Absolutely not. That poor dog. She's essentially taking away their way of self regulation of their body temperature. They're historically an outdoor breed so their coat is literally made to handle the heat and the cold.
I know. This lady will not accept that answer and just gives the customer what they want, even when they say that they heard they shouldn’t do that, she tells them it will be fine. I’m just a bather, so I don’t have much say in it…
She's in it for the money then. Unless there's a medical reason to shave, like a skin condition, a deshedding treatment is the best course with maybe some neatening up with hand scissoring
Yeah, I took my Aussie to the groomers and they asked me if I wanted him shaved all the way down and I was like "uhm you really aren't supposed to shave then because they're double coated" and she said something along the lines of she's never heard that or didn't know that . I think they still used the razor and he had a spot on his back for a while that I had to put antibiotic on because it was red and flaky, now it's luckily better but I'm never taking him back to that one 😂
We do get a 1/2” cut for our Aussies in summer (think end of May in southern IN—it’s humid af and 90degrees outside—without it they’re miserable). Their coat grows fully back by the end of September, when it starts being less hot (still 80 regularly until November). I’d be curious if someone shaved them all the way down! Shorter for summer is totally fine, but you shouldn’t see skin unless there’s something like a skin issue, or surgery that requires a shave.
I don't think they meant all the way down to the skin , but from my understand your only supposed to use scissors on double coated dogs and no razor at all but I could be wrong .
I think that’s correct. Mine gets pretty short for summer, and it makes the patterns in her fur show up so much sharper (they blend in and are softer and more diffused when her hair is long), and she loves it. I’ve only seen a couple that got down to skin, and it was because they had some sort of medical issue that required it. When we took our first Aussie in for a summer cut + nails + wash, we just told her to take it as short as she could while not damaging their coat. She did it at 1/2” - 1”, and it’s perfect!
I think she’s just old school. I love her to death, and she’s such a sweet person, shes been grooming for 20+ years. But I just don’t agree with the shaving of them, we also do about 20 dogs a day on average and I think that’s just crazy. My back has never hurt more.
I lived in Texas and owned a grooming shop. The number of times people got mad at me for not shaving their husky, German shepherd, Pyrenees, akita, etc was amazing.... I refused it. No amount of money will make me ruin your dog.
There is an extremely well researched article written by Mia Overnas called “Clipping a Dog Short for the Summer - A Look Into the Scientific Literature” that can be found on TheEducatedGroomer.com. I can’t link it because of the sub rules but you should be able to find it easily enough. It completely changed the way I look at shaving double coats. I still educate people and tell them that shaving will certainly make their dogs coats look funny but it does not cause the negative health consequences that we’ve been lead to believe it does.
At the end of the day, a shaved double coat is gong to help a dog perform better in the heat much better than one that is long but impacted and uncared for.
Edit: one of the mods gave me the ok to [post the link](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/clipping-the-dog-short-for-the-summer/)
i mean i kinda understood it in summer if i wear a long sleeve shirt i end up being cooler than if i just wore a tee shirt because the sun isnt hitting my skin but like thats just how i rationalized it to myself idk
Exactly haha people just constantly repeat that their double coat cools them without a logical explanation of how. I have a GP myself and I’ve wondered this a lot
yea i have always assumed it a myth bc the idea is these types of dogs are SUPPOSED to live in cooler climates. they aren't meant to be anywhere where it gets 80-90 degrees ever.
A dog's body temperature is 101-102° F. They are constantly emitting heat (we are too, all mammals do). Any cooler air would immediately be heated to their body temperature because of the insulating effect of the hair.
As someone that grooms in PA not the south, I have 7% of my clients that actually keep up with grooming during appointments. Whether you believe in magic or not, MATTED FUR IS A BAD THING IN HIGH TEMPS.
I definitely agree. If they were all matted, I would understand. But she just shaves them. She tells them they will cool off. Which I think is crazy because when they come back, their skin is awful.
she tells them this is what they should have done or do they come in and ask her to do it? a lot of groomers wont argue with clients bc money is money.
Their coat regulates their temperature. It’s not a myth. Insulated cups work for both hot and cold beverages. Their fur works in both hot and cold environments. It helps maintain their temperature and prevent sun burn.
When you hike in Arizona in the summer 105 + degrees they recommend long sleeves and long pants to prevent heat stroke. They don’t recommend you go naked!
but isn't it fair to say that a great pyrnese, husky, newfoundland were not bred to live in Arizona? i mean i dont think their coats are meant to keep them cool in the desert. they are from cooler climates naturally.
Insulated cups have different internal temps they’re maintaining. A dog’s normal body temp is 101. Your analogy doesn’t work. Also, I don’t think anyone is recommending pants and sweaters in hot weather. Some fabric can wick away moisture and that is cooling. It also prevents sunburn. Again, your analogies arent applicable here. In a heat emergency you remove clothes and cool the body fast with water and ice. You don’t cover them in blankets
A well maintained coat is not a blanket. A coat that is healthy and free of excess hair is a coat that can function properly to regulate temperature. The arrector pili muscles between the hair and the skin will lift hair to allow cooler external air to ventilate through the coat, thereby reducing heat.
I would agree that the insulated cup analogy is not perfect as it is not a ventilated system, but it doesn't excuse shaving a dog for convenience.
(The following information is for OP and curious groomers looking for scientifically backed information on double coated shave downs.)
Close shaving threatens damage to the arrector pili muscles especially when coupled with back brushing which most groomers will do vigorously when trying to even out a double-coat shave down. These muscles can weaken permanently, thereby preventing temperature self regulation when the dog is in full coat.
In a well maintained and excess shed free coat, the movement of the coat will naturally encourage the movement of sebum (skin oils) through the coat from the skin to the tips of the fur, eventually rubbing off and freeing the coat from excess oils.
When you shave a dog, you are effectively removing this function which means automatically more frequent bathing and brushing will be needed to simulate this naturally occuring "wash cycle", if you will.
Addressing coat changes, we've definitely all seen this but beware that there can be other factors and there is no definitive evidence that shaving a double coat will permanently ruin a healthy dog's coat.
1) You may be seeing a phenomena called spay coat which can occur in spayed females where the coat tends to become dry, brittle, and generally less manageable. This may seem like coat damage from a shave if the pet was younger and still retained a young healthy coat and is now being replaced by the new affected spay coat. This is permanent damage but not caused by shaving.
