West Highland Terriers (Westies) are a popular breed of dog known for their distinctive white coats. However, keeping their coats in top condition can be a challenge, requiring regular clipping. While it may seem daunting, clipping a Westie is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with the right tools and techniques. By following this comprehensive guide, you will gain the confidence and skills to give your Westie a professional-looking clip that will keep them looking and feeling their best.
Before beginning the clipping process, it is essential to gather the necessary tools. These include a high-quality pair of dog clippers, a slicker brush, a comb, scissors, styptic powder, and treats. Once you have assembled your tools, it is time to prepare your Westie for their trim. Start by thoroughly brushing your dog’s coat to remove any tangles or mats. Next, divide the coat into sections and secure each section with a clip to keep it out of the way.
Now that your Westie is prepared, it’s time to start clipping. Begin by clipping the body of the dog, moving in the direction of hair growth. Use a short clipper blade (size 10 or 15) for the body and a longer blade (size 7 or 8) for the legs and head. As you clip, pay close attention to the contours of the dog’s body and use gentle strokes to avoid any nicks or cuts. Regular breaks will also help prevent clippers from overheating and your Westie can rest and relax
Understanding the Anatomy of a Westie
General Features
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small but sturdy breed with a unique and distinctive appearance. Their hallmark features include:
* Dense, Double-Layered Coat: Westies sport a double coat consisting of a soft and fluffy undercoat and a harsh, wiry outercoat that protects them from the elements.
* Small, Prick Ears: Their ears are erect, triangular, and set high on the skull, giving them an alert and curious expression.
* Bushy Tail: The tail is well-haired and carried high, adding to the Westie’s playful and charming character.
Head and Skull
The Westie’s head is moderately broad and rounded, with a gentle stop (the indentation between the eyes).
Eyes
Westies have dark, almond-shaped eyes that exude a lively and intelligent gaze. The rims of their eyelids are black or brown.
Muzzle
The muzzle is of medium length and tapering, with a strong black nose. Its lips are black and fit snugly around the teeth.
Teeth
Westies have a complete set of 42 teeth that meet in a scissor bite, where the upper incisors overlap the lower ones.
| Type of Tooth | Number |
|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 |
| Canines | 4 |
| Premolars | 16 |
| Molars | 10 |
Gathering Essential Tools for Clipping
The art of grooming a West Highland Terrier requires specific tools to achieve a precise and professional finish. Before embarking on the clipping process, gather the following essential items:
Clippers
Investing in high-quality clippers is crucial for a clean and efficient cut. Look for clippers with sharp, durable blades and multiple speed settings to accommodate different coat textures and areas of the dog’s body. Consider the size and weight of the clippers, ensuring they are comfortable to handle for extended periods.
Blades
Matching the appropriate blade size to the specific grooming task is essential. Blades come in various sizes, from #10 for a short, skin-close cut to #40 for finishing touches and blending. Refer to the table below for a detailed guide:
| Blade Size | Purpose |
|---|---|
| #10 | Short, close cut |
| #15 | Standard trim |
| #20 | Blending and touch-ups |
| #30 | Longer trim, leaving some coat length |
| #40 | Finishing and blending |
Preparing Your Westie for Grooming
Proper preparation is essential for a successful grooming session. Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and follow these steps:
1. Gather Your Grooming Tools
- Slicker brush
- Comb
- Scissors
- Clippers
- Nail trimmers
2. Bathe Your Westie
Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo. Avoid getting water in your Westie’s ears or eyes. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
3. Brush and Comb Your Westie
This step is crucial for detangling and removing any loose hair. Begin by brushing against the grain with a slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Then, comb through the fur with a wide-toothed comb to remove any knots or debris.
| Tool | Technique |
|---|---|
| Slicker Brush | Brush against the grain, starting at the head and working towards the tail |
| Wide-Toothed Comb | Comb through the fur, starting from the ends and working towards the roots |
Be gentle and avoid pulling on your Westie’s skin. If you encounter mats, use a detangling spray or carefully work them apart with your fingers before brushing.
