Stripping the Hounds: the ins and outs of harsh coats

What sort of grooming requirements do Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds have? Are their grooming needs the same? Let's dive in.

"I absolutely hate stripping, but it's necessary part of having dogs." This is a common phrase, or at least a common sentiment, among those who maintain an Irish Wolfhound coat. No, it's nothing illegal, and you don't need to worry about any impropriety as you continue reading this post. Hand stripping, often shortened to "stripping" or referred to as "a full strip" is the process of pulling the dead, or "blown" coat from an Irish Wolfhound. Hand stripping is not a process you would do for a Scottish Deerhound. A Scottish Deerhound coat is not exactly the same as an Irish Wolfhound coat, and does not require pulling the full coat to maintain the harsh feel.

So, let's talk about the basics of hand stripping.

Why do we hand strip a coat? Many breeds require a stripped coat; the most common ones are in the terrier breeds, but there are quite a few other wire coated dogs that need to be stripped manually. The Irish Wolfhound is one of these breeds. The dead hair does not shed out of the hair follicle upon dying, and must be pulled out to allow for new growth to occur.

When should I pull the coat? The best time to pull the coat is when it has started dying. To determine if the coat is ready, grasp a few strand of fur between your thumb and index finger and pull gently. If the hair comes out easily then it is likely time to begin stripping the dead coat.

Do I have to use just my hands, or is there a tool that will do the whole process for me? You can complete the process with fingers only, or you can use tools to help you grasp the hair and pull. Terrier stripping knife sets are available from most grooming supply websites, and you can find individual tools on most pet store sites, as well. Unfortunately, there is no tool that will acurately and safely pull the coat, although several are advertised. These do not pull the coat, they simply cut the coat, which can cause damage to the hair.

How long does the process take? Once you begin the process of pulling the coat, remember to work in small sections, pulling tiny fingerfuls of hair so as not to pull the dog's skin and cause injury. You can also use a pumice stone to help grasp the hair and remove it. In my experience, pulling a full adult wolfhound coat can be completed in around 4-7 hours, but I would not recommend pulling the coat all in one day. I like to work for 30 minutes to and hour and then let the dog be finished for that day. My fingers are only up to that long of a session, and the dog will be bored if they have to remain still for much longer than that.

Do I have to bathe my dog first? No, in fact, it is easier to strip a dirty coat than a clean one The oil and dirt on the coat allow for better grip on the dead hair. You should however, comb the dog first. Combing the coat will loosen the hair and will begin the process of removing the dead hair. After a thorough combing the coat will be ready to pull.

How often does the coat need to be stripped? It depends. Some dogs only require being pulled yearly, others twice or even three times a year. Intact females are more likely to need to be stripped out after they experience a heat cycle due to hormonal changes that cause the coat to blow.

So if a deerhound is not stripped, what do I do for the coat? Scottish Deerhounds are supposed to have slightly longer hair than the Irish Wolfhound - approximately 3-5 inches long. Scottish Deerhound coats need to be combed often, not only to keep the coat neat, but to help disperse natural oils along the skin and coat. These oils help protect the coat and the skin. The only hair on a deerhound that needs to be stripped is the long fine hairs that grow on the ears. Otherwise, a deerhound's coat is what we call "Wash and Wear." And washing is not required often. The more you wash the coat, the softer it will be. A deerhound coat is meant to be harsh, and shampoos and conditioners will soften the coat, changing it and keeping it from protecting the dog's skin.

Do I need to strip my pet Irish Wolfhound's coat? Stripping you dog's coat is your own choice. You do not have to strip the coat, but in order to maintain the coat at it's most healthy, and also to avoid clumps of dog hair floating around your house, stripping the coat is the best approach.

Can I take my dog to a groomer to have it stripped? The answer is, yes, but it will be very expensive. Hand stripping a coat is time consuming. Hand stripping a coat on a giant breed dog is massively expensive due to the fact that it will likely take more than one groomer to complete the task, which takes away from the ability of the grooming salon to get another client in at the same time. Also, your dog will not be comfortable standing for such a long period of time while their hair is all pulled out. You may be required to schedule multiple appointments with a groomer to complete the task. If you find a groomer who is experienced and willing to strip you Irish Wolfhound, that is great. Just remember that there are a lot of factors to hand stripping a giant dog. Make sure you have a good open dialogue with the groomer about what will be done and how many hours it will take.

The decision about whether to strip the coat or not is your own, but just realize that the level of grooming you put in is reflected in your dog's coat health.