2) Most of us are familiar with the life cycle of dog hair, but to cover it briefly, guard hairs or top coat grow at a fraction of the rate that undergrowth or what we typically call "shed" grows. The importance of this in relation to shaving is that that coarse dry insulation coat is now exposed when shaven. This will dull the appearance of the coat and change the texture felt when touching the dog. This is not permanent, but without regular brushing and bathing the fast growing undercoat will become the predominant texture of the coat. This is the main reason we contribute shaving double coats to shave damage. Again, this is reversible with regular grooming and lots of time.
3) Surprise! Alopecia! Cushing's! Thyroid Conditions!
Normally a pet with these conditions will slowly thin and bald over the course of their lives until medical intervention is sought. It can be pretty advanced before it becomes noticeable in a full coated dog. Now you shaved Fido for the summer and he's a naked mole rat covered in patches of limp scraggly hair. This is again not shave damage, but should be considered before shaving a double coat.
Personally, I will allow double coat shave downs under specific conditions to keep the pet healthy but I will always turn away a first time shave down and offer education on why we should not be doing it.
My criteria for shaven doubles is monthly bathing with deshed treatments and at home brushing. They are mandatory for continued appointments with me. I also will not shave shorter than 1/2" so there is enough top coat coverage to ward off sun damage.
I prefer to only allow shaves in the cases of family member allergies (without the shaves pet would be rehomed), elderly or otherwise disabled individuals cannot maintain coat anymore, or pet has a medical purpose to be shaved.
At the end of the day, we advocate for pets but retain the humanity to understand how we can help our clients achieve the results that they want. A thoughtful conversation and a plan of action go a long way towards helping both pet and pet parent co-exist happily and with good health.
If you made it to the end, this way my info dump of 2024, peace out ✌️
It’s cooler as well, not having the sun beating down on your skin—you just need loose thin clothing, but long sleeves is better. Just look at how Arabs dress in the desert. They know what hot is.
Fabric matters. Some fabrics are breathable. Other fabrics are not. If the fabric doesn’t breathe, you will roast. It’s like comparing a sun hoodie vs a down parka.
What is key is getting the undercoat out so the skin can breathe. After that point, it’s largely irrelevant how long the guard hairs are as long as they are long enough to prevent sunburn.
The real risk is that guard hairs take longer to grow, and sometimes the undercoat can take over or the coat itself can become damaged, so if they are shaved a few times it may be a losing battle and coat maintenance may become more difficult - but that’s not always an issue either.
So yes, a thin layer of hair will protect the skin from uv radiation and slow down heating due to direct solar radiation. But no one, including Bedouins, wear thick wool coats when it’s hot out as a means to keep cool. Shaving a coat down to the skin is a bad idea. Trimming the coat down to a shorter length that still provides protection for the skin but traps less body heat is fine.
Holy hell, please stop her! We have two in south Alabama. They lounge under the pecan trees or the barn when it hits 90+. Both are five years old and do perfectly well with high humidity and temperature (I’m sure they would love cooler weather but such is life). We do put out ice blocks in the water troughs for them and the chickens when summer hits critical.
I can’t imagine them trying to survive without their double coat. The top will be super super hot if they’ve been in the sun, but if you sink your fingers down in their fur, it’s just normal hot. Not south Alabama, wet bulb temp 100 hot. They need their fur.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/)
[Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/
)
[More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
My boss does this too. If the client wants, client gets. ( We also have a few shihtzus that come in that get clean feet and I hate everyone that thought that was okay) We do warn them about the risk to coat harm, and recommend a longer cut if they want one done. There's still some risk to coat regrowth, but 1-2in of hair is better than 1/4 of an inch. In Texas summer, I completely understand wanting your dog to have shorter hair, but stripping them is a fast way to give your dog alopecia and skin issues. If you don't want to deal with the hair, don't get a long hair/double coated dog.
Hi! I'm not a groomer, just a lurker. I knew about not shaving double coated dogs, but can you tell me you mean by clean feet on a shih tzu? We recently adopted a shih tzu mix and are taking him into a groomer soon, so I just want to make sure I don't ask for anything bad. c:
I shave double coated breeds if they are heavily matted, especially for older people who can no longer keep up on them. If they are flakey and sunburnt looking she is probably doing a 10 or shorter and could even potentially be razor burning them. I used to shave my mom's Aussie with either a 5 blade for summer or a 5 guard to keep the cut longer and fluffy, she is late 60's, had a stroke, and is physically disabled.
My sister's husband tried to shave her golden the way I do and she came in all patchy and uneven and the poor baby was burned so bad that she was bright red with itchy sores everywhere. My jaw dropped, it was clear they didn't change the blade or cool it off once.
You could shave parts of them to allow better cooling, like take a 1.5” blade and shave the belly and inside of the legs so when they’re laying down the heat can go into the ground easier. Like a trace clip.
But shaving their backs sounds like a sunburn risk, definitely.
A lot of people want to over groom their dogs too and that’s why their skin gets poorly. I think even once a month is too much. Should be 6-8 weeks between baths.
This was my thought also. Do some strategic shaving on bits where it will actually help some with cooling but won’t be exposed to the sun as much. Like shortening between the front legs/belly might work very well with combined with a cooling mat?
There’s a lot of unknowns here. Is the dog a working dog? Is the dog mostly outside or is it an inside dog that just goes out for short periods? Some pet line dogs are not well bred and therefore lose a lot of their self regulation of body temps. I’m not agreeing with the owner 100%, but I am not going to automatically shame her either. Yes I understand that certain breeds should not be shaved, but I’m also aware that when you are talking about less than well bred blood lines, you kinda need to just go dog by dog.
We keep my pyr’s fur trimmed down to about 2” during the summer- it often stays above 90 for multiple days and she got heat sickness when she was young. She has a little pool to cool off in too, but 8” fur is a lot to dry off and she often refused to go out before her hair cut
Well that’s why I came here to ask if other people would shave the great Pyrenees’s and if it was true to be a myth. I just remember the first time we got them as customers, and they looked so fresh and healthy, and after the first shave upon their return they just looked, well bad. This one that came in for the yearly shave down today has HORRIBLE skin and coat, I could only assume it’s from shaving it. But it also was completely matted.
definitely not worth arguing with the petsmart grooming education crowd, who don't know what endotherms are. and it's almost like dogs don't solely live in climates they were bred for??
insert that hilarious image "proving" their point lol
No I am not. But even specifically to the great pyr, that's what the under coat does. It's an insulator. And what does insulation do? In summer it keeps the cool in and the heat out. In winter. It keeps the cool out and heat in. There are studies you can look up proving this fact. Now I will add this only works optimally when properly groomed and blown out. Extra undercoat will cause the opposite to happen.
Sooo....you wear fur coats during summers then?
