Comparing the top Dog Grooming Literature

If you’ve spent more than five minutes in a professional grooming salon, you’ve likely seen a well-loved, slightly damp copy of “Notes from the Grooming Table“ by Melissa Verplank sitting on a workstation. Often referred to as the “Bible of Dog Grooming,” it is the industry standard for both students and seasoned pros.

Here is a breakdown of why this book remains the heavyweight champion of the grooming world.

The Review: Why It’s the Gold Standard

Melissa Verplank doesn’t just tell you how to cut hair; she teaches you the geometry of a dog. The book excels because it bridges the gap between artistic intuition and technical precision. By using clear, step-by-step illustrations (drawn by the talented Lisa Van Sweden), it removes the guesswork from complex breed standards.

Whether you are trying to master the “carrot tail” on a Westie or figure out exactly where the “V” starts on a Schnauzer’s throat, this book provides a visual map. It’s less of a “read-once” book and more of a “refer-to-every-day” manual.

Pros and Cons

Key Content Highlights

• The “Core” Theory: Before getting into breeds, Verplank covers the essentials: bathing, drying, brushing, and tool handling. You can also get her “Theory of Five” to help cover the basics.
• Anatomy 101: You’ll learn terms like occiput, withers, and stifle, which helps you communicate more professionally with vets and clients.
• The “Map” Approach: Each breed section uses a “map” that tells you exactly which blade size to use on which part of the body to achieve a balanced look.

Pro-Tip: If you find the full book too bulky for your grooming station, Verplank also offers a “Pocket Pal” version that is spiral-bound and condensed for quick reference mid-clip.

Is it for you?

• If you are a professional or aspiring groomer: It is an absolute must-have. You’ll use it to study for certification and to refresh your memory on breeds you don’t see often.

If “Notes from the Grooming Table” is the textbook of the grooming world, then Dog Grooming Simplified: Straight to the Point by Jodi Murphy is the modern, visual guide that brings those lessons to life. It is highly regarded for moving beyond 2D drawings and using real-life photography to teach pattern placement.

Why It’s a Top Choice for Visual Learners

This book is a game-changer because it features over 400 high-quality, full-color photos of top-winning show dogs. Rather than just showing a finished groom, Jodi Murphy uses unique color-coded overlays on these photos to show exactly where lines should be set, blended, and tapered.

• Real-World Depth: Unlike illustrations, the photos allow you to see the actual texture and depth of the coat, making it easier to translate the “look” to the dog on your table.
• Massive Breed Library: It covers over 190 AKC breeds, providing specific blade lengths, snap-on comb recommendations, and techniques for each.
• Practical Design: The book is spiral-bound, meaning it stays flat on your workstation while you work—a small but critical feature for active grooming.
• Versatile Standards: While it uses show dogs as models, the book focuses on pattern placement that can be easily adapted into balanced “pet trims” for everyday.

While “Notes from the Grooming Table” is the academic foundation for most groomers, Dog Grooming Simplified: Straight to the Point is widely considered the visual masterpiece of the industry. It tackles the common struggle of translating 2D drawings onto a real, moving dog.

Review: Dog Grooming Simplified by Jodi Murphy

This book is a game-changer for visual learners. Unlike other guides that rely on sketches, Jodi Murphy uses over 400 full-color, high-quality photos of top show dogs.

• The Color-Coded System: The standout feature is the unique color-coded overlays on every photo. These overlays clearly mark exactly where to set a pattern line, where to blend, and what blade or comb length to use for each specific section of the dog.
• Real-Life Depth: Because it uses photos rather than drawings, you can see the actual texture and flow of the coat. This makes it much easier to understand how a “skirt” should sit or how a “chest” should be shaped on a 3D animal.
• Problem-Solving Focus: It includes a dedicated section on camouflaging structural faults, teaching you how to use grooming to make a dog look more balanced even if they have a weak topline or poor angulation.
• Professional Quality: The book is spiral-bound (lays flat on the table) and covers 190+ breeds, making it a robust reference for high-end stylists.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: The color-coded system is incredibly intuitive; includes tips for correcting structural faults in dogs; widely considered the best resource for learning how to “set” a pattern.
• Cons: It is a premium investment (often around $90); the focus on show-quality dogs can be intimidating for beginners; some users find it works best when paired with Jodi Murphy’s companion DVD series.