Which dogs need hand-stripping? Breeds, differences, frequency

Dogs with rough, wiry coats need hand stripping: most terriers, schnauzers, wire-haired dachshunds and wire-haired hunting dogs like German Wirehaired Pointers. When hand stripping, we pluck out dead hair by hand so the harsh coat is preserved. Here at GroomRoom in Charlottenburg, we offer hand stripping from Tuesday to Saturday by appointment. Hand stripping costs 70 € per hour and usually takes 60 minutes per session. Depending on the breed, we recommend an appointment every 8 to 12 weeks.

Which dogs need hand stripping?

Hand stripping is for dogs with a rough, harsh and wiry topcoat. The topcoat, also known as guard hair, is the outer, coarser layer of hair over the soft undercoat. In wire-haired breeds, this harsh layer protects against the weather, burrs and dense undergrowth. To keep it that way, dead hairs must be plucked out regularly.

The coat type is what matters here, rather than the breed name. The dachshund is the best example: they come in smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired varieties. Only the wire-haired dachshund benefits from hand stripping; the other two types don't need it.

The breeds can be divided into five groups:

We have dedicated guides for two popular hand-stripping breeds: hand-stripping a Westie in Berlin and hand-stripping a Miniature Schnauzer in Berlin.

What's the difference between hand-stripping and clipping?

With hand-stripping, dead hair is plucked out, whereas clipping cuts the hair with clippers or scissors. Hand-stripping means pulling out the dead hairs in the direction of growth using your fingers or a stripping knife. A stripping knife is a tool with a comb-like toothed edge that grips loose hairs.

Only hairs in the telogen phase are plucked. This is the resting phase of the hair cycle, where the hair is still in the follicle but has already detached from the root. In nature, thorns and undergrowth would pull these loose hairs out as the dog runs. Hand-stripping mimics this natural shedding process.

Here's how hand-stripping works:

1. Pulling the skin taut: The skin is gently stretched so the plucking remains comfortable.
2. Gripping loose hairs: A few hairs are grasped between the thumb and index finger or with the stripping knife.
3. Pull in the direction of growth: Pull with the hair growth, smoothly and without force.
4. Trim sensitive areas: The face, throat, belly and sanitary areas are groomed with clippers or scissors.
5. Strip first, then bathe: The coat is easier to hand-strip before bathing.

The coat is thickest on the back, hips, neck and around the ears, making it easy to hand-strip.

Why aren't wire-haired dogs clipped?

Wire hair isn't clipped because clipping softens the coarse coat over time. Clippers and scissors can also change the colour, shine and texture of the coat. They disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and can impair regrowth. A soft coat increases the risk of skin problems and can worsen temperature regulation.

Clipping seems more convenient at first and is quicker. In the long run, however, the coat loses its protective harshness. Here at GroomRoom, we only offer clipping for breeds whose coats allow it, such as Poodles, Bichons or Maltese.

How often should a dog be hand-stripped?

We recommend hand-stripping every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the breed. Exactly how often your dog needs an appointment depends on their breed. It's just as important to see how quickly their coat grows back. At your first appointment, we'll assess the coat and tell you which interval suits your dog best.

You can find a general overview of grooming intervals by coat type in our guide How often should you visit the dog groomer?.

Is a simpler grooming routine enough for family dogs?

For many wire-haired family dogs, there is a simpler option known as a pet strip. The coat is clipped with clippers, and the soft undercoat is additionally combed out using a stripping knife. This combing out is called carding. Full hand-stripping is often chosen for show dogs.

We will discuss which option suits your dog best before the appointment. This depends on coat density, the dog's age, and how much time they can comfortably spend on the grooming table.

How to care for wire coats between appointments

Once a week, a routine called double brushing, double combing helps. It doesn't replace hand stripping, but it improves the result:

1. Pin brush: A brush with metal pins stimulates the skin and loosens dead hair.
2. Medium comb: A comb with medium teeth removes tangles.
3. Fine comb: A fine-toothed comb reaches down to the skin and smooths the coat.
4. Slicker brush to finish: A slicker brush, meaning a brush with fine, curved wire pins, smooths the entire coat.

While stroking your dog, you can also grab individual loose hairs close to the root and pull them out in the direction of growth. This method is called rolling. Rubber finger cots or a little chalk improve your grip.

When should a dog start hand stripping?

A wire-haired dog should be introduced to grooming as young as possible. Consistent routines and rewards are the best way to keep hand stripping appointments relaxed. With us, puppies come in for a puppy introduction groom after their second vaccination; there is no cutting during the first appointment.

We also take breaks during hand stripping and let anxious dogs settle in first. You are welcome to watch from the outside through the salon window.

How much does hand stripping cost at GroomRoom?

Hand stripping costs 70 € per hour with us and is billed by time. A session usually lasts 60 minutes. We hand strip terriers, schnauzers, dachshunds and other wire-haired breeds. We will give you the final price before the appointment, after we have personally assessed the coat.

You can find all the details about this service on our hand-stripping page, and all starting prices in our price list. You'll find us at Giesebrechtstraße 2, 10629 Berlin, easy to reach via U7 Adenauerplatz (4-minute walk), U1 and U9 Kurfürstendamm (10 minutes). Book an appointment online

Case studies from the salon

Real appointments from GroomRoom, prices as charged (as of September 2026). The final price depends on the coat condition and will be confirmed before we start.

Shih Tzu

Before

Regularly groomed Shih Tzu, last appointment about eight weeks ago, no matting.

Treatment

Full groom: Bathing, blow-drying, brushing, breed-standard cut, nails, eyes, paws, ears, sanitary trim.

Duration

90 minutes

Price

105 to 135 €

Groomer

Team GroomRoom