Dixie gets a Hair Cut

Dixie with her untrimmed fur.

With only 2 weeks to go until the whelping date, I decided I better get Dixie trimmed up.  If I wait any longer, it will be too uncomfortable for Dixie to jump in the bath tub or stand for the grooming process.  Her winter coat was getting pretty long, so it is better not to wait.  The birth is a messy event, and the more fur, the more mess.

It is especially important for Dixie's face to be trimmed as she will be cleaning herself and her puppies a lot once they are born.  The white beard is definitely not an asset during whelping time.  I can trim it short, but would never remove the whole beard...after all, that's what defines a Schnauzer!


 The eye brows, cheeks, and ears, will also look better once they are trimmed down.  Her underside also has to be trimmed short, since the pups need to find their food source and extra fur harbors germs and bacteria.

Dixie is not looking forward to her haircut!

After the haircut, we can see Dixie's eyes again!

So over the weekend I bathed Dixie and trimmed her face short.  I left the fur on her back a little longer than usual since it is still pretty cold outside.  She is a very obedient dog, and stands still for me without a special grooming table or leash.

You can see Dixie's round belly in this picture.

Combing the beard. 

Trimmed and ready to go, Dixie's side furnishings are just long enough to hide her tummy.