Fashionable haircuts are not only for people, but also for dogs. However, before going to the groomer, make sure that the pet can be groomed without harming the coat. Some dog breeds are better off not being trimmed at all, not only with clippers, but also with scissors.
Types of Fur
Regardless of the breed, all dogs' coats can be divided into two types - with an undercoat and without. The undercoat is an important part of the coat that resembles fluff and is responsible for thermoregulation. Due to its lightness and fluffiness, it allows air circulation and prevents the skin from overheating in hot weather. In winter, on the contrary, it retains heat and prevents the skin from becoming too cold. Additionally, it is a good protection against mosquitoes and insects. Typically, dogs have a combination of undercoat and outer coat which is thicker and longer, providing protection from dirt, dust, and precipitation.
Fur without an undercoat resembles human hair: it is long, shiny, and falls in locks. Dogs with this type of coat are more vulnerable to cold, but feel great in hot weather. Despite the lack of an undercoat, this type of fur can mat and tangle, so brushing is a necessary procedure.
Who can be trimmed with clippers
In fact, no one should be. Of course, it is convenient during the shedding period or when there are many mats in the fur, but it is best not to subject your pet to this procedure. A dog without fur is defenseless against the environment, especially against UV rays and blood-sucking insects. The sun can cause burns and even skin cancer. Furthermore, radical trimming will not help in the heat: dogs do not have sweat glands on their skin, like humans, so the skin will not be moistened and cooled, but will only dry out and burn - yes.
Additionally, for those with an undercoat, using clippers slows down hair growth. Most likely, this is due to disrupted blood circulation: due to the cooling effect on the skin, blood does not flow well to the hair follicles, inhibiting their activity. As a result, the dog may remain bald for a long time.
There are breeds that should not be trimmed even with scissors due to possible alopecia (pathological hair loss). These breeds include:
- Malamute
- Husky
- Samoyed
- Golden retriever
- Labrador retriever
- German shepherd
- Chow Chow
- Sheltie
Decorative dogs are usually groomed in a specific style throughout their lives due to the slowed hair growth, so it is worth thinking carefully before grooming your pet. A professional groomer can give the coat a beautiful shape and trim any excess.
Who can be trimmed with scissors
You can experiment with haircuts and trim regularly for breeds without an undercoat or with minimal undercoat, such as the maltese, yorkshire terrier, poodle, irish water spaniel, shih tzu, bichon frise. Clippers are not used - only scissors. Dogs without an undercoat should be brushed at least two to three times a week to keep the fur smooth and shiny. Some breeds can have their tails tied up to prevent hair from getting into their eyes.
For the rest of the dog breeds, it is better to leave them alone. During shedding, daily brushing is enough, and in hot weather, cooling the paw pads is important: this is where the pet sweats.
