By Kathy Rose
The Samoyed is a double–coated breed that requires extensive coat care to keep them in good shape. This can prove to be a challenge for the average pet owner who may desire a tidier, cleaner appearing dog adorned by coat furnishings that are less likely to attract every sticker, twig and leaf in the yard. This heavy-duty maintenance places them on our Bread & Butter list.
Any profusely double–coated breed that is not being shown can be toned down to a smarter coif by following the same techniques. This complete “tidy all over” trim begins with thorough preparation followed by the use of snap on combs and completed with shorter blenders. These shears are also referred to as “chunkers”.
Preparing A Thick Double Coat
These profuse coats can really muck up the drying room! I recommend applying a few steps during the prep and bathing process to help speed up the procedure and cut down on the volume of coat blowing around the wet room.
Remove the excess, dead undercoat before beginning the bathing procedures. With one hand, gently grasp the loose skin to hold it in place and stretch out skin folds. With the other hand, use a course undercoat rake to remove excess dead undercoat. It is important to evaluate the skin condition before implementing this procedure and always follow the coat growth direction and secure loose skin.
Use a high–pressure nozzle for undercoat removal during the shampoo process. While holding the nozzle fairly close to the skin, work the shampoo and spray into the coat, pushing the dead undercoat out.
When the coat is fully lathered with shampoo, use a high velocity blower pointing downward to blow out dead undercoat into the tub. Don’t dry the dog; just use the air velocity to blow some of the excess coat out before the final rinse and application of conditioner. The wet hair is heavier and less likely to blow all over the salon. I recommend only doing this in an enclosed tub and not near the dog’s head so shampoo soaked hair can be contained and not blown into the dog’s face.
Fig.1) Use a long snap on comb over a #30 blade to clip the coat on the highest point of the rump. Continue to clip over the hips and back of upper thigh to the hock.
Fig.2) Skim the flanks beginning just above the spring of rib, falling off before reaching the undercarriage.
Fig.3) Starting at the shoulder, skim down over the point of shoulder and lower chest.
Fig.4) Use a #40 blade to trim the stray hairs around the foot. Use a scraping/skimming technique on the top of the foot or use thinning sheers or scissors to trim the excess coat between the toes.
Fig.5) Chunkers are used to tighten and tidy the furnishings on the back of the rear legs.
Fig.6) Continue up and over the rump and across the croup and rump to blend using chunkers.
Fig.7) Use chunkers to blend the flanks into the topline and underline.
Fig.8) Tidy the furnishings on the front legs.
Fig.9) Tidy the furnishings on the front of the rear legs.
Fig.10) Use chunkers to trim the underline, following the natural line of the undercarriage.
Fig.11) Trim the excess coat between the front legs and blend into the underline.
Fig.12) Blend the fore chest and shoulders into the legs.
Fig.13) Tighten the sides of the neck and blend into the shoulders using chunkers.
Fig.14) Blend the top skull onto the back of the neck.
Fig.15) Use thinning shears or chunkers to tidy the excess coat in front of the ears.
Fig.16) Tidy up the tail using chunkers.
Finish up with a coat polish or finishing spray, and then brush with a bristle brush. This will tame the static and fly–aways.
Keep in mind that this trim style is for pet dogs and could spell disqualification for a breed currently showing. Conversation and a thorough evaluation of the pet will insure you are meeting your clients’ expectations and your Bread & Butter clients will thank you for assisting them in the reduction of hairballs throughout the house and presenting them a tidy family member! ✂