When grooming a Chinese rural dog (also known as a 'small earth dog' or 'native dog'), if your dog is cooperative, you can follow a top-down approach. Start by trimming the head, then the torso, back, and abdomen, and finally the legs. Keep the hair length on the head and body symmetrical for the most attractive and adorable results.
The Chinese rural dog, also known as the 'Chinese native dog,' can get hot during the summer months with its thick coat. Long hair also makes it difficult to style and it easily collects dirt. So, how can you give your Chinese rural dog a beautiful hairstyle?
Methods for Trimming Your Dog's Hair
1. Preparing the Coat
Start by giving your dog a bath to remove any dirt. Then, while drying, use a wooden comb to brush out any tangles. This will prevent the scissors and clippers from snagging and ensure a more comfortable and cleaner cut for your dog.
2. Facial Trimming
Dogs are naturally curious and often get their faces dirty while sniffing and eating. Trimming their face can be tricky as most dogs resist and try to move away. It's important to hold your dog gently and reassure them during the process. Keep the facial hair relatively short, and trim the long hair under the jaw as it serves no purpose and can detract from the overall appearance. Be careful not to cut the whiskers as they act as their 'detectors'. When trimming eyebrows, be careful not to point the scissors towards their eyes to avoid accidental injuries. Unless you want a specific style, minor trimming of the ear hair is usually sufficient, dividing the hair and shortening it slightly is typically all that is needed.
3. Body Trimming
Now, it's time for the main body grooming. This is where you can get creative with styling. If you have electric clippers, attach the guard to achieve the desired hair length. Use a wide-tooth clipper for the back and abdomen, as these are quicker to use and less likely to irritate the skin. The hair on the paws grows quickly and requires regular trimming, as many skin issues originate there. Use small scissors for this. Remember to always shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid skin irritation.