Trimming the Coat Using Scissors
Basic Trimming Technique
To begin trimming, hold a pair of sharp scissors with the blades facing down. Position your fingers near the base of the blades for better control. Gently grip the hair between your thumb and forefinger, and trim in the direction of hair growth.
Sectioning the Coat
Divide the coat into smaller sections for easier trimming. Here’s a suggested sectioning plan:
| Section | Boundaries |
|---|---|
| Head | From the top of the head to the base of the skull |
| Body | From the base of the skull to the base of the tail |
| Legs | From the shoulders to the wrists and from the hips to the ankles |
| Tail | The entire length of the tail |
Trimming the Body
Start at the top of the back and work your way down. Hold the scissors with the teeth slightly angled towards the body to create a tapered effect. Trim the hair to a uniform length of about 1-2 inches.
Trimming Specific Areas
Legs: Trim the legs with shorter strokes to achieve a more natural look. Remove any excess hair around the paws.
Tail: Hold the tail up and trim the hair in a conical shape, starting from the base and tapering towards the tip.
Face: Use thinning scissors to lightly trim any whiskers or strays around the eyes and nose. Avoid cutting too close to sensitive areas.
Using Clippers for a Polished Cut
Preparation
- Gather clippers, clipper guard combs (10-15 blade), comb, scissors, and thinning shears.
- Bathe and thoroughly dry your Westie before clipping.
Body
- Attach a 10-15 blade guard to the clippers.
- Hold the clippers parallel to the skin and gently glide over the body, following the direction of hair growth.
- Pay close attention to areas around the legs, paws, and tail.
Legs and Paws
- Use a scissor to trim around the paws, shaping them into small rounded corners.
- With the clippers and a 10-15 blade guard, trim the hair on the legs from the paws up to the body.
Head and Ears
- Using scissors, trim the hair between the eyes and around the nose and mouth.
- Trim the hair on the ears to blend with the head shape.
Detailing
- Use thinning shears to remove excess hair and create a more natural look.
- Go over the entire body again with the clippers to smooth any rough spots.
- Take extra care to blend the clipped areas with the unclipped areas.
Grooming Chart for Westies
| Area | Length |
|---|---|
| Body | 10-15 blade guard |
| Legs | 10-15 blade guard |
| Head | Scissors |
| Ears | Scissors |
Grooming the Face and Ears
When grooming the face and ears of a West Highland Terrier, it’s important to be gentle and avoid tugging on the hair. Here are some specific tips for each area:
Face
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently brush away any tangles or mats. Use a pair of scissors to trim away any excess hair around the eyes and mouth, but be careful not to cut the hair too short. The hair around the eyes should be trimmed to a length of about 1/4 inch, and the hair around the mouth should be trimmed to a length of about 1/2 inch.
Ears
Check the ears regularly for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any signs of infection, consult with your veterinarian. To clean the ears, use a cotton ball or a piece of gauze moistened with a gentle ear cleaner. Gently wipe away any dirt or debris from the ear canal. Do not insert the cotton ball or gauze too deeply into the ear canal, as this could damage the eardrum.
Plucking the Ear Hair
In addition to cleaning the ears, you should also regularly pluck the ear hair. This will help to prevent ear infections and keep your dog’s ears healthy. To pluck the ear hair, use a pair of ear hair tweezers. Gently grasp the hair at the base and pull it out in the direction of growth. Do not pluck the hair if it is ingrown or if it is causing your dog any pain.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for grooming the face and ears of a West Highland Terrier:
| Face | Ears |
|---|---|
| Use a fine-tooth comb to gently brush away any tangles or mats. | Check the ears regularly for any signs of infection. |
| Use a pair of scissors to trim away any excess hair around the eyes and mouth. | To clean the ears, use a cotton ball or a piece of gauze moistened with a gentle ear cleaner. |
| The hair around the eyes should be trimmed to a length of about 1/4 inch. | To pluck the ear hair, use a pair of ear hair tweezers. |
| The hair around the mouth should be trimmed to a length of about 1/2 inch. | Gently grasp the hair at the base and pull it out in the direction of growth. |
Tidying Up the Tail and Feet
Trimming the Tail
The tail of a Westie should be trimmed to a natural style, leaving it around 6-8 inches long. Use thinning shears to remove any excess hair from the underside of the tail, creating a neat and tidy appearance.
