How To Groom A Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer owners can save a considerable amount of money if they learn how to groom a miniature schnauzer. Schnauzers are fairly easy to groom at home, especially if you have the right equipment. A good pair of clippers may seem like a large investment, but over time it will pay for itself and save you money grooming your Miniature Schnauzer.

Equipment needed:

• Pet clippers with a #10 blade
• Steel comb
• Slicker brush
• Grooming shears
• Dog nail clippers
• Cotton balls
• Alcohol

1. If your dog is dirty, bathe him first. Unless your dog is an outside doing a lot of roughhousing, Schnauzers can go for two to three months between baths.  Bathing too often removes natural oils that keeps their skin healthy, so only wash your dog if he's dirty.
2. Use the steel comb and slicker brush to detangle the hair. Start with the slicker brush and thoroughly brush out the longer hair on the dog's legs and beard. Use the steel comb to comb out the eyebrows. At this time, also check the groin and "armpit" areas for any mats that may have started forming. Miniature Schnauzers should be brushed out twice a week in-between regular grooming sessions to prevent the formation of mats.
3. Clip the head first. Use clippers with a #10 blade to clip the hair, making sure to always go in the direction of the hair growth. After clipping, use the shears to trim the eyebrows and beard.
4. Next, clip the body. Again, it's important to always clip in the direction the hair grows to prevent nicks or pulling. The longer hair around the legs, called furnishings, should be trimmed with the shears.
5. Clipping the tail is the next step. If your Schnauzer's tail is cropped, it's common practice to clip all the hair. For Schnauzer's with a natural tail, you can get away with just clipping the top and leaving a little fringe of hair under the tail for a snazzier look.
6. Clean up the details. Using the clippers, carefully trim under the dog's tail. Clip by starting on the outside of the dog and move towards the middle. Clip the stomach, starting with the inner thighs and moving up to the rib cage. The chest hair is left slightly longer and can be cleaned up with the shears.
7. Clip the toenails.  Using nail clippers for dogs, trim the dogs nails back, being careful not to hit the quick. If you trim the nails every two weeks, you'll be able to take the tip off easily without having to worry about cutting back too far. 
8. Clean out the ears. Using cotton balls moistened with alcohol, swab out the dog's ear.