J.A. Fuller
Posted : 3/28/2007 11:58:24 AM
RE: Grooming
I have had a Scottie in the past (for about 10 years) and now have a 8 month old male. We use a comb on him on a daily basis
or as often as we can just to keep the tangles and knots out of his coat. A pin brush is also helpful, but I find the comb
does a better job. I think you will "know" when it's time to go to the groomer - they tend to get "fluffy" or "raggedy" looking.
It's always good to take a puppy to the groomer so they get used to what needs to be done - that's also why combing or
brushing them on a daily basis is helpful so they are used to be handled in that manner and look forward to being brushed.
Stripping is the way to go with Scotties. It is not something you can do on your own very easily. Because of their two layers
in their coats and the fact that they do not shed, they are prone to skin problems if they are not maintained properly. I have found
that if you are in a small town as opposed to a larger city, it is hard to find a groomer that will do the proper stripping.
Other groomers will tell you that they only do "pet cuts" or that you do not need to have them stripped unless you have a "show dog",
or that stripping is too hard on the dog. Please be persistent in your search for someone who will take care of her coat properly
unless you want problems in the future. I have heard that if you get a pet cut which just cuts the top layer (hard coat) off, it will not
grow back properly.
Our first Scottie was not a very vocal dog - he loved us and other people and animals equally - some say Scotties tend to be one
or two person dogs and don't really like other people, but I have not found that to be true. Our current baby is much more
vocal and also loves everyone - may just be how you raise them.
