Shaving Doodles

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

I unfortunately, and unwittingly sent Elli to the groomer...matted.  My other doodle Skadi...mats very very little, so I wasn't diligent in brushing Elli...oh yes, the "ignorant" doodle mumma.  We had just rescued Elli off Craigslist and I had no idea she matted super easy...this was a couple years ago, and since I have learned a valuable lesson....brush brush brush.  The following online information I thought was worth sharing:  "In addition to learning how to groom your double-coated dog, you should also familiarize yourself with a few grooming mistakes that dog owners often make. The biggest mistake you can make with your double coated dog is to shave his coat. Some dog owners mistakenly believe that their dog’s double coat makes them hot in the summer and they shave the dog’s coat in an attempt to cool him off. What these dog owners do not realize is that a dog’s double coat acts as insulation, protecting him from the heat. A dog’s double coat is part of his natural cooling system – each layer helps not only to keep the dog cool, but it protects his skin from sun damage as well. If you are worried about your dog being too hot in the summer, consult a professional groomer about the possibility of trimming his coat but in no case should you shave your double coated dog."

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you for sharing this, Joani. So many people are not aware that shaving a dog's coat will not only not make him cooler, it can actually cause them to be more likely to overheat, because the coat acts as insulation from both heat and cold. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I thought there was some controversy about this--in other words, some say it is true and others think it is not? I don't have an opinion either way, but a lot of folks whose doodles I groom want them cut shorter in the summer (not shaved though) so they will be cooler and the dogs do seem to be more comfortable--I know mine are--I like the shorter summer coat so that I can find ticks easier and get less grass/debris dragged into the house. But again, no shaving--they still have 1 inch coats.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's no controversy about the science behind the fact that the coats do insulate them. What people prefer is of course a different story, lol. 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

I do believe that the 1 inch was an acceptable length to keep the dogs protected.  I have mine cut short all the time simply because their fur grows so fast.  I always think about the bald heads that are out there...some may be wishing  they had a little protective fur in the summer!

[DonMarie and Picco]

Elli looks adorable with her short cut!   Shaving can also expose that delicate pink skin to sunburn! 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Awww...thanks for making me feel less guilty!  She is a cutie.  You are right, I didn't want her skin exposed...whether a sunny winter day or a sunny summer day.  She LOVES to dive off the dock at the lake and swim after the ducks...unfortunately she mats terrible afterward...takes me hours to comb the mats out...mostly because I have been slacking and not keeping up with the combing weekly.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We just cut Charlie short, and while it doesn't look short, it is only an inch long on his body - longer on the head, legs and tail.  I think short doesn't have to be shaved - unless you oops with the mats. :-}   It isn't short enough to worry about sunburn because his coat is so thick and I like his build to show, however if we cut Clancy this short, his skin would show and I would be worried that he'd be too hot and get sunburned.Thanks for posting this as shaved is not good for our dogs.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Charlie is gorgeous no matter what!  I love those colors.  I'll bet folks stop you all the time to ask what type of dog he is.  You and I agree about the shaving, but I guess the subject is controversial...I had NO idea.  We used to shave our mixed Airedale, but that's how I inherited her and did not know she could get sunburned.  So, I better get busy getting more of those dang mats out of Elli's fur!

[DonMarie and Picco]

In my experience with finding a good shampoo for sensitive skin, I also found that some conditioners help to prevent matting or at least keep them from getting too bad.  I spent about 2 years trying several products!   I do my own bathing and grooming but take Picco in to a groomer in early summer for his sanitary & a short even cut and notice that his longer hair (tail & ears) will mat easily and its harder to comb through because of the different products she uses.

Maybe there is a good conditioner for dogs that swim or you can oil them up like the ducks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

One word of caution about conditioners: the "leave in" types should not be used on dogs who have seasonal allergies, as they attract & hold more pollens, dusts, etc on the coat. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've never thought of Doodles as having "Double Coats"?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I don't think most doodles are double coated. Mine definitely aren't, there are several breeds that are, for example Huskies.