Chapter 4 Grooming Flashcards
Describe a smooth coat. What types of brushes do you use on smooth coats. How does coat work in the elements and what kind of protection does it offer?
Shiny and sleek, easy to groom.
Do not offer much protection from the elements compared to other coat types.
Smooth coats don’t interfere with work, don’t attract burrs, don’t catch in the underbrush, and don’t tangle or mat.
With this type of coat it is easy to see and treat wounds and to find and remove parasites.
Some breeds with a smooth coat have single coats while others have double coats which should not show through the outer coat.
To groom smooth coat dogs use a rubber brush, bristle brush, or hound glove to remove dead hair. Then follow with a bristle brush and end with a chamois to shine the coat.
Describe a medium coat. What kind of brushed would you use? How does coat work in the elements and what kind of protection does it offer?
Generally easy to groom. They are usually longer than an inch, but not long, and they generally don’t develop mats, although dogs with double coats can develop mats if they are not brushed at least once a week.
They generally have a thick, weather-resistant coat evolved for survival in the elements.
Many working and herding breeds have this type of coat because they are easy to care for, don’t interfere with work, and are thick enough to offer protection against cold and rain.
Double-coated, medium-length coats are extra warm and water-repellent.
Describe a long coat. What kind of brushed would you use? How does coat work in the elements and what kind of protection does it offer?
Grooming is time consuming. It is a lot like human hair in that it needs to be brushed and combed.
Some think that herding dogs tended to have long, white coats to blend in better with sheep, and sheep-like coats offered better protection from the elements.
Some toy dogs evolved to have long, luxurious coats for the sake of amusement of royalty to make them look regal and pampered.
Long coat need groomed at least every other day. Brushed and combed to make sure all tangles are removed. Use of a conditioner helps prevent mats and tangles.
Describe a wire-haired or broken coat. What kind of brushed would you use? How does coat work in the elements and what kind of protection does it offer?
Has a hard, coarse, and wiry texture.
Many terrier breeds and a few sporting/hounds have this type of coat.
They are extremely weather resistant, and offer protection from burrs, briars, and dirt for dogs that hunt and burrow.
For showing, the coat is typically stripped or plucked, a process in which dead hairs are pulled by hand or with a stripping knife.
Shaving the wire coat with electric clippers results in a softer coat usually used for pets.
Use a slicker brush to remove dirt, followed by a comb.
Describe a curly coat. What kind of brushed would you use? How does coat work in the elements and what kind of protection does it offer?
Grooming is difficult and takes practice. Curly coats grow back quickly.
Some curly-coated breeds have hair in the form of dreadlocks.
Curly coats are common in water dogs as they are very effective at repelling water and insulating.
Groom using a slicker brush on areas with shorter hair and a pin brush on longer hairs. Follow with a wide-tooth comb to make sure there are no tangles left. Poodles should be clipped every six to ten weeks.
When brushing or combing your dog, where should you start and comb in what direction?
Start at the bottom of his legs and work upwards.
Comb in the direction the hair lays
Be careful around sensitive areas
Bristle brush
Basic brush used for regular brushing.
Use it to remove loose hair and distribute natural oil from the skin down the hair shaft, promoting a healthy, shiny coat.
Natural bristle brushes are softer, gentler, and less likely to cause static electricity in a dog’s coat.
Styptic powder
This powder can be applied with a cotton swab to quickly stop bleed caused by accidentally cutting into the quick.
Toothbrush and finger toothbrush
Specifically designed for dogs but you can also use a soft-bristled human toothbrush that easily fits in you dog’s mouth.
(Sr Q OSF) What is the major disadvantage of a dog with a smooth coat?
Smooth coats do not offer much protection from the elements compared to other coat
types
(Sr Q OSF) What are 2 reasons why curly coats are common in water dogs?
They are very effective at (1) repelling water and (2) insulating the dog
(Sr Q OSF) What are 2 purposes of the undercoat rake?
To loosen up the coat and remove dead undercoat
(Sr Q OSF) Why might you need to use styptic powder?
To quickly stop the bleeding because of cutting into the quick of the nail
(Sr Q OSF) What type of scissors should you use to trim the hair between the pads?
Blunt-ended scissors (also called Ball-tipped scissors)
(Sr Q OSF) When checking ears, what areas of the ear should you inspect, and why?
Behind the ears = for mats
Inside the ears = for anything abnormal – redness, odor or discharge, ear mites
(Also accept check for fleas and ticks behind the ears and inside the ears)
