The decision to give a Golden Retriever a summer cut shave is apparently not taken lightly by many Retriever people. Since Max posted a picture of himself with his new summer cut his blog has seen a steady number of visitors to MaxtheGoldenRetriever.com who are searching for information and pictures about golden retriever summer cuts.
Our family did similar research before deciding to go ahead with Max’s first summer cut. Obviously we decided to go ahead and do it. Since it’s been about 3 months (and the searches continue) I thought I’d share a little about our experience and a couple of before and after pictures.
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- Max with New Summer Cut (May)
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- Max 3 Months after Summer Cut (Aug)
When our family researched the topic we saw information both for and against shaving a golden. Here are some of the noteworthy things some people said and what our experience has been:
Some said: The fur/hair won’t grow back or will grow back unevenly.
Our Experience: Just take a look at the after photo. His fur started growing back quickly. The after photo here is just 3 months after he was shaved and as you can see it is growing back fully and evenly. You can even see that the trademark ‘feathering’ is already reappearing on his legs, belly and chest.
Some said: Goldens have a thick inner coat and a long outer coat for a reason. They can’t control their body temperature without it.
Our Experience: We moved our freshly shaved Golden to South Carolina in the summer. Since we’ve been here he runs and plays outside and at the beach and he is still a happy, healthy, panting and wagging Golden. No signs of uncontrollable body temps.
Hurry! Sale ends 3/31/2012 and items are limited to quantity in Stock.
Some said: He’ll get sunburned as soon as he walks outside.
Our Experience: We haven’t seen any signs of sunburn. I have to admit we haven’t applied sunscreen to him when he’s outside as some suggest. (hopefully that doesn’t make us bad people?) We do tend to spend time in the sun more in the early mornings and late afternoon/evenings (to keep his people from getting burned) so that may have contributed to the lack of sunburn.
Some said: Shedding is reduced.
Our Experience: Yeah, wouldn’t that be nice… If you have a Golden you deal with some degree of shedding… even using a Furminator. I can say with the summer cut the shedding definitely was educed (and still is) and is a little more manageable because the shed is shorter and didn’t ‘fly away’ like the long hairs. Also, the shorter fur is much, much easier to brush out.
Some said: Your dog will be embarrassed.
Max’s Experience: As we saw in his summer cut blog post there was a moment of trepidation, but the increased visibility of his ‘stuff’ took care of that. Oh, yeah and I think he was confused once for a Labrador Retriever… All in all, though, no signs of embarrassment, even when he met MConaughey on the beach at Pawleys Island.
Some said: Goldens dry quicker with shorter hair.
Our Experience: ABSOLUTELY! Makes sense I guess but it is much nicer after a bath or dip in the ocean with shorter hair.
So, three months after his first summer buzz we’re happy with the decision. We’ll almost definitely do it again for next summer and since the warm season is pretty long here we’re thinking about a ‘touch-up’ to get him into winter (but we haven’t decided yet.)
Obviously your experience may be different… but as for our focus group of one dog we say go for it. (Legal Disclaimer: You may want to talk to your vet, your friends and or your dog before deciding to shave your Golden Retriever. That sounds like legitimate advice, right?)
If you’ve had an experience shaving a golden (or other long haired dog) why not share it in the comments below? You’d be helping out a bunch of fellow dog people….
You look great before and after your summer cut. I’ll bet that sure cooled you off.
Levi
Oh dear ! I never had seen a summer cut before in a Golden Retriever.
Maybe it is necessary where Max lives, but here would be a horrible thing to see, a Golden totally shaved.
Well at least grows back again …
Good to see you have your Golden coat back!
Mackenzie
We used to do summer cuts sometimes when I still lived with my parents on a farm. They always grew back nicely.
Nowadays I don’t do them anymore, since I live in a cooler climate now. And I only have two golden retrievers, but more labradors who don’t need them.
