What dog breeds should not be shaved

What Dog Breeds Should Not Be Shaved: Expert Recommendations

Dog Fur is Important, Shaving It Rarely Ever Improves the Dogs Quality of Life

Importance of Dog Fur

A dogs coat is an essential part of their anatomy, providing them with multiple benefits that contribute to their overall well-being.

The fur helps to protect their skin from harmful sun rays, insulating them from both heat and cold. It also acts as a barrier against dust and debris, ensuring that their skin stays healthy and clean.

Taking proper care of your dogs coat is a crucial aspect of maintaining their overall health.

For dogs with double coats in particular, shaving can have detrimental effects on their ability to regulate temperature. If you are considering shaving or trimming your dogs fur, its essential to understand the specific coat type and what is best for your canine companion.

Hair Vs Fur

There are two primary types of dog coats: hair and fur. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct differences. Hair has a longer growth cycle, allowing it to grow continuously and shed less frequently.

Breeds with hair, such as Poodles, need regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their coat. On the other hand, fur has a shorter growth cycle, making breeds with fur to shed more regularly. Examples of breeds with fur include the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky.

When it comes to shaving, it is important to note that some breeds should not be shaved at all, especially those with double-layered coats or those prone to temperature regulation issues.

Shaving dogs with these types of coats can result in overheating, skin issues, and long-term damage to their coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing, cool baths, and trimming certain areas when needed to maintain the coat without causing harm.

Breeds with Double Coats

Double-coated dogs are unique breeds with two distinctive layers of fur. The outer coat is typically coarse and thick, while the inner coat is dense and soft. These two layers work together to provide insulation and protection from various weather conditions.

Some popular breeds with double coats include:

• Golden Retrievers
• Siberian Huskies
• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Border Collies
• English Springer Spaniels

It might be tempting to shave these breeds, particularly during the scorching summer months. However, shaving a double-coated dog can do more harm than good.

One reason you shouldnt shave a double-coated dog is that it impedes their ability to regulate temperature. Counterintuitively, removing their coat can make them overheat more easily. The dual layers of fur provide protection and insulation while allowing air circulation, helping your dog stay cool in the summer heat.

Another reason to avoid shaving these breeds is that it can damage their fur and lead to skin issues or coat abnormalities. Once shaved, the fur might not grow back correctly or could lose its natural protective qualities.

In the case of Siberian Huskies, their unique appearance and personality traits make them often sought as emotional support animals. These qualities can be affected if their coat is shaved.

Similarly, for Blue Heelers, their thick double coat is vital for their overall well-being, and shaving it can cause more issues than solve.

Risks of Shaving Dogs

Health Risks

When considering whether to shave your dog, its vital to be aware of the health risks associated with this decision. One major concern is the increased potential for sunburns.

Your dogs coat provides natural insulation and protection from the suns harmful rays. Shaving it might leave their skin exposed and vulnerable, especially for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Shepherds.

Moreover, removing the fur can result in ingrown hairs as it grows back. This can lead to discomfort and potential infections for your dog. Shaving may also cause poor insulation, as your dogs coat helps regulate their temperature in both hot and cold weather conditions.

With a shaved coat, they may struggle to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

Psychological Effects

Aside from the health risks, shaving your dogs coat might also lead to psychological effects. Dogs are naturally inclined to rely on their coats for various reasons. Their fur serves as protection from not only temperature fluctuations but also threats in their environment such as bobcats.

Removing their natural defense can lead to feelings of increased vulnerability and stress in your dog, potentially leading to changes in their behavior and temperament.

To ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable, consider regular grooming and utilizing coat-specific shampoos and conditioners. This will help maintain their fur in optimal condition without resorting to shaving, reducing the risks mentioned above.

Alternative to Shaving

Instead of shaving your dog, there are better ways to keep them comfortable and well-maintained. In this section, we will discuss two important alternatives: Regular Grooming and Climate Control.

Regular Grooming

One of the key ways to maintain your dogs coat is through regular grooming. This can help your dog feel refreshed and prevent matting or tangling. Be sure to:

• Groom them regularly: Establish a grooming routine based on your dogs breed and coat type. This will prevent excess shedding and keep their coat healthy.
• Use coat-specific shampoos and conditioners: Choose products that are designed specifically for your dogs coat type. This will ensure that their coat remains clean and well-nourished.
• Brush your dog after bathing: This helps to remove any dead hair and keep their coat looking its best.
• Trim the coat if necessary: While shaving is not recommended, you can still trim your dogs coat to prevent excess bulk and improve their comfort.

Climate Control

Another alternative to shaving is to help your dog stay cool and comfortable in hotter weather through proper climate control.

• Provide ample shade: Make sure your furry friend has a shady spot to retreat to when the sun is too strong.
• Offer plenty of water: Keep fresh, cool water available at all times to help your dog stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature.
• Invest in a cooling mat or pad: These can provide a cool surface for your dog to relax on during the hot days.
• Avoid overexertion: Be mindful of your dogs activity level in hot weather and limit strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

With these alternatives in mind, your dog can maintain a healthy coat and stay comfortable in various weather conditions, all without the risks associated with shaving their fur.

