I’ve heard there are some breeds that should never be shaved.

Shaving a double or triple coated breed has been the subject of much debate in the industry, with very little actual research. As a groomer of 35 years my experience has formed my opinions in this area. I have shaved nearly every breed at some point in my career (from Pugs to Pyrenees) and taken may advanced courses in skin and coat maintenance. What I have learned is that dogs have compound hair follicles and can have 8 to 22 hairs in every pore! The longer guard coat hairs are sparse compared to the undercoat, and have a long growing cycle, of months to years, whereas the dense undercoat sheds frequently, with larger shedding and regrowth events that are often quarterly It is believed that these shed events are triggered by the seasonal solstices. Because the undercoat regularly grows and regrows, while the guard coat does not, it can become the dominant coat growth if these dogs are shaved very short, and sometimes the guard coat doesn't grow back very well or not at all.

This often happens in older dogs, and dogs with underlying health concerns that can cause alopecia, a condition where the coat simply stops growing, and when the coat is shaved very short. Most dogs do fine with shortening the coat, and during our discussion at check in we can discuss various options and how long or short is recommended. It is important to continue regular grooming and maintenance to keep the excess undercoat cleaned out over time, because one thing I have observed is that short undercoat tends to get stuck and not shed outproperly. This results in greatly thickened coats as these dogs grow out, and often severe matting at the skin, so it is very important to continue regular maintenance and work with your groomer to keep your dogs skin and coat in optimal condition.

Are you thinking of grooming at home? Have any other questions, give Kailua Pets a call today. (808) 861-3796