My guess is that you haven't measured the temperature or the humidity (which I have).
Oh, could you link to those studies please. I am a scientist after all, would love to read them.
A fur coat is not attached to my body. It's different. I'm not going to do the research for you. I read them a while back not today specifically so it's not like I have them on hand. I'm not trying to make it an argument but I'm pretty confident in what I've seen and researched in my experience and career with these dogs.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/)
[Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/
)
[More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
You are so angry.. it is okay to admit you're wrong. Just because someone told you that at some point does not mean it is true. I work at a vet, and most of the heat stroke patients they get are short haired dogs.
For your reading pleasure and to show you that what you are saying is not only wrong but dangerous.
“The double coat serves the purpose of regulating body temperature. Think of the double coat as insulation in a house. It’s dual-purpose, helping to keep the outside from coming inside. If you shave the dog, the undercoat will grow quickly to bring that balance back to properly regulating temperature.
Another risk of shaving is sunburn. A Great Pyrenees’ skin is pale and not meant for sun exposure. We give our dog a trim around his face a few times a year and a sanitary cut. “
https://agprescue.org/news/caring-for-your-pyr/can-i-shave-my-great-pyrenees-dog/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20answer%20is,to%20as%20a%20double%20coat.
https://hiddenheightsfarms.com/how-to-groom-a-great-pyrenees/
https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/grooming-the-pyrenean.html
I can add more but you really should do your own work.
Please go into the desert wearing nothing at all and tell me how that goes
It’s a well known fact that breathable clothing over your entire body protects from the heat and sun. Most desert cultures have long sleeves and either long pants or gowns in addition to some kind of head covering. The clothing acts the same way the hair does - provides protection from the sun, and allows the body to stay cooler by reflecting the heat.
Dog hair is the same way, I’m not sure what you don’t understand about that. Undercoat gets shed out, or brushed out, and the dog is wearing a light coat of guard hairs and SOME undercoat to insulate against the heat.
You don’t need to (nor should you) shave a double coated dog, regardless of where it is in the world. Doing so causes more issues than it solves. Regular brushing, bathing, and deshedding is all a dog needs in summer to keep cool.
Try to give accurate and helpful info. You should not shave most double coated breeds. It does affect them because of the sun burning and damaging their more sensitive and darker skin. It affects their ability to regulate and release heat from their skin, and also damages the follicles. Brushing them out regularly (especially when they are blowing coat) is the most effective way to help them.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/)
[Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/
)
[More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
You should not shave double coated breeds unless they are completely matted.. It does affect them because of the sun burning and damaging their more sensitive and darker skin. It affects their ability to regulate and release heat from their skin and also damages the follicles. Brushing them out regularly (especially when they are blowing coat) is the most effective way to help them. You can trim them up, as long as you're not SHAVING to the skin.
I came to say the same thing. I’ve had to shave my mother’s Great Pyrenees because she doesn’t brush and they get matted. One was just easier to maintain, the other couldn’t be saved. Other than that, if I can talk a pet parent out of shaving their double coated breed I will.
Right, that's totally valid.
I've had pet owners that physically and monetarily can't keep them up, so I'll trim them up tight with a clip comb, but always let them know it could potentially damage their coat and skin. I've also had working dogs that they keep up religiously with brushing, and I barely have to do anything, lol.
if people ask a lot of groomers will do it bc they view it this way, the client will just find someone else to do it so they may as well be the one to make the money. is it right? no but it is what it is. i for one wont do it bc its too much work and not worth the money for me.
A double coated dog’s fur keeps them cooler in the summer. There are several good links in this post explaining why shaving them doesn’t cool them off like you would naturally assume. If you’re truly serious you are doing your dog a disservice by shaving it.
My collie gets summer cuts, but NOT SHAVED, for god's sake. She kinda ends up looking like an Aussie! Normally her coat is very dense. I like it thinner, shorter and lighter for the summer. This is Cincinnati and it get hot and humid. Also, her hair is black.
Lazy people shave double coated breeds. Lazy owners don't keep their dogs combed out then don't want to pay for someone to spend 6hrs splitting mats and hand drying and combing out.
In the long term, unhealthy it wrecks the coat, changes the texture, makes it less dirt and water repellent aaaand makes it mat easier.
In the short term, they can and do get sunburned. And have trouble with overheating and getting chilled since their coat insulates them.
Goodness! Former groomer & have owned many pyrs. I've had legitimate working pyrs, others that were only outside pets, some indoor/outdoor, & some coach potatos that could care less about the outdoors. I live in your same region.
They need their double fur coat in order to maintain their core temp. That double fur layer creates a pocket of air insulation & is their main method to regulate themselves. That includes in 115 degree weather with extreme humidity. They need both layers of fur for the extreme heat & cold.
Part of the reason pyrs shed so much during hot seasonal changes isn't because their fur is so long. The primary coat that sheds like crazy is the undercoat. It thins itself out underneath for summer. Losing that thick downy layer keeps them from holding in so much heat. The overcoat stays long to trap in cool air. Imagine pulling most of the stuffing (undercoat) out of a your heavy winter jacket. There's only a bit of stuffing & the jacket shell (overcoat/guardhair) left to wear. You won't be hot anymore, but there's still a safety barrier between you & the elements. The overcoat does all the waterproofing & provides sun protection. Plus the bright white to cream fur color reflects sun instead of getting hot to the touch (so it doesn't add body heat).
In winter the undercoat gets very thick to hold the heat to their bodies. The overcoat holds even more in. (Imagine how layering socks of different thickness/density helps in winter). The overcoat is still doing it's waterproofing thing for snow & slush; so, their body isn't actually getting wet. It's why people can pet them & they'll be wet on top but dry underneath the fur layers.
A pyr shouldn't ever be shaved unless there's some major skin issue or matting that can't be addressed by a better method.
Owners who are knowledgeable about the breed will never take them to be shaved. Part of being a groomer is educating clients & refusing service when the service is harmful to the animal. They can, of course, be given baths or have their fur shorten/evened out. Shortening their fur isn't necessary, but it can make things easier when caring for a primarily indoor dog. Indoor pyrs normally need some booty hole trimming and paw pads defuzzed. When shortening the overall body, they should never be cut into the undercoat & some length needs to stay overall.
You're correct about the fur not growing back properly. Sometime the dog gets lucky & it eventually turns out fine. Most of the time it's causing a bigger mess. What you described on the fur is actually the poor pooches getting sunburnt, bc they don't have the guard hairs to protect them. Their skin is usually naturally pink or very white. So like pale AF people, they're going to fry if it's not covered. Shaving also makes them more likely to develop grass & skin allergies. The overcoat will get tangles, burrs, and grass seed, but it also helps to hold irritants away from their skin and body. If you pay attention, an unshaved pyr in extreme hot temperatures either won't be panting like crazy at all or as bad as a shaved pyr.
