Dog Groomer Terminology: What Does It All Mean?

Taking your dog to the groomer is an important part of keeping them healthy and comfortable, but some of the terminology used during a visit can leave you scratching your head. To help you feel more confident and informed, here’s a breakdown of common terms you might hear when discussing your dog’s grooming needs.

1. Double Coat

Dogs like Huskies, Collies, and Retrievers have a double coat—two layers of fur designed to regulate their temperature. The topcoat is the longer, protective layer, while the undercoat is softer and closer to the skin. Groomers often focus on "de-shedding" to remove loose undercoat fur while maintaining the topcoat.

2. De-shedding

This refers to the process of removing loose fur from your dog’s coat, particularly the undercoat in double-coated breeds. Groomers use special tools like de-shedding rakes or brushes to minimise shedding, improve coat health, and reduce loose fur in your home.

3. Line Brushing

Line brushing is a technique used to remove tangles and prevent matting. Groomers part the coat in lines, or sections, working layer by layer to ensure all fur is thoroughly brushed out. This is particularly important for curly coated breeds, and long-haired breeds that are prone to matting.

4. Feathers or Furnishings

Feathering and Furnishings refer to the longer hair that grows on certain parts of your dog, like the backs of their legs, tail, and ears. Groomers often trim feathering to keep it neat and prevent it from matting.

5. Matting

Mats are clumps of tangled fur that can form close to the skin, often in areas like the armpits, behind the ears, or around the collar. Mats can be painful for dogs, so groomers may need to carefully clip them out and will always recommend regular brushing to prevent them.

6. Sanitary Trim

A sanitary trim involves shaving or trimming the fur around sensitive areas, such as the groin or under the tail, to help with cleanliness. This is particularly useful for long-haired breeds or dogs prone to messy toilet habits.

7. Topknot

You might hear this term in relation to breeds like Poodles or hairy headed Spaniels. Its just the hair on the top of their head and in some breeds it may be tied up on the top of the dog’s head, usually with a bow or band, to keep hair out of their eyes.

9. Hand-Stripping

This specialised grooming technique is used for wire-haired breeds like Terriers and silky breeds such as Spaniels. Hand-stripping involves removing dead hairs from the coat by hand, which helps maintain the texture and colour of their coat.

10. Blown Coat

A Blown coat is where all the hair in the coat has reached its maximum growth length, is dead and is ready to shed heavily.  This term is usually used for wire haired breeds that undergo handstripping and also double coated breeds such as Huskies and Golden Retrievers.  A Blown Coat is considered a natural part of a dog's coat cycle and can be seasonal.

11. Quick

The quick is the sensitive part of your dog’s nails that contains blood vessels and nerves. Groomers take extra care to avoid cutting it during nail trims, as it can be painful if nicked.

Why Understanding Grooming Terms Matters

Knowing the language of grooming helps you better communicate with your groomer, ensuring your dog’s needs are met. If you’re ever unsure about a term or process, don’t hesitate to ask your groomer for an explanation.

Ready to book your dog’s next grooming appointment? Get in touch today on 07791 386314 to discuss your dog’s individual needs and let’s keep them looking and feeling their best.