BATHING AND DRYING TECHNIQUES
Drop Coats
DEFINING DROP COATS
Long coat all over body, often called a 'natural long haired' coat
Kept long for shows, usually
Very high maintenance to avoid matting
Non-shedding
Think of Afghan Hounds, Silky Terriers, Maltese
Quick guide
The key to bathing and drying drop coats is preserving the length, condition and natural fall of the hair. These coats require careful handling to minimise tangling, breakage and unnecessary coat loss. Product selection, gentle bathing and controlled drying all contribute to a smooth, flowing finish.
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Before bathing, assess the coat's condition and check for knots and tangles, particularly behind the ears, under the legs, around the groin and through longer furnishings.
Remove any bands or accessories carefully rather than pulling them through the hair. Consider the length and density of the coat, along with the dog's comfort and the amount of maintenance required.
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Thoroughly wet the coat, allowing water to penetrate through the hair to the skin. A hydrobath can be particularly useful for longer drop coats, allowing water and shampoo to flow through the hair without vigorous scrubbing.
Rather than rubbing the hair back and forth, gently work shampoo through the coat using the palms of your hands, following the direction of the hair. Long sections can be lightly massaged or squeezed to distribute the product without creating unnecessary friction.
Shorter areas, particularly the feet, may tolerate more thorough washing. Pay attention to the muzzle, ears, groin and other areas where dirt accumulates.
A second shampoo helps ensure a thorough clean. Rinse carefully, allowing water to travel through the coat without tangling the hair.
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Conditioning is particularly important for longer drop coats, helping maintain the hair's condition and manageability during drying, brushing and ongoing maintenance.
Choose products that support the desired finish. For coats intended to lie smoothly against the body, conditioning shampoos and appropriate conditioners can help achieve a flowing appearance without excessive volume.
Pay particular attention to longer furnishings, ears, hocks and areas prone to tangling. Distribute conditioner gently through the hair rather than rubbing it vigorously.
Rinse according to the product's directions, ensuring excess conditioner is removed so the coat does not become heavy or greasy.
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Avoid vigorous towel rubbing, which can create tangles and damage long hair.
Instead, gently squeeze water from the coat, working from the top down. Use towels to press and absorb moisture rather than rubbing the hair back and forth.
Taking time with this stage reduces the amount of drying required and helps preserve the coat's condition.
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Long drop coats benefit from controlled airflow that allows the hair to be dried and brushed without excessive tangling.
For particularly long or delicate coats, a slower dryer may be preferable to concentrated high-velocity airflow, which can whip the hair together and create knots.
Work in sections, lifting the coat to direct air towards the skin before following through the length of the hair. A good-quality pin brush can help separate and smooth the coat during drying.
Brush gently from the roots through to the ends, taking care not to pull through knots. If tangles are encountered, address them carefully rather than forcing a brush or comb through the hair.
The aim is to preserve the coat while achieving a thoroughly dry, smooth finish.
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Once drying is complete, check the coat section by section for remaining tangles, particularly around the ears, legs, hocks and furnishings.
The finished coat should be clean, thoroughly dry, smooth and manageable, with its length and natural fall preserved wherever possible.
Bathing and Drying Demonstrations
AFGHAN
Working with Ryan, a heavily coated Afghan Hound, this demonstration explores bathing and drying a long drop coat while protecting the hair from unnecessary damage. Watch how shampoo and conditioner are distributed through the coat without vigorous scrubbing, followed by careful water removal and controlled drying.
Particular attention is given to pin brush selection, working through the coat in sections and managing tangles without excessive pulling.
SHIH TZU
This full-coated Shih Tzu demonstrates the importance of gentle handling when maintaining a long, flowing coat. The bathing process includes careful removal of coat bands, selecting products that encourage the hair to lie smoothly, and washing without creating tangles. The demonstration also covers conditioning and the additional care required around the face, feet and longer furnishings.
SHIH TZU X
A more general bathing and drying demonstration, showing a methodical approach to washing, thorough attention to the feet and muzzle, and the importance of rinsing completely. The drying section explores removing excess water with a high-velocity dryer and positioning the nozzle to work efficiently while keeping the dog comfortable.
