Grooming
Although my focus is primarily on diet and nutrition, grooming is also important in canine wellness – so consider this a bit of a sidebar!
The wire-haired coat
Wire-haired dogs essentially have a double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and a coarser outer layer. The undercoat acts as thermal insulation, like the padding in a jacket, while the longer outer hair gives protection against scratches from thorns and brambles and helps to trap dirt and water.
Like all dogs, wire-haired breeds have a coat that grows in a cycle consisting of four main stages: anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional phase), telogen (resting phase), and exogen (shedding phase) [1].
Not all wire-haired dogs are equal. Some have more hair, or longer hair, than others. My Vizsla Georgie is the hairiest I have ever seen, although I’m prepared to believe (gulp) that some are even hairier. This photo was taken just before her latest visit to the groomer.
Coats will develop over time and it’s impossible to know precisely how profuse your dog’s hair will be. This six-month old (left) has already been stripped of her puppy hair. Her coat isn’t as thick as Georgie’s was at the same age.
Why dog coat care isn’t cosmetic
With this profusion of hair comes a responsibility to ensure good grooming, to remove dead hairs and ensure healthy growth of the new hair underneath. Proper grooming isn’t a vanity but a responsibility[2].
The role of hand stripping and plucking
Hand stripping is a labour-intensive and often time-consuming method of removing dead hairs by hand (or stripping knife) rather than cutting them. It preserves coat texture and encourages healthy regrowth.
Grooming professionals advocate for hand stripping as the preferred method for maintaining wirehaired coats. The process, while time-intensive, is generally well-tolerated by dogs, especially when introduced early and performed regularly.
However, groomers who are willing and able to take on a full hand stripping are few and far between. We’re lucky. We’re friends with a super professional groomer who is very fond of Georgie and who, although officially retired, manages to keep a watching eye on her. And she’s such a perfectionist. When we’re out walking, her hands are twitching to take out any stray hairs that I hadn’t even noticed!
A full grooming session, a biannual event which entails stripping or plucking the coat, takes around six hours. Including coffee and lots of chat, admittedly, but it’s still a long haul. For her and the dog.
Some people wonder whether this plucking or stripping (essentially pulling out the hair in the direction of growth) hurts the dog. I’m sure there are places she’d rather be, but she takes it all in her stride. And she really seems happier afterwards, when she can feel the air, when her skin can breathe again. Hardly surprising, when you see all that hair left behind on the floor. That said, if older dogs have thinner skin and find stripping less comfortable, it could be time to look at different grooming methods.
Why not clip?
A logical question, because it’s definitely easier and cheaper. But while expedient, this quick fix will inevitably create long-term problems. Unlike plucking, which removes the hair at the root and encourages regrowth, clipping cuts the hair above the follicle and leaves dead hairs in place. Not only is it detrimental to functional and aesthetic qualities but that damage to the outer protective layer won’t repair easily.
While there is a scarcity of peer-reviewed scientific studies specifically addressing coat care in wirehaired breeds such as pointers, a wealth of expert consensus and grooming literature underscores the importance of hand stripping and plucking for maintaining the health and integrity of these dogs’ coats.
Extra benefits:
– First and foremost, I’m convinced that the dog is more comfortable.
– For frequent swimmers like hunting dogs, a cleaner coat in the summer is a natural advantage. With less hair they won’t be so keen to shake dry after a water retrieve, making it easier to extend the sit period while they wait for permission to shake.
– Plucking any hair out of the ears stops blocked circulation and accumulation of moisture, again especially after swimming. This makes it easier to keep the ears clean and avoid yeast- and bacteria-based ear infections. Floppy ears are more susceptible to this type of infection.
– In the summer it’s much easier to detect any ticks that might have attached themselves to your dog.
– It’s also easier to find any nasty lumps that might be lurking under a thick coat.
– Stripping can reduce any risk of skin irritation.
– Some groomers mention that plucking prevents matting, though it’s not something I have seen with my Vizsla.
Conclusion
While empirical scientific studies on this specific grooming practice are limited, the consensus among breed experts and grooming professionals is clear: hand stripping is essential for preserving the health, functionality and appearance of wirehaired coats. For owners of breeds like my Hungarian Vizsla, incorporating regular hand stripping into the grooming routine is a critical component of responsible care.
It takes time, knowledge and commitment, but it supports your dog’s health, wellbeing and breed integrity.
- Müntener T, Doherr MG, Guscetti F, Suter MM, Welle MM. The canine hair cycle – a guide for the assessment of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria. Vet Dermatol. 2011 Oct;22(5):383-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.00963.x. Epub 2011 Mar 14. PMID: 21401741.
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McDonald SE, Sweeney J, Niestat L, Doherty C. Grooming-Related Concerns Among Companion Animals: Preliminary Data on an Overlooked Topic and Considerations for Animals’ Access to Health-Related Services. Front Vet Sci. 2022 Feb 24;9:827348. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.827348. PMID: 35280138; PMCID: PMC8907591.
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