Grooming Your Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers should be groomed every five to eight weeks to keep them looking and feeling as sharp as they know they are. Miniature Schnauzers have several different color coats. Solid black, salt and pepper, black and silver, parti- or plain white coats.

Their double-coat is low-shedding and often preferred by people with allergies. Schnauzers have a very unique look to them from the way in which their fur is clipped. The top coat needs special stripping to keep it looking its best. Nails also need regular clipping, and dogs vary in how well they accept someone working on their feet.

Matting of the fur can be an issue with miniature schnauzers. If you do not groom the dog properly every 5-8 weeks, it will become huge challenge for you — and very uncomfortable for the dog. It is very important to keep the dog groomed and brushed properly daily and/or weekly.

Bathing

Keeping your miniature schnauzer clean helps prevent odor, removes allergens that might trigger your allergies, and clears off bacteria. Some possible no-tears dog shampoos include Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo, Dogs for Life Shampoo and MD-10 White Smooth Shampoo. Avoid human shampoos, which are not necessarily formulated properly for dog skin and fur. Whatever you choose, make sure that both you and your schnauzer tolerate the ingredients.

A schnauzer should be bathed as often as necessary with doggie shampoo and if possible conditioner, but not as often as people. Scrub his legs, chest, beard, and carefully between his toes. Dirt, grass, and assorted outdoor items as well as food from his enthusiastic meals may make his beard smell bad, so work to get out all of the unwanted material.

Use lukewarm water for shampooing. Take care to make sure that your dog is well rinsed. When rinsing, start towards the top of his or her head and work back toward the tail. When you rinse his beard, try to direct the water away from his face so that it runs down toward his beard. Clean the inside corners of the eyes every day. Take care not to get shampoo in the dog’s eyes, but start with a no-tears product anyway and rinse thoroughly to avoid causing stinging in the eyes.

Combing

Comb and/or brush your miniature schnauzer’s beard and legs once or twice weekly to reduce the chance of forming mats. Your miniature schnauzer should always be thoroughly combed out before and after his bath. You can use a slicker brush for brushing and a 2 different teeth spacing comb that is both finely spaced and medium spaced. Brush upward against the dog’s coat. After brushing the dog thoroughly, finish up with a comb. Make sure to comb out all knots and tangles.

Professional Groomers

For professional assistance in clipping and grooming your miniature schnauzer in the classic cut, you can go to any local pet chain store or find a good groomer in a local storefront or mobile dog grooming van. Ask around for recommendations from friends and family. Prices vary depending on which grooming package you purchase. Overall average can range a lot — between $18.00- $60.00. Grooming packages includes bathing and drying, nail clipping, and shaping the signature schnauzer look of the coat and face.

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