Golden retrievers have a so-called “double coat”, so many people wonder can you shave a Golden retriever? For example during the summer, so the dog isn’t too hot, or to make grooming a little bit easier.
Even though shaving your Golden retriever seems like a great idea, to be honest it is definitely not! It’s the worst idea you can have!
Now, I know, you want only the best for your dog, so you don’t want him or her to be hot in summer. However, you remember how I said that Golden retrievers have a double coat? Well, that’s exactly what the double coat does.
Can you shave a Golden retriever – Double coat
A double coat is the type of coat that consists of two layers. If a dog has a double coat that means that they have a dense undercoat of short hairs, it’s kind of woolly in texture.
On the other hand, we have guard hairs, which are all the long hairs on a dog. The undercoat of a dog is under these long hairs.
The double coat is there keep your Golden retriever cool in the sun and provide warmth in the cold. So, by shaving a Golden retriever you are removing that protective outer coat, and doing more harm than good.
Besides Golden retriever dogs that also have a double coat are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies. These are just a few examples.
Parts of the double coat
The undercoat and the overcoat are two parts of the double coat. Both of these parts serve an important purpose.
The undercoat
You can think of the undercoat as a insulation coat, it keeps heat trapped in so that your pup can stay warm all through the winter.
The overcoat
The overcoat is what you stroke when you pet your dog. It’s the layer of fur that keeps their undercoat dry. The oils that are on the overcoat help water glide off it, and it also stops it from reaching the undercoat.
Why you should never shave your Golden retriever
There are several reasons why you should never shave off your Golden retriever’s beautiful coat. We’re going to name just a few:
You might permanently damage your dogs fur
Shaving your Golden retrievers coat means risking a permanent damage to its fur. You can’t be sure how the fur will grow back and even whether it will grow back.
Skin damage
Your dogs outer coat serves as UV protection. So by shaving your Golden retrievers coat you risk either a sunburn, or even skin cancer.
Overheating
Shaving your Golden retriever won’t help them cool down in summer. Their double coat is what keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter, you don’t need to help with that.
The shedding might get worse
If you’re thinking about shaving your Golden retriever’s coat because you can’t deal with the shedding anymore, forget it! Shaving will not help, they will shed just as much if not more!
Conclusion
Your dog’s coat isn’t just its coat. It’s what keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It protects their skin from sun damage and does so much more, so you shouldn’t shave it. In short, shaving your dog’s coat can bring more harm than good.