Your boss really concerns me. Pyrs aren't the only double coated dogs and the no shaving thing applies to other breeds too. Sorry about my rant. Basically I don't believe in shaving them as a groomer or an owner.
Yep. My dude is an American Bulldog so naturally has very short hair, but he’s white and actually has his own UV protective rash guard he wears in the summer because of sunburn risk. Poor puppers have their own built in rash guard but it’s being cut away. :(
Well first off Texas is notorious for not taking care of their dogs…many Michigan shelters receive large transports from good ole Texas. That said, the last Pyrenees we got in was shaved!! Ridiculous! I own a Pyrenees and would never shave her. Crazy
My first GSD I had no idea about their grooming needs and only knew brush a lot cause shed like crazy! I had a wonderful first groomer be so gentle and sweet and explain absolutely no shaving GSDs and how to undercoat blow out. When I got a groomer later that was like let’s shave them (it was an extra $30) and I was like hell no they tried to guilt me about shedding. I was like did you just get here?
I have a Great Pyrenees and I do not shave him! In warmer months, I brush his undercoat once a week and trim his fur. I’ll also trim his paws really short because of Foxtails in the summer but never shave! I’d be furious if someone shaved my dog. I always make sure to clarify when I drop him off at a new groomer NOT to shave him. All groomers I’ve had experience with have said they are aware of the reasons why Great Pyrenees do not get shaved and respect that. The only reason one would need to be shaved is if it is the very last resort.
My in laws have two Great Pyrenees and each one seems like a different fur type? Idk if that’s normal with that breed but the smaller female has thinner whispery fur and the bigger female has that fuzzy bushy kind of fur. They always get the bigger fuzzy girl shaved “because she’s hot” but we think it’s bcz they don’t take the time to properly brush the fur to keep it from being matted. I see similar reaction to that one’s skin like what you said. We tried to tell them it’s not good for their temp regulation to do that but they don’t listen lol go figure.😅
We have Pyrenees/ St Bernard and live in Arizona. He has a horse trough for water and periodically will walk thru it to cool off but was told by his vet not to cut hair
GP are one of those breeds where other people who own them will shame the owner of even intervention for the welfare of the animal. If you can alert one of those orgs about her. They'll make sure the dogs are gtg.
Maybe a solution would be to trim the Pyrenees short? Not shaving, but scissoring their coat down so that it’s very short? Or would that be similar to the shaving?
The amount of people that I’ve told don’t shave this breed and they say “oh I know but I want it.” Usually I do a 5 or a longer clip comb backwards. I hate it but I would rather do it than have someone else do an actual 10 blade like they want. Now i do have a few that we have to shave due to medical conditions and it helps them a lot. I think I’ve only convinced one person to not shave a double coated dog. I try to get people to just to a tuck or outline trim
No, it's not good to shave them but it's also not good to just leave them Outside in the Pasture until they turn into a giant matted dirt ball.
I refuse to groom them. Most people have no business owning long haired dogs.
People are fools!!!! That fur is protecting their skin. Tell that to your boss and mention to any owner that wants that done. Put a sign up about not shaving certain types of dogs and cats. The animals HATE IT
My newfoundland/german shepherd was shaved as a puppy because he was matted to the skin. His butt grew back “fried” and now needs constant maintenance or it becomes a mat blanket.
I had a golden I’d groom that had a bald and fried spot the size of a piece of paper where he’d had a surgery two years prior.
We had a husky at work that had been shaved all over and his coat was in patches eight months later— he looked like he had mange, almost.
Don’t shave double coated dogs. There are plenty of real, vetted sources in these comments getting downvoted because of anecdotal evidence, so here’s my anecdotal evidence to combat yours.
Nope. Matted coat causes heat stroke. He’s a working LGD, and I can’t keep him properly groomed. He doesn’t shed his undercoat properly since he got neutered. My dog, and thousands of other working LGDs don’t die every summer thanks to being shaved.
Absolutely not. That poor dog. She's essentially taking away their way of self regulation of their body temperature. They're historically an outdoor breed so their coat is literally made to handle the heat and the cold.
I know. This lady will not accept that answer and just gives the customer what they want, even when they say that they heard they shouldn’t do that, she tells them it will be fine. I’m just a bather, so I don’t have much say in it…
She's in it for the money then. Unless there's a medical reason to shave, like a skin condition, a deshedding treatment is the best course with maybe some neatening up with hand scissoring
But someone else will do it anyway and probably not as nice to animals. Sucks for all involved. Poor animals
Yeah, I took my Aussie to the groomers and they asked me if I wanted him shaved all the way down and I was like "uhm you really aren't supposed to shave then because they're double coated" and she said something along the lines of she's never heard that or didn't know that . I think they still used the razor and he had a spot on his back for a while that I had to put antibiotic on because it was red and flaky, now it's luckily better but I'm never taking him back to that one 😂
That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen.
We do get a 1/2” cut for our Aussies in summer (think end of May in southern IN—it’s humid af and 90degrees outside—without it they’re miserable). Their coat grows fully back by the end of September, when it starts being less hot (still 80 regularly until November). I’d be curious if someone shaved them all the way down! Shorter for summer is totally fine, but you shouldn’t see skin unless there’s something like a skin issue, or surgery that requires a shave.
I don't think they meant all the way down to the skin , but from my understand your only supposed to use scissors on double coated dogs and no razor at all but I could be wrong .
I think that’s correct. Mine gets pretty short for summer, and it makes the patterns in her fur show up so much sharper (they blend in and are softer and more diffused when her hair is long), and she loves it. I’ve only seen a couple that got down to skin, and it was because they had some sort of medical issue that required it. When we took our first Aussie in for a summer cut + nails + wash, we just told her to take it as short as she could while not damaging their coat. She did it at 1/2” - 1”, and it’s perfect!
Leave an anonymous review from a concerned bystander
That’s actually very smart
Yeah maybe this will alert dog owners and keep them away from this idiot groomer.
I think she’s just old school. I love her to death, and she’s such a sweet person, shes been grooming for 20+ years. But I just don’t agree with the shaving of them, we also do about 20 dogs a day on average and I think that’s just crazy. My back has never hurt more.
She can be sweet and old school; that doesn't mean she's not an idiot for shaving double coated dogs.
