Is shaving the coat down in summer really necessary?

[Sue]

How many owners of ALD will cut the coat down for the summer? I love Chip's coat at his length right now, but am concerned about the heat. I see many of the labradoodles in Australia keep their long length, and it must be very warm there. Do you think they are uncomfortable? I've always been confused about this.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I too am confused. Some sites say that leaving the coat long actually keeps the dog cooler but clearly many people feel that the opposite is true. It no doubt is easier to groom the dogs if they get wet, muddy etc. if the coat is short in summer but I'd love to know the truth of the heat factor.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Actually shaving them makes it worse! Their coat protects them from the sun and as long as the coat is maintained and not matted air gets trapped between the layers and keeps your dog cool. We never cut our dogs down in the summer. Many people humanize their dog and think that because they themselves would not wear a sweater in the summer that the dog's coat is like a sweater and they too must be hot. The real key is that the coat can not be matted, if it is then air can not move through the coat and they will be hot.

[Cathy, Wally and Peaches]

Wally, Peaches and I live in sunny SW Florida so it's hot and has been for about a month. My husband insisted on a "summer" cut for Wally much to my dismay but I think he does feel better. I'll try to attach a pix - he looks like a skinny LARGE rat!!!!

Cathy

[Clare]

I am confused to. I read somewhere their coats need to be clipped once or twice a year. is this just personal preference or is their a reason to clipp their coats other than if it is matted or you prefer it that way?

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

personal preference~ but they really should not be shaved because they are likely to get sun burned or heat stroke.

As long as the coat is kept matt free they will stay cool even with a full coat.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for starting this discussion. We cut Ned shorter about a month ago because he was matting so badly that we were having trouble keeping up with it. It has been easier but we are going to let it grow out as long as we can keep the mats out - summer or not.

[Brenda Hetzel]

I also give Lucky a summer cut even though I like his hair longer. We take long walks and he does seem to do better with the shorter cut in the summer time. It also is easier to maintain but if you like the longer cut and have the time and know how, and your dog doesn't seem distressed by the heat, I would keep it long.

[1x9uqqr4btfe6]

My breeder told me leave most of his hair long but to cut it short under his ears, legs and belly. The coat serves as protection against the heat.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Your breeder is wise! : )

[Liz Samuel]

We live in Australia and we clip Leea because it gets to 47C (117F) on a regular basis where I live. It's just easier because she spends her days in the pool and it's hard to keep the mats at bay since she has the tight curls and when they get wet they lock up. It makes it easier because I don't have to brush her twice to 3 times a day.

Fur works as an insulator so it shouldn't make too much difference if you leave it.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

We live in Southern California and have a pool in the backyard, so both my doodles get a very short summer cut. They would be constantly wet if I did not keep them short. I don't think they get hotter with long hair, but long hair stays wet forever and it does mat terribly. Either way, long or short, our doodles, like any dog, should have deep shade, plenty of water and a cool surface to lay on when the hot weather hits.

[Annie Starlight Dancer Hovis]

Sometimes!!!!!! Depends how hot it gets where u live!!!!!! If you live in a cooler region not so much, but if u live in a hot region like us yes i would!!!!!!