Professional Pet Care Advice

Vet Recommendations

Its important to consult with your veterinarian before making the decision to shave your dog, as certain breeds should not be shaved and doing so may cause harm.

Vets can offer advice on how to handle double-coated breeds, which are more sensitive to shaving. Instead of shaving, consider regular grooming, using coat-specific shampoos and conditioners, and trimming the coat when needed.

Groomer Expertise

Professional groomers possess valuable knowledge about which dog breeds should not be shaved. Some breeds such as Pomeranians, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles are at risk of sunburn, ingrown hairs, and poorly regulated insulation if shaved. C

onsulting with a groomer specialising in your dogs breed can provide tailored advice on the best grooming techniques. Keep in mind that canine reproductive cycles can also impact your dogs coat, making grooming practices even more important.

• Double-coated breeds: Avoid shaving these dogs, as their double coat is essential for insulation and protection from the elements.
• Regular grooming: Schedule grooming appointments for your dog, keeping their coat healthy and manageable.
• Coat-specific products: Invest in shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for your dogs breed and coat type.
• Trimming: Trim your dogs coat as needed to maintain its appearance and health, without resorting to shaving.

Applying these professional pet care tips will ensure your dogs coat remains healthy, well-groomed, and stylish while also keeping your furry friend comfortable and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dog breeds have double coats?

Some dog breeds that have double coats include:

• Beagles
• Coonhounds
• Corgis
• Schnauzers
• Havanese
• Pomeranians

Moreover, hybrid dogs such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles often inherit these traits from their parents.

Is it harmful to shave a dog in the summer?

Yes, shaving a dog in the summer, especially one with a double coat, can be harmful. The double coat provides insulation and protection against heat and sunlight. Shaving the coat exposes the skin to harmful sun rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

What are the risks of shaving a matted dog?

Shaving a matted dog may seem like a solution, but it carries risks such as:

1. Ingrown hair: Shaving can sometimes lead to ingrown hair, causing pain and discomfort.
2. Increased risk of dust and dirt: While the coat shields dogs from environmental factors, shaving exposes their skin and makes them more prone to dust and dirt.

How can shave shock affect dogs?

Shave shock occurs when a dog is shaved too abruptly or too close to the skin. This may lead to anxiety, stress, and discomfort, as the newly exposed skin is sensitive, and dogs rely on their fur for protection and insulation.

What are the benefits of not shaving a dog?

Not shaving a dog has several benefits:

• Prevents sunburn and skin cancer: Proper grooming maintains the protective topcoat layer and impedes harmful UV rays.
• Keeps them cooler: A dogs coat acts as natural insulation, keeping them cool in hot weather.
• Reduces the risk of dust, dirt, and insects: The topcoat shields the skin from environmental factors.

Are there any safe alternatives to shaving dogs?

To keep your dog comfortable without shaving, consider these alternatives:

1. Groom them regularly: Regular grooming can help in managing a dogs coat.
2. Use coat-specific shampoos and conditioners: Select products designed for your dogs specific coat type.
3. Brush after bathing: Detangled and brushed fur can provide better insulation and maintain the coats natural benefits.
4. Trim the coat: Instead of shaving, you can trim the coat to manage its length, which still allows for the protection and insulation of the fur.

What Dog Breeds Should Not Be Shaved?

With the arrival of summer and the increase in temperatures, many guardians believe that cutting their dog's hair will benefit them. They may even think that shaving their coat will help to keep them cool. Although they may have the best intentions, sometimes shaving a dog's hair can be detrimental to their health and well-being. Other guardians might not have the practical well-being of the dog in mind. They may want to shave their dog for purely aesthetic reasons. In these cases, if they disregard the well-being of the dog, it can essentially constitute abuse.

At AnimalWised, we ask what dog breeds should not be shaved? We look at when it is and isn't suitable to shave a dog's hair and provide some general background on dog grooming.

Can all dogs have their coat shaved?

Not all dogs can be shaved. For some canines, having their coat cut close can cause them more harm than good. For too many guardians, they treat their dog's coat like they would treat their own hair. It is important to stress that not only is a dog's coat not like human hair, the dog does not get to make grooming decisions the way we do.

One of the main differences in a dog's coat and human hair is density. We humans grow one individual hair per follicle, but some dogs can grow several. It is this ability which allows them to have different layers in their coats. What characteristics a dog's coat will present depends on their genetics. This means many different breeds will have particular coats and mixed-breed dogs can vary greatly.

In addition to the enormous variety of canine coat colors and patterns, we can find dogs which have:

• An undercoat
• No undercoat
• Short hair
• Long hair
• Soft fine hair
• Hard wiry hair
• Curly or wavy hair
• No hair at all

Given this wide variety of dog coat types, it cannot be claimed that all dogs require the same care. For this reason, it is vital you learn about your individual dog's coat care and meet the responsibility of maintaining it. In this way, we promote the health and hygiene of the dog.

Why are there dogs that should not have their hair shaved?

