Under this heading we will include dogs with corded coats, for example Pulis and Komodors, Water dogs such as the Spanish Water Dog and also we will look at Wire Haired Coats and dogs with either White or very Light coloured coats and dogs with Black or Dark coloured coats.
Most owners of this type of dog will know exactly how to encourage and maintain cords, so I will not go into the art of achieving this look.
However, the corded hair does need a very gentle but thorough shampoo and we always recommend our WildWash Pro Sensitive, followed by WildWash Pro Nourishing Conditioner.
I have always found the best way to wash these coats is to thoroughly wet the coat, then starting at the bottom, shampoo the cords in rows, patting them between the palms until thoroughly washed before moving on to the new ‘row’ or section.
Rinsing can be done in the same way and then Conditioner applied in a similar fashion (you can leave the Conditioner on for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing).
Drying these amazing coats is best done by absorbing as much moisture as possible, using microfibre cloths and towels and then waiting for the rest to air dry.
Water dogs’ coats can be coaxed into cords but are generally left uncorded. Their coats are designed to be waterproof and it is important not to strip their natural grease proof coats, so again we always recommend our WildWash PRO Sensitive Shampoo.
These coats are traditionally Hand Stripped. They essentially have two levels of coat, the older top hair which eventually is ready to shed to make room for the new hair coming from underneath.
When the top hair is ready to be removed it should come away easily. If it doesn’t come away easily then it is not ready and trying to pull it will be very uncomfortable for the dog. The coat can be removed either by pulling gently with fingers and thumb or by carefully using a stripping knife.
Most pet owners will leave this process to their groomer although I do know a few who find the lengthy process of hand stripping quote therapeutic!
Stripping should be carried out before washing and then always use our PRO Sensitive Shampoo afterwards as the pores will be open and the shampoo needs to be gentle, soothing and fragrance free.
In between stripping we recommend our PRO Shampoo for Light Coloured Coats and our PRO Shampoo for Dark or Greasy Coats as both of these shampoos contain citrus and will help to keep the coat nice and coarse, unless of course your dog has super sensitive skin and then just continue with the PRO Sensitive Shampoo.
Whilst a lot of pet owners have their wire haired dogs hand stripped, many more find it more convenient to have their doggies clipped instead and this is perfectly fine for a pet groom. The hair will end up a lot softer and lose its wiry appearance in time. Shampoos for a clipped coat can still be the Light or Dark coat shampoos or else you can really use any from the range, still bearing in mind that super sensitive skins or allergies require one of our Sensitive Shampoos.
Many dogs with white or light coats do get some yellowy discolouration and our PRO Light Coat Shampoo contains Chamomile, Lemon and Lime which are natural whiteners/brighteners and can help to reduce any discolouring.
White/Light coloured dogs can also suffer with tear stains, where the secretions from the eye will run and cause staining. This happens in most dogs but of course it is a lot more noticeable on a light coat. We have some great products to help with this. Our Daily Eye Cleanser and Tear Stain Remover should be used on a regular basis to get the best results.
**Unfortunately, some white dogs are prone to skin conditions and the White West Highland Terrier (Westie) comes to mind here.
Should your dog have sensitive skin, allergies or any skin conditions then always use our PRO Sensitive shampoo, regardless of coat or colour!
Staining around the muzzle and beard can be greatly diminished by using our Deep Cleansing Facial Scrub.
This is a treatment which can be used on a regular basis to help get rid of this type of staining.
» Firstly thoroughly wet face and muzzle and then apply a good size ‘dollop’ of the Facial Scrub.
» Massage in gently for 5-10 minutes paying particular attention to the stained areas.
» Then smear a further amount of product over the face and muzzle and leave for 10-15 minutes.
» Rinse off thoroughly to reveal a far cleaner and brighter face!
Our PRO Shampoo for Dark or Greasy Coats works well to thoroughly clean and degrease and thus enhance the shine on all dark or black coats. The Mandarin, Sweet Orange and Fennel simply cut through any dirt and grease leaving super clean, grease free shiny hair.
Again, any dogs with sensitive skin, allergies or skin conditions should only use our PRO Sensitive Shampoo.
For any of the above dogs you can use one of our Coat Conditioning Spray or Perfumes between washes.
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