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Shaving a double coat:
not such a good idea
The shaved area is nearly 7°C higher than the normal coat
That's the difference between comfortable and being too hot !
A dog's coat serves a purpose based on what the dog was bred to do.
Terriers often have smooth coats. This allow them to burrow in the ground without getting their fur getting burden by dirt and mud building up. Water and mountain dogs, like Labrador and St. Bernard, have thick, two types of coats that repel water, and protects them better against ice and snow.
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Double Coat Explained
Dogs such that have these two coats, are referred to as "double coated" breeds. The coat as a longer outer layer and a softer and finer inner hair, or undercoat. Other examples of double-coated dogs are Akitas, Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Pomeranian, Rough Collie, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.
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Year Round Protection
The dual layers provide protection from the outside elements. A double coat acts as insulation keeping your dog warm in the wintertime and cool in the summertime.
The outer layer or “guard hairs” allow cool air to circulate near the dog’s skin after he sheds his undercoat. Many double-coated dogs have pale pink skin and are therefore more susceptible to sunburn. These guard hairs reflect the sun’s rays, protecting the skin from the sun.
What You Know May Hurt Them
If your dog has a double-coat and is shedding a lot, you may think it will be helpful to shave him down in order to move the shedding process along. In fact, shaving a double-coated dog is the worst thing to do.
Shaving prevents cool air from getting to the skin because the undercoat is still present. And a shaved coat doesn’t protect against the sun either, which exposes your dog to greater risks of overheating, sunburn and possibly even skin cancer.
To Shave Or Not To Shave
Single-coated dogs can be repeatedly shaved down because the shaving process does not change the texture of their hair. The hair will just keep growing and growing whereas a double-coated dog’s hair will grow to a certain level and stop.
The texture of a double-coated dog will change once you shave it down. The guard hairs, once shaved, can become coarse and things like burrs and twigs will stick to them.
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Those Pesky Mats
The shaving process can also put your dog at risk for uncomfortable mats and skin irritations like hot spots. Please note that you should never bathe a matted dog as bathing causes the mats to tighten up, making your dog even more uncomfortable.
It is always best to consult with a professional groomer before shaving any dog. A good groomer will have the expertise to know what type of service will best meet your dog’s needs. If you don’t have a groomer that you use regularly, check with your veterinarian’s office.