Shave Down, Smack Down

Woof is a Border Collie/Siberian Husky so he's double coated. The majority of feelings on double coated dogs getting shaved is basically the same as sticking your head into an alligators mouth, you don't do it, you don't even think about it. It's religious, the world will end. However I have shaved Woof and I would again if the mood struck me. I accept the risks and it makes it easier on me and him, there are times where the last thing I want to do is groom my own dogs at the end of the day after doing everyone else's. I'm tired, busy or personal stuff happens and things get pushed aside. Instead of letting him mat or build up massive amounts of undercoat that end up tumble weeding down my hallways, I shave him.

Lion cut on a Pom.

I love the look of dogs in their natural coats, but I also understand that sometimes it's just not feasible all the time for everyone, even to groomers who preach that you not shave down a double coated dog. But when a family member is the hospital for months on end and you are there every day for hours or when you have to travel more than usual due to work, sometimes it just doesn't get done as often as it should. It's understandable. Sometimes people (myself included) just want to do it for fun, something different that they saw and liked such as a lion cut. Woof has sported lions cuts a few times now. I think they're cute.

There are plenty of reasons people want their DD dog shaved...

This dog has developed "coat funk" from being shaved.

•  The dog will be cooler.  These dogs lose their ability to regulate body temperate as efficiently, their coats act as insulation for both cold and hot weather. It will trap the cooler air closer to the body while keeping the hot rays from the sunburn prone skin. Keep the dog's coat well brushed out and free of undercoat will help this flow better and in turn keep the door cooler in the heat. You can also shave a strip on their stomachs to allow them to lay on a cool surface to help it a little more and since it is on the underside of the dog it is less likely to become sun burnt. Dog's don't sweat through their skin so shaving them is not necessary to keep them cool. The coat may never grow back the same, it may grow back the undercoat but not the top coat in areas giving it a patchy look. 
• My dog has hot spots. Some people will say they've been told to shave their dogs because they keep getting hot spots. Hot spots are a skin irritation that are caused by laying on rough surfaces, excessive licking, matting, or trauma that ends up getting moist and harboring bacteria. They can be avoided by frequent grooming to prevent mats and excessive undercoat, having a well padded area to lay on and keeping them dry and clean. Sometimes medication from a veterinarian is needed.
• S/he sheds too much. Shedding will not suddenly stop if you shave your dog. DD dogs, shed, you cannot stop shedding it is a natural thing that must happen. Their hair is shorter so the shedding hair is smaller and not as noticeable and only appears to be smaller.

And more besides that. Unless the dog is matted and there is no choice generally it shouldn't be done but if the owner understands the risks and still wants it done then I do do it. It doesn't make them or myself bad owners and I'm honestly tired of hearing it. It has come up on some dog forums and facebook groups that I have shaved Woof and there are mixed reactions from people. Some will say while they don't like it and wouldn't do it to their dog if someone else wants to go for it, some quite like it and others will get very upset saying how silly, unnatural and mean it is, trying to get others to side with them and even go as far as call it abuse.

Golden Retriever shaved

I will say this, my dogs are not abused, nor will they ever be in my care. My dogs are not "poor pups" are not embarrassed or suffering. That is incredibley offensive and even extreme to say such things. Not everyone will enjoy it or want to do it to their dogs and that's fine, to each their own but be respectful to those that do it. There are far worse things out there to get upset over and try to rally troops for in regards to animals unfairness. If you want to shave your DD dog then fine, know the risks though and if something happens don't blame the groomer, or the vet or anyone else, you made the choice to want it done remember that.

Welcome to the Island Mutts blog!

I'm a 20 something pet groomer living in Newfoundland with three dogs and my common law partner. This blog is mainly to just ramble and muse, about dog related things, my own dogs and what I come across at my business. So let me introduce the three boys.

 First is Boone, I was working at the Toronto Humane Society when he came in as a little 3 month old puppy. I ended up adopting him 2 months later. Our best guess and the best guess of others has been that he is a German Shepherd x Australian Cattle Dog, he's 5 year old.

Second is Woof, who I adopted when he was 2 years old.  A co worker and I found him on the Toronto Animal Services website one day, the next I was down there applying for adoption. He was a transfer from a Quebec shelter who had gotten him from a puppy mill, he is also 5 years old. He's  Border Collie x Siberian Husky.

Third is Ranger, my common law partner bought him before we met from what he now sees was a back yard breeder at 6 weeks old. He's a Lab and just turned 5 years this month.