Even the hardest worker needs to kick back and receive some extra love. A Border Terrier is no different. It runs around a lot because it is bred for hunting foxes. And that comes with dirt and bugs.
When it comes to grooming, you’ll notice its fur looks a little rough, and it should stay that way.
I’ll tell you why.
A Border Terrier’s fur is waterproof. That’s a necessary trait for hunting on a wet morning. Look closely, and you’ll see a top wispy yet tough layer followed by a soft wooly undercoat to keep them warm. Unlike most other small dogs, this one doesn’t need too much in the way of grooming.
ALSO READ: Preparing for a Border Terrier’s first grooming session
How to Groom a Border Terrier – Things To Do Regularly
Hair Brushing
Regular brushing stimulates the natural oils in your Terrier’s fur and skin, making it glossy and healthy. A few minutes of daily or weekly brushing to remove dry dirt and remove dead hairs goes a long way for this breed.
That waterproof coating needs to stay that way, so avoid bathing him unless necessary. Every five or six months is enough, and when you do, don’t use any shampoo.
Shampoo or detergent will strip the oil from the coat, leaving the dog more prone to picking up dirt. Lukewarm water only works very well for a bath. If it needs some cleaning along the way, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth or towel.
You’ll probably notice your dog taking a sunbath often, and that keeps it clean, dry, and not smelling musty.
Hair Stripping
Border Terriers don’t shed appropriately without help, and that’s where stripping comes in. You can strip it with a stripping tool or just by hand.
After 8 to 10 weeks, the dog will have a new coat. The dead hairs will come out, leaving behind a wiry new coat. Strip your Terrier twice a year, or he will strip using furniture edges. You may want to get some training to do this without hurting the dog.
How do you know your dog is ready for a strip?
You’ll notice a parting in the hair down its back. You should strip it gently with your hand. New hair will only come in once the dead hair is gone.
Clipping
Clipping a Border isn’t recommended, as it only shortens the dead hair instead of eliminating it. The beautiful texture of the protective coat gets messy and tangled after clipping.
Your dog won’t keep bugs away, and the soft inner coat will get matted. The dog will also have trouble regulating temperature.
When Clipping is Necessary
But if you must clip the dog, it’s recommended you use a blade in the #4 to #7 range. You can also use a short-medium comb guide. The longer you leave the coat, the more you can retain the coat’s natural color and texture.
The genital and anal areas will need some clipping with scissors to keep them clean and tidy. And this is one of the reasons hair clipping is necessary on a Border Terrier.
If by any chance you clipped the dog’s hair, it’ll take time and effort, but restoration is possible. To fix it, you may have to strip it by hand at least twice or thrice.
Nail Clipping
Little and often is the way to go. Regular nail clipping should begin at three weeks old. Do it carefully because you don’t want to cut a nerve or blood vessel, which is quite painful for the dog. They won’t let you come near their paws again if you do. Just a millimeter should do.
Remember the dewclaws, too, since they don’t get much wear and tear.
Check His Teeth and Ears
Keep your Border’s teeth clean with a pet toothbrush and some dog toothpaste. Don’t get tempted to use regular toothpaste because your dog can get sick if it swallows that.
Is it showing any resistance to brushing? Try flavored toothpaste. Who wouldn’t want to brush their teeth with chicken-flavored toothpaste?
Border Terriers love positive reinforcement, so speak to your dog kindly and encourage it through the brushing. A clean mouth is essential for both your sakes.
Check the ears for infection and the eyes and ears for buildup every day. If necessary, wipe with a damp cloth.
Final Word
These beauties are easy maintenance. You don’t need an expert to do the grooming for you, but you can certainly learn a thing or two from a breeder. Make sure your dog is comfortable as you try to make it look more presentable.