Hand Stripping.

Hand stripping is the traditional method of grooming wire-coated breeds — Border terriers, Norfolk terriers, schnauzers, working cocker spaniels and many others. Instead of clipping the coat (which softens the texture and dulls the colour over time), hand stripping plucks dead hair out by hand, leaving the harder guard hairs intact. The coat keeps its proper texture, weather-resistance, and rich colour.

It's labour-intensive — usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on size and how long the coat has been left — and skill matters. Done well, it's not painful for the dog (the dead hair lifts easily); done in a rush or to the wrong stage of growth, it can pull and irritate. Keith trained specifically in hand stripping at Mrs B's Grooming Academy.

We work in stages, taking breaks. Most dogs settle into it — many actively enjoy the rhythm. A coat that's been clipped for years can still be brought back to a proper stripped texture over two or three sessions, though it takes patience.

Pricing reflects time: small wire-coats (Border, Norfolk, Cairn) from £50; medium (Miniature Schnauzer, working Cocker, Lakeland) from £60; Standard Schnauzers and larger from £70. We'll always recommend the visit interval that suits your specific dog and how the coat is growing.

If you're unsure whether hand stripping is right for your dog, send us a photo of the coat — we can advise honestly. Some owners prefer the lower-maintenance clipped look, and that's a perfectly fine choice. We won't push you towards what's not right for you and your dog.