My name is Norman

Why do I insist on the following fact: Wire Fox Terriers DO NOT HAVE TO BE STRIPPED. Yes, you can strip them, its a nice feeling for them (sometimes, if the stripper knows what they are doing), but I firmly believe that there is no harm in clipping them. According to my opinion, the outcome of stripping vs clipping is the following: Stripping: The dog is ready for a dogshow. Clipping: The dog is not ready for a dogshow. What do I think of Dogshows? - The owner gets all the credit (Thats MY dog! ...which I PAID A LOT of money for) - A social status symbol. OK appologies, thats the nasty side of me coming out.) - However, being more realistic - If there were no dogshows (with dog breed rules), we would have a mass of nasty and or ugly dogs bred all over the place and no control over our precious varourite breeds. A endless Dog Breed War like in the 18th century. Luckily they dealt with all the fighting, now we just have to try and keep the dogs pure bred. My Conclusion: Dogs should be t...

Message from Norman's Mom: Herewith an article that I found which is very informative regarding stripping your dog. I still however disaggree with the facts of WHY they MUST be stripped vs clipped. I still feel that this method has no scientific relevance to the health of the dogs coat, but is purely for aesthetics and the overall image the OWNERS wish to maintain for their wire haired doggies. Incorrect (private / home) grooming has brought me be so concerned about the (mental and physical) health of the animals. I am also still very concerned about the grooming methods in general that professional show dogs have to endure for the "pleasure" of their owners. If muzzles need to be used, then I question the method. A dog does not bite for nothing, and that is a scientific fact nobody can question. _________________________________________________ Stripping: Reveal Your Wirehaired Dog's Show Quality Coat By: Renae Hamrick, RVT Source : www.PetPlace.com Do you have ...

A message from Norman's Mom: As many of you can see (and know) my love for Norman (and all animals in general) is alot. He's growing up now and its getting time for his first trim. I have investigated stripping and I want all WFT owners to understand how strong I feel about NOT STRIPPING him and why. (the pic below can be enlarged for a wallpaper on your pc or cell phone) Why do you STRIP your Wire Fox Terrier: because they say so because everyone else does it to their WFT because its healthy because it brings out the colour because thats what you are supposed to do well, I say all of the above is -to say the least- BS: because they say so: so many people own animals and do with them what the 'breed' guidelines require for them to do. There is absolutely no reason why you have to follow the breed guidelines when it comes to stripping your dog. I say : if the animal is in any way inconvenienced or discomforted, then what THEY SAY is wrong. Its 2007. Those rules ...