I get a summer trim each summer (shaping my featherings and shortening behind my ears, but you can still tell I’m a golden), but my uncle Duke lives in Michigan and gets a buzz cut every summer (otherwise he would be a wet dog for about 7 straight months, and no one likes a mildew retriever!) He seems to love it, and it definately makes him look (and I even think act) younger!
Max, you’re a Golden, you should know no matter what you will always look marvelous. Glen (my Golden) lives in a slightly cooler climate, so we just go for the routine brushing and triming…but it would be nice to have less hair floating around for a few days. The is the price you pay to be allowed to live with a Golden.
Stay cool.
I think you look quite hansome either way! It’s always nice to be cool, too.
Thanks for stopping by my place and visiting! Those squirrels are quick little boogers aren’t they!
Barklove,
Rusty
Hey max,
My parents shaved me a few months back too. Im also a Golden retriver. I do have to admit I was a little nervious, when I got to the grromers I could help but lift my leg and their wall. (Even though Im COMPLEETLY house broken). Im just as Hamsome with my beautiful long locks or all shaved up… However it is cooler and my parents are happy to not have so much hair layin around the domain. My coat grew back quite quickly & beautifully if I must say so myself. Best regards!
Jessie
Max, you can join the Squirrel Patrol. Come on over to see how to get your own certificate!
Barklove,
Rusty
Hi Max!
Thanks for offering the great idea of a badge for the Squirrel Patrol! Mom sure could use some help with it, she is still not good with a lot of things ont he computer and that cramps my style sometimes!
Barklove!
Rusty
Hi Max,
Mom and Dad had been contemplating all summer whether to shave me or not. Autumn is approaching soon and they still have not quite made up their mind. I think we will go for it next summer. You look really cute in that summer cut! I am so happy that you had a cool summer!
Love, Dino
He actually doesn’t look too badly shaved. I’ve seen some dogs where it just looks sooo long. But then I have vizslas who can romp around when it’s 90 degrees and barely notice the heat, so what do I know?
I didn’t know that shaving a Golden was offensive to some people. I shaved my Golden when I knew I was going to spend 11 hours with her in my car with my daughter and cat moving from one state to another. It would cut down on the amount of hair flying in my mouth and getting all over our belongings, food, etc.. People did nothing but tell me how beautiful she was. When my husband saw her, he was initially against it, he couldn’t believe how great she looked.
We have been shaving her ever since. During the summer and winter months we have not noticed any change in the way she behaves in regard to the temperature during walks or runs. She is generally an indoor dog aside from her daily walks. She is a happy and friendly dog.
I guess if the vet or groomer told me not to do it, I would have listened, but no one has ever said that it was cruel or could hurt her undercoat. It grows in beautifully.
I am open to any constructive comments. We love our dog and want what is best all the way around.
Well, well, well,… This is really quite interesting for me. I live in New Zealand AND show my Goldy, so i live in a not two hot climate and because we do the ‘show thing’ shaving is totally out of the question and to tell the truth if i wanted a dog that looked like that I would, and my advice for others, would be to just get a lab. I mean isn’t the coat what makes a golden???
Also two other things, First: I don’t see why you all complain about dry time. living were I do were lucky if the max temperature we get up 2 in mid summer is 28-30 degrees celsius (about 80-86 Fahrenheit) but ever when it not ever mid summer Lucy will dry out after going for a swim, in about 1/2 – 1 hour. And that’s with her just running round.
And second: a good brushing 1 – 2 times weekly does wonders for getting rid of dog hair all over the place!!!!
My son took his Golden Jake to the groomers today, and asked for a hair cut and bath. We live in Thailand, and ticks have been a particular problem lately. We thought with a shorter haircut it might be easier to find the ticks and remove them from him.
Surprise surprise! When he went to pick up Jake, they had not trimmed his hair, but shaved him! Guess there was a little lost in the translation.
