To shave, or not to shave that thick double coat
Examples of dogs with thick double-coat are Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Samoyed.
Double-coated dogs have a soft inner coat of hair close to their skin that serves as an insulating layer, helping keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. In spring and summer, a dog will shed a good bit of this under layer, but what remains will help capture air between the two coat layers, allowing the dog to keep the heat at bay and regulate his body temperature. The outer coat (or guard hair) consists of longer hair that gives a dog his color and is not shed as much.
A good double coat is one that grows on healthy skin, well-maintained, aligns closely to the breed standard. A good quality coat provides the appropriate insulation and protection for the dog from both heat and cold, as well as from sunburn and other environmental factors.
Shaving or trimming a perfect double coat too short can remove its natural protection and put the dog at risk of overheating, sunburn, and other skin issues.
Shaving a perfect double coat on certain breeds might alter the texture and color of the coat, leading to a less desirable result. The coat may grow back unevenly or display a different texture, which can impact the dog's appearance and may take a long time to restore. This is why AKC and CKC advise not to shave some double coated breeds when their coat and skin is in good, manageable condition.
There are certain situations where shaving a double-coated dog may be necessary. Some owners may lack the environment to help their dog shed the undercoat naturally, and without the proper intervention the coat can become severely matted due to neglect. Shaving may also be necessary when there is a medical reason, such as a skin condition that requires topical medication, or a surgery is being prepared.
In some cases, shaving a thick, matted double coat may be the best course of action recommended by a veterinarian or professional stylist when brushing and washing can not be done safely. Leaving mats in place traps dander, germs, debris, and de-icing chemicals used outdoors in the winter, which can cause discomfort for the dog — if left unattended, skin irritation, hot spots and infections are sure to follow. Shaving a coat that is too damaged or too painful to restore might be the only way to provide better access to the skin for cleaning and hair regrowth.
