All this talk of shaving dogs... Pit got shaved!
- Thread starter skKi
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http://groomblog.blogspot.ca/2012/0...03/shaving-dogs-for-summer-consider-this.html
While we have already had one link as to why the fur does not properly regrow here is another one from a very highly respected groomer in North America. The problem that I have with the last link and its explaination is that it says that a coat won't be ruined if the groomer does it correctly. By this they mean that the groomer won't cut the guard hairs below the undercoat, however in reality often the client does not want this much coat retained when they are wanting their dogs shaved down. I have many clients who want their dogs shaved down (say a golden retriever) and they want a very short smooth look, not a nice trimmed version. They want a cut that can potentially harm the coat. This is not the groomers fault but the fault of the owner- we can only provide the cut asked of us and give the appropriate warnings.
Whenever a client wants a cut like this I explain the pros and cons and make it clear that the coat can become compromised. I hear on a daily basis that 'it has never happened to my dog', but I can tell you that from the perspective of someone who sees several hundred dogs a month and makes their living off of dog fur I HAVE SEEN IT!!! It rarely occurs after the first shave but dogs that undergo repeated shaves slowly change. This is why people who are trying to retain a nice hard, wirey texture on a terrier etc, prefer a hand strip over a shave. A stripping procedure is much more like a natural shed out of the guard furs than cutting them ALL back below the undercoat.
I used to believe that shaving a dog wouldn't keep them cooler. I am not sure where I stand on this now. Each person knows their own dogs best. I do know that I am indeed cooler in the summer without extra layers on. With this said I would never shave down my own huskyX or Saints. I prefer to remove their undercoats and provide AC and lots of swimming in the summer. I did shave down a newf last week and her owners are sure that this helps her stay cooler, and who am I to argue? They have seen her coated and uncoated and they notice a huge difference!
While we have already had one link as to why the fur does not properly regrow here is another one from a very highly respected groomer in North America. The problem that I have with the last link and its explaination is that it says that a coat won't be ruined if the groomer does it correctly. By this they mean that the groomer won't cut the guard hairs below the undercoat, however in reality often the client does not want this much coat retained when they are wanting their dogs shaved down. I have many clients who want their dogs shaved down (say a golden retriever) and they want a very short smooth look, not a nice trimmed version. They want a cut that can potentially harm the coat. This is not the groomers fault but the fault of the owner- we can only provide the cut asked of us and give the appropriate warnings.
Whenever a client wants a cut like this I explain the pros and cons and make it clear that the coat can become compromised. I hear on a daily basis that 'it has never happened to my dog', but I can tell you that from the perspective of someone who sees several hundred dogs a month and makes their living off of dog fur I HAVE SEEN IT!!! It rarely occurs after the first shave but dogs that undergo repeated shaves slowly change. This is why people who are trying to retain a nice hard, wirey texture on a terrier etc, prefer a hand strip over a shave. A stripping procedure is much more like a natural shed out of the guard furs than cutting them ALL back below the undercoat.
I used to believe that shaving a dog wouldn't keep them cooler. I am not sure where I stand on this now. Each person knows their own dogs best. I do know that I am indeed cooler in the summer without extra layers on. With this said I would never shave down my own huskyX or Saints. I prefer to remove their undercoats and provide AC and lots of swimming in the summer. I did shave down a newf last week and her owners are sure that this helps her stay cooler, and who am I to argue? They have seen her coated and uncoated and they notice a huge difference!
This is the first year I cut my male Border Collie. I really agonized over the decision, but decided to when it seemed that I had no choice.
Shadow is almost 13 and having some issues with his back legs. He loves the water and we spend most of the year at the beach. It had gotten to the point he could barely get out of the water once he was wet.
He is much more active with his buzz cut. I really hated to do it, but felt I had to.
Shadow is almost 13 and having some issues with his back legs. He loves the water and we spend most of the year at the beach. It had gotten to the point he could barely get out of the water once he was wet.
He is much more active with his buzz cut. I really hated to do it, but felt I had to.
My dog gets shaved every year(summer) and her coat grows back nicely as always. 
. It might depend on the dog.
. It might depend on the dog.
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One of the biggest concerns is that the dog’s fur becomes very thin, revealing their sensitive skin. This means they can easily get sunburned. Unlike people whose skins normally develop melanin to help guard against the sun’s effects, dogs rely on their fur to protect their skin.
A positive side is that shaving eliminates an extra layer of fur that can keep heat in, rather than out, since it can accumulate dirt and debris. The extra fur and dirt in it can act as a barrier, keeping natural body heat in.
A positive side is that shaving eliminates an extra layer of fur that can keep heat in, rather than out, since it can accumulate dirt and debris. The extra fur and dirt in it can act as a barrier, keeping natural body heat in.
