By Brittney Valle
Corgis are a breed that seem to be growing in popularity and are relatively simple to groom in a shop setting. Claire was an adorable, sweet–natured model for this tutorial, which outlines a quick and simple tidy–up trim.
Before we dive into the finer details of this groom, I think it is important to note that throughout the bathing and drying process of any double–coated breed, it is important that you wear protective eyewear and a face mask. The mask will help eliminate breathing in dirt, hair and other particles during the use of the high velocity dryer.
Fig 1) After thoroughly bathing the dog to remove dirt, debris and loose coat, begin using a high velocity dryer to blow water away from the skin and loosen up the undercoat.
Fig 2) This shows a close–up of the high velocity dryer working to push water and hair away from the skin.
Fig 3) After the dog is dried with a high velocity dryer, use a heated dryer and a comb to finish getting out all of the loose undercoat on the dog. I find that the heated dryer really helps to set the coat and allows you to get much more undercoat out than force drying alone.
Fig 4) Continue the groom by doing all prep work, including nail trimming or grinding and paw pad and sanitary shaving.
Fig 5) Using an undercoat rake, finish deshedding the dog by raking over the back and sides.
Fig 6) Using a straight shear, trim straight across the front of the foot next to the toenails.
Fig 7) You can then pick up the foot and trim the sides tightly.
Fig 8) Use a thinning shear to create a natural–looking cat–like foot.
Fig 9) Slightly trim the hair from hock to pastern with thinning shears to clean the shape up.
Fig 10) Complete the front foot in the same manner as the back foot and remember to finish with a thinning shear for a natural look and shape.
Fig 11) Trim the pants with a thinning shear to tidy–up and clip stray hairs until you have a polished, yet natural look.
Fig 12) Next, you can round the tail.
Fig 13) Trim the underline with thinning shears to maintain a natural look. I like to trim from the tuck–up toward the elbow at a slight downward angle and then round the area from tuck–up to knee on the back leg.
Fig 14) Trim up any stray hairs around the shoulder and chest area with thinning shears. This helps maintain a natural, yet polished look and alleviates any stray hairs.
Optional for this groom would be to scissor the tips of the ears if there is excess hair. You can also trim the whiskers at the owner’s discretion. ✂️