Non-Sporting Group

Ears

2008-04-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

The ears should also be completely combed out with no mats or tangles. You can decided if you want a straight edge or curved edge, long or short. Just make sure you feel for the edge of the ear so you don't cut the dog!

Body

2008-04-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Depeding on what length you want your dogs hair to be (see Grooming Tools section under Clipper Blades for a guide on length) non-sporting breeds are usually the same length all over the body. Start by using your safe blade, #10, and scoop out the arm pits, under the tail, shave the pads, and shave the sanitary area as well as the inside of the thighs. This will keep the sensitive areas free from matting as minor tangles can be painful in these areas for a dog.
Make sure your pup is completely brushed and combed out. Use your clippers starting at the top of the neck, with light pressure, stroke down the back of the dog, the sides (SAFTEY: do not run blade parallel on the thigh flaps connecting the thigh and the body), the legs, and up to the edge of the chin. Go around the dog scissoring carefully any stray hairs. Use your brush to back brush the entire dog and repeat the clippering two more times for complete coverage.

Feet

2008-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

All non-sporting dogs feet should be trimmed according to the length of the coat. For short hair breeds, use your brush to back brush excess hair, then using your scissors-pointing away from the dog for saftey issues-scissor as close to the top of the foot as possible.
For longer hair dogs, do the same method just trim off desired length from the top to match the length of the body. Then using your curved shears scissor around the base of the foot to give it a beveled appearance.

Tail

2008-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

For all tails, completely comb out so there are no mats or tangles. Twirl and twist the entire tail down to the tip where the hair ends and while still twisted cut off the desired length of the tail. Hold tip of tail so it flags down and trim any stay hairs to neaten up.

The Head

2008-04-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

With most of the non-sporting dogs the head should be rounded as best as possible, except with the bichon. The rounded head type is referred to as a teddy bear head. Use your comb to comb bangs forward. Right above the eyes, starting from the right side- cut the bangs at an arch across and over the eyes to the left side ending at the cheek. Blow hair back to stand it up and neaten on top of head with curved shears.

Making sure no whiskers stick out from the muzzle. Delicately use your thinning shears for excess on top of the nose. The eyes will be scooped in the corners with your clippers, removing any hair in contact of the eye view.

For creating a bichon head, follow the instructions above just leave top of head a little poofyer creating a high profile for the breed.