GROOMING PET TERRIERS IN TUCSON

How does pet styling differ from show grooming? It can be a little or a lot different, depending on the dog and the owner's wishes and ability to do home maintenance. The three terriers pictured above were all groomed fairly close to the show groom "profile" with modification mainly to length. The Miniature Schnauzer and West Highland White Terrier were groomed with clippers, rather than hand stripped. The Bedlington is clipped short on the body, but the proper head is attempted. The westie head is formed using products and not teased and ratted as are most show dogs. The products we use are Chris Christensen Thick N Thicker Mousse and Gel.

Sometimes pet owners don't like the show dog profile or "look" and ask for further modification. This is the case for Darcy, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier on the left. She looks

considerably different from the SCWT in more of a show trim on the right.

Sometimes the difference between a show style and a pet trim has to do more with genetics than owner preference. In pet grooming, we try to make the most of what we've got. In some cases, this requires a little creativity. Both these Schnauzers on the left have uncropped ears.

We some "tuft" of hair in front of Sport's ear (dog on right) so as to soften the look. The third Schnauzer is Coco. Her owner likes a softer eyebrow, with shorter whiskers. And owners may request a little more chest hair. Some really don't like the cowlicks to show.

With the skirted terriers, such as Scotties and Westies, some owners want the look without all the hair. Here are shorter "pet" versions of both breeds:

Although we groom mostly pets, we use products designed for results in the show ring. Chris Christensen Black on Black and White on White make our scottie and westie colors the best ever. And we use the Chris Christensen styling aids, Thick N Thicker Mousse and Thick N Thicker Gel to help us shape and form eyebrows and faces. This helps us achieve results that have our clients gasping, "OMG, that's the best he's ever looked."

What about hand stripping? Glad you asked! Here is the best illustration of why we like to hand strip terriers with color. Wire Fox Terrier #1 has been only hand stripped, dog #2 has been clipped all his life. The loss of color on the clippered dog is typical of the price you pay for the easier grooming and lower price. The diluted coat has also lost texture, making the coat less water proof and more easily stained or dirty.

Whether the pet owner wants a show look or a modified pet trim, hand stripped or clipped, our goal at Transformation Pet Center is to deliver the "best ever" grooming. We want each dog to look its best, and we want each customer to feel like they have received the best service possible.

Transformation Pet Center, 3158 E. Grant Road, Tucson AZ. 520-795-5743

Owner/Operator: Barbara Bird, ICMG (InternationalCertified Master Groomer, IPG, Inc.)