Hand stripping is a specialist grooming technique used for wire-haired and double-coated breeds. Unlike clipping, hand stripping removes the dead outer coat by hand (or with a stripping knife), allowing new, healthy coat to grow through naturally.
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This process maintains the correct coat texture, colour, and skin health, keeping your dog comfortable and looking how the breed is meant to look.
Benefits of Hand Stripping
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Maintains correct coat texture (harsh, wiry, weather-resistant)
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Prevents coat softening caused by clipping
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Helps keep coat colour rich and vibrant
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Promotes healthier skin and coat growth
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Reduces excessive shedding long-term
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Allows the coat to naturally regulate temperature
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Keeps dogs more comfortable, especially in warm weather
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Preserves traditional breed appearance
Hand Stripping vs Clipping
Hand Stripping:
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Maintains natural coat function
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Coat stays wiry and strong
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Ideal for breed standard and long-term coat health
Clipping:
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Cuts the hair instead of removing dead coat
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Can cause coat to become soft, fluffy, or faded
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Often leads to more shedding and skin issues over time
Important Things to Know
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Hand stripping is more time-intensive than clipping
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Results improve over time with regular appointments
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Not all dogs are suitable — coat type and temperament matter
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Once a coat is clipped, it may take several sessions to return to proper texture
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Typically, a coat is stripped every 12-16 weeks, depending on breed and coat condition
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Consistency is key for best results
What Is Hand Stripping?
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A manual coat-removal technique that gently pulls out dead, ready-to-shed hair from the root
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Only hair that is fully ready to come out is removed — it should not be painful when done correctly
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Encourages new, strong coat growth while preserving the natural protective layer
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Commonly used on terriers and other wire-coated breeds
Breeds That Commonly Require Hand Stripping
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Border Terriers
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Norfolk & Norwich Terriers
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Jack Russell Terriers (wire coat)
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Fox Terriers
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Schnauzers
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Irish Terriers
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Other wire-haired or harsh-coated breeds
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If you’re unsure whether your dog needs hand stripping, a coat assessment can be done before booking.
The Hand Stripping Process
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Coat assessment to ensure the coat is ready to be stripped
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Dead outer coat is removed by hand or with professional stripping tools
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Excess undercoat may be lightly carded or tidied if required
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The coat is shaped and balanced to suit the dog’s structure and lifestyle
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Finished with a tidy of feet, face, hygiene areas, and nails
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Bathing is usually done after, depending on coat condition and stripping stage
Is Hand Stripping Painful?
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When done correctly, no
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Only dead hair that is ready to shed is removed
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Dogs usually relax once accustomed to the process
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Puppies and first-time dogs are introduced gently