Double Coats Policy

Disclaimer

 

‘Hair of the Dog Devizes’, DOES NOT recommend shaving down any breed of dog that has a double coat.

 

Shaving a heavily / double coated dog for any reason other than to solve / maintain a medical condition, or to remove severe matting, is highly discouraged.

 

Shaving down a double coated dog not only destroys the natural beauty and texture of the dog’s coat, as it will never grow back the same, but it also exposes the dog to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

 

Unless you the dog owner deem it necessary for the health and well-being of the dog, we will NOT shave a double coated breed. We aim to provide you with the best possible service and will only recommend what we think is best for your dog’s coat.

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If for whatever reason you have been advised by your vet that it is essential for your dog’s health and welfare, that their double coat is shaved off, we will require a letter from your vet stating this and the reasons why. 

 

Double coated dogs have 2 layers of fur, a coarse longer topcoat that grows slower than the undercoat which is short and soft and cramped. These 2 coats grow independently of one another and will grow to different lengths. Cutting and shaving into double coated dogs can damage the hair and cause it to grow differently. It is more noticeable on older dogs.

 

When shaving / clipping a double coated dog it can cause coat funk, where the hair grows back patchy, different length, different colours, even baldness in certain spots. This may result in taking the topcoat 2 years to fully grow back.

 

The undercoat will grow back a lighter, softer, dull coat. Shaving / clipping does not prevent shedding hair. The hair will need daily brushing to prevent matting.

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Some dogs that fall into this category are, but not limited to: Huskies, Malamutes, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Pomeranians; Scottish terrier; Beagle; Australian Shepherd; English Shepherd; Chow Chow; Border Collies; Newfoundland; Corgis; Samoyed etc.