GROOM Groom_Vol1_Iss2_MGX_WebReady | Page 21

Utility This is a shave off. Utility is just a nicer way of saying it. In my salon the tightest we go when there is not a medical reason is a 7 blade on the body and a 4 blade on the legs. Just because I own a 10 blade doesn’t mean that I offer to shave the entire dog with it! At this point you could remove the crest, crown, or tam, depending on the area of the world you hail from will dictate what you refer to the coat on the top of the head. Ear coat is also optional. I have given you a basic, near naked Cocker picture to give you the base look in your head. Work Trim A work trim still has no skirting at all but starts to show off the basics of the ACS. The crest and the ears are coated and trimmed properly. The body is 7 bladed to show off the well muscled sporting dog, and the legs are left fuller to protect the dog in the water while traipsing through the thickets. A Work Trim is exactly that. A variation on the Work Trim that I strongly recommend trying is to “Schnauzer” the rear. It gives the dog a very clean appearance while making it easier for the Owner to maintain in between grooms. Obviously be careful of pinch points above the hock when clippering with a 7 blade.