Shaving a Golden?

[KCGoldens]

Does anyone here give their golden a "buzz cut" in the spring! My husband insists on doing this to Cayenne every spring! (She actually loves having it done, but she looks really funny when its done). I am not sure her coat should be cut off so short. It always grows back really nice! Is there anything wrong with him doing this? :054

[Maxwells Mom]

I give Simba a shave in the spring and the summer. He likes it, it keeps him cooler and he looks really cute. I have not yet decided what to do with Max. He has not yet been to the groomer but I think I want to keep his coat the way it is. I guess I will just have to wait and see. I don't really see a problem in giving Cayenne a "buzz cut".:D

[WyattSydneys Mom]

Wyatt's groomer (who also owns a Golden) recommended to us not to shave him in the Spring/Summer. She said their coat keeps them cool in the warmer month's just as it keeps them warm in the cooler month's. Also said their coat protects them from the sun. Not sure if this it true or not, but it sounded good to us. :032

[Marie39]

When he was younger we never wnated to disturb hi s beautiful coat. Then we got smart and shaved him down to look like a yellow lab each late spring/ early summer. He loved it and the hair thing ws sooooo much better. I would recommend it to everyone (unless you are showing obviously).

[Collett and Charlie]

I've heard the same as Wyattsydneys mom. There coats are made to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I don't know how but that's what I've heard. We leave Charlie's coat alone.

[messano]

....why not get a Labrador Retriever? A beautiful coat is a Golden's crowning glory, why would anyone wish to shave it off?
I really cannot understand some people's thoughts when it comes to choosing a breed of dog and then removing one of it's identifying characteristics!

Paul Seamons
www.***********************

[goldenloverof2]

I have to agree with messano. On this point anyway. I do feel that you might as well get a lab and do believe that the coat of a golden is the best part. But I do not look down on anyone that does do it. Because there conditions could be way different. like hunters. they almost always have to shave their goldens because of the rubbish and what not that gets tangled within. And yea they can go get a lab for that. But I have heard may things that once you go golden you never go back.<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/happy.gif" /> And some people believe and I am one of them that labs are soooo much more hyper. although they are number 1.<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/204.gif" /> I honestly think goldens are but they are 2 according to the akc. Anyway I think a person should be able to do what they want to do with their dog. Afterall it is your dog. But I love their beautiful coat too much to do it myself.

[CanadianGolden423]

I agree with messano also- a properly cared for Golden coat will not be a problem in the summer, and it is one of a Golden's most distinctive features. It protects them from water and other elements during exercise and hunting- why remove it? They were designed to function in moderate climates- as long as you're not in the tropics, I would leave it on.

Samra

[KCGoldens]

Hi! Thanks for everyones input. When my husband shaves her she never looks like a lab, it just takes off all that outer coat, (and this has always bothered me) and she looks like a huge fuzzy puppy. She has such a thick coat, she starts looking like a golden again in just a couple of weeks. I am taking her to the groomers this spring for a nice short haircut, and am going to hide the clippers! I am planning on letting both dogs do alot of swimming this summer and I think maybe they will need that outer coat?

[Goldenheart]

<span style="font-family:georgia; color:blue;">I would nevvvvvvvvver shave of all my baby girls feathering and fur. Why would anyone want to do this in the first place.<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/415.gif" />

I just can't picture my girl shaved....no way. Her golden coat is just way too pretty for me to ever do such a thing. I'll put up with the dog hair before I would ever even consider doing that. This golden coat is what says I am a Golden Retriever.</span>

[GoldenLover]

Shave my Goldens???????? NEVAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:415 :389

[Owned By Goldens]

I believe this is personal opinion and everyone has different reasons/cirsumstances for doing/not doing this.

[GoldenGirl]

I repeat GoldenLover ...

SHAVE MY GOLDENS???? NEVAH!!!

Messano said it perfectly! I just don't get why some people do it! I've never had any problems and could not bear to lose Kally's beautiful coat! BUT - to each his own...

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL60/939661/1749169/20664075.jpg

[Marie39]

WE BOUGHT OUR GOLDEN FOR HIS TEMPERMANT NOT HIS COAT! IF YOU HAVE NEVER SHAVED YOUR DOG, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW HOW GREAT IT IS? LASTLY, IT IS HAIR, HELLO, IT GROWS BACK. A LOT FASTER THAN YOU THINK.

