Double Coated dogs are dogs with two types of coat growth, typically a sleek, long, darker, coarser topcoat or "guard" coat, and a softer, finer, more abundant, lighter undercoat. Doggie.designs LLC does not generally recommend "premium" grooms for double coated breeds, in which the entire coat is clipped down using a guard comb or metal blade. (Any version of the premium groom will be referred to as a “shavedown.”) However, we believe that it is ultimately the owners decision to make based on their lifestyle and personal preference, while understanding the possible results. Keep in mind that some dogs may never have any coat changes after shaving, some may have a drastically altered coat after the first shave, and some change gradually over time. Since the genetic makeup and environmental factors of each dog are different, there is no way to tell whether a dogs coat will grow back that same, or differently. Often, shaving a double coated breed results in what is commonly called a "broken coat." This is mainly defined as a coat with a higher proportion of undercoat growth than topcoat, as well as uneven growth, and sometimes skin issues.
Color Change; regrowth that has mostly undercoat is likely to be a different color, typically much lighter. Black dogs tend to grow back grey, brown and red dogs tend to grow back tan.
Texture; regrowth is likely to be very soft. While it feels nice and fluffy, this can mean the coat is not fully functioning to do its job of protecting the skin from environmental factors such as allergens. It can also trap too much dander under the coat, affecting the skins ability to "breathe." This thick, soft regrowth can also have an added disadvantage of becoming tangled more easily due the nature of the thinner, wavier undercoat.
Body Temperature Management; a doublecoated dogs coat is designed by nature and evolution to be insulating against both heat and cold, as long as the coat is maintained with regular undercoat removal. It is due to domestication, breeding, and living in comfort that pet dogs do not shed the way their bodies are meant to, which means regular grooming is a necessity for upkeep. Air is mean to be trapped within the coat to insulate the body, much like a poofy winter jacket; and the dogs hair follicles move to regulate temperature, much like when a human gets goosebumps. Cutting the hair can easily damage the functionality of this regulation system.
Amount of Coat; regrowth with a higher proportion of undercoat is likely to be much thicker than the original or "natural" coat. In addition to the above points, this is going to mean higher fees for future grooms as the coat thickens and is harder to work with. Prices start based on AKC breed standards, and the amount of time, work, and skill we put into each groom based on the average standard of the breed. As the coat changes, it no longer matches with the breed standard. A thicker, softer coat means more work; brushing, washing, drying, even working clippers through the coat can take longer than it should. As groomers work on a commission based pay scale, it is necessary to charge extra for dogs that take more time than expected.
Sunburn; Yes, dogs can get sunburn. Dogs have fewer layers of skin than humans, since their coat is intended to assist the skin in its functions. Harmful UV rays can penetrate a shaved dogs skin much easier than a humans skin.
While it seems that broken coats have not been heavily researched in veterinary medicine in relation to potential diseases, it is a commonly held theory in the pet industry that certain diseases may be the underlying cause of a broken coat, and these diseases are typically symptomless, or have hard to notice / gradually developing symptoms. If your pets shavedown results in a broken coat, it may be wise to have him or her tested for certain diseases such as hypothyroidism, cushings disease, diabetes, hormonal conditions, liver and kidney issues, and even cancer.
In the event that your pet’s coat is changed by a shavedown, please be aware that these changes will often make grooming more labor-intensive, and is likely to result in a higher coat for grooming as decided by your groomer.