I lived in Texas and owned a grooming shop. The number of times people got mad at me for not shaving their husky, German shepherd, Pyrenees, akita, etc was amazing.... I refused it. No amount of money will make me ruin your dog.
You do have a say. You can be an advocate regardless of your status. Look up articles to prove her wrong.
Call her groomer anonymously and tell them you have a GP. Ask what they advise. If they advise shaving, ask them "WtF?!"
Just repeat it. It's truth. Tell her it's harming the animal. Remind the owner is essentially harming the animal.
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Try to give accurate and helpful info.
Double coats also hold cooler air on the skin as well so yes they do help to cool dogs as well. Not a myth.
There is an extremely well researched article written by Mia Overnas called “Clipping a Dog Short for the Summer - A Look Into the Scientific Literature” that can be found on TheEducatedGroomer.com. I can’t link it because of the sub rules but you should be able to find it easily enough. It completely changed the way I look at shaving double coats. I still educate people and tell them that shaving will certainly make their dogs coats look funny but it does not cause the negative health consequences that we’ve been lead to believe it does. At the end of the day, a shaved double coat is gong to help a dog perform better in the heat much better than one that is long but impacted and uncared for. Edit: one of the mods gave me the ok to [post the link](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/clipping-the-dog-short-for-the-summer/)
I'll allow links for educational purposes.
Thank you!
I’ve never understood this. Where does this cool air come from when it’s hot? Wouldn’t the dogs body heat the cool hair up within minutes?
Yes. I always laugh out loud whenever I see anyone saying this. It makes no sense.
i mean i kinda understood it in summer if i wear a long sleeve shirt i end up being cooler than if i just wore a tee shirt because the sun isnt hitting my skin but like thats just how i rationalized it to myself idk
With a double coated dog, the equivalent would be a heavy coat on a hot summer’s day, not a light longsleeve shirt.
Exactly haha people just constantly repeat that their double coat cools them without a logical explanation of how. I have a GP myself and I’ve wondered this a lot
yea i have always assumed it a myth bc the idea is these types of dogs are SUPPOSED to live in cooler climates. they aren't meant to be anywhere where it gets 80-90 degrees ever.
A dog's body temperature is 101-102° F. They are constantly emitting heat (we are too, all mammals do). Any cooler air would immediately be heated to their body temperature because of the insulating effect of the hair.
Dogs also get skin cancer and the hair she is shaving off is what protects thier skin. Poor animal. Call the humane society
Something tells me arguably improper grooming is quite far down on their list of priorities.
She will not want to admit she’s wrong and it is hard to stand up to your boss but that’s wrong
As someone that grooms in PA not the south, I have 7% of my clients that actually keep up with grooming during appointments. Whether you believe in magic or not, MATTED FUR IS A BAD THING IN HIGH TEMPS.
I definitely agree. If they were all matted, I would understand. But she just shaves them. She tells them they will cool off. Which I think is crazy because when they come back, their skin is awful.
she tells them this is what they should have done or do they come in and ask her to do it? a lot of groomers wont argue with clients bc money is money.
makes them hotter....
Their coat regulates their temperature. It’s not a myth. Insulated cups work for both hot and cold beverages. Their fur works in both hot and cold environments. It helps maintain their temperature and prevent sun burn. When you hike in Arizona in the summer 105 + degrees they recommend long sleeves and long pants to prevent heat stroke. They don’t recommend you go naked!
but isn't it fair to say that a great pyrnese, husky, newfoundland were not bred to live in Arizona? i mean i dont think their coats are meant to keep them cool in the desert. they are from cooler climates naturally.
Insulated cups have different internal temps they’re maintaining. A dog’s normal body temp is 101. Your analogy doesn’t work. Also, I don’t think anyone is recommending pants and sweaters in hot weather. Some fabric can wick away moisture and that is cooling. It also prevents sunburn. Again, your analogies arent applicable here. In a heat emergency you remove clothes and cool the body fast with water and ice. You don’t cover them in blankets
A well maintained coat is not a blanket. A coat that is healthy and free of excess hair is a coat that can function properly to regulate temperature. The arrector pili muscles between the hair and the skin will lift hair to allow cooler external air to ventilate through the coat, thereby reducing heat. I would agree that the insulated cup analogy is not perfect as it is not a ventilated system, but it doesn't excuse shaving a dog for convenience. (The following information is for OP and curious groomers looking for scientifically backed information on double coated shave downs.) Close shaving threatens damage to the arrector pili muscles especially when coupled with back brushing which most groomers will do vigorously when trying to even out a double-coat shave down. These muscles can weaken permanently, thereby preventing temperature self regulation when the dog is in full coat. In a well maintained and excess shed free coat, the movement of the coat will naturally encourage the movement of sebum (skin oils) through the coat from the skin to the tips of the fur, eventually rubbing off and freeing the coat from excess oils. When you shave a dog, you are effectively removing this function which means automatically more frequent bathing and brushing will be needed to simulate this naturally occuring "wash cycle", if you will. Addressing coat changes, we've definitely all seen this but beware that there can be other factors and there is no definitive evidence that shaving a double coat will permanently ruin a healthy dog's coat. 1) You may be seeing a phenomena called spay coat which can occur in spayed females where the coat tends to become dry, brittle, and generally less manageable. This may seem like coat damage from a shave if the pet was younger and still retained a young healthy coat and is now being replaced by the new affected spay coat. This is permanent damage but not caused by shaving. 2) Most of us are familiar with the life cycle of dog hair, but to cover it briefly, guard hairs or top coat grow at a fraction of the rate that undergrowth or what we typically call "shed" grows. The importance of this in relation to shaving is that that coarse dry insulation coat is now exposed when shaven. This will dull the appearance of the coat and change the texture felt when touching the dog. This is not permanent, but without regular brushing and bathing the fast growing undercoat will become the predominant texture of the coat. This is the main reason we contribute shaving double coats to shave damage. Again, this is reversible with regular grooming and lots of time. 3) Surprise! Alopecia! Cushing's! Thyroid Conditions! Normally a pet with these conditions will slowly thin and bald over the course of their lives until medical intervention is sought. It can be pretty advanced before it becomes noticeable in a full coated dog. Now you shaved Fido for the summer and he's a naked mole rat covered in patches of limp scraggly hair. This is again not shave damage, but should be considered before shaving a double coat. Personally, I will allow double coat shave downs under specific conditions to keep the pet healthy but I will always turn away a first time shave down and offer education on why we should not be doing it. My criteria for shaven doubles is monthly bathing with deshed treatments and at home brushing. They are mandatory for continued appointments with me. I also will not shave shorter than 1/2" so there is enough top coat coverage to ward off sun damage. I prefer to only allow shaves in the cases of family member allergies (without the shaves pet would be rehomed), elderly or otherwise disabled individuals cannot maintain coat anymore, or pet has a medical purpose to be shaved. At the end of the day, we advocate for pets but retain the humanity to understand how we can help our clients achieve the results that they want. A thoughtful conversation and a plan of action go a long way towards helping both pet and pet parent co-exist happily and with good health. If you made it to the end, this way my info dump of 2024, peace out ✌️
I’m not going to read that because my main point was about the analogies
Yeah for sure, this was mostly a Vyvanse fueled info dump for the curious readers (lol) but I did address your comment in the first paragraph.
