Can you shear a Newfoundland?

my3cents

We have a Newfie cross that looks 99% Newfoundland and as soon as the weather gets hot he retreats to the shade so I was wondering IF you can shear a dog with that sort of coat and if they would benefit?

He gets at least a couple of daily swims so isn't really suffering.

One of my main thoughts would be are there any shears that can handle that fine underfur you get on a Newfoundland. Plan would be to take trim everything back to about an inch in length. His coat isn't as waterproof as a true Newfoundland but does "pluck" the same way.

Feel free to shoot the idea down as it seems a fairly dumb one but I have half an idea the dog might thank me for it especially if we actually get a hot summer.

andreac

No, you should never shave a coated dog like that. Their coat acts as a shield from both the sun and the cold. So never shave your Newfoundland. You will actually do more harm than good.

Have a look at this link for info.

http://www.mcfallnewfs.com/newfoundlandinfo/shavingyournewfie.html

my3cents

andreac wrote: »

No, you should never shave a coated dog like that. Their coat acts as a shield from both the sun and the cold. So never shave your Newfoundland. You will actually do more harm than good.

Have a look at this link for info.

http://www.mcfallnewfs.com/newfoundlandinfo/shavingyournewfie.html

Thanks, I hadn't given the slightest thought to shaving the shortest I was thinking of going was an inch but probably more like two inches.

SillyMangoX

Technically you can, but shouldn't (unless they are very matted). As andreac said, it damages the double coat and it can grow back very strangely, and actually end up making them hotter as their coat is also used for staying cool as well as warm. Getting out all the shedding undercoat makes a huge difference, either yourself or from a groomer. A good undercoat rake and a lot of elbow grease should do it! You can also just clip out a strip on the stomach where it won't be seen so they can lie down on a cool patch to chill out from the heat!

tk123

A double row rake will get the undercoat out! . It looks like it's snowing when I go at my two with one lol

DBB

SillyMangoX wrote: »

You can also just clip out a strip on the stomach where it won't be seen so they can lie down on a cool patch to chill out from the heat!

This is what I do with my long-coated GSD, who's got a seriously fine but thick coat.
A thick strip up the tummy as far as the armpits, and all down the inner thighs too. It makes a huge difference to her as she can put her tummy right into the cool tiles, and nobody would know because the long side hair ("apron") disguises it!

Mooooo

Brother brought the roughy collie to agroomer made a massive difference, was nearly a day long job for them as they stop every so often to give the dog a break