Samoyed dogs are trendy for their luxurious white fluffy coats. If you are curious about shaving a samoyed, you should know the significant consequences of shaving their coats.
Shaving or trimming sammies coats is not recommended. This article discusses all the pros and cons of shaving a samoyed coat. So, let’s dive deep into it.
Know about Samoyed coat.
Samoyed dogs belong to the semi-nomadic people of Siberia, where the temperature is below 60 degrees. These dogs have the ability to survive in harsh and severe cold weather.
Samoyed dogs have double-layered coats, the undercoat being soft and dense, which makes them warm, while the outer coat hairs are long, fluffy, and straight. So, their coats protected them from hot temperatures and cold weather.
Their coats have a high shedding level. To keep their coats fresh and clean, brush them 2 or 3 times a week.
Disadvantages of shaving a samoyed coat.
If you are going to shave the samoyed double coat, you should consider all these key points because this decision is very related to samoyed health.
Loss of insulation and risk of sunburn
American Kennel Club (akc) is against shaving a samoyed coat. Their coat has unique properties, as it acts as insulation, protecting the dog from both heat and cold. Shaving can disrupt the natural insulation mechanism and lead to sunburn and potentially overheating.
Disrupt thermoregulation
An article published in Britannica warns that shaving coats can disturb natural thermoregulation and insulation. The dog fur (the undercoat) protects them from various diseases. Shaving can lead to hypothermia or heat stress.
Risk of injury and skin issues
A study conducted by EVMA Publications found that clipping the coat too closely or aggressively can sometimes cause injuries, cuts, or razor burns, leading to discomfort and skin irritations.
The authors further say that shaving the double coat can disrupt the natural oil balance in the dog skin, leading to dryness, itching and irritation.
Lead to severe infections.
Samoyed double coats protect his skin and his body from various diseases. The article on The National Canine Cancer Foundation where the researcher says that shaving the double coat could potentially increase the risk of skin issues like SCC due to prolonged sun exposure.
Risk of overheating
Samoyed’s thick fur coat is an efficient insulator aiding in both winter and summer. An article by Ted Greenlee where he says that shaving a Samoyed can impair its ability to regulate body temperature effectively
Samoyed skin is pink and white without their coat, the dog’s skin becomes inefficient at temperature regulation, and the fur is not only insulated in cold weather but also makes a layer in hot temperatures to make it easier to regulate the body temperature in natural mechanisms such as panting.
Benefits of shaving a samoyed coat.
There are limited but considerable benefits of shaving a samoyed coat. Some of them are given below.
In medical procedure
You can trim a samoyed coat if there are severe medical conditions. In various circumstances, Samoyed may become ill or face any skin issue, so your veterinary surgeon or groomer may ask to shave Samoyed’s full coat or specific spot, so in that case, you can trim the Samoyed coat.
If severely matted
Cooler in hot weather
Many samoyed owners shaved the excess fur in order to keep the dog cooler in hot weather. Like all other dogs, samoyed sweat through feet and nose.
Samoyed regulate their body temperature through panting. Panting is a process where the dog expels the heat through the mouth and evaporates moisture through the tongue and respiratory tract.
If the coat is matted
If you see that the coat has become matted and your sammy is uncomfortable, you or your dog groomer can cut the matted area from the coat. Many people think that cutting the outer long hair could have stopped or minimized the shading, but that’s not true because the undercoat’s soft fur constantly sheds throughout the year.
How long does it take for samoyed hair to grow back?
If you want to know the estimated time period for the regrowth of hairs, then there are generally three stages.
- Initial growth: You might see some hair regrowth in the first few weeks. It will cover the skin but be shorter and thinner than the full coat.
- Fragmentary regrowth: After about 3 to 4 months, the coat will start looking substantial but still shorter and less dense
- Fully regrowth: It will take nine months to a year for the hair to grow fully because Samoyed has double-layered coats that are very dense, long, and fluffy.
Generally, it takes nine months to 1 or 2 years to regrow the hair fully, but it is based on several factors, which are given below.
- Diet: A fully nutritious diet supports healthy regrowth
- Best Grooming Practices: Proper grooming and regular brushing can help to promote regrowth.
- Age: Age matters. Younger dogs often have faster hair growth compared to older dogs
- Health: A healthier dog with no underlying medical conditions experiences faster hair regrowth
Is shaving Samoyed a bad idea?
Yes, shaving a Samoyed coat is generally a bad idea because the Samoyed has double-layered coats, which regulate their body temperature, making them cool in hot temperatures and warm in winter. Shaving a samoyed coat can lead to overheating and various skin problems. Also, the fur may not grow ideally, leading to patchy and uneven coats.
I have already shaved Samoyed…What now?
If you have already shaved the Samoyed, then don’t worry; you need to take special care of him. You need to consult with a veterinarian or professional groomer so they can provide the best guidance.
Protect their skin from sunburn and irritants, limit their outdoor activities and make sure they have an air-conditioned room where they stay.
A good nutrition diet and regular grooming help them for fast hair regrowth. Lastly, be patient because it takes a long time to grow hair fully.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned how shaving affects Samoyed’s overall health. Shaving a samoyed coat is not recommended because their double coat regulates their body temperature, making them comfortable on hot and cold days.
We have discussed all possible pros and cons of shaving samoyed. Samoyed are adorable dogs; their charming smile and white, snowy, fluffy coats are the main elements of their beauty. So, shaving their coat is not a good idea, and you need to consult with a professional veterinarian for the best possible help and support.
Sources
1. American Kennel Club. “To Shave or Not to Shave”
4. The National Canine Cancer Foundation
5. Temperature Adaptation in Northern Breeds “by Ted Greenlee”
Faq
1. Question: Is it OK to shave Samoyed?
Answer: Samoyed has double-layered coats, which regulate his body temperature, making them comfortable in hot and cold weather. It is not recommended to shave a samoyed coat except in medical or health-related conditions.
2. Question: Does Samoyed fur grow back?
Answer: Samoyed has long, dense, fluffy hairs with double-layered coats. After shaving, the coat does not grow back fast. It takes a long time, and the coat does not look the same as the first.
3. Question: What is the proper grooming of a Samoyed?
Answer: Samoyed needs high maintenance and proper grooming. It would help if you brushed his coat at least daily to prevent matting because it is dense, very fluffy and double-layered.
4. Question: Will my dog be cooler if I shave him?
Answer: If you think shaving the dog will help him to stay cool in hot weather, that is not true; the dog sweats through paw pads and cools himself through panting.
5. Question: Does Samoyed have hair or fur?
Answer: Samoyeds have a double coat of fur consisting of a dense, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.
6. Question: What kind of dogs can be shaved?
Answer: Shaving dogs is generally discouraged, particularly the double coat dogs like Samoyeds, because it disrupts their temperature regulation, making them more vulnerable to temperature extremes. At the same time, some other dogs like Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Lhasa Apso and Yorkie can be shaved.