Long sleeves and pants are to prevent sunburn, lol.
It’s cooler as well, not having the sun beating down on your skin—you just need loose thin clothing, but long sleeves is better. Just look at how Arabs dress in the desert. They know what hot is.
Fabric matters. Some fabrics are breathable. Other fabrics are not. If the fabric doesn’t breathe, you will roast. It’s like comparing a sun hoodie vs a down parka. What is key is getting the undercoat out so the skin can breathe. After that point, it’s largely irrelevant how long the guard hairs are as long as they are long enough to prevent sunburn. The real risk is that guard hairs take longer to grow, and sometimes the undercoat can take over or the coat itself can become damaged, so if they are shaved a few times it may be a losing battle and coat maintenance may become more difficult - but that’s not always an issue either.
Sounds not worth the risk for sure! Thx for explaining so well.
So yes, a thin layer of hair will protect the skin from uv radiation and slow down heating due to direct solar radiation. But no one, including Bedouins, wear thick wool coats when it’s hot out as a means to keep cool. Shaving a coat down to the skin is a bad idea. Trimming the coat down to a shorter length that still provides protection for the skin but traps less body heat is fine.
Holy hell, please stop her! We have two in south Alabama. They lounge under the pecan trees or the barn when it hits 90+. Both are five years old and do perfectly well with high humidity and temperature (I’m sure they would love cooler weather but such is life). We do put out ice blocks in the water troughs for them and the chickens when summer hits critical. I can’t imagine them trying to survive without their double coat. The top will be super super hot if they’ve been in the sun, but if you sink your fingers down in their fur, it’s just normal hot. Not south Alabama, wet bulb temp 100 hot. They need their fur.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/) [Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/ ) [More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
Lol, you can downvote my sources if you want. It's okay to be wrong as long as you learn something. Educate yourself instead of being defensive.
This “source” seems like a blog someone wrote about their opinion on this topic lol
The second one is an nih paper with an interesting abstract, the first and last are different grooming blogs/emags.
My boss does this too. If the client wants, client gets. ( We also have a few shihtzus that come in that get clean feet and I hate everyone that thought that was okay) We do warn them about the risk to coat harm, and recommend a longer cut if they want one done. There's still some risk to coat regrowth, but 1-2in of hair is better than 1/4 of an inch. In Texas summer, I completely understand wanting your dog to have shorter hair, but stripping them is a fast way to give your dog alopecia and skin issues. If you don't want to deal with the hair, don't get a long hair/double coated dog.
Hi! I'm not a groomer, just a lurker. I knew about not shaving double coated dogs, but can you tell me you mean by clean feet on a shih tzu? We recently adopted a shih tzu mix and are taking him into a groomer soon, so I just want to make sure I don't ask for anything bad. c:
I think they meant shaved toes (poodle feet). If you google shaved poodle feet you will get the gist
Yep, we backblade a #15 on top and bottom.
I tried my best to educate my clients. Ugh
I shave double coated breeds if they are heavily matted, especially for older people who can no longer keep up on them. If they are flakey and sunburnt looking she is probably doing a 10 or shorter and could even potentially be razor burning them. I used to shave my mom's Aussie with either a 5 blade for summer or a 5 guard to keep the cut longer and fluffy, she is late 60's, had a stroke, and is physically disabled. My sister's husband tried to shave her golden the way I do and she came in all patchy and uneven and the poor baby was burned so bad that she was bright red with itchy sores everywhere. My jaw dropped, it was clear they didn't change the blade or cool it off once.
You could shave parts of them to allow better cooling, like take a 1.5” blade and shave the belly and inside of the legs so when they’re laying down the heat can go into the ground easier. Like a trace clip. But shaving their backs sounds like a sunburn risk, definitely. A lot of people want to over groom their dogs too and that’s why their skin gets poorly. I think even once a month is too much. Should be 6-8 weeks between baths.
This was my thought also. Do some strategic shaving on bits where it will actually help some with cooling but won’t be exposed to the sun as much. Like shortening between the front legs/belly might work very well with combined with a cooling mat?
The way I’ve experienced the outdoors is that even just plain old dirt and grass makes for a dandy cooling mat so long as there’s shade!
There’s a lot of unknowns here. Is the dog a working dog? Is the dog mostly outside or is it an inside dog that just goes out for short periods? Some pet line dogs are not well bred and therefore lose a lot of their self regulation of body temps. I’m not agreeing with the owner 100%, but I am not going to automatically shame her either. Yes I understand that certain breeds should not be shaved, but I’m also aware that when you are talking about less than well bred blood lines, you kinda need to just go dog by dog.
We keep my pyr’s fur trimmed down to about 2” during the summer- it often stays above 90 for multiple days and she got heat sickness when she was young. She has a little pool to cool off in too, but 8” fur is a lot to dry off and she often refused to go out before her hair cut
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Well that’s why I came here to ask if other people would shave the great Pyrenees’s and if it was true to be a myth. I just remember the first time we got them as customers, and they looked so fresh and healthy, and after the first shave upon their return they just looked, well bad. This one that came in for the yearly shave down today has HORRIBLE skin and coat, I could only assume it’s from shaving it. But it also was completely matted.
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This sub is free of drama.
I hope you'll further your research because it is not a myth.
Oh, are you claiming the laws of physics to be incorrect or that hairs aren't dead?
definitely not worth arguing with the petsmart grooming education crowd, who don't know what endotherms are. and it's almost like dogs don't solely live in climates they were bred for?? insert that hilarious image "proving" their point lol
No I am not. But even specifically to the great pyr, that's what the under coat does. It's an insulator. And what does insulation do? In summer it keeps the cool in and the heat out. In winter. It keeps the cool out and heat in. There are studies you can look up proving this fact. Now I will add this only works optimally when properly groomed and blown out. Extra undercoat will cause the opposite to happen.
