Tumblr is broke =( first it eats up my queue, now it makes me post blank posts.
Sorry guys, I was on vacation and thought I have everything good to go for postings.
Huh? What? I wasn’t eating the snow why you think that jeez!
(Dasha, the black russian terrier after a hike. She is in her element in Alaska in the winter.)
Its March!
And now, in honor of the Month of March I present…..
Blackies and Snow Week!!
Starting… in March amazingly enough.
BRT Grooming
I recently stumbled upon this article on TerrificPets.com on BRTs that has a great and concise article on what kind of grooming is necessary for the BRT. As someone who had not had dog with a terrier-type coat before, I found that the area of how to groom my pup was one that I had to do research on when I first got my dog. Read it below (emphasis mine):
The Black Russian Terrier does have some important grooming needs due to its long and thick coat. The best way to keep the coat in good condition is to brush and comb it regularly. However, it is essential when brushing the coat that it is brushed directly from the skin. The coat should be parted and the uncombed hair held down with your free hand to separate it from the hair that is being brushed. In addition, it is also very important to use a coat conditioner as well. This can be sprayed lightly onto the coat before brushing. It allows for easier brushing, removes tangles, adds shine, and alleviates dryness. This routine should be done about twice a week. It is essential that any hair is trimmed and removed from the ear ducts in order to help prevent Otitis. Furthermore, due to the fact that the paws are fully covered in hair, the hair under the paw can mat easily and therefore it is important for that hair to be trimmed on a regular basis.
The Black Russian Terrier coat sheds very little when brushed regularly. However, in addition to the regular brushing done at home, it is recommended that they receive professional grooming about every six weeks. This will help to maintain a healthy coat. This regular professional grooming will also help to keep shedding at a minimum. Stripping of the coat is usually not necessary unless the coat appears to be softer than normal. The Black Russian Terrier should also receive proper eye cleaning. The eyes need to be cleaned on a daily basis in order to prevent infections.
Regular bathing of the Black Russian Terrier is important as well. The dog should be bathed about once a month. It is important not to bathe the dog too often or it will cause dryness and irritation to the skin. The dog should be bathed using a specialty dog shampoo that is diluted. Human shampoo or liquid soap can be harmful to the dog’s skin condition. It is also essential to ensure that the soap is rinsed thoroughly because soap residue left on the skin can cause irritation. The Black Russian Terrier should not be brushed until it is fully dry due to the wiry and thick nature of its coat. Given the size of the dog, bathing at home can be difficult and so it would be acceptable for them to receive their bath at the dog groomer’s when it goes for its professional upkeep.
Just to add some of my thoughts on the above article:
1. You really need to use a comb or a stiff and long bristled brush to groom your BRT. It is very important, as mentioned above, to get down to the root of the fur when combing.
2. I have found that with a little initial investment, you can save tons of money by doing professional type grooming such as you would get in a salon at home for very little time. I will post more about this in the near future!
3. Unless you are showing your dog, there really is no need for either you or the professional groomer to strip the coat. However if you are showing, then I suggest you to not strip yourself and take the dog to a professional you have tried out before. One of my worst experiences was taking my BRT to a groomer I had heard a LOT of good things about two days before a show.
Lets just say my dog got an Airedale cut, and leave it at that.
4. Especially if you have hardwood or tile surfaces at home, trim the fur under the paws often! While nothing is funnier then seeing you dog not making a turn and sliding into a wall, that can lead to injuries! :)
