Grooming an English setter for show requires attention to many details.
An English setter is a friendly, good-natured dog that originally was bred as a gun dog for bird hunting. It has a long, silky coat that is usually white with flecks of tan or black. When grooming a setter for show, it is important to be committed to a daily routine. It is also necessary to follow the standards established by the American Kennel Club, such as a flat coat with no curls.
Bathe
Bathe a setter as needed with shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. Do not bathe too often, which strips the coat of essential oils and makes it look dull. Towel off the dog and blow dry the hair downward so it flows straight, a requirement for showing a English setter. Brush daily to remove debris, invigorate skin and prevent tangles so the coat appears smooth and clean.
Plucking and Trimming
Hand pluck or strip hair from the coat by grasping a few hairs and pulling downward. This removes dead hair, allowing the light-colored undercoat to be replaced by a glossy top coat. To show an English setter, trim hair from back legs, top of ear so it looks flat, throat to remove ruff and any curls on the coat. Feather the tail in a scimitar shape, with the end trimmed so it just reaches the hock when held down.
Ears and Eyes
Wipe out eyes with a damp cloth daily to remove debris and limit bacterial growth. Clean ears once a week with a dog ear solution or hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, mineral oil, witch hazel or tea tree oil. Put a few drops in the ear, massage and wipe out. The ears should be pink for showing, odorless and free of debris. Pluck ears biweekly to remove hair.
Teeth
When competing, the teeth of an English setter must be white, clean and undamaged. The gums need to be pink and free of gum disease. Brush the dog's teeth regularly with a toothbrush or finger cap using toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.
Nails and Paws
Trim nails biweekly so they do not splinter, become infected or touch the ground. Cut the nails with dog nail clippers by pressing the paw pad to expose the claw. Do not cut the quick, which is easily seen with light colored nails, or just above the curve of the nail. Make sure all the nails are uniform in shape and clean. Remove any debris from the paws, and clip the hair between the toes and under the paw with small scissors.
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