GROOMING
THE LUCAS TERRIER COAT
The Lucas Terrier standard describes the coat as 'fairly harsh, weather resistant and of medium length'. The coat is quite easy to manage but should be hand-stripped about twice a year to maintain the harsh outer coat. Lucas Terriers with the correct coat should normally never be clipped, as this will soften the hair and spoil the harsh wiry coat that is a feature of the bred - along with the distinct grooming style similar to the Sealyham Terrier. While this harsh coat is ideal, some dogs have a softer coater or find it too stresfful inwhich case clippers provide a solution. This will remove the outer coat and the inherent weather resistance resulting in a softer, lighter coloured coat which can matt easier.
Day to day care consists of general maintenance and occasional trimming of the beard, fringe, skirt, belly and rear-end to keep the dog cleaner in muddy weather.
HAND STRIPPING
This refers to the grooming technique where the outer old 'blown' coat is stripped away to allow the new coat to come through. A blown coat is long, softer and shaggy and can easily be pulled out without discomfort.
Handstripping has many benefits including:
* Fewer visits to the dog groomer
* Inkeeping with the look and style of the breed
It is best to visit a local groomer who specialises in this technique and let them advise what is best for your dog's coat.
'Takeda-Frost's Black Ice (BIS2018) showing process before, during and after hand-strip session
LUCAS TERRIER GROOMING GUIDE
(Full credit to Pamela Harrow)
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Section marked a: This is the top coat. This should be hand-stripped by removing the long hair from the coat using forefinger and thumb. Some grip may be achieved by rubbing a little chalk into the coat and using a finger condom. As a general rule, the top coat 'Jacket' will need to be hand-stripped every 6 months, with a recommended visit in between to 'roll the coat'. This keeps the coat in best condition. A week or so, prior to the show, the top coat should be trimmed from the back of the head all the way to the tail. Neck hair should be as short as possible using finger and thumbs and should be blended into the longer hair that lies over the wither area. Hair on the back should be approximately one inch to an inch and a half. A find comb should be run through the coat weekly to remove dead hair and undercoat.
Section marked b: the ears should be clipped inside and out with either electric clippers and number 10 blade. Edges of ears should be trimmed with scissors.
Section marked c: All hair forwards of a line taken halfway along the bottom of the eye, under the muzzle and to the opposite eye should be left on, thus leaving the whiskers. From the outer corner of the eye to the top of each ear should be clipped with a Number 7 blade on both sides. Clip the whole area ranging from the breast bone to the back of each ear-fold and to the point on each shoulder (as depicted). Recommend electric clippers - about 1 week before show or hand clip about 10 days before show.
Section marked d: Using a serrated stripping knife trim the top of the head closely. Comb forward the eyebrows and trim with a slight 'V' sign. Trim the line of the head with scissors. The dog's eyes should be visible from the side. Do not cut too short. Any superfluous hair can be thinned out using a Duplex knife and the hair on the head blended into the clipped sides using this knife.
Section marked e: Hair behind the front legs, at the point of withers and elbows should be shortened using thinning scissors half way down the leg on the outside and on the inside from the pastern joint to the floor. If the dog looks as though the elbows are sticking out then there is too much hair, the legs should look straight when viewed from the front and side. Blend in the longer hair on the breast bone. Neaten up the feet by trimming around them and in between the toes.
Section marked f: Hair over ribs should be blended in with top coat.
Section marked g: Thin out hair on the hind legs and trim away any long hair from the hocks. Neaten up rear feet as per front feet.. After stripping out the coat, the dog should be bathed in medicated shampoo to prevent any bacterial infection in the hair follicles.
