Hot Summer - Puppy Grooming?

[Allison and Sprocket]

Hello all.  My sproodle (Springer-Standard Poodle), Sprocket, is panting a lot despite the loads of water she drinks, and time she spends laying on the cold tile floor of the kitchen.  I realize this is mostly due to the 100+ weather we've been having in Virginia, but I'm also wondering if I should have her groomed short for the summer.  Will that even make a difference? I love her shaggy look, but want to make sure she's comfortable!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

I don't have anything official to say- After we groomed Chester he seemed to pant less and have a bit more energy.

He does mind the heat- We certainly don't get as hot as you do either..

[Bob Johnston]

The tile thing seems to be a doodle trait. We had sophie groomed to clean up her legs and feetbecause of all the rain we were getting. Puppies run warmer then adult dogs so that could explain the panting with teh warmer weather. If you like the shaggy look maybe just have them clean her up like I had them do to sophie and see how she is. We are going to get one of those little plastic kid pools and make sure the freezer is making plenty of ice cubes.

[Shar]

They look darling if you leave their legs long (1 1/2- 2" at longest) and cut the rest of them with a 1/2" blade.  :)   We're hikers though and they get a lot of stickers in their fur every time so this summer we've been cutting his legs to 1/2" as well.  Still, I agree they look darling shaggy.  :)   I have a F1b Crossback SpringerDoodle.

[Jeanine Bandini]

I just had Wally cut back to the longest blade (1 or 1 1/2 inches?) cant remember but it is great. I love the shaggy look too. But have noticed that he cools faster with a shorter cut. We are in NC and have had a hot summer as well! (The kiddie pool helps) Also, as a puppy the grooming helps with the changing coats (not getting matted)  Wally has never used a bed, preferring the hardwood floors.