Trimming the Feet
The feet of a Westie should be trimmed regularly to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Use scissors to trim the hair between the toes, and around the footpads. Be careful not to trim too close to the skin.
Removing Hair from Ears
The hair inside the ears of a Westie should be plucked regularly to prevent infections and keep them clean. Use tweezers to gently remove any excess hair, taking care not to damage the ear canal.
Bathing
Westie’s should be bathed every 2-3 weeks to keep their coat healthy and clean. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Drying
After bathing, use a towel to gently dry your Westie’s coat. You can also use a blow dryer on a low setting, taking care not to overheat the dog.
Brushing
Westies should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Use a slicker brush to gently brush the coat in the direction of hair growth.
Blending and Refining the Cut
To achieve a professional and natural-looking finish, blending and refining the cut is essential. Follow these steps:
1. Back Blending
Using thinning shears, gently blend the hair along the dog’s back, creating a smooth transition from the short hair on the body to the longer hair on the head and tail.
2. Side Blending
Similar to back blending, use thinning shears to blend the hair on the sides, ensuring a clean line from the short body hair to the longer hair on the legs and feet.
3. Tail and Body Blending
Use thinning shears or scissors to carefully blend the long hair on the tail into the shorter hair on the body, creating a gradual transition.
4. Head and Muzzle Blending
Use thinning shears or scissors to blend the hair on the head and muzzle, ensuring a smooth transition from the short hair on the body to the longer hair on the head.
5. Feet Blending
Using thinning shears or scissors, blend the hair on the feet into the longer hair on the legs, creating a neat and tidy appearance.
6. Ears Blending
If desired, you can use thinning shears to blend the hair around the ears, creating a smooth transition from the short hair on the head to the longer hair on the ears.
7. Refine with Scissors
Once blended, use scissors to refine the cut, removing any uneven or stray hairs and ensuring a precise finish.
8. Finishing Touches
As a final step, use a grooming spray or a small amount of water to lightly damp the hair and comb through it in the direction of hair growth to set the style. You can also add a small amount of grooming powder or hairspray to provide hold and prevent the hair from becoming unruly.
| Grooming Tools |
|---|
| Thinning shears |
| Scissors |
| Grooming spray or water |
| Grooming powder or hairspray (optional) |
Post-Clipping Care and Maintenance
Bathing and Brushing
After clipping, bathe your Westie with a gentle shampoo to remove any loose hair. Afterward, brush their fur regularly to prevent matting and keep it smooth and healthy.
Nail Trimming
Check your Westie’s nails for excess length and trim them if necessary. Avoid cutting into the quick, the red part of the nail.
Ear Cleaning
Westie ears can collect dirt and debris, so inspect them regularly. If you notice any redness, discharge, or odor, contact your veterinarian. Clean the ears using a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls.
Dental Hygiene
Brush your Westie’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems. Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.
Diet and Nutrition
Provide your Westie with a well-balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Consult your veterinarian for specific nutritional recommendations.
Exercise and Activity
Westies are active and energetic dogs, so provide them with regular exercise, such as walks, runs, or playtime. Mental stimulation through training or interactive toys is also important.
Grooming Frequency
Westie grooming should be done every 4-6 weeks to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Consult with your groomer for a personalized grooming schedule.
Professional Grooming
Professional groomers have the expertise and tools to properly clip your Westie while ensuring their comfort and well-being. Consider using a professional groomer on a regular basis.
