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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Joy

Is is common for groomers to shave a strip down the Maltese nose where the part should be. My groomer did this and it has grown back, however, it's time to go back to the groomers. From what I've seen in pictures, this isn't common. I don't show her and keep her coat at a medium length. Please let me know. Thanks!!

DISCUSSION:

I have seen groomers do this, and personally I don't care for it. I like the natural face with just some of the hair under the eyes and under the eyes removed, but not with a clipper. I use thinning shears.
-Marsha A.

My groomer did the shaving thing to KoKo when she was a puppy and I hated it. It took a long time for it to grow in, I would never have their face shaved again.
-Shelley

Thanks for the replies!! I am not going to let the shaved strip on the nose happen again. I don't like the looks of it either. I'm taking her to a new groomer on Friday (her 3rd grooming). The new groomer also assured me that they do not tranquilize the dog and groom many puppies. It's at the vets office, so I hope it will be ok. Why do we have to wait so long to pick them up??
-Joy

Joy, Good question about the time they are at the groomers! I used to be a groomer. Some groomers to an assembly type grooming of dogs. They get clipped some, then baths, then drying, then final finishing. Each dog has its turn at each process. I guess some groomers just do it this way to get more dogs done. I didn't. I would stagger the appointments, and only have 2 dogs at a time. They would be on their way home in two to three hours. The only time this would not be possible is if I had a very badly matted dog. I refuse to shave a dog, so would take the time to dematt and still keep the fur at least 1 inch long. I would ask the groomer why, and ask if they could finish a bit sooner. My biggest concern about a groomer who keeps a dog all day, is if they are using drugs. Be sure you know, and "drop" by to check.
-Robin K.

I guess I'm really lucky. I have a groomer who comes to my door on the weekend (with some notice ahead of time) and grooms my Fancy in her van. He's out and back in 45 minutes to an hour, and the only dog she has to pay attention to. She charges a little more, but it's worth it to me not to have him crated at the groomer's all day long. Also, when they're right out front you can peek in anytime. Look in your yellow pages and maybe there's one in your area.
-Sharon