I think you already know that I am a 'home-styled' dog. One might have hoped, given how my owner Gail started hand-stripping and clipping me when I was a pup, that after nearly a decade she would have developed the skills to give me a more professionally groomed look.
No such luck there, but that's not what I want to talk about today.
You see, the fact is, as I get older, I have become more attached to my furs. Or rather, they have become more attached to me, thus the hand-stripping process is now uncomfortable. The furs also grow in greater profusion.
Now my predecessor Hamish the Westie always had a paid-for hair cut, and so Gail is really not experienced in these matters. However, she said this to me the other day, when I was attempting to bite the stripping knife, or even better Gail's hand: "But Bertie, I thought that in older males, the hair normally thinned and fell out more easily".
Not for the first time, Gail was confusing me with her own species.
So my question really is, am I normal? Are there other pups out there whose furs have become thicker, more abundant, and more 'attached' with age?
At nearly 11, Bella has an almost-impossible coat to comb and clip. Her ears are fluff balls. Daisy was a bit like that, too. So we think more 'mature' terriers end up with loads of furs!
ReplyDeleteyou are absolutely normal... and there is nothing wrong. that is because with every year all pups become more furtabulous :o)
ReplyDeleteCould it be that it's also because it's winter, Bertie? Your hair will grow thicker to keep you warm in the Scottish chill.
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here, and my hair is definitely thicker, so I can afford to moult a bit, without feeling cold. Much to my human's annoyance. I'm happy to say though, that being short haired, I don't suffer the indignity of a home haircut!
Love,
Inca xx
Inca, Good point about winter, but I've been noticing a difference since last summer in fact.
DeleteCheers! Gail.
I wish I could help you, Bertie, but mom clippers me. I've never been stripped.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeletehhmmmmm... a conundrum of the coiffure? I cannot be of any serious assistance in this matter, Bertie lad, except to say that I am faced with having to 'clipper' my father's furs this week sometime - coz they resemble a sheep's fleece!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
We don't have coats that need to be clipped Bertie so we don't have any advice to offer you. We think you look great though.
ReplyDeleteBertie I know there must be a gazillion 2 legged males out there who would love to have their hair thicken with age!! Personally I love your look
ReplyDeletethat Gail has created; however, we don't want you to start behaving negatively toward your
grooming. Maybe every so often you could have a Spa day....speaking of purrsonal...I might add as I have become more Senior, I have noticed the furs on my legs can be counted on one hand....BOL is that TMI?
Hugs Cecilia
We feel for you Bertie. While Arty's hair isn't thick, and doesn't need to be stripped...he has grown weary of being groomed as he has aged.
ReplyDeleteWe sure hope you and Gail can find a niddle ground!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
I don't know at all :) I do know that our lab who lived the longest (16 years) almost stopped shedding. That could be related to the furs staying more stuck in your skin.
ReplyDeleteWe have hair be we have noticed it tends to mat more frequently the older we get.
ReplyDeleteHi hi hi! Ojo here! I do not know the answer to your question, I am still middle-aged. However Cobi is OLD, and she has much less fur than she used to. Her undercoat is mostly gone, and she gets cold more easily. Perhaps hair problems as Dogs get older can take many forms? Also, I would say that our fur mats more easily, Cobi's especially. She never got mats as a young Dog. But then, we have very different hair from you, dear Bertie!
ReplyDelete