crufts had quite a bit more coat on than is usual in the States, yet some over here thought he was over trimmed, others loved the way he was presented.

i thought it didn;t look as nice as they usually do actually (JMO), it didn;t have the lovely fluffy teddy bear face they usually have :)

It doesnt help, either that there are 2 types of coats in wheatens - one flatter and finer and one more abundant.