What to request at the groomers?

Fergie07 · 08-02-2007, 11:52 PM

I have taken Fergie to the groomer once, about 3 weeks ago. She has fluffy soft hair and I don't want it to be shaved, but I think it should be cut. Can I request a sissor cut instead of clippers, so the hair can stay long?

DivaDog · 08-03-2007, 04:20 AM

Yes you can ask for a scissor cut - be as clear as you can in your instructions so the groomer knows exactly what you want. Make it VERY clear shes not to be clipped - and expect to pay more for a scissor cut, you would with me because its more work.

Fergie07 · 08-03-2007, 10:38 AM

Is that not a common request? She is a shih tzu mix. I love her fluffiness, but I don't want it to be too long. If I have her shaved she will look really long and skinny instead of fluffy. Is there a clipper cut that will keep that look? Is there a website that has images of the different "looks" you could go with for Lhasas and Shihs?

DivaDog · 08-04-2007, 05:28 AM

Depends where you are - most people just cant keep on top of a longer cut so have it shorter, I groom quite a few in a longer length. Scissoring a shihtz mix coat to keep some length can be time consuming depending on the coat - hence the higher price. You can ask for her to be clipped on a long blade which will leave the coat longer - but you may still have to expect to pay a bit more as she will be more work. Depends on the groomer.

Janelle · 08-04-2007, 07:14 AM

you must also keep you dog in almost perfect coat for a scissor trim don;t expect a matted dog to be put into a scissor trim

peace36 · 08-04-2007, 09:54 AM

How long do you want Fergies coat to be? What if she/he just asked for her body and legs to be clipped with say a #3 blade. Wouldnt that leave it just long enough to be still fluffy but still the same price of a regular clipper cut? Then ask to keep the face a bit longer?

PoodleKisses · 08-08-2007, 09:14 AM

It really depends on where you will be going, there are so many groomers out there that really dont know what they are doing. Make sure you ask questions, a good groomer would have no problems answering any questions a client may have. I'm happy to tell my clients how long I have been grooming and what my credits are. As for the groom goes you can request for a scissor trim sure, but you will pay for it, and like the last person said the coat needs to be in perfect condition. Also unless the gromer is really good at scissoring, it may not come out looking nice and smooth, it may look choppy. A clipper would probably be the best for as far as cutting the hair goes, but that groomer should be able to leave as much or little as you want, there are different blade lengths we use so its all up to the client as to what they want, of course unless the coat is matted and it HAS to be shaved.

Fergie07 · 08-10-2007, 09:53 AM

Her coat is not quite like a typical Shih Tzu. It doesn't mat too easily. I usually brush her every other day, but I have gone 4 days without any problems or matting. This is a picture of her. If I were to shave her, she would look like a rat terrior! She is really long and skinny under that fur. If I decide not to take her in for a cut now, at what point am I supposed to?

DivaDog · 08-10-2007, 03:10 PM

How old is she - her coat looks quite thin in those pics - not bad thing just not thick. Personally if I was grooming her - I wouldnt clip and I think your dead right not to go to short, id definately scissor tidy her.

Fergie07 · 08-10-2007, 03:45 PM

She is 6 months old. Her hair is thin, and very soft.

PoodleKisses · 08-10-2007, 07:33 PM

Well after seeing her pic and seeing how thin her hair is, it probably is better just to shorten the "skirt" area, legs, and rear with scissor and not clippers. Thats all I probably would do, be careful tho when that adult hair comes in, the texture might change a bit.

DivaDog · 08-11-2007, 08:26 AM

Yep that confirms what I thought. Ok most dogs of her sort of breeding/breed have little trouble with coat matting until the coat change- normally 9 months old. So keep on top of it you may find the coat thickens and becomes more prone to knotting as shegets older - once through the coat change the coat settles back down. I definately wouldnt clip her now I have her age confirmed - one other thing, is she spayed yet?

Fergie07 · 08-11-2007, 09:25 AM

She is not spayed yet. She goes to the vet on Monday and we are going to make an appointment then. My vet doesn't like to do it before 6 months, so we had to wait. Will that speed up the coat change since hormones will be different?

DivaDog · 08-12-2007, 08:00 AM

I wouldnt say it will speed up the coat change as such - you normally expect a spay change in about 2/3 months, sometimes more sometimes less - depends on the dog. But its very likely it will change her coat - and not necissarily for the better.

Im glad your vet doesnt spay before 6 months - personally I wouldnt before 18 months but I guess thats not always practical for everyone. You also have to remember that build and bone wise what you have now is what you will keep if shes spayed now...............so give it serious thought- she hasnt finished growing and she truly needs those hormones to continue her growth properly.

Purplex15 · 08-12-2007, 10:19 AM

i just wanted to add that scissoring and clipping does not alter the hair on shih tzus. this is usually only typical with dogs that have undercoat.

flipgirl · 10-07-2007, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplex15

i just wanted to add that scissoring and clipping does not alter the hair on shih tzus. this is usually only typical with dogs that have undercoat.

So if they do have an undercoat, like a bichon, what would be the difference between scissoring and using the clippers?

Love's_Sophie · 10-07-2007, 02:11 AM

Yep, you can ask for a scissor trim...But judging by your photos, why not just let her grow out in traditional Shih tzu style, and just have her lightly trimmed every couple of weeks (feet, face, butt, and any other loose ends)? If you are on top of her regarding brushing, she should do will in a long coat...