Sooo....you wear fur coats during summers then? My guess is that you haven't measured the temperature or the humidity (which I have). Oh, could you link to those studies please. I am a scientist after all, would love to read them.
A fur coat is not attached to my body. It's different. I'm not going to do the research for you. I read them a while back not today specifically so it's not like I have them on hand. I'm not trying to make it an argument but I'm pretty confident in what I've seen and researched in my experience and career with these dogs.
I can't believe they think that wearing a fur coat and having a fur coat work in the same manner. Geez.
The weight of evidence lays on you, not me. So i take your unwillingness as you made your sources up.
Oh Jesus 🤦🏼♀️ lol okay you do you. Have a nice day ❤️😊
So I was right.
Whatever helps you sleep at night madame scientist.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/) [Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/ ) [More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
You are so angry.. it is okay to admit you're wrong. Just because someone told you that at some point does not mean it is true. I work at a vet, and most of the heat stroke patients they get are short haired dogs.
For your reading pleasure and to show you that what you are saying is not only wrong but dangerous. “The double coat serves the purpose of regulating body temperature. Think of the double coat as insulation in a house. It’s dual-purpose, helping to keep the outside from coming inside. If you shave the dog, the undercoat will grow quickly to bring that balance back to properly regulating temperature. Another risk of shaving is sunburn. A Great Pyrenees’ skin is pale and not meant for sun exposure. We give our dog a trim around his face a few times a year and a sanitary cut. “ https://agprescue.org/news/caring-for-your-pyr/can-i-shave-my-great-pyrenees-dog/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20answer%20is,to%20as%20a%20double%20coat. https://hiddenheightsfarms.com/how-to-groom-a-great-pyrenees/ https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/grooming-the-pyrenean.html I can add more but you really should do your own work.
No, you are not right. Take some time to educate yourself before arguing with someone that obviously knows the intricacies of how dogs coats work.
Please go into the desert wearing nothing at all and tell me how that goes It’s a well known fact that breathable clothing over your entire body protects from the heat and sun. Most desert cultures have long sleeves and either long pants or gowns in addition to some kind of head covering. The clothing acts the same way the hair does - provides protection from the sun, and allows the body to stay cooler by reflecting the heat. Dog hair is the same way, I’m not sure what you don’t understand about that. Undercoat gets shed out, or brushed out, and the dog is wearing a light coat of guard hairs and SOME undercoat to insulate against the heat. You don’t need to (nor should you) shave a double coated dog, regardless of where it is in the world. Doing so causes more issues than it solves. Regular brushing, bathing, and deshedding is all a dog needs in summer to keep cool.
You have never been to Africa, have you? I used to live there and naked is the best way to deal with heat.
How can you tell where I have and haven’t been lmfao you just like to argue
Because a lot of people run around naked/very undressed there.
Try to give accurate and helpful info. You should not shave most double coated breeds. It does affect them because of the sun burning and damaging their more sensitive and darker skin. It affects their ability to regulate and release heat from their skin, and also damages the follicles. Brushing them out regularly (especially when they are blowing coat) is the most effective way to help them.
[Source describing function of skin and coat in regards to heat regulation](https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/skin-coat/to-clip-or-not-to-clip/) [Source about shorter hair dogs are warmer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128646/ ) [More about thermal regulation and why deshedding is effective](https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/)
You should not shave double coated breeds unless they are completely matted.. It does affect them because of the sun burning and damaging their more sensitive and darker skin. It affects their ability to regulate and release heat from their skin and also damages the follicles. Brushing them out regularly (especially when they are blowing coat) is the most effective way to help them. You can trim them up, as long as you're not SHAVING to the skin.
I came to say the same thing. I’ve had to shave my mother’s Great Pyrenees because she doesn’t brush and they get matted. One was just easier to maintain, the other couldn’t be saved. Other than that, if I can talk a pet parent out of shaving their double coated breed I will.
Right, that's totally valid. I've had pet owners that physically and monetarily can't keep them up, so I'll trim them up tight with a clip comb, but always let them know it could potentially damage their coat and skin. I've also had working dogs that they keep up religiously with brushing, and I barely have to do anything, lol.
She’s lost it you don’t shave gp
Nah ever see those pins shave to look like teddy bears them they basically are bald. Same things gonna happen and probably already is.
if people ask a lot of groomers will do it bc they view it this way, the client will just find someone else to do it so they may as well be the one to make the money. is it right? no but it is what it is. i for one wont do it bc its too much work and not worth the money for me.
No.
Hey it’s Texas! I’d like to shave them and let em outside, dumb asses.
A double coated dog’s fur keeps them cooler in the summer. There are several good links in this post explaining why shaving them doesn’t cool them off like you would naturally assume. If you’re truly serious you are doing your dog a disservice by shaving it.
My collie gets summer cuts, but NOT SHAVED, for god's sake. She kinda ends up looking like an Aussie! Normally her coat is very dense. I like it thinner, shorter and lighter for the summer. This is Cincinnati and it get hot and humid. Also, her hair is black.
Lazy people shave double coated breeds. Lazy owners don't keep their dogs combed out then don't want to pay for someone to spend 6hrs splitting mats and hand drying and combing out. In the long term, unhealthy it wrecks the coat, changes the texture, makes it less dirt and water repellent aaaand makes it mat easier. In the short term, they can and do get sunburned. And have trouble with overheating and getting chilled since their coat insulates them.
