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The Airedale Terrier. Known as the King of Terriers, the Airedale’s origins appear to be from old lines from the Aire Valley in England and is generally known as a good all-rounder used not only for hunting game and birds but as a police dog and a wartime guard dog. Owned by many of the famous and the discerning, the Airedale is the largest and hardiest of the Terriers. He is faithful and protective of his family and a good companion.
His coat is required to be hard, dense and wiry with a softer undercoat and lying straight and close with some of hardest coats being crinkly or slightly waved. Therein lies the dilemma for most exhibitors as to how to present a clean and pleasant-smelling coat AND maintain the texture with harsh texture being such a hallmark of most terrier breeds.
The usual routine has been to bath well ahead of show day and wait until the coat hardens again or leave the coat and not bath at all. That assuredly will maintain texture. But is not ideal today with all the progression in beautiful presentation due to better products and equipment to achieve what you want instantly.
Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. This shampoo thoroughly yet gently cleanses and deodorises the coat of Terriers and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. Formulated to be pH controlled, it can create or maintain texture, is low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance and is easy to rinse out. It is full of beneficial and powerful extracts from the Gentian Root, Juniper Fruit, St John’s Wart Leaf, Hay Flower, Lemon Balm Leaf and Arnica Flower that combine to nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.
When washing faces always use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It.. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.
The other conundrum for the Airedale exhibitor is the issue of how to maintain hydration in the coat without softening. The last thing you would use on a terrier such as the Airedale would be a conditioner. You need to utilise a moisturising product that adds all the strengthening properties and hydration and not leave the coat too soft or greasy.
Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil is a must have for this and can simply be used as a rinse after shampooing. This will not soften but retains the correct coat texture. Seabreeze Oil is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat and is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble making it easy to apply and remove each time without build-up. Dilute 1 teaspoon in 2 Litres of water and work well through the coat with a large sponge. LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. It gives incredible sheen and finish to the hair. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product. Use either after a wet shampoo routine or between baths during the week for maintenance to the coat and furnishings. This is one product you cannot be without – just the best!
For those wanting instant coat texture use Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray. Ruffy Tuffy effectively firms and coarsens the coat by separating and individualising the hairs of the coat, for that unwashed, wired, texturised terrier look and will not leave the coat sticky. It helps to firm over softened coats.
Apply layer upon layer, that is, spray lightly at least 30cms away from the coat, allow a few seconds to pass, then keep re-spraying the same way until the desired level of harshness is achieved. Build up the level of harshness to that which suits that particular dog.
Another great product for adding texture and perfect for stripping coats is a light sprinkle of Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. This remarkable loose chalk adds that harshness needed yet is a naturally sourced formula and perfect for this purpose. Just a light sprinkle and pat in, the white chalk disappears leaving a crisp coat.
It can be challenging work to finesse a Terrier coat while maintaining integrity to the breed. Having to think outside the square for real outcomes is great fun!
For the art of shaping an Airedale with hand or knife stripping, we suggest you watch one of the masters at work as this is a skill that has to be learned and not described on paper. The quest to achieve that sense of short back, strong, straight and level, showing no slackness with muscular loin, well sprung ribs, short coupled and well ribbed-up dogs with little space between ribs and hips is one that you must pursue no matter what it takes. Some groomers are geniuses at presentation, and with perfection, simply the masters at work. This ideal silhouette or outline is what it takes to achieve the lofty heights of a true Airedale presenter.
To groom that “just so” Airedale head, use Plush Puppy Sit N Stay. This is a pliable dog coat shaper for shaping small areas and keeping styles in place. Apply a small amount to your hands, ad rub until the product crosses over from wet sticky to what I term dry sticky. Then work down the sides of the face furnishings.
You can then can lock in that sculpted look with Plush Puppy Stuk Up. This is a non-aerosol ‘Cement Strength’ styling and coat finishing hold spray. Spray a light spray approximately 25cm away from the area and allow a second to dry before repeating as required. Stuk Up is great at creating long-lasting hold and is totally water soluble allowing it to be easily washed out.
I will share a good tip for the legs also. Use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat which is a leave in moisturising foam that will not soften the coat. It is perfect for after show bathing on the furnishings to protect and moisturise. Easy and quick to apply. Just foam a small amount to the hands and work through the legs. Brilliant for mid-week protection of furnishings as it keeps up hydration and allows for coat growth.
Plush Puppy Volumising Spray is a ‘Ready to Use’ spray for quick and easy fuller coat results. Use either before blow drying or to ‘fluff’ up the coat at a show. Apply a light even spray and brush in until dry, or while using a dryer. This is a hair thickener to add volume, not a hair stiffener and is not easily detectable. It will leave the coat with a natural fuller look and feel. Perfect for legs that need that added density.
Not to forget for show day, that final flourish for a great smelling dog with Plush Puppy Odour Muncher. It literally munches the odour and works well for smelly problems such as emergencies in transit. It leaves a light fragrance, certainly not too much and definitely not too little.
For brushing and refreshing an Airedale coat use Plush Puppy OMG. This is a a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. OMG is available in a Concentrate that you can dilute to your individual requirements or a Ready-To-Use Formula. Use the concentrate form at 1:30-40 (1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water). The stronger the mix the stronger their effects.
Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. This is also an amazing product for regular brushing as it hydrates the coat reducing stress and coat loss. Its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat.
For this coat type where you still wish to retain texture, use at a higher breakdown. It will still allow you to brush the dog and refresh to coat without over softening. OMG never builds up and never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using amazing technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.
For brushing the body use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Boar Bristle Brush. This brush consists of 100% pure black boar bristle from the chest of the boar – the highest quality bristle available. It is ergonomically designed to offer groomers and their dogs the ultimate brushing comfort. The finest quality aeroelastic flexible rubber base houses the boar bristles. This ensures optimum brushed results on all short coated breeds and longevity of use.
For the legs use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush. This brush promises durability and flawless brushed results every time. This dog brush is of ergonomic design to lessen strain on the groomer’s hands while at the same time offering maximum brush contact. A soft, flexible rubber air-cushion houses the strong pins. These pins penetrate through the dogs coat without excessive pulling on the hair or scratching the skin. The Ultimate Soft Slicker Brush ensures a gentler, more comfortable brushing experience. Both these brushes are exclusive to Plush Puppy and made using the highest quality materials.
Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.
At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray using the latest technology is infused with organic extracts of Witch Hazel Leaf, Linden Flower, Birch Bark and Nettle. It also adds to the protection, include a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat strength for the perfect finished look of the coat. This amazing product is idea for this breed and a must for your tack box.
So, what is it about the Airedale Terrier that is so arresting out there in the ring? What is it that stirs the soul and brings the hairs up on the necks of the watchers in the crowd? Why do we all think this is the dog to watch for out here in the ring? Perhaps it’s because your Airedale Terrier cuts such a fine picture with his keen expression, quick movement, and his on the tiptoe of expectation at any movement. His confident dignity, friendly, courageous and intelligent temperament makes such an eye-catching entry. Is it any wonder that so many of the high profile handlers choose Airedales as the dog of choice on the end of their leash?
Make way for the King of Terriers!