[Jenny]

Fist off, you don't need to yell. LOL:085 Anyway, It's ok that others disagree with you. I am also one that does disagree. I can't see shaving my dogs beautiful coats. But like GoldenGirl said, to each their own!

[Rosebud53161]

To each his own....the only way I see it being a big deal is if it's true about thier coat keeping them cool in summer/warm in winter(I've heard that too). Otherwise..it's a matter of preference. I would stick to what my vet thinks.Any way u look at it...GR are beautiful....even if they had a mohawk!..lolhttp://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd27b3127cce9540b572f15b0000001610

[GoldenLover]

Hey!!!!!!! Here's a link that tells you about spinning dog hair..ANY BREED.....LOL
Spinning Dog Hair..Makes for some nice clothing..hehe (http://www.customspinning.com/)
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL137/669548/1728351/20398094.jpg

[Rosebud53161]

WOW! How cool is that! Thanx for the site info.I found it interesting!<knit one ..pearl two> LOL!

[GoldenGirl]

We know people that spin GR fur! It's really awesome - she makes baby blankets out of it! Sooooo soft and warm! My Mom used to spin, it's been forever since she's got her spinning wheel out - maybe I should get her back into it using Kally's fur?! ;)

Rose(bud) - So, you're a "Knitwit" too, huh? LOL! At least, that's what my dear Mom calls me! :lol "knit one, pearl two..." :lol

Oh by the way, I do not hold anything against people who shave their goldens. I'm just saying that I PERSONALLY don't care for it and won't do it but I totally respect anyone who chooses to! :)

[Jo Ellen]

I cannot imagine shaving Daisy's coat. It's too beautiful--even on her worst hair days.

When she was spayed at 6 months, of course they shaved her tummy area then. It seemed like it took a long time to grow back to normal, too. So I'm wondering how much you alter the appearance of a golden by regularly shaving them ??

I've also heard that their coat keeps them cool in summer, as well as warm in the winter. I haven't yet read an explanation that makes sense to me about the summer cooling thing. I know I'm grateful for her coat in the winter though!!

I guess I'm in the camp that marvels at the golden coat far too much to want to shave it away. Goldens are perfect, just the way they are.

[GoldenGirl]

their coat keeps them cool in summer, as well as warm in the winter

JoEllen, I've also heard that.

[Jo Ellen]

ROTFL....way too funny Rosebud !!:rollin

[Marie39]

Did not mean to shout. Spinning dog hair? Now I have seen everything. I bet she will make plenty from dog lovers all over the country. All I know is our old guy seemed more comfortable during the summer heat without so much hair. It would take about 2 1/2 months to look his old self. Just in time for fall.

[Goldenheart]

<span style="font-family:georgia; color:maroon;">As far as the hair growing back faster then you think Marie39...the hair may, but the feathering falls behind in blending into the goldens coat.

I would tend too believe their coats also would protect them as well against a lot of insect bites since its harder to get down into that coat and for them to bite.

May be ok if you have an inside dog that is never allowed to go outside but around here she is outside with me in the summer all the time.

Bianka was bought for many reasons, not just temperment. The goldens coat was also looked at as well right along with everything else upon getting her.<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/003.gif" /></span>

[KCGoldens]

Marie~My husband feels exactly like you do! He thinks Cayenne is HAPPY with her coat buzzed in the summer. It has nothing to do with shedding or apperance, he does it so she will be happy and comfy. Cayenne does seem really happy with he coat buzzed. We have been debating, and debating buzzing her again this summer. I am not sure he should. My husband is being pretty stubborn on this point. :lol

[ChicagoCanine]

Hey!!!!!!! Here's a link that tells you about spinning dog hair..


Hi,
I know several other websites about this, here they are.
However, knitting with fur and shaving your dog does not really go together well at all- if you spun fur that was shaved off a dog, it would be horribly itchy/scratchy and not very nice at all! And if you shave your dog, that's a lot of time when you won't be able to get any fur from them for spinning! Normally, the undercoat of the dog is used for spinning, and when you shave a dog you're shaving the outer coat/guard hairs, which would make very scratchy yarn (maybe even more so because of the 'sharp' ends from cutting).
The information I've read said fur from shorthaired dogs doesn't work too well for spinning, I guess it's just too short to spin well and I think it also makes for scratchy yarn, if you manage to spin it or you mix it with wool or something else for spinning...
Some of the sites below will send you a sample of yarn made from your dog's fur, if you send them some.

