The quick answer is, no, you shouldn't shave your dog in summer. And this doesn't just apply to super-furry Northern breeds, but to other double-coated breeds as well. Herding breeds like Aussie Shepherds, Border Collies and Shelties are double-coated.
Australian Shepherds are double-coated dog breeds. Their undercoat gets thicker in the winter for warmth and then sheds in the summer so they don't pant all day. You may have to trim your Aussie's feet, legs, and ears, but there's rarely any need to cut the undercoat. It will come out on its own.
No. You never shave your Australian shepherd. Shaving an Aussie can have some seriously negative outcomes. Shaving your dog's coat can stop or delay the shedding process and cause skin irritation and a number of additional health issues.
It is ok to give your long-haired dog or cat a “summer cut”—trimming their long hair may make it more manageable. However, it is best to allow a professional groomer to perform the haircutting, and never shave down to the skin or try to cut the hair yourself with scissors.
Do NOT shave this breed, as it messes up the delicate balance of the coat, which insulates them from heat and from cold by holding a layer of temperate air close to the body. The coat may never grow back the same if this breed is shaved.
Australian Shepherds are relatively easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They only need to be brushed once or twice a week, and they only need to be bathed every few months. Australian Shepherd's also shed moderately, so they may not be the best dog breed for those with allergies.
Shaving your Australian shepherd's coat could expose its skin and increase its risk for getting a sunburn. Always leave about 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) of your dog's coat when you're trimming it to protect its skin.
Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved. It is a misconception that shaving will help keep a dog cool on hot days.
Dogs cool down a lot differently than we do, and shaving really has no big impact on cooling them down. Dogs rely on panting to control most of their temperature regulation. They also rely on vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) to help them cool off, especially on their ears and face.
Many dog owners believe shaving is good for their pet, especially to cool off in summer, but even one shave could do irreparable damage to a dog's coat and make it more uncomfortable.
Yes, Australian Shepherd hair grows back over time. Australian Shepherds have double coats, and their undercoat is the first to regrow, typically taking a few weeks.
Professionally groomed Aussies should easily be able to be maintained with only monthly grooming, even if you choose to never brush your dog between grooming.
We understand its hot in the summer months and it seems like their hair doesn't want to stay on them any way with all the shedding, but, as with most things Aussie, their coat is quite smart too! Their coat is equipped naturally to help them regulate their body temperature in both cold and warm temperatures.
Resist shaving shorter-haired breeds because not only do they get no benefit from it, but they also run the risk of sunburn once shaved, says Stickney. Actually, any dog can suffer sunburn, so if you do shave your thick-coated dog, be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet from the sun's rays.
Aussies are cotton ball fluffy when they're tiny and then they loose all that fluff and have this thin, soft, wispy chicken feather coat for a while during their adolescent phase. As they get closer to being 1 year old they finally get a long, slightly more dense and coarse adult coat (see pics below).
A summer haircut may help you feel more comfortable during hot, humid summer weather, but it won't have the same effect on your pet. In fact, cutting or shaving your pet's fur can actually compromise your furry friend's ability to remain cool.
Grooming can trigger anxiety in dogs for a number of reasons, including the sensation of being touched, the sound of clippers or scissors, dog grooming baths, and the unfamiliarity of the grooming process. They may also feel uncomfortable due to sensitive skin or are prone to skin irritations.
This airy feeling can be unsettling for the simple reason that your pup isn't used to feeling airy. This feeling can be somewhat relatable. If you've ever had long hair and you decide to get it cut to a short length, you might just feel pretty strange and unsettled for at least a few days after the haircut.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English sheepdogs have a double coat that requires extensive grooming down to the skin over its entire body at least once a week. Daily brushing and regular trips to a professional groomer are required, the American Canine Association (ACA) says.
The two layers of fur grow at different rates. Shaving can cause permanent damage to the coat, causing it to be unbalanced and unable to provide adequate insulation and protection. As a result, the coat may grow back in uneven patches, have a ragged or unkept texture or may never grow back at all (shave shock).
Your groomer probably shaves your pet because much of its coat is matted, which you may not see or feel. Large-scale dematting is time-consuming, which is difficult for your dog when its has to stand and stay while its hair is being pulled on.
Most shaved dogs will have their hair grow back fully between 6 weeks and four months. However, it does depend on many factors, such as the length of your dog's coat and the type of coat. Double-coated dogs may have their coat irreparably damaged by shaving or close clipping.
In the case of the Australian Shepherd pup, tail docking is a procedure that benefits the life of the dog. A shorter tail prevents potential breaking later in life and ensures a cleaner and more sanitary lifestyle for the dog and its owner.
One big thing: don't shave your border collie. Not only is it unnecessary (thanks to their spring shedding, this dog has no problem staying cool in the summer!), but shaving your border collie can actually cause irregularities in the way their coat grows—and when it grows back in, it might be patchy and uneven.