How to Groom a Cairn Terrier With a Pumice Stone
Begin a regular grooming routine as soon as you bring home your cairn terrier. The coat has two distinct layers: a wiry outer coat that is water-resistant but easily picks up debris and is prone to matting if not cared for properly, and a soft undercoat. Regular grooming will ensure a happier, healthier pet. A pumice stone is a handy tool for stripping away the excess hair, allowing for new growth and a harder, outer coat.
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Instructions
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Brush through the hair with the soft wire brush to remove excess hair and any debris. Do this gently if the wiry coat has tangles and matting. Remove as much loose, stray hair as possible with the brush.
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Grasp a section of the dog's hair, beginning at the neck. Hold the pumice stone in the opposite hand and run it briskly over the hair using a downward motion, stripping away the dead hairs. Repeat with one section at a time, always working toward the base of the tail until you have attended to the entire body.
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Use a slicker brush to glean the loose hairs on the dog's face. Carefully strip away any matted hair around the muzzle and the eyes.
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Brush the entire coat once you have finished stripping. Be sure to brush weekly to maintain the coat and prevent matting.
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Tips & Warnings
Cairn terriers shed almost no hair.
A stripping knife can be used in place of a pumice stone.
Stripping the hair does not hurt the dog as long as it is done properly.
Don't bathe a cairn often because it tends to dry their skin.
Some dogs do not enjoy the grooming process. You may need to take the dog to a professional groomer.
Hand stripping requires practice and is very time-consuming. If you are not comfortable with the practice, employ a professional. This will cost more than regular grooming, but is worthwhile if you wish to maintain a show-standard coat.
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