Guide to Handspinning Dog Hair --- www.mdnpd.com/pd/ (http://www.mdnpd.com/pd/)

www.customspinning.com/ (http://www.customspinning.com/)

www.dettasspindle.com/ (http://www.dettasspindle.com/)

www.geocities.com/roverscomb/ (http://www.geocities.com/roverscomb/)

www.pacapages.com/vipfibers/ (http://www.pacapages.com/vipfibers/)

[ksb]

The coat of a golden is designed to keep him warm in winter and cool in summer. Should never be shaved, only the feet and stray hair should be trimmed.

[GoldenGirl]

Well said ksb. :)

[GoldenLover]

In the summer when it's hot, my pups love the tile floor in the kitchen and I put A/C in there for them. Plus, I have a kiddie pool, they love to play in..Even my other dogs stayed cool on the tile floor. When they got older I would spray them with the hose on hot days.

[Marie39]

If it is true that they should never be shaved, than no dog should ever be shaved. Get off your golden high horses please. I too was once an owner who prided myself on the beautiful coat of my dog, and was even frightened to let anyone groom him, lest they ruin his feathering, etc. Than our guy got older and we tried it. We did it every spring after that initial buzz. If you are wrapped up in your dogs looks, than by all means do not shave your golden EVER! Has there been a study of body temperature, or panting rates between shaved vs. unshaved goldens? Whose statistical data are we basing this "they are cooler with 20 lbs. of fur on in the summer"?

[ChicagoCanine]

I have read that their fur does help keep them cool as well as warm. The air is able to circulate between the 'layers' of fur, which helps keep them cool- this is the same idea as the clothing that is worn in many desert countries: they cover up with layers of loose-fitting clothing, and air is able to circulate between the layers...

I have never shaved my Golden, and I wouldn't do it unless there was a medical reason for it.
Heat aside, her coat helps protect her from sunburn, from brambles/branches when we walk in the woods, from insects, and so on.
We live in Chicago, and it can get very hot here in the summer. I have never had a problem with her in the heat. Of course, we don't do tons of strenuous exercise when it's very hot out, but no dog should be allowed to do that...

[myfirstgolden]

GoldenGirl: You stole my line! To each his own...I totally agree.

Marie39: I think maybe you are overreacting. Everyone here has his/her own opinion on shaving. You probably shouldn't take this so personally; no one is trying to start an argument here, we are all just sharing our views on the subject. It's just fine that you think shaving your Golden is perfectly acceptable, but some other people just have different opinions. I think you should just accept this fact and not turn this into a big deal. I'm sure everyone here respects your opinions.

Please, let's all just get along! :485

[bkcfamily]

Found this on a Golden Retriever Club Website:

GRRI NEWS
Vol 2 No 2
Golden Grooming Tips

Don't Shave Your Golden!

Many people mistakenly believe that shaving or severely clipping their Golden is a wonderful way to keep the dog cool and comfortable in warm weather. What they don't realize is that they're actually putting the dog at greater risk of health problems like skin cancer. Here's why:

A Golden's coat is made up of two parts -- the long and smooth outercoat and the soft and fuzzy undercoat -- which work together throughout the seasons to protect the skin from sun, heat, cold and moisture. To understand how the two coats work together, consider what naturally occurs in a Golden's coat as the seasons progress ...

The undercoat thickens in cold weather to keep the Golden warmer and dryer. It also begins to come out in big clumps in warm weather, when the Golden no longer needs as much of it.

But the outercoat remains the same year round ... offering not only the beauty we've come to love in this breed, but more importantly, protection from the harmful effects of UV rays on the Golden's skin.

That's why the keys to keeping your Golden not only cool but safe in warm weather are to keep the protective outercoat intact -- something shaving or severe clipping DOES NOT allow you to do -- and to remove the undercoat on a regular, weekly basis.

To do this easily and effectively ... Invest in an Undercoat Rake

Once you use one of these very handy grooming tools (cost: approximately $10) you'll wonder how you've ever done without one! It makes very quick work of brushing, particularly when the goal is to remove lots of undercoat.

They're available at most pet supply stores, and through pet supply catalogues and web sites. Buy or order one today! Your Golden will thank you!!

