A smooth and short coated breed, the German Pinscher is certainly not as difficult to get ready for a show when it comes to coat care as many other breeds, however there are some techniques that owners can use to get their dog in tip top condition. Since a German Pinscher is a very eye catching dog, a sleek, shiny coat is sure to catch the judge's eye as well as lead to a lot of interest in the breed.
Whenever possible bathe the German Pinscher at least one day before the show to allow the coat the opportunity to lie flat as well as have the natural oils redistributed through the hair to give that natural gleam. Bathing on the day of the show will make the hair appear less shiny and also slightly fluffier and away from the body, which is not what the judges will be looking for. When selecting a shampoo look for an herbal or natural dog shampoo that is free from perfumes, or even consider a shampoo for black dogs if you have the black and tan colored German Pinscher as this will enhance the shine. Never use a human shampoo on your German Pinscher as it will often leave a residue in the coat and can lead to hot spots and irritation of the skin. This will cause dry, flaky skin that will look like doggy dandruff in the ring. If you wish to use a coat conditioner use a good quality dog coat conditioner or a dog herbal treatment. Allow the coat to dry flat and avoid using any type of blow dryer that will fluff up or add volume to the hair.
To finish up the coat brush with a medium to soft bristle brush and allow to rest. If the dog is in a kennel be sure to clean and wash the bedding so that he or she will not pick up dirt or debris or even old, dead hair off the material of the bedding. Just before the show, groom again, only ever in the direction of hair growth to gently smooth down the coat. Some owners also use a chamois cloth or a special short haired grooming cloth to add more luster to the coat. This is a very old trick that really does work, simply slide the chamois cloth over the coat in the direction of growth of the hair and you will see a noticeable shine.
Always check and clean the teeth before the show, especially if the dog has had a few snacks while getting ready. Check the eyes for any debris that might cause tearing and check the ears for any wax that may be present. Remove any foreign materials from the eyes, ears and mouth, also check there is no debris between the pads of the feet that may cause the dog to favor one foot and give the appearance of an injury. Last but not least check the toenails and make any last adjustments necessary with a file to keep the nails smooth and well cared for.
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