Double coats provide a layer of protection against the external environment for the dog. Shaving it away removes that protective layer, resulting in insufficient protection from temperature, parasites, sun damage, and wind. Shaving also damages the coat because it doesn't regrow in the same fashion.

Is it bad to trim a double-coated dog?

Is clipping appropriate for your dog if their breed has a double coat? The answer is likely no—clipping or cutting a double coat may be a cardinal sin. Removing or cutting a dog's double coat could disrupt the entire multi-prong shedding process. Long double-coated dog breeds need their fur to shed in cycles.

Why should you never shave a double-coated dog?

Clipping can also disrupt the natural shedding cycle and they may start shedding more constantly, year round. Your dog's hair will not grow back the same. Cutting the fur damages the natural cycle of a double coat.

Can I use clippers on a double-coated dog?

Never shave a double-coated dog for aesthetic purposes, as this can cause irreparable harm. Be sure you buy good quality heavy duty clippers and use a sharp blade for shaving, as the coat can be thick and difficult to get through otherwise.

Which dog coat should never be clipped down?

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur:

The soft undercoat is shorter and grows much faster than the topcoat. The undercoat sheds and is released twice a year. The topcoat is longer, and tends to grow slower than the undercoat. We advise against shaving any breeds that have a double coat.

What Happens To A Double Coat When You Shave Your Dog

Do vets recommend shaving double coated dogs?

You should not clip or shave a double-coated dog's fur. Removing their dual coats disrupts their shedding, makes them prone to heatstroke and hypothermia, and prevents them from regulating their temperature properly.

Does clipping ruin a dog's coat?

Clipping fur doesn't help with the heat or shedding. Instead, it can destroy your dog's coat permanently and cause more discomfort. Your dog's natural guard coat and undercoat have a purpose in helping to regulate his body temperature and protect him from severe weather conditions.

What not to do with double coated dogs?

Double-coated dogs should never be shaved! Even if you think shaving your dog will make it more comfortable in hot weather, the opposite is true. The two layers of the double coat work to keep the dog cool in summer and warm in winter, so shaving will remove their ability to regulate their temperature.

What dog breed should not be shaved?

Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved.

How to tell if a dog has a double coat?

Here's the test: Stroke your dog's coat against the direction of the fur — if you see a patch of skin, your guy's a single-coat; if you spot the hallmark short layer of dense, fluffy fur, then you've got yourself a double-coated dog. Double-coated dog breeds include (but aren't limited to): Akita.

What is the purpose of a double coated dog?

Both the topcoat and the undercoat serve practical purposes. The topcoat can keep water and dirt off your dog. The undercoat can provide insulation in cold weather, keeping dogs warm all fall and winter long. When the weather gets warm in the spring and summer, the undercoat traps cool air against the skin.

Do undercoat rakes damage fur?

On almost all models, the handle comes directly out from the cross bar head with all the teeth. This type of rake is designed to remove dead coat while not damaging the healthy coat.

Do double coated dogs get matted fur?

Double coated dogs can absolutely get matted. Severely neglected undercoats can become pelts. I have seen it myself in pomeranians that are bathed at home improperly, and akbashes that are left outside in the rain.

How short can you cut a double coated dog's hair?

It is ok to lightly scissor a double-coated dog's fur, in what is called a 'silhouette trim' as long as it is only the topcoat and does not go too short.

Is FURminator bad for double coated dogs?

FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool

The undercoat deShedding tool may be used on most animals that shed, including dogs, cats, and other pets with an undercoat. The undercoat deShedding tool should not be used on non-shedding breeds or on pets with particularly sensitive skin.

What is shave shock in dogs?

Shaving double coated dogs can result in shave shock. This is a condition in which the coat doesn't grow back fully or at all for a very long time. It can also change the color and/or texture of the coat.

What happens if you shave a double-coated dog?

Double coats provide a layer of protection against the external environment for the dog. Shaving it away removes that protective layer, resulting in insufficient protection from temperature, parasites, sun damage, and wind. Shaving also damages the coat because it doesn't regrow in the same fashion.

What types of dog coats should not be clipped?

In conclusion, while shaving may seem like a quick solution to keep dogs cool during hot weather, it's important to consider the specific needs of each breed. Breeds with double coats, wire-haired coats, curly coats, and natural insulation should not be shaved as it disrupts their natural protective layers.

Will a double coat grow back?

The shaved coat grows back weird

Let's face it! All double-coated dogs look weird and funny when shaved. If their coat has been shaved, you will notice that his coat grows back differently. The texture of the coat will change when you shave it and may become thicker or thinner than usual.

Should I clip my double coated dog?

The best thing you can do for your double-coated breed to keep it comfortable is to have it bathed, brushed, and groomed regularly. Surprisingly – the worst thing you can do is have it shaved or clipped short! A dog's cooling systems works very differently from the way human bodies work.

Can you use clippers on a double coated dog?

Recommended for Double Coats:

Take advice from a professional dog groomer or breeder if you are unsure what your dog needs. When clipping this coat type, clippers must be powerful and blades should always be sharp to allow efficient cutting of the dense soft undercoat and the courser outer coat.

How to fix a shaved double coat?

After shaving this type of coat, frequent bathing and brushing will assist the proper re–growth of the coat and you can safely return the coat to its original condition. Surgical procedures and treating skin conditions can also be a reason a vet may choose to shave a double–coated breed.

Which dogs coat should never be shaved?

Breeds like the Husky, Chow Chow, Pomeranian and German Shepherd (there are many others) should never be shaved: this makes the dog very uncomfortable and even puts them at risk in both hot and cold weather.

Is hand stripping or clipping a dog better?

If your dog has wiry or coarse coat, hand stripping is likely the better choice. If your dog has soft or dense fur, clipping may be more appropriate. Secondly, consider your dog's temperament and comfort level.

What happens if you shave a wirehaired dog?

Shaving the coats of wire-hired dogs ruins the coats for good. The coats never grow back looking the same. They often become frizzy and pale. Like with double-coated dogs, wirehaired breeds have coats that act as insulation.

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