To shave or not to shave?

[Taeobi]

My Pomeranian is almost a year. I would like to shave him down some for the summer. I mean just a little, not to the skin or even close to the skin. Just something to help him keep cool in these upcoming hot months. I've read several different places that you are not to shave a pom because it will ruin their coat. Then other places say it's fine. Anyone who has experience with this breed, please tell me which is correct. I LOVE my furry dog and don't want to jeopardize messing up his coat.

Attached are some ex. of the length I would cut him.

 

[toppick08]

I know my Aussie has a double coat, so she get's shaved at the first of May.......Don't know about Pommies, but some dogs get skin irritations by shaving....:shrug:...Contact Pasofever on here and she should give you some good and experienced info..

 

[Ken King]

Many dogs have coats that act exactly like a homes insulation. They help keep the dog warm in the cold and help keep the dog cooler when it gets warmer. Removing the insulation could make the dog less comfortable and could result in the animal's skin being burned by the sun.

 

[Taeobi]

I know my Aussie has a double coat, so she get's shaved at the first of May.......Don't know about Pommies, but some dogs get skin irritations by shaving....:shrug:...Contact Pasofever on here and she should give you some good and experienced info..

Thanks Toppick08!!

 

[Taeobi]

Many dogs have coats that act exactly like a homes insulation. They help keep the dog warm in the cold and help keep the dog cooler when it gets warmer. Removing the insulation could make the dog less comfortable and could result in the animal's skin being burned by the sun.

That is true, that's why I wouldn't want to shave him down that far. I would want to keep the undercoat intact and some of the overcoat hoping it wouldn't mess up his own insulation. Thanks!!

 

[spinner]

Those dogs in the pictures aren't shaved at all, they were probably scissored. It's hard to tell because of the way they are facing. If you go into a groomer and say shave but not all the way down you are going to get a very short haircut. How much undercoat stays depends on if the dog is blowing coat or not, the majority of it might brush out and leave just the outer coat.
I have clients that keep poms both ways, you know your dog best, if you think he is uncomfortable then do what you think is best. Unless he has some underlying problem his hair will grow back.

 

[IMNEMT-B]

I shave my pom every spring. I take him to Riviera Kennels in Hughesville. I always ask for a lion cut which keeps his mane and also his tail. I also make sure they keep about an inch in lenght on the rest of his body. He loves it and always looks great.

 

[yknotpoms]

Many dogs have coats that act exactly like a homes insulation. They help keep the dog warm in the cold and help keep the dog cooler when it gets warmer. Removing the insulation could make the dog less comfortable and could result in the animal's skin being burned by the sun.

I agree with Ken. There are also other reasons. Depending on the dog, depends on if they even need it. If you have a pom with show quality coat and you shave it you will not be happy if you ask me. #1 the undercoat is profuse and without enough of the long outcoat it will not stay as clean. #2 there is a condition called post-clipping alopecia (where it doesn't grow back). #3 sissoring down is much better then shaving at least to me as you have more control.

Yes, I have a shaved pom, but it isn't because of weather, it is because he is old and has arthritis and the brushing hurts him if you hit a knot and long pom hair will knot up. So I have one I shave down. I will also sometimes shave down a mom after pups. Other then that I will sissor them down so that the gaurdhair is about 1 inch long and that way they stay cleaner and don't pick up all the stuff in the yard. I call this a puppy cut in my house.

 

[yknotpoms]

Also first pic to me looks shaved the other 2 are sissored.

 

[Taeobi]

I agree with Ken. There are also other reasons. Depending on the dog, depends on if they even need it. If you have a pom with show quality coat and you shave it you will not be happy if you ask me. #1 the undercoat is profuse and without enough of the long outcoat it will not stay as clean. #2 there is a condition called post-clipping alopecia (where it doesn't grow back). #3 sissoring down is much better then shaving at least to me as you have more control.

Yes, I have a shaved pom, but it isn't because of weather, it is because he is old and has arthritis and the brushing hurts him if you hit a knot and long pom hair will knot up. So I have one I shave down. I will also sometimes shave down a mom after pups. Other then that I will sissor them down so that the gaurdhair is about 1 inch long and that way they stay cleaner and don't pick up all the stuff in the yard. I call this a puppy cut in my house.

So maybe I should just scissor him down then. He has a show quality coat. Although I have no intentions on showing him, I LOVE his coat and don't want to risk it. The only reason I wanted him to get a trim is to keep from getting debris stuck in his fur. Plus, he doesn't want to go out as much because of the weather; he is getting hot. I just want him to be comfortable...