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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Kathy

Soon, I will be buying a show prospect. I am gathering as much info as possible and have a million questions. Can someone give me some advise on growing the show coat? How often do you use the oils I hear about? Do I always keep them wrapped? Exactly what is wrapping?

DISCUSSION:

You didn't say how old your prospect was. Usually with a puppy up until 6 or 7 months old, you don't need to do that much except to care tend to tear stains and "rear stains". You might have to wrap up the back hair if the dog is peeing on it and staining it. Really, everything you do and use depends on the type of coat your dog has. I have found that they vary greatly in the amount of care that they need. The best advice I could give you is to seek out the advice of the breeder. Ask what she has been using on the puppy and ask whether or not you should continue with the same products, if so, find out where to get them and how to use them. If this is not an option, watch the handlers at dog shows. Pay attention to whose Maltese is groomed nicely. Find the handler when he or she is not in a hurry and ask if he would mind giving you a few pointers. Maybe they would offer you a grooming session for a fee. Have your dog with you so the handler can evaluate the coat. There have been grooming seminars at the American Maltese Association's national specilties. A publication by Vicki Abbott was passed out on the subject. You might see if anyone has one to send you. Growing a show coat is something you learn as you go along! It need not be a "hairy" experience but definatley find a pro! They have bailed me out of mats and jams when I would have lost coats. (I try to stay away from oils. They tend to dull coats and in the long run, make more work for you than they save.
-Barbara