These smart looking dogs of each of the 3 sizes and 4 colours and have been big winners in the ring around the globe. miniature, standard or giant.
Again, this is a breed where the purists tend not to want to do anything with shaping of the coat and others go gung-ho. If you follow the English standard, it doesn’t say a word about whether you can or can’t shape the coat, whereas the AKC standard specifically mentions stripping and trimming. I am of the belief that if the rules don’t mention it and don’t say you can’t, then it is fair enough to do it.
It does take talent to shape a good Schnauzer. However, it can be learned and once you have the picture in your head of what is to be done, then all else follows readily. Basic trimming and stripping skills can be mastered and all it then takes is patience and a will to put the effort in.
Whatever you set out to do with his shaping, remember that your standard calls for correct conformation being of more importance than colour and beauty. So be mindful that your shaping should enhance his conformation and don’t just follow what someone else does to their Schnauzer whose shape is likely different.
I like to bath this dog. I am aware that the body of the coat ought to be harsh and wiry, so the trick is not to soften the coat but simply clean it and keep the coat from exhibiting buff or reddish tones. Use the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo to spritz clean this coat at the ratio of about 6 squirts to the gallon/4litres. You will hardly see any foam and thus keep any static or fluffiness to a minimum. For the legs and furnishings use the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo at just 5:1 i.e. 5 parts water to one part shampoo. For deeper whitening and toning use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok this product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but with the use of modern technology and high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin, This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
The Schnauzer face is a hallmark. For that clean without causing eye problems use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It – what the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean sooth, add moisture, aids healing, and has anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amount directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing yet complete cleaning.
Dry the head you can even use straightening irons on the eyebrows if necessary and apply Plush Puppy Sit N Stay warmed through the hands and smeared onto the brows. This will help hold them in place.
For thicker legs use one of 2 Plush Puppy products. Either Plush Puppy Volumising Spray is a ‘Ready To Use’ for quicker, easier and fuller coat results. Perfect either before blow-drying or used to ‘fluff’ up the coat at the show. A light even spray, brush in until dry or use a dryer. Produced for easy use and scientifically balanced for all coat types. This is a hair thickener to add volume – not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable as it leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel. Or Plush Puppy Puffy Dog Mousse. Apply, work in and then dry.
Dry the legs upwards and full using the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush till almost dry and apply Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream with a damp piece of kitchen sponge and then pack full of loose chalk and blow dry out again. This gives nice white, full legs. Spray with hairspray to hold.
For the body when blow-drying, apply Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray to keep the harshness to the coat and keep reapplying as you dry till the required texture is achieved.
Don’t forget to whiten his face with the Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream and finish it off with a dusting of loose chalk or chalk block which is easier to apply to the face than the loose stuff.
So, you now have a perfectly turned out Mini Schnauzer. All you need to do now is spray him with the Plush Puppy Odour Muncher for that wonderful fresh smell and a light dusting of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust onto your cushion brush and worked lightly through his rear area, topline, and front.
Your Schnauzer is a smart and stylish little person. His free, balanced little gait striding out with good reach and drive combined with your input for snappy grooming for him makes him a formidable opponent in any ring. He is one good looking little dog.