The topic of whether double-coated dogs should be clipped is a highly debated one among dog owners and grooming professionals. Double-coated breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Pomeranians, have two layers of fur—a dense, soft undercoat and a tougher, weather-resistant topcoat. So, should double coated dogs be clipped?
This unique coat structure plays a critical role in protecting these dogs from both hot and cold weather. While there are certain situations where clipping may be necessary, it is generally not recommended for the long-term health of the dog’s coat. Discover the best collars for short-haired dogs with these 6 top recommendations.
Double Coat: Why Is It Important?
Double-coated dogs rely on their two layers of fur for temperature regulation. The undercoat provides insulation in colder weather, while the topcoat acts as a shield against environmental factors such as sun, rain, and dirt. This natural balance helps dogs stay warm in winter and cool in summer by facilitating air circulation between the layers of fur. Find out the best collars for Cane Corsos to suit their unique needs.
Should Double-Coated Dogs Be Clipped?
Should double coated dogs be clipped? If you clip or shave a double-coated dog, you are disrupting this balance. Removing the topcoat can hinder the dog’s ability to regulate its body temperature, making them more susceptible to overheating in summer or becoming too cold in winter.
Furthermore, clipping the coat doesn’t stop the dog from shedding; it only results in shorter hairs falling out, which can still be a nuisance​. Learn if it’s bad to leave a dog’s collar on all the time and how to ensure your pet’s comfort. Here are some of the most asked questions:
Situations Where Clipping Might Be Necessary
While clipping is generally discouraged, there are certain circumstances where it might be necessary or beneficial:
- Severe Matting: In cases where the dog’s coat has become severely matted, clipping may be the only option. Mats can form when the undercoat is not properly maintained and can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and even infections. In these cases, removing the matting is essential to the dog’s welfare, and clipping may be the quickest and least painful method​.
- Medical Reasons: Older dogs or those with certain medical conditions, such as skin infections or heatstroke, may benefit from being clipped. Dogs with difficulty regulating their body temperature due to medical issues or age might need their coat trimmed to allow for easier cooling, especially in hot climates. However, these decisions should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian.
- Extreme Heat and Heatstroke Risk: In very hot climates, dogs with particularly thick coats might struggle to stay cool. Although a well-maintained double coat should still provide cooling properties by allowing air to circulate near the skin, some dogs with health conditions may benefit from a lighter trim to prevent overheating. This is usually a last-resort measure and should be done with caution​.
Risks of Clipping Double-Coated Dogs
Clipping a double coat carries several risks, many of which are irreversible:
1. Permanent Coat Damage:
When you clip a double-coated dog, the topcoat might not grow back the same way. The regrowth can be uneven, patchy, or in some cases, the topcoat may not grow back at all. This condition, often referred to as “coat funk,” can drastically change the texture and appearance of the dog’s coat, leaving it looking dull or thin. It can take up to two years for the topcoat to grow back, and even then, it might not return to its original form.
2. Disruption of the Coat’s Growth Cycle:
Double coats consist of two types of hair that grow at different rates. The softer undercoat tends to grow back more quickly than the topcoat. When a dog is clipped, the undercoat grows back thicker, but the topcoat might not fully return or could grow in patches.
This can lead to a condition where the coat no longer offers proper protection, leaving the dog vulnerable to environmental elements like sunburn and cold​.
3. Increased Risk of Skin Issues:
With the topcoat removed, the dog’s skin is more exposed to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. In addition, without the protective layer of fur, some dogs may develop skin problems like hot spots, irritation, or excessive dryness. This can lead to compulsive scratching or licking, which in turn can cause infections.
4. Ineffectiveness in Reducing Shedding:
A common misconception among pet owners is that clipping a double-coated dog will reduce shedding. However, this is not true. The dog will continue to shed, and because the hair is shorter, it may even be more noticeable around the house.
Instead of solving the shedding problem, clipping might make it worse by disrupting the natural shedding cycle​. Find out whether collars are bad for a dog’s neck and fur and how to avoid common issues.
Alternatives to Clipping
Instead of resorting to clipping, there are several grooming practices that can help maintain a double-coated dog’s health without causing permanent damage to the coat:
- Regular Brushing: One of the most effective ways to manage a double coat is through consistent brushing. Using tools such as slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and de-shedding tools can help remove dead undercoat hair and prevent matting. This allows the coat to breathe and helps regulate the dog’s body temperature​.
- Deshedding Treatments: Professional grooming services often offer deshedding treatments that focus on removing the loose undercoat while preserving the integrity of the topcoat. This can greatly reduce shedding and keep the coat healthy without the need for clipping​.