[Collett and Charlie]

Well that about sums this whole discussion up!!! Thanks so much for the valuable information.:)

[GoldenGirl]

Yup! Thanks ChicagoK9! I couldn't have said it any better! :)


GoldenGirl :925

ps- sorry MyFirstGolden - didn't mean to take the words out of your mouth!! :lol Hey, I've not "seen" you in a while... hope everything's ok - don't be a stranger! :)

[ksb]

If it is true that they should never be shaved, than no dog should ever be shaved. Get off your golden high horses please.

Not all dogs have the type of coat a golden has.Has nothing to do with looks, it's about the health of your golden. Enough said

[Swampcollie]

Goldens are very susceptible to sunburn.

It is fairly common for some folks to trim the feathering, ruff, and pants on their dogs, but they shouldn't have their outer coat mowed off.

[GoldenGirl]

LOL Swampcollie :lol I love how you said that - "they shouldn't have their outer coat mowed off." :)

[lotagoldens]

One of my "puppy people" had a pair of mittens made of wool spun from her two golden's coats. One dog is a blonde and one is a dark golden and they are lovely mittens! (both colors mixed together)They look and feel like angora....but unfortunately they shed like a golden! Still...they are one of the most thoughful gifts I've ever recieved.
Lotagoldens

[patchouly77]

We had a hard time deciding if we wanted to shave Floyd. Then we took him to the cottage for an entire week and that made the decision for us. He got so knotted and his coat was so mangled we HAD to shave him.

I have heard that the coat is designed to keep them cool in the summer. But, if you have a dog that loves the water as much as Floyd it is very hard to keep the coat free of tangles when they are in and out of the water all day. There is no possible way to keep up with the grooming.

We shaved Floyd after three groomers refusing to shave him because the knots were so bad. He loved being shaved. We used to live across the street from two labs and after he was shaved he waited for two days before they came home so he could show off his new look. He ran outside every chance he had, over to their house, waiting to be noticed. You could just tell he loved being shaved.

Now, I know that many people think this is the distinguished look of a golden. Maybe it is. But, hair grows back, just like with humans. Don't you ever want to change your look? I know my golden appreiciates being shaved in the summer. He is free of all the hair, weighs less, less grooming time and it cuts down on the shedding in my house. On top of all this he loves it. I will be shaving Floyd when it gets a little bit warmer.

[messano]

< have heard that the coat is designed to keep them cool in the summer. But, if you have a dog that loves the water as much as Floyd it is very hard to keep the coat free of tangles when they are in and out of the water all day. There is no possible way to keep up with the grooming.>

If a Golden Retriever has the correct type of coat for the breed, he will have a harsher, longer overcoat comprising of guard hairs and a denser, softer undercoat which is almost waterproof.
When our dogs become wet when they are 'out of coat' the coat sticks to their bodies and takes a long while to dry. When they are in full coat, they have a quick shake and the coat is almost dry.

<But, hair grows back, just like with humans. Don't you ever want to change your look?>

The hair does grow back, but the texture is changed because the top layer of coat takes a long while to grow back to it's original length.

I do occasionally change my look, but our dogs are our pets, not a fashion statement!

Messano

[KCGoldens]

Ok, I have to ask this. Please don't throw dog kibble and other stuff at me, I am just curious.
What about Poodles, Snauzers, Airdails, etc? (sorry about the spelling)
Are they bred with an incorrect coat and meant to be shaved? Why is it OK to shave some breeds and not others?
Seriously, I really want to know?:054

[messano]

<Ok, I have to ask this. Please don't throw dog kibble and other stuff at me, I am just curious.
What about Poodles, Snauzers, Airdails, etc? (sorry about the spelling)
Are they bred with an incorrect coat and meant to be shaved? Why is it OK to shave some breeds and not others?>

Okay, I wont throw kibble at you!

Breeds were originally developed for specific purposes and in many instances this included a coat that was 'fit for purpose'.
With Golden Retrievers a coat was required that would protect it from brush when flushing and retrieving on land and would keep it warm and almost dry when used for retrieving from water.
With regards to the Poodle, believe it or not, their shaved coat was developed for their original task as a water retrieving gundog.
The hair that is left around the upper-torso and head was to protect their upper body from the cold and from brush whilst out of the water. The rear end and legs were shaved to prevent them becoming waterlogged and to ease their movement in water.
The present day poodle trim is just a stylized version of the original workmans coat (The Portuguese Water Dog has a much more basic but similar trim).
I am not sure of the Schnauzers coat because I am not familiar with the breed. I do know that an Airedale Terrier should never be shaved, the coat should be prepared by careful hand-stripping using finger and thumbs. This ensures that their harsh, outer-coat can protect them when they are used for their original purpose of vermin-control (the word Terrier is a derivation of the Latin word Terra, as in Terra-Firma). Most Terriers are of British and Irish development and were generally bred to 'go to ground' and their harsh wiry coat was developed to protect them in their work.

