Should I shave my coton de tulear this summer because she seems to get so warm?

My coton de tulear, Ava, seems to get over heated now that spring is here. Should I shave her to help keep her cool? I heard some dog breeds fur help to keep them cool.

I love her long hair but want her to be comfortable.

Comments for Should I shave my coton de tulear this summer because she seems to get so warm?

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May 20, 2011
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hair length and temperature tolerance
by: Anonymous

I am passing this on for educational purposes only.

Dr Robert Jay Russell, Ph.D., the man who introduced the coton to the US, wrote an article titled "Hair Length and Temperature Tolerance" you can google that and possible find the full article, it is copyright protected by the author.

To summarize: he states that the Coton has long oil free hair to protect it from the sun. The hair shaft at the tip of the hair is very hot but the length of the cottony hair slows the heat travel towards the skin. Therefore a coton in a natural length coat actually stays cooler than a coton with a puppy cut.

May 12, 2011
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Shave?
by: Helen H

My little Annie is also a little "hottie". However, last year I had her trimmed and I don't think she was much cooler at all; still seemed very warm from the weather. I did not like her 'cut' because everyone kept telling me what a cute poodle or bichon I had. Me nor Annie liked that! My suggestion would be to leave the hair long, groom and bathe often and let them air dry after being combed out. You can see pics of Annie elsewhere on this site and see the long vs. short cut. By all means do not shave! They have hair for a reason.

May 12, 2011
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don't shave your Coton
by: Iris Miller

I speak from experience. Besides them having sensitive skin that can burn easily, it is also upsetting and humiliating for your dog. Tuffy had to be shaved three times in his three years, and he was traumatized by it, and very stressed until it grew out.These little guys really do have feelings. I agree, a "puppy cut" short style is fine. Comfortable and still cute, and easy to groom. Keeping the hair short in Summer and taking out thickness, especially around the ears will help, but just like us, a fan and a cool spray do best to cool us down best of all. I aim a small table fan towards the floor, Tuffy sits right in front of it.
Make sure your dog has plenty of cool fresh water at all times, and when you go walking in the sun, let him stop under shade trees for a few minutes. I have noticed, Tuffy really does not like going for a walk in the sun, he prefers early morning and evening (like me).

May 12, 2011
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Short Hair
by: Anonymous

I use a Number 4 blade on my boys - all year. They look adorable and easy to manage. I trim them rather than taking them to a groomer. I agree that they shouldn't be shaved. Also my vet said if their skin is Pink they have allergies. When I got JR last year is was Pink - now that I've changed his food to sensitive and holistic he's beige with brown spots. Good Luck

May 12, 2011
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puppy cut
by: Anonymous

I like my dog with a puupy cut. I did keep it longer in the winter because he looks cute when he is shaggy but the up keep with a puppy cut is so much better.

May 11, 2011
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1st puppy cut
by: Dee

Spanky just had his very first puppy cut 2 weeks ago. He's 5 months old and he did extreemly well for his 1st time. He's very comfortable and its very easy to maintain, pluss he still looks adorable!

May 11, 2011
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To shave or not to shave...
by: Stellas Mom

I shave my Stella every summer to about one inch. She is four years old and enjoys the short hair for the season. I enjoy how easy it is for bathing!

May 11, 2011
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puppy cuts
by: Laura

I have both of my girls groomed once a month all year and they both have puppy cuts...cleaner, less mats, and they look darling. Once Lizzie was shaved, I HATED it.

May 11, 2011
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Be Careful
by: Anonymous

I completely agree with the others. I live in Las Vegas and probably the ONLY person who does not have a pool, plus Tassie is not an outdoor dog, but ever since she was a puppy she is the hottest blood dog I have ever owned. I have shaved her in the past, and she doesn't mind it, but then you always have to be aware of them when they are outdoors. Also, if you do decide to shave, try to cut the tail, ears and mane at a minimum, some areas do not grow back. Sometimes shaving is the only answer, if you do, it grows back pretty quick and can be a solution to the matting that seems to appear over night :0(.
Good luck,
regards,
Lynda

May 11, 2011
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be careful
by: Anonymous

Last summer I shaved my Coton and I still feel guilty. He was absolutely traumatized and depressed for days! Also, because he has pink skin, he had a "baboon butt" for the longest time and I was ashamed for people to see him from behind! If I were you, I wouldn't completely shave your Coton, just get it shorter so it's less heavy.

May 11, 2011
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Shave?
by: Katherine

I agree with Deborah. Their skin is much too sensitive. The pool idea sounds like a good one if outside alot. A puppy cut may also be an option for summer.

May 11, 2011
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"Shave" Coton ??
by: Deborah

We have ours shorter, but not shaved.... Their skin is very sensitive and if too short I might be concerned about the sun....as you know they do not have an "undercoat"...more human like hair. If outdoors alot maybe a baby pool to cool off in and of course as much (bottled) water as she wants...

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