Other Considerations
| Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Eye Cleaning | As needed |
| Anal Gland Expression | As needed |
| Flea and Tick Prevention | Monthly |
Troubleshooting Common Clipping Issues
1. Uneven Coat Length
If your Westie’s coat is uneven, you may not be holding the clippers correctly. Hold the clippers parallel to the dog’s skin and move them in the direction of hair growth. Overlapping your strokes and using a comb attachment can help ensure even coverage.
2. Choppy or Patchy Coat
Choppy or patchy coats often result from using dull blades. Replace your clipper blades regularly, and brush your Westie’s coat before clipping to remove tangles and mats.
3. Irritated Skin
If your Westie’s skin becomes red or irritated after clipping, you may be using clippers that are too close to the skin. Always use a comb attachment appropriate for the length of your dog’s coat.
4. Pimples or Folliculitis
Pimples or folliculitis can occur when the clipper blades are too hot or dull. Cool the blades frequently and avoid over-clipping.
5. Clipping Scars
Clipping scars can result from holding the clippers too tightly against the dog’s skin or using dull blades. Be gentle and use a sharp, well-maintained clipper.
6. Bald Spots
Bald spots can occur if you clip against the direction of hair growth or over-clip. Always clip in the direction of hair growth and use a comb attachment to prevent over-clipping.
7. Missed Patches
Missed patches are often the result of not checking the dog’s coat thoroughly before clipping. Double-check your work and pay attention to areas that are difficult to reach, such as under the legs and behind the ears.
8. Sharp Edges
Sharp edges can be uncomfortable for your Westie. Use a pair of grooming shears to trim any sharp edges and create a smooth, finished look.
9. Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs can occur when the hair is clipped too short or against the grain. Trim the hair only to the desired length and use a comb attachment to prevent against ingrown hairs.
10. Cutting Whiskers
The whiskers are an important sensory tool for dogs, and clipping or trimming them can disorient or confuse your Westie. Avoid cutting the whiskers, groom them instead using a soft brush.
How to Clip a West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a small, sturdy breed with a distinctive white double coat. The outer coat is rough and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Westies require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition and to prevent matting. Clipping your Westie is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with the right tools and a little bit of patience.
Here are the steps on how to clip a West Highland Terrier:
- Gather your supplies. You will need a pair of sharp grooming scissors, a slicker brush, and a comb.
- Brush your Westie’s coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats. Start at the head and work your way back to the tail.
- Trim the hair around your Westie’s eyes and ears. Use the scissors to carefully trim the hair around the eyes, being careful not to cut too close to the eye. Also, trim the hair around the ears, leaving it slightly longer than the hair on the head.
- Clip the hair on the body. Starting at the back of the neck, use the scissors to clip the hair in short, even strokes. Work your way down the body, following the natural contours of the dog. Be careful not to clip the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
- Trim the hair on the legs and tail. Use the scissors to trim the hair on the legs and tail, leaving it slightly longer than the hair on the body.
- Brush your Westie’s coat again to remove any loose hair. You can also use a comb to help distribute the natural oils in the coat.
Here are some additional tips for clipping a West Highland Terrier:
- If you are not comfortable clipping your Westie’s coat yourself, you can take your dog to a professional groomer.
- Be sure to use sharp scissors to avoid damaging your Westie’s coat.
- Clip your Westie’s coat regularly to keep it in good condition and to prevent matting.
People Also Ask About How to Clip a West Highland Terrier
How often should I clip my Westie?
You should clip your Westie every 4-6 weeks to keep his coat in good condition and to prevent matting.
What type of scissors should I use to clip my Westie?
You should use a pair of sharp grooming scissors to clip your Westie’s coat. Avoid using regular scissors, as they can damage the coat.
Can I clip my Westie’s coat myself?
Yes, you can clip your Westie’s coat yourself with the right tools and a little bit of patience. However, if you are not comfortable doing so, you can take your dog to a professional groomer.
How much does it cost to have my Westie clipped by a professional groomer?
The cost of having your Westie clipped by a professional groomer will vary depending on the groomer and the location. However, you can expect to pay between $30 and $60 for a basic clip.
