Grooming

1. To start the stripping process simply use your index finger and thumb to grab a small amount of your pet’s hair and pull the hair with a firm and quick motion, always in the direction of the coat.

1. Keep a good grip on the skin of your pet around the area of coat you are pulling out, as this will make it easier. 

1. Start at one area and move down from there, we start at the base of our border's neck then move down his tail. 

1. Pull out as much of the dead hair with your index finger and thumb, then you can move onto using a stripping knife for the harder parts such as the neck, tail, side and legs, but personally we don't think you need one of these.

Strip your border terrier’s coat 1 to 2 times per year. Unlike humans and most other dogs, border terriers’ hair stops growing and dies after 5 to 6 months. The old, dead coat should then be hand-plucked so a new coat can grow in its place. Your dog is ready to be stripped when its coat is so long that it forms a part down the center of its back.

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• Stripping is the process of pulling out dead hair by hand. It’s a common grooming practice for wiry, double-coated terriers. Since the hair is dead, it’s easy to pluck out without causing any pain.

• With practice, you might be able to strip the entire coat in around 30 to 60 minutes. However, it will most likely take several 30 to 60 minute sessions if you’re a beginner.

• You should NOT cut a border terrier’s coat with electric clippers. Clipping ruins the coat’s texture and color, and causes it to lose its ability to repel dirt and water.