Which dog coat should never be clipped down?

We advise against shaving any breeds that have a double coat. Double-Coated Breeds Include: Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German and Australian Shepherds, Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Great Pyrenees, Chows, Border Collies, Newfoundlands, Corgis, Cavalier King Charles. Reasons you should NOT shave double-coated dogs: It creates possible skin problems. It does not make dogs shed less. It damages the condition of the topcoat and the cycle of the hair, making the shedding times unpredictable and in some cases, never ending. Your dog becomes susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. If your dog isn’t shaved or severely matted, his/her coat will regulate temperature. Exceptions for when you should shave a double-coated dog are limited, such as your dog is a swimmer, too matted to brush, too old or sick to tolerate thorough and/or regular brushing. It is important to weigh all relevant factors before shaving a double-coated dog. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian to discuss whether shaving is a good option for your pet.

A double-coated dog can still regulate its temperature with two layers of coat. The undercoat provides warmth in the winter and cools them in the summer. It does not make dogs shed less. Clipping the coat can seem like a good idea to reduce shedding, but sadly it is a fallacy. Clipping *may* permanently damage the topcoat and the natural cycle of hair growth, making the frequency and amount of shedding unpredictable, and in some cases, a constant feature. It is true that the risks are more pronounced in 'Spitz-type' dogs, including Huskies, Pomeranians, and, obviously, Spitzes, so owners of these dogs need to be more cautious about having their dogs clipped, and avoid it if possible. The Artful Dog Grooming Parlour advises against clipping any breeds that have a double coat and will only undertake to do so if it is in the welfare interests of the dog. Using scissors to cut short the fur of a double-coated dog is equally as risky as using clippers to shave them, so it's not an advisable alternative. It is ok to lightly scissor a double-coated dog's fur, in what is called a 'silhouette trim' as long as it is only the topcoat and does not go too short. Examples of Double-Coated Breeds include Border Collies, Cavalier King Charles, Corgis, Chows, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies.

Breeds with double coats, consisting of a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs, are designed to regulate body temperature throughout the year. Breeds like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Bernese Mountain Dogs rely on their double coats to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Shaving these breeds can disrupt their natural insulation, leaving them vulnerable to temperature extremes and sunburn. Wire-Haired Breeds, including the Wire Fox Terrier, Border Terrier, and Airedale Terrier, possess a coarse outer coat that helps protect their skin and provides insulation. Shaving their coats can alter the texture and compromise their natural ability to repel dirt and water. Poodles have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that continues to grow rather than shed. Shaving a poodle’s coat excessively short can expose their sensitive skin to sunburn, insect bites, and skin irritations. Breeds like the Malamute, Samoyed, and Akita have coats that provide insulation against both cold and heat. Their fur acts as a natural barrier, keeping them warm during frigid temperatures and shielding them from the sun’s harmful rays. Breeds with double coats, wire-haired coats, curly coats, and natural insulation should not be shaved as it disrupts their natural protective layers.