Jake is still a beautiful dog, but now he looks like a lab. My son was worried about how long it would take to grow his hair back, so I started researching, and your comments have brought great relief to me after some of the stuff I was reading before finding this site!
Max is a very beautiful Golden, and his shaved picture looks just like our Jake, lol!
Thanks for the post! I can sleep better now!
Jake’s Grandma, Carol
Hi, I also live in Thailand and was a bit worried reading some very negative articles about shaving. Our Molly is 2yrs old and has extra extra dry skin. She has had two very serious episodes of hotspots that broke our hearts seeing her so uncomfortable. It seemed also an impossible task to treat all the spots that kept appearing.
We have been shaving her regularly as well as giving her skin vitamin tablets. She seems much more happy and comfortable. We can easily identify skin irritations and treat them more effectively. We take her on walks in the late afternoon and throw a shirt on her if we go out it in the sun.
It’s lovely to see her playing around happily now instead of her constantly scratching and banging in to walls with her Elizabethan collar.
I got a summer cut last summer and my coat grew back more beautiful than before, I am now grtting my cut for this year. After I get my cut I can run and play more and my folks have a pool and I don’t fill it up with long hair, the summers are long and hot in Georgia.
We have a 10-year old Golden named Moose who suffers terribly in the hot, humid central Illinois summers. 5 years ago we started getting him a summer cut, and we cannot believe the difference it’s made. He’s a panting, miserable boy beginning in mid-spring, very lethargic. After his cut, he acts like a puppy and it’s obvious that he’s much more comfortable.
I admit I’m not crazy about the look, but in my opinion anyone who has a Golden with a dense undercoat (Moose’s is like lamb’s wool) that makes him or her suffer in the heat and does NOT get their dog a summer cut is being selfish and irresponsible. We’ve had no sunburn problems, even without sunscreen. Also, we live in the country and the ticks are much easier to find and remove.
I’ve started shaving him myself now to avoid the $60 cost, and have got quite good at it, if I do say so myself! If you decide to go this route, invest in a good quality clipper, which will cost at least $100. The cheap ones overheat and will be ruined in a couple of years anyway. I found that a farm store such as Farm and Fleet sells the clippers a little cheaper than places like PetSmart.
My family shaves me every summer and I LOVE it! I like to swim and with my long fur I got lots of hot spots. Now I am very comfortable in the summer. One problem this time; the groomer shaved my beautiful tail, which we were not expecting. I am very embarrassed about my bottom and spend a lot of time sitting down, trying to hide my spindly tail. I can’t wait for THAT part of my fur to fill in.
This is the first summer we’ve had our beautiful golden Sally. She is 8 months old. We work long hours and Sally stays outside all day. She does have some shade and a dog house, but we live in Arkansas so it gets VERY HOT AND HUMID here. I’m debating on whether or not to shave her for the summer. I think it would be for the best. I know sunburn can be an issue, so I’m thinking of just having them shave her some but not all the way down to where she would get burned. Any thoughts? samanthamartin777@yahoo.com
We just left our golden retriever at the vet for a shampoo and cut like ‘last time’ which was a short trim for the summer months. We picked up our ten year old golden with a summer shave. Needless to say this has NEVER happened before and I was heart broken. I love those feathers and crazy waves and now she looks like a lab with a duster tail. Horrible if you aren’t expecting it.
I cannot believe someone did not tell us what the ‘summer cut’ definition was. Obviously, we had not a clue and learned the hard way. So glad to see the growth in three months on Max. Thanks for the article, it is helping.
Thanks, Max, for sharing your experience. My daddy took me to the groomers today for a “trim” and I came out shaved! He and mommy barely recognize me!
Mommy got very worried reading about all of the doomsayers on the internet, so she’s relieved to hear my hair will grow back and I mostly likely will not have any major complications or PTSD.
