Brushing/Combing
Prior to bathing and clipping, brush to make sure there are no knots or mats, especially in the beard, legs, and underbelly. Brush upward (against the natural lay of the hair) starting at the top of the leg and continuing downward. Then comb through the furnishing to make sure all the knots are out. Don’t forget the underarms and in between the toes where knots may be found. Brush the furnishings and beard at least weekly to keep mats from forming. If a mat or a knot is found, place your free hand between the mat and the skin prior to combing to minimize pulling hair or skin.
Bathing
Your Miniature Schnauzer may be bathed as often as necessary – once a week or once a month. The beard may need to be washed more frequently. Using a spray in a sink or tub works better than trying to dunk the dog into deep water. The water should be lukewarm, and a good-quality cleanser shampoo will be fine. Tearless shampoo may be used around the face. Rinse thoroughly. You may condition leg furnishings if you like, but not body hair. This is a good time to brush teeth!
Drying
Towel dry the dog, then blow dry and brush using medium heat. Brush the beard and eyebrows forward and downward. As you blow dry, brush the leg hair up, starting at the top of the leg and working your way down. Comb through to make sure there are no mats. The secret to fluffy leg furnishings is to make sure that all the furnishings are blown out straight and are completely dried.
Clippering
Most dogs are clippered with the #10 blade, going with the grain of the hair. For thinner-coated dogs, or in the winter, you can use a 7F size blade. Hold the clipper with the blade against the skin, making smooth strokes, holding the skin a little taut. Use the Pet Grooming Guide as a reference. Place the blade on your wrist periodically to see if it is getting too hot. Use clipper spray to keep the blades clean and cool. Start by clippering with the grain from the base of the skull down the neck, and on down the back and along the sides of the body, stopping at the elbow. Blend the sides into the underbody furnishings as you clip the sides in a downward manner. Define your line which should go down to the stifle /bend of the hind leg and then curve back toward the top of the Achilles tendon or heel.
The front is clipped down to the start of the front leg. Clip against the grain with the #10 blade under the throat, on the cheeks, and on the head to the start of the eyebrows. Then lift the dog up off its front feet holding both front feet with one hand and clipper the belly with the #10 blade, being very careful around the genital area. Use a #30 or #40 blade on the pads and the ears, going with the grain on the outside of the ear and against the grain on the inside. (Caution – be very careful around the ears – you might snag/cut the edge of the ear with the clipper blade.) Use tweezers or hemostats to pull the hair out from the inside of the ears to allow the ear to breathe and to prevent ear infections. To eliminate irritation, pull just a few hairs at a time.