Especially if they have adopted a longhaired dog, many guardians think the length of their coat will be annoying to their animal. During the warmer months of the year, they think that shaving their coat will make them feel cool. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. A dog's coat not only protects them from the cold, but also from the heat and other threats to their health.

A dog's coat acts as a protective barrier against the following:

• External agents: such as dirt, allergens, parasites, debris from nature, etc.
• High and low temperatures: meaning their coat is important during the warmer months as well as when it's cooler.

Coat protection is especially important for dogs with a double layer coat. These dogs have a longer external coat made up of guard hairs and which mainly defines its appearance. They also have an undercoat made up of shorter and woolier hairs. Air pockets are created between these coat layers. The purpose of these air pockets is to thermoregulate their body temperature, both when it is too hot and when it is too cold.

When we shave a dog's coat, we prevent the formation of these air pockets. This stops their natural protection and thermoregulation. Dogs do not have sweat glands, except on limited areas such as their paw pads. When we shave them, they can still pant, but they are less able to regulate their body temperature when ambient temperatures rise.

A dog's coat also acts as a barrier for the sun. If we shave their coat too close, we are exposing their vulnerable skin underneath to ultraviolet rays which can promote problems such as sunburn and canine skin cancer. This is especially a problem for dogs with very light skin tones.

Another issue which occurs regardless of the time of year is the regrowth of their coat. If we shave a dog's undercoat, it will grow faster than the outer guard hairs. This is not only an aesthetic problem, but it can mean the new coat does not grow properly and cause problems such as ingrown hairs.

Dog breeds that should never have their hair shaved

Generally speaking, no dog should be shaved close to the skin. Having some layer of coat will provide important barrier protection against the threats mentioned above. This is why hairless dog breeds will need very specific maintenance such as sun protection during summer.

Some breeds in particular can become very damaged when we shave their coats. These include either purebred or mixed-breed dogs with medium-length hair and double-layered coats. Nordic breeds and ancient dog breeds also do not fare well when their coat is shaved closely. The following dog breeds and their crosses should never be shaved:

• German Shepherd
• Siberian Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Belgian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff breeds
• Bloodhound
• Dachshund
• Water dog breeds
• Pomeranian
• Chow Chow

Although the majority of dogs should not be shaved, this does not mean grooming is not important. There are many dog breeds which require some level of grooming, especially to their outer coat. These breeds include:

• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• lhasa Apso
• Shih Tzu

In the case of these breeds or similar mixed-breed dogs, it is important to know that a cut is not the same as a complete shave. Cutting and trimming a dog's coat may be very helpful to maintain hygiene, improve comfort and avoid tangles. Some may even be able to see better if we trim the long hairs around their eyes.

A good dog groomer knows what each animal needs depending on their coat type. They should never perform or recommend a haircut to a dog that should not have this done. Neither should they accept requests from a client if they think grooming is inappropriate.

Learn about other types of coat grooming with our article on whether we can cut a dog's hair in summer.

Alternatives to shaving a dog's coat

Although coats of certain dogs should not be shaved, this does not mean they do not require maintenance. For the protective and insulating effect of the coat to be really effective, we must brush it regularly using brushes specific for their coat type. We should also occasionally bathe the animal with a quality shampoo suitable for dogs.

In dogs with double-layered, medium-to-longhaired coats, de-shedding should be carried out. This should be carried out during their molt and it requires the use of specific brushes. This helps to reduce the volume of the coat, keep it clean and help their skin to breathe. We can do it at home, but some dogs may really benefit from expert grooming. How much de-shedding is required depends on the volume of the coat.

For dogs with short and/or hard-haired coats, a technique called stripping is helpful. This is essentially the same as de-shedding, except a special tool is used to pull out the dead hairs. Some dog groomers also used hand stripping without a tool, but this takes knowledge and experience as we don't want to cause the coat any damage. Stripping is usually more time consuming, but it may be useful for your dog.

Also, clipping some parts of the dog may be helpful. In some breeds such as Schnauzer type dogs, guard hair can grow around their paws, eyes and other sensitive areas. In these clases, clipping the hair can help them walk, see and perform certain tasks more easily. A professional groomer will be able to advise on what is best for your dog.

When can you shave a dog?

Although dogs generally shouldn't be shaved, there are some exceptions where a closer cut can be helpful. These include:

• Medical surgeries: shaving is necessary to make an incision and keep the wound site clean.
• Parasites: in some cases if a dog has acute issues with external parasites, shaving certain areas can be helpful, but only as a last resort.
• Allergies: if a dog has suffered a strong allergic reaction, shaving some of the area can help the skin breathe.
• Knots: in cases where a dog's hair has become extremely matted and tangled, shaving can help remove them and allow the coat to grow back better.

Some dogs such as Poodles can tolerate shaving for aesthetic reasons, but these still shouldn't be close to the skin. In these cases, we stress the difference between clipping the hair to make it shorter and shaving it close. You can learn more with our article on haircuts for Poodles.

If you want to read similar articles to What Dog Breeds Should Not Be Shaved?, we recommend you visit our Fur care category.