Teddy
We have a (almost 2 year old) Golden named Ima. She just had her first summer buzz and we found your blog while searching to find out how long it would take to grow back. It’s a little freaky, she looks almost identical to Max. Even that white patch on his chest! Thanks for posting this positive review of the summer cut. There are a lot of those doomsayers on the net, but after seeing how nicely Max’s coat grew back, we’re not worried about Ima at all.
Thanks,
Craig
I live in Houston and would never shave my golden. Please do not do it again!
Thanks Max ..I was thinking my mom was nuts talking about shaving me ..but seeing you I think she is right …I live near water and love playing in it …now I will be easier to dry and bathe ..and won’t be a stinky dog …Even my buddy Lucy the cat tries to groom me after a day in the river ..Now I won’t have to be dried by that dang sandpaper tongue she got!!!
Just finished shaving the second of our two Goldens and they feel so good. I use a #10 blade and cut everything except for the face, leg feathers, side feathers, and tail. They swim almost daily and go to the beach often and this works best for us for the summer. No more problems with hot spots and those darn E-collars. My older Golden female Maddie who is six acts like a puppy now. She has allergies and her skin has always caused problems but since shaving once in the summer she does great and their coat grows back nicer than before. I will definitely shave my Goldens each summer for them to be more comfortable and less maintenance for mom for at least 3 months anyway.
I just had my 7 yr old golden given a summer cut. I was firmly against it previously b/c I felt if they were born with this fur, it must be necessary, and was used to keep them cool. But here in Illinois the summers are very humid and hot and Madison was really panting during morning walks. My vet and groomer told me it would be OK,so I did it. She looks like a teddy bear (her tail was left fluffy) and we told her she is beautiful, which she understands. She seems more active and less hot. She looks just like Max (don’t you think there only a few versions) except with the narrower female snout.
I have a nine year old golden named Shanti (means peace in Hindi). I am contemplating giving her a summer cut. We live in the outskirts of DC area where the summers are hot and humid. We also live in the country with lots of woody and wet areas. Shanti loves the water. So, based on the information here, I think that I will give her a summer cut. Seeing Max’s hair grow back in 3 months will be a good news to my husband who loves her feathers and curly style.
Hey, guys my family and I live in Washington the rainy state. I would come in from outside and get toweled off and still was able to help wet mop the floor,couches and everything I touched. She was grooming bro cocker and I saw the look in her eye. It was my turn. The first time in my life, I loved the feeling of the clippers scratching my back. I was finished an all smiley, then the door opened when I asked to go out and nope.. nope ..I will hold my pee forever. I am not going outside. Back on the couch. My lady went outside with my ball…. I had to go.. she has my ball. Not too bad out there but too wet & cold to stay out long. I heard her on the phone talking about sizing me for a coat, I get it next week. She made tons of phone calls about my hair growing back and everyone even the vet told her it would. Just give me shelter and keep me from sun. It is fall here now and it is really nice to get towled off and I think that picky teen girl actually likes to rub my back. It dries faster. All is good Wag more Bark less.
Murphy
shaving a golden retriver is coldhearted and cruel for a number of reasons.1 the fur is there for areason.2the undercoat does not grow back well.3 it is embarresing to the dog-think of how you would feel.also sunburn is a big problem.my name is bella and i am a golden retriver who last summer-was shaved.i had less then an eigth of an inch of fur.it was awful.it was embarresing-i cowered away from people for days.and then when i came outside-something horrible happend-i got a severe sunburn that peeled and got infected with something the vet called staph-i felt awful-i was in pain-had a fever,and had to be slathered with something the vet called cortisone.then,the staph spread to my lungs and i was sick with pneumonia.it was awful!the vet even considerd putting me sleep.but in the end,i survived and am now good as new.