Messano

[ChicagoCanine]

What about Poodles, Snauzers, Airdails, etc? (sorry about the spelling)


I don't know a lot about those breeds, but-
The 'correct' way of grooming Schnauzers and Airedales NEVER involves shaving these dogs- their coat is stripped, which removes much of the softer undercoat but leaves the guard hairs, which protect the dog from the weather.

[patchouly77]

I just have to say I have been in this discussion last year, this year and we will probably see it again next year.

I find it extremely amusing that so many people here are so uptight about their dog's coat. If I was worried about the texture of my dogs coat then I would seriously have to slap some sense into myself. I have already shaved him once, it won't hurt to do it again. You would be surprised how many goldens get shaved...just ask my vet. I am sure if it was damaging to the breed they would not do it.

We are talking about dogs here. I love my golden like a child but please, he really is just a dog. The day I start getting so uptight about texture and such I think I will have to become an ex-dog owner.


It seems as though there is a split here. Shavers think they are right, non shavers think they are right.....it really does amuse me.

And, I never said I used my dog to make a fashion statement, why don't you ask the lady on TV who dyes her dogs hair pink about fashion statements. All I am saying is that I am sure he likes a change from time to time....lugging around all that hair all the time has got to be frusterating in the heat.

Give them a chance to have some freedom.

[WyattSydneys Mom]

I love my golden like a child but please, he really is just a dog
I don't understand that comment you made because if you did love your Golden like a child I wouldn't think you would say he is just a dog?? Sorry, but I have never thought of Wyatt as just a dog. He's part of our family.

As for his coat, I don't shave it but I don't have bad feelings toward other Golden owners who do or think they are wrong for shaving. I think GoldenGirl said it best back on page 1 of this HUGE post ... to each their own. :032

[Marie39]

I was hoping this topic was done. I think it has been well covered from all angles. I hope we can let it go................However, the notion that you can't love your pet AND treat it like a pet and not like a child is absurd. Yes, they are a part of our family, and loved intensely but they are not children.

[WyattSydneys Mom]

WOW Marie, I didn't think that expressing my feelings about Wyatt would make you so angry???! :eek Thanks for sharing your opinion. I love hearing other points of view.

[Dog On A Toolbox]

I will never shave Deacon's coat a) because it really isn't as long as a normal Golden's and b) when I was growing up we had a golden that was shaved and he got a real bad sunburn to the point where we had to treat his skin on a dialy basis. It was quite nasty.

[Goldenheart]

<span style="font-family:georgia; color:maroon;">Oh the poor baby. The sun is something one would want to be very careful of if the golden was shaved, thanks for telling your story about it.<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/032.gif" />

Glad to see your back with us Dog on a Toolbox<img border=0 src="http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/smiles/003.gif" /></span>

[KCGoldens]

Sunburn was the deciding factor for us. We are going to take Cayenne to be professional groomed and get her a nice shorter haircut and get her undercoat thinned. :lol
My husband finally agrees that her health is the most important thing, and shaving her might not be the best for her!

I did not know Shaving was such a heated subject! :eek
(I guess I should have, the discussions me and my husband have every spring about it!:lol )

I am so glad I found this forum! It is so good to hear other golden owners points of view. I don't feel so all alone now when I have a question! :)

[GoldensRule]

A quote from a Dog book I have been reading "If you stop and think , a heavy coat worn in hot weather does not keep you cool or keep you insulated from the heat.In hot weather all you have to do is put on a winter coat and go out running , and you will geta pretty good idea of how a dog feels."
With the sunburn I know people who when they have shaved their dog they have left enough coat so the dog doesn't get sunburnt.

[Jenny]

I don't think comparing a dog's coat to a human winter coat is a fair comparisson. That's like comparing apples and oranges. Sure both keep us warm in the winter, but they are not even close in similarity other then that. But hey, for all you guys who are in favor of shaving, you don't have to justify yourself. We don't have to agree with you. We'll just agree to disagree, cuz none of our minds are gonna change. :085

[Collett and Charlie]

I agree with Jenny, not a fair comparison at all. And for all who shave, do what you gotta do just watch out for that sunburn...sounds painful.