Shaving with a 7/8ths Blade.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I don't usually shave my doodles. I have quite a few wool coats and I like to scissor them. This year I decided to experiment with a 7/8th blade so I could provide more information for my group members. This more traditional grooming style is time consuming as the coat must be perfect...ie no matting at all.... for the blade to go thru.

If any of the pictures appear distorted, just click on them for a different view. Next I will be doing my fleece girls.

 

Here is Jasper with a coat that has been rough cut with scissors, then brushed and combed thoroughly, then washed and fluffed with a brush while blowing with a high heat standing dryer. He is already for shaving. Sorry there is a divot on his right front leg, but he had cut and stitches there.

 Here he is after the shave.

I like the natural air dry look best so he is a little fluffy for my taste. I did NOT brush or comb his head. I checked for mattes, washed it and let it dry. I had to fluff his face but as soon as he is wet again, his cute dreads will come back.  I also experimented with his ears. I actually shaved the bottoms of his ears too. I use a number 10 inside and the 7/8ths on the outside.

Here is the shaving cut off line where I started the scissoring. This low line works because of the short do. If this was a longer coat, the scissoring would have to start higher on the leg.

Part II

Here is my little soul mate, Jasper's sister Swee'Pea. She definitely got bored with the picture part.

First picture is of her with a rough scissor cut with no brushing yet.

 

Now her with a complete brush and comb out, a bath and a fluff dry with the high heat dryer. She was definitely embarassed at this point.

Now for the final haircut. She was quite put out and would not stand for the pictures. Not spoiled at all.

Not looking at youShe thinks she will look better after getting wet again too.

And then, I am sure you are not surprised by an attack of the zoomies. 

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

If I have head hair that insists on standing up, I cut it short. If it will lie down nicely, I leave it longer.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Barb, Thank you so much for this incredibly helpful representation of what to do from clipping to scissoring. I don't have a standing hair dryer so they don't come out looking as full and fluffy which makes getting an even cut harder. It will be awhile before I can invest in that part of the equipment. This was a real gift to me. Thank you, again.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

You are very welcome. :)

[Mara, Sadie & Zoe]

Thanks so much for the instructions and photos. I hope if I print them all and bring it to the groomer I'll get similar results. Sadie was just cut/shaved the other day and I am less than thrilled. Hope these will help her out, but since I have given her other photos I think she just does what she wants. I may have to start looking for someone else.
I love the ZOOMIES!

[Dori & Rua]

Thanks for all the pictures and instructions, Barb.  I did give Rua a scissor cut a few weeks ago.  I still need to work on it, but I know I will get more confident and better as I keep working on it.  I have to say, though, that will out your help and encouragement, I wouldn't have had the guts to even start.

 

Swea'Pea is just so cute with the zoomies.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great explantions. Both dogs look great with the finished look but I like them best with the rough scissor cut : )

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Lots of time a rough scissor cut is all they get around here, but it works for us.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad to hear that. It sure works for us!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Barb this is a great discussion on shaving.  I love Swee'Pea & Jasper's face.  Could you do another discussion on shaping the face.  My Harlow is wooly like Jasper and I would like to trim her face similarly.

[Susan and Sasha]

Thank you So much for taking your time to do this Barb...I know how time consuming it is!

Not only are these instructions detailed and and invaluable...but the Doodles are So adorable!!

This will be helpful for those of us who groom our own Doodles and also great to take to a groomer...to get a proper cut.

Barb...thank you again...

The love you have for Doodles and your care and dedication to the DK family...is so evident in everything you do!

You are  Very loved and appreciated...

 

 

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Gosh, darn, toe in the sand. You will have me blushing.  Can I send my skeptical puppy buyers your way for a reference? lol

[Susan and Sasha]

Anytime Barb..Anytime!  (smile)

By the way...we have many friends in the Okanagan Valley...and our son lived there for a while.

What a beautiful place to live Barb...

I love the way you can be  having dinner at one of the many beautiful Viineyards which overlook the Okanagan...and at the same time see the amazing mountains views!  So Beautiful!

I can't think of a more lovely place to raise Doodles!