PLEASE DO NOT SHAVE YOUR GOLDEN RETRIEVER.my golden retriever got a shave to the skin last summer,and within 3 hours he lost his housebreaking.he peed and pooped all over the house,as well as biting me repeatedly,growling,and chewing his coat.then,after 5 miserable day’s,the poor pooch developed a horrible sunburn all over his body,which he licked at,which then got the burns infected,so he had to go on antibiotics.within five days of taking the antibiotics,he got explosive diarrhea-and remember-he was now going to the bathroom all over the house.the diarrhea went away with the end of the antibiotics,but his behavior got worse and worse,so in the end,2 weeks after the shave to the skin,he had to be put down.
i have never liked shaving a golden for a number of reasons.A it is considerd to be unattractive by a growing number of dog owners.B it CAN cause severe sunburn,though most buzzed dogs never get it.and C the fur does not grow back evenly in 10-20% of shaved goldens.i am a 52 year old dog groomer,and have shaved many a dog with the clippers.poodles,terriers,and other small dogs tend to do the best with it,while large dogs such as goldens have trouble with it.
Live in Texas and both creme goldens get their chest and bellies shaved starting in spring and another shave in the summer. Shaving this way resolves the retaining heat problem. Back hair face hair and feathering on legs stays put. They love it, anyone who leaves their thick coats on goldens in hot temps are cruel and selfish in my opinion.
I have a 4 yr golden and give him a ‘lioncut’ every summer and he loves it! I take him to the greenbelt 3 times a week, and 3-4 hours of sun each time and the cut makes things soo easy . I just put one of my old shirts on him to help protect him from the sun and once I get to the water take the shirt off and he swims for hours! He dries in mins not a hour and the mile climb back up he almost runs up the hill unlike before with his long hair. I can’t stand people that say the coat makes a golden. I got my golden for his perfect personality, not his looks!
Glad to hear that the hair WILL grow back! My dog is a retriever- chow mix and is literally a “hair ball”. I live on the coast of S.C. and it gets really hot and humid here. I’m gonna cut my dogs hair (not shave) short because I agree that it would be selfish to keep all that hair in the summer months. My dog would be miserable! Our dog was a lost puppy and adopted our family. We kept him because of his fun loving and crazy personality not because of the length of his hair!
Thanks for your comment Kelli! Have to give a big ‘Woof Out!’ to a fellow SC coast dog. I live in Pawleys Island (north of Charleston)
Max
Hey Max ~ Two Big Golden Paws Up!!
Your summer cut looks great! To all the haters- puh-lease, it’s just hair….
Would your people never get hair cuts and dos because they were worried how it might look? No. You look fabulous and fine. We just hand trimmed our golden, Trotter Bravo Oslo. He looks like a sweet lamb and his energy is definitely up. After too many summers of him panting even in air conditioning, it was time to give this a try. I trust this summer will go much better and cooling off baths a lot more relaxing. Plus all the extra attention the basset doesn’t get, no hair cut for him.
Enjoy all your summers with your sassy puppy cut and your beautiful long feathers when it grows back out again.
Peace & Golden Furs,
Trotter & Family
I am thankful I found your page. Just made the decision to shave our Golden because she loves the creek, rolling in deer poo (and just about anything else), and she is really a chore to keep clean. She’s an inside dog who plays outside.
Honey now looks great and seems to be cooler. She has not gotten in the creek since she was shaved yesterday. I know this doesn’t mean she won’t. Anyway – thank you for your pictures and comments. Really relieved my anxious and guilty mind!!
thanks so much my golden is having trouble with heat stroke its so hot even fans, ice packs and hoses are not enough. A summer hair cut it is. I think he will feel alot better
Hi All – We have two golden retrievers, 3 and 1.5 years. We shave them (short cut on the body – tail and legs longer) for the summer. Their coat is back by end of summer so they are plenty warm in the winter. During the summer they swim in the Hudson river at least once a day – usually 2-4 times on the weekend days. The short coats dry much more quickly and they can come inside the house without getting water everywhere. I recommend the summer cut. My dogs love it! I agree with Dylan – I love my dogs for their personality – not the look of their coats:)
Decided to shave my Golden around the sides and underside, trimmed the top. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea but we have seen another dog with it in the neighborhood and he looked a lot less hot and miserable than our girl. When I looked to the internet for answers a vet website came up that said to do it and the dog would be a lot cooler. So far, our girl seems a lot happier with shorter hair, we have had no issues and she dries faster when she is bathed or goes for a swim, which is a big bonus with a Golden. I will do it again, I have seen no negative side to it and lots of positives.
