Double-coated dogs are dogs with heavy undercoats. Common in this group are German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyed. They have a lighter coat that sheds naturally and should not be shaved. This coat, made up of what are called down hair (or guard hairs) is made up of fluffy and fine hair that is close to your dog’s skin. These short hairs are very effective in trapping air, insulating your dog so he’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
This is why should never shave your double-coated dog.
If your dog is matted, groomers can shave mats out and some may be able to salvage the coat. The best grooming for double coated breeds is to rake out the undercoat, bathe and blow out the undercoat.
Once it’s thinned out, your dog will feel cooler.
Meanwhile, the hairs on top of the coat, the guard hairs, which do NOT shed, will protect your dog from harmful rays of the sun and insulate your dog from the heat.
If you shave your dog, you risk the protective guard hairs will grow back. With older dogs, these down hairs rarely grow back. The undercoat will grow, but the upper hairs most likely won’t, leaving a patchy, frizzy appearance and leaving your dog at risk for sunburn and then little protection from the cold in wither months.
Double-coated dogs have an undercoat and an outer coat. Thus they have twice the fur! The first coat or top coat consists of long, guard hairs. Underneath this coat is a denser, softer coat. The denser this undercoat is the fluffier the coat tends to be. These dogs require more grooming to prevent tangles and matting. This undercoat protects the dog from hot and cold temperatures. And the top coat protects the dog from moisture and dirt. Double-coated dogs should NOT be shaved. If you can’t brush out your dog, especially when he shed’s his coat heavily (this happens twice a year) it is best to have him groomed by a professional who can do a deshedding treatment on him.