Undercoat...gone!

Little Luke is going on to age 3. And he does seem to be getting more bushy coated. We live in SW Florida and it's hot here now. So I spend much time combing out undercoat. It's coming out very freely so I am guessing his body is saying it doesn't need it. He's on highly rated dog food. Even my personal doctor approves it and so does his vet. This is good to know because I know it's not diet related. Luke loves the combing and brushing. Good thing he does because he's blowing enough coat to make a nice sweater for me!!! He's just so sweet. The little trickster
 
BarbV said:
If you brush it and it comes out, then it SHOULD be brushed out. That's a given. Don't forget to line brush though. You want the undercoat out, not the guard hair. Also, a certain amount of undercoat is normal. It serves as an insulator. You only want to strip out the loose stuff.

My recommendation....don't ever shave though unless in extreme circumstances. Shaved guard hair may not ever grow back properly. I know some people shave their dogs, but that is not my personal preference. It really comes down to exactly that.....personal preference and what you are able to maintain.

A comparable example is a Shih-tsu. Show standard is a long flowy coat, but every owner that comes into my stores wants them shaved. They just don't want the up keep. My opinion is then get a Jack Russel, but hey, that's my opinion. :gaah:hide
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I agree! Shaving coat isn't a good idea! But btw I like the long legged Jack Russel. My Niece has one and he sheds like constantly.
 
Samba said:
Okay, I have only shown Shepherds. They completely blow coat at times. I know some handlers try to leave as much of that undercoat in to get through a show sometimes. I have always just taken the undercoat out that was giving way, and get on with growing new coat.

But, then, there is this Sheltie youngster. I upped his brushing schedule this spring. His undercoat came out. All out. Seemed similar to my Shepherds coat blow. Now he is rather slick and not poofy! Someone suggested I should have left more undercoat in there. How does it go with these guys on coat turn over?
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Ann said:
Ditto here. I'm showing Checkers next week and took half a dog out of her today. :gaah I hope she isn't hairless by show time! :fl
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Ditto your ditto. Same with little Luke. Besides I don't enjoy waking up with his hair in my mouth. He sleeps with us. At night he practically travels the whole bed. Love to hear his puppy dream sounds. So Cute
 
BarbV said:
If you brush it and it comes out, then it SHOULD be brushed out. That's a given. Don't forget to line brush though. You want the undercoat out, not the guard hair. Also, a certain amount of undercoat is normal. It serves as an insulator. You only want to strip out the loose stuff.

My recommendation....don't ever shave though unless in extreme circumstances. Shaved guard hair may not ever grow back properly. I know some people shave their dogs, but that is not my personal preference. It really comes down to exactly that.....personal preference and what you are able to maintain.

A comparable example is a Shih-tsu. Show standard is a long flowy coat, but every owner that comes into my stores wants them shaved. They just don't want the up keep. My opinion is then get a Jack Russel, but hey, that's my opinion. :gaah:hide
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Barb knows . it's just as I thought! Thank you BarbV
 
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