Fox Terrier Wire
Expert Grooming Article
Expert Grooming Article
The Fox Terrier Wire people are often viewed as being a purist lot with old values ingrained as to what constitutes the right and wrong way to go about the presentation of their Terrier breeds. There is much to be learned from them as their quest is to maintain and show a harsh textured coat whereas many breeds seek just the opposite.
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Download ArticleThe Fox Terrier Wire people are often viewed as being a purist lot with old values ingrained as to what constitutes the right and wrong way to go about the presentation of their Terrier breeds. There is much to be learned from them as their quest is to maintain and show a harsh textured coat whereas many breeds seek just the opposite.
The problems they do have is that much of what we all do with softer coated breeds is just so wrong for a Terrier and especially the Wire Foxie. Therein lays the quest, to wash and blow-dry a Foxie usually has a disastrous effect immediately softening the coat and causing it to look fluffy. Many a Wire exhibitor either has to wash the dog days ahead. That’s certainly one way to keep texture or to build a harsh texture. However, things are a bit more progressive in the grooming world these days and the proliferation of products and techniques available lend themselves to allowing the exhibitor much more latitude.
This is a breed that requires texture or added texture. Use Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo that is specifically formulated to retain and improve coat texture. Recommended to thoroughly yet gently cleanse and deodorise the coat of Terriers and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. Formulated to be pH controlled, creates/ maintains texture, easy to rinse out and low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance. Incorporates Gentian Root Extract, Juniper Fruit Extract, St John’s Wort Leaf Extract, Norway Spruce Leaf Extract, Hayflower Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, Arnica Flower Extract. Use at 1:10 (1 part shampoo to 10 parts water) or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring extra cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.
Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo is great for the white areas and the Plush Puppy Deep Cleansing Shampoo brilliant for more intense cleansing or to remove unwanted build-up of products. Use these two shampoos at a ratio of 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water).
Herbal Whitening Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources with Ginseng extracts, protein, and violet tone combined in a concentrated and rich formula. It works brilliantly in reducing yellowing or warm tones in white coats or white area of the coat without bleaching or lightening.
Deep Cleansing Shampoo is specifically designed to remove product build-up and to reduce unwanted stains in dogs coats. Its rich formulation using organic sources with added Green Tea and Seaweed extracts to provide the deepest coat clean available. Not only will it spruce up dull whites, this product can be used on any colour coat for a thorough cleansing and clarifying when required.
Another clever stain reducing product is Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. It helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
This is an undeniable head breed so a must-have is Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.
For more texture use Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. It both cleans and deodorises while leaving the coat like barbed wire! A brilliant harsh texture like you have never seen before. If as your standard states that you want a wiry coat like coconut matting, then this is the stuff to use. It has a faint odour of mandarin and ginger without being flowery or artificial. Apply Powder Puff Terrier by sprinkling onto the coat, applying with a brush, or by hand, and work in well. It’s that easy. Just keep brushing or better still, blow dry to remove excess. You now have a clean dog with a coat you could scrub the pots with!
You may choose to oil your coats if you want some hydration. If your coats are being stripped, either by hand or knife, on a regular basis this would lessen the need to do too much. For those who do, then use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil.
This will not soften but retains the correct coat texture. Seabreeze Oil is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat and is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble making it easy to apply without build-up. Dilute 1 teaspoon in 2 Litres (1/2 Gal) of water and work well through the coat with a large sponge. Leave in and don’t rinse off. It gives incredible sheen and finish to the hair. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product.
For that straighter appearance when drying, use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush until 3/4 dry. Then switch to the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush, ½ bristle ½ dialon pin brush for smoother finish. This ensures the coat is not stretched or opened up for the desired finish to a wires coat. Finish the furnishings with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.
At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray infused with organic extracts that offers a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat for the perfect finished look of the coat.
Use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat mid-week on the legs, face to protect. This is a great moisturiser to use without overly softening the coat. Hard to find things that will do just that. It is the perfect product for after-show bathing out of the furnishings to protect and moisturise.
For a spray texture adder use Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray which is applied layer upon layer. In other words, spray lightly and let a few seconds pass and then keep reapplying until the level of harshness required is achieved.
For those that require some extra hold use Plush Puppy HOLD is a strong sculpting spray formulated for shaping all types of coats on Show Dogs. The quick-drying formulation won’t become sticky and will not build-up. HOLD can be removed with ease by simply shampooing the coat. Contains Pro-Vitamin B5 to improve elasticity, moisture retention, and flexibility in their coat hair. We recommend using and storing at normal room temperature for a perfect mist spray. Optimum spray distance is approximately 30cm (12 inches).
On show day apply Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream which is a great cover for stains or discolouration. Excellent on “red” area on worn elbows and to the white on the muzzle. When you really need to cover stains your whites or intensify white areas, Cover Up Cream will do the trick. Apply with a barely damp sponge using a small amount. Build up coverage as required layer by layer.
Then use powder or chalk as required while cream is drying. Brush off excess when dry. Add a tiny bit of Plush Puppy Chalkestral with your fingertips to the white legs to assist holding the white powder you apply. You need something to help grip and to protect the coat from abrasion. Best of all is Plush Puppy Fairy Frost. This ultra-fine and bright white powder that is more effective and innovative than the usual methods of white chalking and adding powder to coats. Fairy Frost will create the brightest white tone that clings all day. Plus, it covers all coats without creating harshness. Fine and easy to use, our formulation means a little goes a long way. Fairy Frost Regular is naturally sourced and contains no chalk or talc. Use this product instead of chalk or mix with your usual white powder. This product is best for glamorous, perfect whites as it never gets clumpy, even when wet. This stays on the coat well and will last the day till washed off. Apply with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Powder Application Brush. Work well into the area where required for enhancing whites and cover. The absolute best for glamorous perfect whites.
Keep on hand Plush Puppy Wonder Wash for “those show day” last-minute emergencies too as this will clean up the whites, pronto. Just spray foam with the fingers and towel off. Wonder Wash is a brilliant quick self rinsing bathing alternative solution for quick and easy clean ups without the need for a complete bath. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds. Always keep our handy Plush Puppy Wonder Wash spray in your tack box. It contains optical brighteners, has a fresh apple fragrance, and violet tone.
You want the illusion of putting air into it for fullness and height, allowing you to see that lovely foxy eye and expression. You can further hold in place by applying Plush Puppy Sit N Stay, just a touch to the fingertips, warmed through by rubbing together till tacky and then applying at the roots by grabbing down into the coat and clenching the fingers and dragging up to the mid-lengths.
These are not hairdo breeds. I have focused here on the texture of this coat which is the big issue with the Terrier fraternity rather than the shaping and sculpting of the silhouette.
Your Wire Foxie cuts a fine picture with his lively and cocksure attitude. His keen expression and his readiness to stand on tiptoes when challenged all make for a feisty and engaging picture in the ring. His alertness, his liveliness, and his friendly yet fearless temperament make for an eye-catching entry. And I note with the eye of the outsider not owning a Terrier anymore myself, the number of high profile handlers who just happen to have one on the end of their leash. It is a standout breed.
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