Fur cut?

[Debbie]

Maggie and I live in Wisconsin, and two days ago the weather was COLD...yesterday, it was 80 degrees and humid...today it is 80 and humid ...she was panting a lot and I am wondering what you all think...should I get her fur buzzed?  What is the guideline for cutting doodle fur??

Thank you!

Debbie

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Actually their fur acts as insulation to protect them from the heat. Especially the sun. They are better able to thermoregulate when they have their own natural insulation. Think of the insulation in your attic. Having said that, I do cut mine short during the summer, due to all the swimming in the pool. So when they get hot they just jump in and cool off. If I did not have that option for them, I would leave them at least an inch or more long to help them with the heat. Seems like the opposite of what you might think, but this is what my reading has taught me. There may be other opinions out there in DK Land.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There may be other "opinions", but when it comes to biological facts, yours are correct. :)  

Longer hair does act to insulation to keep them cooler in summer because protects their skin from the sun and also traps pockets of cooler air close to the skin, provided the coat isn't matted. Summer cuts are common because it's easier to care for their coats, but they don't make or keep them cooler. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

This is what I had always be taught/believed, as well.  Could never understand why people were shaving their Goldens down to the skin.  One woman, ( and dog) learned the hard way.  Poor dog got sunburned beyond belief.

[Debbie]

Good thing I asked the question! I would not have thought that at all! Thank you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would never buzz cut my doodle.  You might feel better if you cut her a bit shorter in the heat, but their coat acts as an insulator for both heat and cold. And if you are really talking buzz, their skin will sunburn.

[Christy&Riley]

I was just wondering the same thing. I love the long look but felt bad it might make her overheat. Makes me feel lots better!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Yogis hair is at least 4" in some places. I have wondered about a compromise. Maybe leave longer for insulation, but perhaps only 2" long so he's not extra insulated?

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I think compromise is where we are headed too, Leslie. Probably in the 1.5-2" range. I clipped Ragley's stomach today with clippers and a 1/2" comb attachment as a maintenance trim and as a bit of an experiment and it ended up being a lot longer than I anticipated- about an inch. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Steph...can you post a pic?

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Excuse the low quality pics, but I tried to take some that showed the coat difference- it's difficult to show it, but I just clipped her belly. I like it a lot, which surprised me and I am also really surprised at how soft it made her tummy feel! It got it shorter without actually creating a shaved look. 

Belly shot:

Fluffed up to try to show:

Smoothed down:

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thanks Steph! I've yet to get up my nerve to use the clippers! You're an inspiration! Ragley looks great!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thanks! I felt a little better about giving it a try since it was just her belly... it will take a lot more nerve for me to do that first run down her back! Yikes!