- Proper Maintenance During Shedding Seasons: Double-coated dogs typically “blow” their coat twice a year—once in spring and once in fall. During these periods, they shed a large amount of undercoat. Increased grooming during these times can help manage the shedding and maintain a healthy coat.
- Cooling Methods: Instead of clipping, providing cooling mats, shade, and ample water can help keep your dog cool in hot weather without affecting the coat’s integrity. This allows the coat to function as it should, acting as both insulation and protection from the elements.
- Bathing and Professional Grooming: Regular bathing with deshedding shampoos helps remove dead fur and keep the coat healthy. Professional groomers also offer services that can thin out the undercoat without clipping the topcoat, maintaining the natural protection while reducing shedding​.
- Silhouette Trimming: If a minor trim is necessary, some groomers offer “silhouette trims,” which only lightly scissor the top layer of fur to tidy up the dog’s appearance without cutting down to the undercoat. This is a much safer option than full clipping​.
The Role of the Double Coat in Seasonal Changes and Health Implications
Double-coated dogs are marvels of nature, designed with a unique fur structure that provides vital protection against both hot and cold environments. Their coats are built to adjust according to the seasons, offering warmth during the winter and cooling benefits during the summer.
This makes the double coat essential for their health and well-being. Understanding the seasonal functionality of a double coat is crucial to knowing why clipping these dogs is generally discouraged and how improper grooming can impact their health. Explore if mountain dogs are good pets and suitable for your home.
How the Double Coat Adapts to Seasons
A double coat consists of two layers: the undercoat, which is soft, dense, and provides insulation, and the topcoat, which consists of longer, coarser hairs designed to protect against environmental elements like UV rays, rain, and dirt. Together, these layers work to regulate a dog’s body temperature efficiently.
- Winter Protection: During colder months, the undercoat thickens to trap heat and keep the dog warm. The topcoat acts as a shield against moisture, snow, and wind. This insulating layer allows dogs to comfortably handle cold weather without external clothing, as long as the coat is well-maintained​.
- Summer Cooling: In warm weather, the double coat helps cool the dog by allowing air to circulate through the fur, especially if the undercoat is properly maintained. Shedding occurs naturally in spring as dogs “blow” their winter coat, making way for a thinner summer undercoat. This natural process, combined with regular grooming, helps keep the dog cool even in hot temperatures​.
Clipping disrupts this seasonal adaptation. Without the protective topcoat, dogs can overheat in summer or become too cold in winter, since the natural balance of insulation and ventilation is lost​.
Health Implications of Improper Grooming
When a double-coated dog is clipped or shaved, especially without medical necessity, it can lead to several long-term health issues:
- Increased Susceptibility to Skin Damage: The topcoat plays a crucial role in protecting the dog’s skin from the sun. Without this layer, the skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and other forms of skin damage. In some cases, prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can even lead to skin cancer​.
- Inconsistent Hair Regrowth: After clipping, the undercoat may grow back faster than the topcoat, leading to an uneven or patchy coat. This is commonly referred to as “coat funk.” The coat may not return to its original form, leaving the dog more vulnerable to the elements. In extreme cases, some dogs experience permanent hair loss or a dull, brittle coat that is no longer functional for temperature regulation​.
- Potential for Skin Infections: The disruption of the natural shedding cycle can cause irritation and itching, which may lead to excessive scratching. This, combined with increased skin exposure, can result in hot spots, razor burn, or bacterial infections. These conditions not only affect the dog’s comfort but can also require costly veterinary treatment​.
- Heatstroke Risk: While some owners believe that clipping a thick-coated dog will help them stay cool, the opposite can happen. Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting, and their coats help to regulate temperature by creating airflow close to the skin. Removing this layer can lead to a higher risk of overheating, especially for dogs with health conditions like obesity or respiratory problems​.
Conclusion: To Clip or Not to Clip?
The decision to clip a double-coated dog should never be taken lightly. While there are certain medical and grooming scenarios where clipping might be necessary, it’s generally not recommended due to the risk of permanent coat damage, skin issues, and disrupted temperature regulation.
In most cases, regular grooming, brushing, and deshedding treatments are more effective at maintaining a healthy coat while allowing the dog to regulate its body temperature naturally. If you are ever unsure, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian before making the decision to clip your dog.
By understanding the role of the double coat and opting for safer grooming alternatives, you can ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy year-round​. Hope so, now you know should double coated dogs be clipped. Determine the ideal collar size for a Bernese Mountain Dog with this guide.
