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The process of stripping, or pulling the hair out from the roots,may seem abhorrent to the uninformed. It is, however, quite natural to strip out the coat of a Miniature Schnauzer. If left to its normal cycle, the hair would eventually reach a length of two to four inches and die. Rather than shedding, the dead hair tends to linger halfheartedly. It does not break off, but eventually falls from the roots. The stripping process is only assisting the natural cycle, and can be relatively painless.

The finger method of stripping is best for beginners, as you learn the process. If the coat is blown (dead, and ready to be plucked), it will come out easily.

Hair is grasped between the stripper blade and the thumb when using a stripping knife.This drawing shows how the hair is to be grasped and pulled, using arm and shoulder action rather than twisting the wrist.

Grasp the strands of hair between thumb and index finger. Pull in the direction of the lay of the coat. Repeat the process until one or two square inches have been removed. Then take a coarse or medium stripping knife and attempt to repeat the procedure. Instead of gripping the hairs between thumb and bent forefinger, grasp them between your thumb and the knife. Hold the knife perpendicular to the dog and grasp the hair as close to the roots as possible, pulling in the direction of the lay of the coat. Use an arm and shoulder pulling movement, not a wrist action. If you flex your wrist, you will cut rather than pull the hairs with the knife. Compare the hairs being removed from the finger stripping and knife stripping. If you are plucking, the hair is of uneven length. If you are cutting, the hair will be even in length. Remember to work a small area at a time until all the outer coat has been removed.

Stripping is a tedious chore-partly manual labor and partly an art. The cliché "practice makes perfect" definitely applies. The length of time consumed in hand stripping depends on three factors: proper tools and equipment, the cooperation received from the dog, and your own skills.

Ch. Hughcrest Hugh Hefner has defeated more Miniature Schnauzers than any other in breed history	Ch. Sibehil's Dark Shadows has defeated more Miniature Schnauzers than any other black in breed history.	Ch. Feldmar Night Reveler has defeated more Miniature Schnauzers than any other black and silver in breed history

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