Guide
Hand Stripping vs Clipping: Wire Coats Explained
Hand stripping pulls out dead hair from the root; clipping cuts it. On a wire coat, clipping leaves the dead hair in, and over time the coat goes soft and its colour fades. Stripping a small dog costs £61 to £82.
What is the difference between hand stripping and clipping?
Hand stripping pulls out dead outer hairs by the root, with the fingers or a stripping knife, so new wiry hair grows in their place. Clipping cuts the hair at a set length and leaves the dead root in the follicle. On a wire-coated breed, repeated clipping gradually turns the coat softer, lighter in colour and less weatherproof, because the harsh outer hairs are no longer replaced. Hand stripping costs £61 to £82 for a small dog and £70 to £100 for a medium one, the middle half of published UK prices in October 2026, and some groomers charge by time.
Which breeds are hand-stripped?
Wire-coated breeds, mostly terriers: border, Norfolk, Norwich, cairn, West Highland white, Scottish, Lakeland, Welsh, Irish, Airedale, wire fox and Jack Russell (broken coats), plus schnauzers, wire-haired dachshunds, and some hounds and pointers with wire coats. Spaniels and setters are often hand-stripped or carded on the back.
Does hand stripping hurt?
Done properly on a coat that is ready, no. A wire coat's dead hairs are loose in the follicle when the coat has "blown", and come out easily. Sensitive areas (belly, inside legs, around the eyes) are usually trimmed rather than stripped. If a dog is uncomfortable, the coat may not be ready, or that area needs scissors.
Why is hand stripping more expensive?
It is slow. A border terrier typically takes about two hours to strip out fully; a large Airedale can take three or more. Clipping the same dog takes a fraction of the time. Not every groomer offers stripping, so it is also a scarcer skill.
Can you switch from clipping back to stripping?
Often, yes, though it takes time. After years of clipping, the coat may need several stripping sessions over months before the harsh outer coat returns, and some older dogs' coats never fully do. A groomer who strips can look at the coat and tell you what to expect.
How do you find a groomer who hand-strips?
Ask directly, and ask how they price it. Not every groomer hand-strips, and some offer it only for certain breeds or only for existing clients. A groomer who strips will usually want to see the coat first, to judge whether it is ready. On doggrooming.trade, hand stripping is shown as a service only where a groomer states that they offer it.
Common questions
How often should a border terrier be hand-stripped?
The Border Terrier Club says about twice a year. Two to four full strips a year is usual for a wire coat, or a maintenance strip every 8 to 12 weeks to keep the coat in layers.
Can I clip my wire-haired dog instead?
Yes, it is a practical choice for many pet owners. The coat will become softer and lighter over time.
What is rolling a coat?
Stripping a little at regular intervals so the coat always has some new and some mature hair, rather than stripping it all out at once.
How much does hand stripping cost?
The middle half of published prices is £61 to £82 for a small dog and £70 to £100 for a medium one (October 2026), or £30 to £44 an hour where charged by time. A few groomers price it as an add-on to a full groom.