“Blending” isn’t just important for make-up and a good cocktail, it’s the sign of a good groomer who knows how to avoid severe lines of transition and obvious demarkation lines between the different areas of a stripped dog’s coat. The trick is to let long and short hair mingle to make a smooth transition. Having the proper tools is a start, but the proverbial “devil in the details” is in knowing how to use them.

The best groomers are often the people who show their dogs (as Puli owners, we doubt we could pay someone to groom a Puli the way we do), but many breeds, including certain terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and other breeds with furnishings benefit from professional groomers who know how to blend a coat.

Groomers and exhibiters, we invite you to share a picture of your “blended” breed, and if you have a shop, feel free to mention it by name and location (everyone else, don’t interpret these mentions as endorsement by NPDD).

 Image: “Polly Peanuts” by Brian Ogi is available as a print and greeting card here.