CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Grooming => Topic started by: Blondeduke on September 29, 2019, 11:08:45 AM
-
My groomer is kindly teaching me how to handstrip my pup but am going back to finish off( it was a long 1st session ) but our previous spaniels were always docked. Just wanting to check do we have to trim all the hair off his beautiful long tail if I decided to show him? I have been looking for pictures of winners & it's hard to see but if anyone can offer an expert opinion on current trim that would be most helpful. Thank you.
-
I don't show but like to have Jack in proper show trim (ie handstripped with a bit of judicious scissoring). I also don't think there's a 'right' way necessarily, just what looks neat and natural.
Here's what I do: I normally leave his natural tail length (about 2-2.5") at the base of the tail for a few inches up the length then trim a gently curved taper in line with this up to the tip which is slightly rounded off (ie no point). To me this is more pleasing that a straight line. I like to think of it as a carving knife shape with the straight edge being the top of the tail. Takes a bit of practice to get the right shape. Confidence is key and scissors must be sharp. Tip: go slow and steady and don't cut until the tail is still. Jack has a tendency to twitch his tail at the very nanosecond I want to trim!
Hope that makes sense!
(https://i.postimg.cc/y8Dq32XP/Knife1.jpg)
-
When I saw that photo I thought you were going to suggest trimming the tail with the knife :fear2: :fear2: :rofl1: :rofl1: :rofl1:
Lesley and Dylan
-
I show and have done for many years. The standard asks for tails to be well feathered. I trim my dogs' tails so they have a tidy shape but never take all the feathering off- plenty do as is their choice. When I'm judging cockers I prefer a well feathered and neatly trimmed tail. Hope this helps!