Both spaniels and  terriers ought to be plucked ( stripped,)  but most pets are clipped.   Please note that stripped or stripping are technical terms, and does not mean clipped off short, I do try to make sure I know what a client wants before I  start, but these terms can be confusing on occasions.

 

Stripping maintains the natural coat type and texure, where as clipping can cause the coat to change texture and soften, as the dead coat is not being removed to encourage new growth.

 

However plucking is a very slow proccess, and as most pet owners who are not planning to show their dog which is where the coat texture is of most importance,  most customers prefer to have them clipped as the result can, if done with care look much the same, and the dog is not required to stand and be restricted for so long, it is also difficult with larger dogs to charge a fee that reflects the actual time taken. 

 

Though I  do strip some dogs I normally only do so with smaller terriers, such as the border or cairn etc. and very well behaved spaniels.

 

I do prefer even when clipping to have the dog look like the breed it is supposed to be.  If you prefer anything different do explain exactly what you like done. A side view photo often helps with understanding the general outline, sometime a head view is also useful.

 

The same basic process is followed as with the poodle, ie remove the bulk of the hair first, which ever method is used.   To clip pre bath takes a fraction of the time it takes to strip, with a cairn for example it is a differance of 15 minutes to clip or an hour and a half, to strip. 

 

 Bath, do anal glands, the terrier needs a particular type of conditioner, if one is needed, in order not to soften their naturally harsh coat.

 

The drying is done in the same way as a poodle, and trimming is then done with scissors when clipped, but with stripping tools or thinners when stripped. after doing ears and nails, when dogs have been clipped the coat is 'carded'  using a 'shedding tool' over the coat to remove some of the lose dead coat, and encourage some new growth  of coat to avoid the complete softening of the dog's coat.

Spaniels coats can also sometimes benefit from a spray on conditioner, and they are given a final brush to gloss the coat using a bristle brush and silk.