Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers require regular hand-stripping to maintain their coat texture. If the coat is blown, the only option is to pull it down to undercoat and start again.

Using a stripping stone is ideal for blown coats to avoid breaking the coat. The goal is to maintain the coat’s harsh, wiry texture for show.

The Schnauzer’s underline should be short, reaching only as far down as the dog’s nipples. The underline shows depth of chest and should be blended smoothly into the coat.

Avoid creating a skirt. The underline emphasises the robustness of the dog without adding unnecessary length.

Use thinning shears with 50 teeth to blend areas where clipped and stripped sections meet. This creates a seamless look without harsh lines between the coat textures.

Be careful around cowlicks where the hair changes direction. Use blending techniques to avoid patchiness in these areas.

If a Schnauzer lacks a prominent chest, leave extra hair in the pro-sternum area to create the illusion of chest depth.

For the head, aim for a flat skull and use precise clipper lines around the face, whisker holes, and neck. Create a brick-shaped head, avoiding any bulk on the sides.

Eyebrows should start where the skull dips into the eye socket, creating an upside-down "V" shape.

Trim the rear tightly to enhance the dog’s angulation. A properly trimmed rear makes the dog’s tail set higher and improves its silhouette.

Legs should be shaped into tight cylinders, with hair carded or plucked to achieve a neat, column-like appearance.

Tight, cat-like feet are a breed requirement. Use fine scissors to create a clean finish around the paws.

Always finish with careful attention to blending, ensuring the dog’s coat looks natural and smooth without visible transitions between clipped and stripped areas.