Representatives of hard-coated breeds with awn hair should not be sheared, as this leads to a violation of the coat structure. They need another procedure - trimming. When cutting, the top of the hair is cut off, and the base remains in the bulb. During trimming, dead, stiff hairs that have not fallen out of the bulb and prevent the renewal of the coat are pulled out by the root. In fact, this is an artificial shedding, which is necessary because this physiological process is sluggish in hard-coated dogs.
Trimming, like grooming long-haired dogs, can be hygienic, cosmetic, or show. The first is performed during the moulting period, at least twice a year. The second one is performed in between moults to maintain a more attractive appearance, and the third one is performed for the same purposes a few weeks before an exhibition, competition, or photo shoot. Also distinguish:
- full trimming - necessary if more than 4 months have passed since the last procedure, usually involves shortening the undercoat by plucking or shearing;
- light (gentle) trimming is carried out every 2-3 months without affecting the undercoat;
- rolling - removal of the hair on a separate part of the body, the next area is treated in 2 weeks;
- plucking - plucking hairs by hand, this labour-intensive method is better for the head and muzzle;
- stripping - mechanical trimming with the use of tools.
When it comes to decorative haircuts for long-haired dogs, there is a great deal of variety. For each breed, there is a show standard and several options for creative haircuts.