Guide
Should You Shave a Double-Coated Dog? What Groomers Say
Usually not. The undercoat insulates against heat and cold, and a shaved double coat can grow back patchy or not at all. A bath and de-shed every eight to twelve weeks removes the loose undercoat instead.
Should you shave a double-coated dog?
Generally no. A double coat has a dense, soft undercoat and longer guard hairs over it. Together they insulate the dog against heat and cold and protect the skin from sun. Shaving removes both, and in some dogs the coat grows back patchy, woolly or not at all, a condition called post-clipping alopecia. A bath and de-shed every 8 to 12 weeks, £30 to £54, the middle half of 64 published prices, removes the loose undercoat without cutting the coat.
Which breeds have a double coat?
Huskies, malamutes, Samoyeds, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Labradors, Bernese, Newfoundlands, collies, shelties, Pomeranians, chow chows, akitas, Shiba Inus and corgis, among others. Their coats shed heavily, usually twice a year, when the undercoat "blows".
Will shaving keep my dog cooler in summer?
Not usually. The undercoat that the dog sheds in spring is what thins the coat for summer, and what is left traps a layer of air against the skin. A shaved coat exposes pink skin to sun. A thorough de-shed in spring is what helps. For any dog in hot weather, shade, water and walking at cooler times do more than any haircut.
When is shaving the right call?
When the coat is matted to the skin, shaving under the mats is kinder than hours of brushing. Vets clip areas for surgery or skin treatment. Some elderly dogs who cannot stand for long drying sessions do better clipped. In each case the groomer should explain the risk to regrowth and you decide.
What does a de-shed involve?
A bath with a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner, then a high-velocity dryer that blows the loose undercoat out, then raking and brushing. The volume of hair removed from a husky or German shepherd mid-moult can fill a bin bag. Trimming tidies feet, rear and ears without cutting the body coat.
Common questions
Does a double coat grow back after shaving?
Often, but not always. Some dogs develop post-clipping alopecia and the coat grows back patchy or not at all for months or longer.
Can I trim a golden retriever?
Yes. Tidying feet, ears, feathering and the rear is normal; shaving the body is not usually recommended.
How often should a husky be de-shedded?
Every 8 to 12 weeks, and more often during the twice-yearly moult.