top of page

Double Coated Dog Grooming
Shedding and Shaving

DOUBLE COATED DOGS NEED HAIR

Shaving a double coated dog strips away their natural protection against sun, wind, rough surfaces, and household chemicals. The damage can be permanent — hair follicles may be affected and the coat may never grow back the same way. Even de-shedding treatments can cause harm if not done correctly. When it comes to double coated breeds, less is definitely not more.

 

 

 

 

​

​

download.jpg

Each follicle has multiple hairs: guard hairs, and several softer undercoat hairs. When we shave dogs, it can cause damage to the follicle, with fewer healthy hairs growing back. ​

​

​

Short hair cuts interfere with regrowth and can cause skin problems including itchiness, blotchy skin, sores, bumps, and scabs.

Often double coated coats don't grow  back completely. This can happen with the first groom or a later groom. The guard hairs are the most damaged hair type. 

What seems like a cute short trim may turn into a bald or partially bald dog

DOGS WITH THICK HAIR HAVE THINNER SKIN

Dogs with thicker hair have thinner skin. The figures below show cross-sections of a dog's skin. Shaving double coated dogs leaves thin hair that cannot protect the dog from its environment. Since the hair may never come back normally, your dog faces a lifetime of being susceptible to heat, cold and damage or injury.

​

DOUBLE COATED dogs should never be shaved or trimmed short.

CAN MY DOG BE TRIMMED?

WHAT BREEDS ARE DOUBLE COATS?

​

  • Golden Retriever, Dachshund

  • Pomeranian

  • Austrialian Shepherds

  • Huskies, Shelties

  • Long-haired, Chihuahua, or Papillion

  • Labrador Retriever, pugs

​​

For dogs with double coats, trimming is always a safer choice than shaving. The feathering and belly areas can be neatly trimmed to keep your dog looking tidy without putting their sensitive skin at risk. Remember: these breeds have surprisingly thin skin beneath that thick coat, so it's important to keep as much of that protective layer intact as possible. In some cases, the undercoat can also be thinned out from the body as an alternative to clipping. Ask your groomer what approach works best for your dog's specific coat type!

​

 

Common Myths

​

"But my dog is overheating!" Unlike humans, dogs regulate their body temperature through their paw pads and by panting, not through their skin. Shaving actually puts them at greater risk in the heat by leaving their skin unprotected. On hot days, keep your dog in the shade and make sure they have access to fresh water. The coat itself isn't the problem. In fact, keeping it well brushed allows air to circulate and helps keep your dog cool.

​

"I prefer a shorter look" Good news, there are safe options! A contour trim is a great choice for double coated breeds. This involves tidying up the longer fur around the belly and hindquarters to keep things neat and manageable, without compromising the protective coat. We can work with you to find a style that looks great and keeps your pup comfortable.

​

"My dog sheds so much" Shaving might seem like a solution, but it actually doesn't reduce shedding, and it can cause permanent damage to a double coat. The best approach is regular bathing and brushing, which removes loose dead hair safely. Trimming the feathering (the longer wispy areas) can also help cut down on the hair you find around the house. Note that indoor dogs typically shed year-round regardless of coat length.

​

"It'll grow back, right?" Not necessarily. Shaving a double coated dog stimulates faster undercoat growth, but the protective guard hairs may not return properly. The shorter and more frequently a dog is shaved, the greater the risk of lasting damage to both the skin and coat. Even a single shave can sometimes cause permanent changes to the way the coat grows back.

bottom of page