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Scottish Deerhound Club of America |
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Grooming the Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound's crisp, somewhat wiry coat, has the felicitous quality of being exceptionally easy-care. Even long neglected grooming can be set right in very short order. The required tools are a sturdy pair of nail clippers or an electric nail grinder (this is a matter of preference -- yours and the dog's), a slicker brush (a flat, rectangular brush with fine bent wire bristles, much like the tool used for carding wool) and a good quality steel comb with close-set teeth. Although not strictly necessary, a toothbrush and dentifrice made specifically for dogs are a good idea and will contribute to the health of the dog as well as making him more pleasant company. Begin by cutting or grinding the dog's nails as far back as possible without hitting the quick. Should you accidentally quick a nail, the bleeding can be easily stopped by the application of a styptic powder which may be purchased from pet supply catalogs or shops, and is a good thing to have on hand. Next, strip out any long and/or light colored hair from the ears, leaving them black and velvety. This is done by gripping a few hairs at a time between thumb and forefinger and quickly pulling them out. If you have trouble gripping the hair, a block of grooming chalk may be rubbed over the ear before you begin to make the hair less slippery, but this should only be used when you will be bathing the dog afterwards as it will dull the coat and may cause itching if left in the coat. Another way to achieve the same result is to wear a surgical rubber glove on your stripping hand. Brush the body of the dog thoroughly in the direction of hair growth with the slicker brush, stopping occasionally to clean the hair from the brush with your steel comb. Use the comb for a final run-through to make sure that all tangles and dead undercoat have been removed. Use the comb also for facial furnishings and the breast and belly coat, where the skin is tender and the dog may object to the use of the slicker. Although a bath may temporarily make the Deerhound's coat softer than desirable, it will also remove dust and dirt, "doggy odor", and will bring out healthy shine and true color. Certainly no dirty dog should ever be shown to a judge. Sometimes bathing a few days before a show will be sufficient to allow the crisp texture to return. For tips specific to the grooming of an individual animal, particularly when it is to be shown, it is best to consult the breeder from whom the dog was purchased or a knowledgeable breeder whom you trust.
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