Should You Shave Your Double Coated Dog? Key Considerations.

Which dog breeds should not be shaved? Certain dog breeds, including golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies, and any dog that experiences seasonal shedding with large clumps of fur, particularly from their undercoat, should avoid being shaved. Shaving these breeds can disrupt their natural cooling and insulation mechanisms, potentially leading to various health issues such as overheating and skin problems.

Are shedding blades suitable for grooming double-coated dogs? After giving your double-coated dog a thorough bath and blow dry, it’s important to select the right grooming tool to keep their coat in optimal condition. In this regard, you have two effective options: a de-shedding rake or a slicker brush. A de-shedding rake is particularly well-suited for the task as it can efficiently remove the dense undercoat, which is a common issue in double-coated breeds, and reduce shedding by up to 90%. Importantly, it accomplishes this without compromising the desired texture of the top coat. For many owners of double-coated dogs, a de-shedding rake is considered an essential grooming tool to maintain a healthy and well-kept coat.

How much should you trim a double-coated dog? When trimming a double-coated dog’s fur, it’s essential to avoid negatively affecting the coat’s health. To maintain a healthy coat, it’s advisable to trim the outer or top coat slightly longer than the natural undercoat. Instead of shaving too closely and removing the undercoat, leave at least half an inch of fur longer than the natural length of the undercoat. This helps preserve the insulation and protection provided by the double coat. This information was last updated on September 30, 2016.