[emsboy]

When it says you shouldn't trim does that mean that you shouldn't take your dog to get a haircut? Or is that only if you are competing in shows? Also is it important to get your dog plucked professionally if said to? Can something bad happen if you don't and where can I go to get my dog professionally plucked?

[007Dogs]

Emsboy, it is called hand stripping. It is done to all the hard coated breed terriers, as well as the Standard and Giant Schnuazers, Brussels Griffons, Affinpinchers, etc.
It is hard to find someone to hand strip a dog for you. The best is to learn to do it yourself. It does not have to be done, but it does cause the dog to loose it's hard outer coat. It's weather proof jacket. A harsh coated terrier should have a hard outer coat with a soft dence under coat. These dogs were bred to hunt quarry underground, so have a good protective coat is very important in the breed. If you were to entertain the idea of a smooth coated Fox Terrier or smooth coated Parson/Jack Russell, the grooming is much easier. But the Westie you have spoken of, really should be hand stripped. Since it is not your intent to show, the stripping would not need to be perfect, thus easy for a pet owner to achieve.

[skelaki]

And, unless you have a breed such as a poodle, bichon, or Bedlington terrier that require periodic clipping, you don't need to give your dog hair cuts especially if by such you mean those summer buzz cuts.

[DivaDog]

Handstripping is done to all sorts of dogs including terriers - most spaniels are also handstripped. Its advisable to handstrip even if you dont show - it is far better for the coat. Any breed that requires trimming for the show ring will normally benefit from a proffesional groom - and not just poodles bichons etc.