Dog Community

Opinions please

Posted : 5/10/2006 5:50:31 PM

I think Shakespeare is double coated. I brush him occasionally but until recently not as regularly as I should. Lately he has been shedding clumps of hair so I got back into the habit of brushing him. The main portion of his body looks fine (to me) but I am posting some pics of the back of his head and side to see what everyone thinks. Should he be getting a haircut soon. In the back of the head pic you will see that you cant even see that he wears a collar. Summer is approaching and last summer he seemed to hot, and spent most of his time laying on the bathroom tile floor, and he was just beginning to grow then. Now hes full grown (I hope) and I want to make sure he stays cool.

On a side note, Shakespeare didnt like getting brushed much the first time I got back into the habit. Sophia was hanging around while I was doing Shakespeare, so I started brushing her a little. Then Shakespeare said "thats enough, he was brushing ME!" and wanted to be brushed again

mrv

Posted : 5/10/2006 6:33:58 PM

I am against removing coat from a double coated dog. The undercoat acts as insulation from heat as well as cold. You need to protect him from direct sunlight as black obsorbs heat. Plan for early morning and evening exercise. Laying on wet towels etc, offers evaporative cooling. There are beds that can be soaked in water for the same effect. Wetting to the skin can be problematic with hot spots so I opt for the evaporative route. My guys easily find the vents in the house for the AC. Both of my dogs are double coated

mrv

Posted : 5/10/2006 6:36:59 PM

When I said I am against removing coat, I mean by cutting or shaving. I use a mat breaker and coat rakes to remove loose hair and keep the coat in good condition. Lots of shade, fresh water,controlled exercise, and access to cool spaces like the tile seem more appropriate to me.

2 Is Enough

Posted : 5/10/2006 9:06:37 PM

Thank you mrv. I just wanted to get some idea besides bringing him to someone who thinks every dog needs a clipping, because they are the one doing the clipping. He will be getting brushed more often, I just wanted to be sure it wasnt getting to be too much.

forpaws

Posted : 5/11/2006 9:05:28 AM

Man would you look at that head of hair. I'd put curlers in it. Just kidding. lol
That is a mop and I thought one of mine was wooly bully.!

jprinz99

Posted : 5/12/2006 3:01:24 AM

I would agree - don't clip or shave him because they need the undercoat. I owuld get a good undercoat rake (that is what they are called and they look odd, but work great) or a shedding blade. Brush plenty as it helps keep things under control and he likes it to boot.
He is officially a "big hairy dog" LOL Looks beautiful! Love the look he is giving you with the soup can! I notice you have his fork at the ready...

snufflebear

Posted : 5/27/2006 9:27:35 PM

yes, he is definitely double coated and a beautiful dog in those pictures. You do not want to shave him down, just have his furnishings trimmed and maybe his butt lightly scanned a little bit to even it up. He is a gorgeous dog for sure!

star utter

Posted : 6/19/2006 8:14:13 PM

i agree, just keep brudhing him. he likes it too![

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