Airedale Terriers are known for their wiry, double coats that require regular grooming. While they are not as high-maintenance as some other breeds, Airedales do need to be brushed several times a week and trimmed or stripped every few months.
The Basics of Airedale Grooming
The first step to grooming an Airedale Terrier is to brush their coat. This will help to remove any dead hair and undercoat, and it will also help to distribute the natural oils in their coat. You should brush your Airedale’s coat at least twice a week, and more often if they are shedding heavily.
Here are some tips for brushing an Airedale Terrier’s coat:
Use a wire-bristled brush or a slicker brush.
Start at the head and work your way down the body.
Brush in the direction of the hair growth.
Be gentle, especially around the face and ears.
If you find any mats, use a mat breaker or a comb to work them out.
Once you have brushed your Airedale’s coat, you can trim or strip it.
Trimming
Trimming is the process of using clippers to remove the excess hair from an Airedale’s coat. This is a good option for Airedales who have a lot of shedding, or for those who do not want to strip their coat.
Here are some tips for trimming an Airedale Terrier’s coat:
Use a set of clippers with a #7 or #8 blade.
Start by trimming the body, then the legs, and then the head.
Be sure to trim in the direction of the hair growth.
If you are not comfortable trimming your Airedale’s coat yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Stripping
Stripping is the process of removing the dead hair from an Airedale’s coat by hand. This is a more time-consuming process than trimming, but it is the best way to maintain the Airedale’s natural coat texture.
Here are some tips for stripping an Airedale Terrier’s coat:
Use a stripping knife or a stripping comb.
Start by stripping the head, then the body, and then the legs.
Be sure to strip in the direction of the hair growth.
If you are not comfortable stripping your Airedale’s coat yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Other Grooming Needs
In addition to brushing and trimming or stripping, Airedales also need to have their nails trimmed regularly, and their ears cleaned and disinfected. You should also bathe your Airedale every few months, or more often if they get dirty.
Here are some other grooming needs for Airedale Terriers:
Nail trimming: Trim your Airedale’s nails every 4-6 weeks.
Ear cleaning: Clean your Airedale’s ears every week.
Bathing: Bathe your Airedale every 2-3 months.
Grooming an Airedale Terrier is not difficult, but it does require some regular maintenance. By following these tips, you can help to keep your Airedale’s coat looking its best and prevent any mats or tangles.
Additional Tips
If you are new to grooming Airedales, it is a good idea to start by watching a few videos or reading some articles about the process.
You can also take your Airedale to a professional groomer for their first few grooming sessions. This will give you a chance to see how it is done and to ask any questions you have.
Be patient and gentle when grooming your Airedale. They may not be used to being groomed, so it is important to take things slowly.
With a little practice, you will be able to groom your Airedale Terrier like a pro!
