How to Cut a Dog's Face Hair

Easy
10 - 15 Minutes
4 Weeks

Introduction

One grooming issue many dog owners face with trepidation is cutting the hair around their dog's face. While doing this can be a bit scary at first, once you get the hang of it, you can start saving a fortune on grooming fees. There really isn't any reason why you can’t learn to cut your pup's face hair like a pro after a few practice runs. For most breeds, it should only take about 10 to 15 minutes, with some long-haired breeds taking a little bit longer. The same applies to those breeds requiring special grooming styles. 

Dog's Perspective

From your dog's point of view, he really doesn't care how well-groomed his facial hair is. But at the same time, when the hair on his face starts getting up his nose or in his eyes, he expects you to come to his aid. Keep in mind, your pup is going to be scared of the tools you will be using, so take your time and let him get used to them. 

The Comb Out Method

Effective
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Slicker Brush
Scissors
Comb
Step
1
Call your dog over
Call your dog over to you and have him sit. Using a brush or comb, go over your pup's face hair very gently. This will help remove tangles, some small mats, dirt, leftover food, and who knows what else might be hiding in there.
Step
2
Under his chin
The best place to start is under his chin. Gently pull the hairs down and trim them using a pair of straight shears. Be especially careful if your pooch has any hanging skin or jowls when cutting near them or you might cut him.
Step
3
Up to his snoot
Time to trim the hair around your pup's nose. Although dogs do not have hair inside their nostrils like humans do, the hair around their noses can grow long enough to start irritating the inside of the nose. Cut the hair back far enough to keep it out of his nose, but don't get carried away.
Step
4
Climb to the top
Using your shears, trim the hair on top of his snout, all the way back to his eyes. Carry on trimming around the inner and outer corners of his eyes.
Step
5
At the top
Using your finger as a straight-line guide and a pair of straight shears, trim the hair over the top of his eyes and his eyebrows if needed. The idea is to keep him looking his handsome best while cutting this hair back from his eyes.
Step
6
The finishing touch
Finally, use a nice soft brush to go over his face. Then, if you missed anywhere, you can use a pair of thinning shears to trim it up and voila, you have just cut your dog's facial hair and made him look his very best.

The Relaxed Dog Method

Effective
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Slicker Brush
Scissors
Comb
Clipper
Step
1
Put your pup in a relaxed state
No, we are not talking about teaching him to meditate, at least not in this guide. What we are talking about, is taking your dog out for a nice, long, tiring walk. Try to go for at least 30 to 45 minutes, you want your pup to be nice and tired.
Step
2
Choose your grooming spot
Choose one location in your home where you will always groom your dog. This makes it easier for you to groom him as he will know what to expect. If needed, install a grooming table and restraint to make it easier for both of you.
Step
3
Grab that slicker brush
Using a slicker brush, go over your pup's face in the direction of hair growth. This type of brush separates out the individual hairs, making them easier to cut.
Step
4
Set up the clippers
Choose the appropriate guide for your pup's desired hair length. Select a sharp cutting blade and turn them on. Give your pup plenty of time to get used to the noise. Starting at the top of his head, gently cut his hair down to his neck. Then go under his chin and over his muzzle.
Step
5
A final touch up
Using a pair of thinning shears, trim around his eyes, ears, and nose. This is also a good time to trim any hair you might have missed. One last going over with the slicker brush and your pup will look amazing.

Caution & Considerations

  • Always use sharp clipper blades and shears, dull ones will rip the hair out of your pup's skin.
  • Use safety shears, they have a rounded tip instead of a pointed one to avoid injury.
  • Use extra caution around your pup's eyes, ears, and nose.
  • Do not groom your pup while his hair is wet, it will catch in the clippers and be ripped out of his skin.
  • If your dog won't stand still, don't try to trim his facial hair alone. Use an assistant--or better yet, a grooming restraint--when cutting the hair on your dog's face. 

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with being a little nervous about cutting the hair on your dog's face, it is probably something you have never done before. That's okay, as long as you follow our guides and take your time every time, you will soon master this skill and start saving all that grooming money for your next vacation. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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