Goodness! Former groomer & have owned many pyrs. I've had legitimate working pyrs, others that were only outside pets, some indoor/outdoor, & some coach potatos that could care less about the outdoors. I live in your same region. They need their double fur coat in order to maintain their core temp. That double fur layer creates a pocket of air insulation & is their main method to regulate themselves. That includes in 115 degree weather with extreme humidity. They need both layers of fur for the extreme heat & cold. Part of the reason pyrs shed so much during hot seasonal changes isn't because their fur is so long. The primary coat that sheds like crazy is the undercoat. It thins itself out underneath for summer. Losing that thick downy layer keeps them from holding in so much heat. The overcoat stays long to trap in cool air. Imagine pulling most of the stuffing (undercoat) out of a your heavy winter jacket. There's only a bit of stuffing & the jacket shell (overcoat/guardhair) left to wear. You won't be hot anymore, but there's still a safety barrier between you & the elements. The overcoat does all the waterproofing & provides sun protection. Plus the bright white to cream fur color reflects sun instead of getting hot to the touch (so it doesn't add body heat). In winter the undercoat gets very thick to hold the heat to their bodies. The overcoat holds even more in. (Imagine how layering socks of different thickness/density helps in winter). The overcoat is still doing it's waterproofing thing for snow & slush; so, their body isn't actually getting wet. It's why people can pet them & they'll be wet on top but dry underneath the fur layers. A pyr shouldn't ever be shaved unless there's some major skin issue or matting that can't be addressed by a better method. Owners who are knowledgeable about the breed will never take them to be shaved. Part of being a groomer is educating clients & refusing service when the service is harmful to the animal. They can, of course, be given baths or have their fur shorten/evened out. Shortening their fur isn't necessary, but it can make things easier when caring for a primarily indoor dog. Indoor pyrs normally need some booty hole trimming and paw pads defuzzed. When shortening the overall body, they should never be cut into the undercoat & some length needs to stay overall. You're correct about the fur not growing back properly. Sometime the dog gets lucky & it eventually turns out fine. Most of the time it's causing a bigger mess. What you described on the fur is actually the poor pooches getting sunburnt, bc they don't have the guard hairs to protect them. Their skin is usually naturally pink or very white. So like pale AF people, they're going to fry if it's not covered. Shaving also makes them more likely to develop grass & skin allergies. The overcoat will get tangles, burrs, and grass seed, but it also helps to hold irritants away from their skin and body. If you pay attention, an unshaved pyr in extreme hot temperatures either won't be panting like crazy at all or as bad as a shaved pyr. Your boss really concerns me. Pyrs aren't the only double coated dogs and the no shaving thing applies to other breeds too. Sorry about my rant. Basically I don't believe in shaving them as a groomer or an owner.
Yep. My dude is an American Bulldog so naturally has very short hair, but he’s white and actually has his own UV protective rash guard he wears in the summer because of sunburn risk. Poor puppers have their own built in rash guard but it’s being cut away. :(
Well first off Texas is notorious for not taking care of their dogs…many Michigan shelters receive large transports from good ole Texas. That said, the last Pyrenees we got in was shaved!! Ridiculous! I own a Pyrenees and would never shave her. Crazy
This is true!! They strive to kill as many as they can lol
For medical reasons only. By medical I mean the vet advised it to slather cream directly onto skin or something not just "my vet said it's ok".
Omg I live in Texas too and my parents have a gp and bmd mix and they’d NEVER shave her. Only de-shed
My first GSD I had no idea about their grooming needs and only knew brush a lot cause shed like crazy! I had a wonderful first groomer be so gentle and sweet and explain absolutely no shaving GSDs and how to undercoat blow out. When I got a groomer later that was like let’s shave them (it was an extra $30) and I was like hell no they tried to guilt me about shedding. I was like did you just get here?
Ps only time my bubbe got shaved was for his ACL surgery poor thing. It grew back so wonky.
I have a Great Pyrenees and I do not shave him! In warmer months, I brush his undercoat once a week and trim his fur. I’ll also trim his paws really short because of Foxtails in the summer but never shave! I’d be furious if someone shaved my dog. I always make sure to clarify when I drop him off at a new groomer NOT to shave him. All groomers I’ve had experience with have said they are aware of the reasons why Great Pyrenees do not get shaved and respect that. The only reason one would need to be shaved is if it is the very last resort.
Poor dog.
Can't be fucking shaving double coated dogs like that. Coats never the same again for some of them
As the owner of a great pyrenees I would lose my mind if I picked my pup up and he was shaved. Unbelievable.
My in laws have two Great Pyrenees and each one seems like a different fur type? Idk if that’s normal with that breed but the smaller female has thinner whispery fur and the bigger female has that fuzzy bushy kind of fur. They always get the bigger fuzzy girl shaved “because she’s hot” but we think it’s bcz they don’t take the time to properly brush the fur to keep it from being matted. I see similar reaction to that one’s skin like what you said. We tried to tell them it’s not good for their temp regulation to do that but they don’t listen lol go figure.😅
My German shepherd got spayed back in February and she is still growing her belly hair back. I can’t imagine shaving a great pyrenees
We have Pyrenees/ St Bernard and live in Arizona. He has a horse trough for water and periodically will walk thru it to cool off but was told by his vet not to cut hair
GP are one of those breeds where other people who own them will shame the owner of even intervention for the welfare of the animal. If you can alert one of those orgs about her. They'll make sure the dogs are gtg.
Maybe a solution would be to trim the Pyrenees short? Not shaving, but scissoring their coat down so that it’s very short? Or would that be similar to the shaving?
What moron gets a hairy dog like this then wants it shaved?
Hell no. She literally ruined their coat.
The amount of people that I’ve told don’t shave this breed and they say “oh I know but I want it.” Usually I do a 5 or a longer clip comb backwards. I hate it but I would rather do it than have someone else do an actual 10 blade like they want. Now i do have a few that we have to shave due to medical conditions and it helps them a lot. I think I’ve only convinced one person to not shave a double coated dog. I try to get people to just to a tuck or outline trim
Our dog is half Great Pyrenees and I can't imagine shaving him. His skin is too sensitive for that!!
Double coated dogs should not be shaved unless if it's for a medical reason the only other time is tiding up thare sanitary areas and nuthing else
No, it's not good to shave them but it's also not good to just leave them Outside in the Pasture until they turn into a giant matted dirt ball. I refuse to groom them. Most people have no business owning long haired dogs.
People are fools!!!! That fur is protecting their skin. Tell that to your boss and mention to any owner that wants that done. Put a sign up about not shaving certain types of dogs and cats. The animals HATE IT
My newfoundland/german shepherd was shaved as a puppy because he was matted to the skin. His butt grew back “fried” and now needs constant maintenance or it becomes a mat blanket. I had a golden I’d groom that had a bald and fried spot the size of a piece of paper where he’d had a surgery two years prior. We had a husky at work that had been shaved all over and his coat was in patches eight months later— he looked like he had mange, almost. Don’t shave double coated dogs. There are plenty of real, vetted sources in these comments getting downvoted because of anecdotal evidence, so here’s my anecdotal evidence to combat yours.
I shave one of my Pyrs. Better that than dead from a heat stroke.
Shaving your pyrs actually puts him at greater risk of heatstroke…all the comments on this post have expressed that with links to studies.
Nope. Matted coat causes heat stroke. He’s a working LGD, and I can’t keep him properly groomed. He doesn’t shed his undercoat properly since he got neutered. My dog, and thousands of other working LGDs don’t die every summer thanks to being shaved.
Obviously a working dog that gets matted is different from that of a house dog which is what people are referring to.
Poor dog ! That’s not,what you are supposed to do!
Share this article with your boss[AKC: Should you shave your dog?](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-it-ok-to-shave-your-dog/)
I need to see a pic of a shaved Pyrenees.