Separating Fact from Fiction in the Shaving Double Coated Dogs Myth

Double coated dogs have a thick undercoat and a coarser outer coat, which sheds heavily. This shedding is a natural process that helps regulate their body temperature.

The myth that shaving double coated dogs prevents matting and tangling is just that - a myth. Research shows that shaving can actually cause more harm than good.

In fact, a study found that shaved double coated dogs are more prone to skin problems and sun damage. This is because their undercoat provides natural protection against the elements.

Shaving also disrupts the natural shedding process, leading to uneven coat growth and potential skin irritation.

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Double-coated breeds are a special group of dogs that have two layers of fur: a short, dense undercoat and a long, coarse top coat. These breeds were bred to withstand cold temperatures.

Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers are excellent examples of double-coated breeds. Any mix of these breeds also has the chance of having a double coat.

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Dogs with double coats have a unique hair growth cycle, with on average between 5 and 22 hairs per follicle. This means their hair is always in a state of rotation between growth, shedding, and resting.

The undercoat helps protect your dog from cold and hot temperatures, while the top coat protects from the elements like moisture and dirt.

Shaving double-coated dogs can cause severe skin problems, making it a major risk to consider.

Shaving can lead to sunburn, as dogs like Great Pyrenees have pale, pink, freckled skin that responds similarly to human skin.

Their thin skin is also at risk without the protection of their coat, regardless of the weather.

Shaving a double-coated dog doesn't eliminate shedding, it just makes the hair that's shed shorter and more difficult to deal with.

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After shaving, it's common for dogs to take quite a long time to restore their coat to its proper function, especially if they have a double coat.

Growing back a double coat can take around 6 months, so be patient. If the coat hasn't grown back after this time, it's worth investigating why.

Make sure to keep on top of your dog's skin health by brushing, washing, and conditioning their coat regularly to remove dirt, dander, and dead skin cells that can block hair follicles.

As dogs age, their coat quality can decline, and in some cases, older dogs may even lose their coat function altogether.

If your dog's hair isn't growing back, it could be due to an underlying health issue, such as a deficiency or a condition like hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism.

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You should never shave your double-coated dog unless medically necessary. Shaving can cause severe skin problems and potentially ruin the coat.

Great Pyrenees have very pale, pink, freckled skin that responds to the sun the same way a pale person's skin does. They can get skin cancer.

Dogs have much thinner skin and more dense hair than humans, making their skin more vulnerable without their coat's protection. Thin skin is at risk regardless of the weather.

Shaving a double-coated dog does not eliminate shedding, it just makes the hair that is shed shorter.

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Myth: It's okay to shave your double coated dog because the fur will just grow back.

This is not necessarily true. In fact, some dogs may experience Post Clipping Alopecia, where their hair doesn't seem to grow back after being shaved.

There's no scientific proof of this condition, but many pet owners and professionals have reported anecdotal evidence of it happening.

If your dog's coat doesn't grow back, it's often due to an underlying health issue, not the shaving itself.

Some double coated dogs may take a long time to restore their coat after shaving, but it's not a guarantee that it will grow back.

You might notice your dog's fur growing back quickly, but it will likely start with the undercoat, followed by the outer, guard hairs.

The new coat may feel sticky and like Velcro, which can attract burrs, grass, and other debris.

Double-coated dogs have a unique coat structure designed to regulate their body temperature. Their hair is meant to withstand the elements, and their coats are thick enough to protect them from UV rays, wind damage, and extreme cold and heat.

Each hair follicle on a double-coated breed has a muscle that lifts and drops the hairs as needed to cool and create warmth for the dog. This process helps keep the dog's temperature regulated in both hot and cold weather.

A double-coated dog's coat consists of two layers: a short, dense undercoat and a long, coarse, top coat, or guard hairs. The undercoat helps protect the dog from cold and hot temperatures, while the top coat protects from moisture and dirt.

Dogs have an average of between 5 and 22 hairs per follicle, which is why their coat often doesn't grow in the same way after being shaved. This can lead to a tangled, disorderly coat that's difficult to maintain.

The undercoat and top coat grow on different cycles, with the undercoat shedding more frequently than the top coat. This is why a shaved double-coated dog may end up with a sparse, patchy coat.

Shaving a double-coated dog can confuse its body and lead to a syndrome called post clipping alopecia. It's essential to brush out the thick undercoat regularly, especially when it starts to get warm, to prevent excessive shedding.

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If you're concerned about your double-coated dog's heat tolerance, consider using a cooling vest or a cooling pad instead of shaving. These products can provide relief without compromising their coat's integrity.

Double-coated dogs have a natural coat that protects them from the sun, but some breeds like Great Pyrenees have particularly pale skin that's prone to sunburn. Their skin responds similarly to a human's pale skin.

You can also try regular grooming to reduce shedding, such as brushing your dog daily to remove loose hair. This can help minimize the amount of hair that ends up in your furniture and on your skin.

Some double-coated breeds, like those with very thin skin, benefit from protective measures like sunscreen or a coat conditioner to prevent damage from the sun or cold weather. This can help prevent skin problems and keep their coat healthy.

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