I don’t get those people that are against shaving Goldens. I have 3. They’re all shaved every summer and have never had a problem. Granted, they only go outside to potty, so they don’t have a chance for sunburn, but they’re much more comfortable in our Arizona climate. Also, they look adorable.
I am a professional groomer and I recommend that my clients DO NOT shave their goldens. I have seen MANY goldens whose coats have grown back in drier, fluffier, lighter because the guard hairs have been compromised. When you cut the guard fur (which is a hollow shaft) the strand of fur collapses no longer keeping its hollow firm structure. Over time, with repeat shaving the follicles of the guard fur will stop producing the correct shaped guard fur. Typically you will not see this in a young retriever, but as they age you will see the coat change. This is not due to old age, but due to the repeat grooming.
Also, time and time again people have told me that they truly believe that their golden is cooler after a shave down. I’m sure it is, but the same thing can be achieved without compromising the future condition of the coat. The reason a golden is cooler after the coat is shaved is because the undercoat has been removed. The same thing can be done without shaving. Instead you leave the beautiful golden coat with perhaps a trim and remove all of the insulating coat. This is also the reason a golden sheds, not because of the guard fur but because of the undercoat. A bath and tidy which costs less than a full groom will be just as effective as a shave for cooling down a golden but will promote a healthier coat and skin. Any groomer that has not told you this is purely in the business for making money and not for the general health of the dog. A PROFESSIONAL groomer cares about the health of the dog too!
Of course their are times when shaving is necessary due to health conditions. But overall a golden retriever does not need nor should the coat ever be shaved off.
Great input, Leah! Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise.
I am happy that I found this page. I have agolden named Nala and the groomer shaved her yesturday. I was upset as this was not what I had wanted. I am feeling better after reading your story and the comments. I am excited to see how Nala will enjoy her shave. She appeared happy after the shave and I hope she enjoys it as much as MAx.
Funny to come across this page today, as it is exactly 2yrs since sweet Holly (last childhood dog…who miraculously survived well into my adult years) passed away at the age of 14 or 15.
Anyway — my family discovered the “shave” later in her life, and she had countless numbers of these short haircuts. We are in Texas, so it can be very hot in the summers, even if only outside briefly. I never noticed any difference or variability in her heat tolerance at any point in the short hair cut & re-growth cycle. It seemed that she was more comfortable in hotter months with the shorter fur, but I cannot give any sort of objective measures. Also, her fur *always* came back perfectly & beautifully. I think she looked gorgeous with both long and short fur. In her last year or so, she had a fairly steady “hot spot” on one foreleg. This spot did not seem to be helped or harmed by the short fur, but nothing really helped much with the spot. Regarding the shedding, a Golden Retriever will always shed. But the shedding was definitely decreased by the short fur — not because she shed less but simply because the fur shed was much shorter. When she lived with my parents (who have hardwood floors), my mom loved not having “fur tumbleweed balls” in the corners after the short cuts. [I will also say that the Swiffer-Vac -- the Swiffer that plugs in to charge & has some decent vacuum/suction power -- was simply fabulous for quickly removing fur & dirt & whatnot from non-carpeted floors.]. I wasn’t very aware of the potential issue of lessened UV protection due to the short fur, but we never noticed any skin problems that could be linked to the short fur — nor did our wonderful vet. If I am lucky enough to have another Golden in the future, I would definitely strongly consider the short “fur cut” for that dog, especially during the summer.
Thank you for sharing this! My Golden was shaved and I was having such anxiety as my groomer scared me into thinking that her hair will never come back, or it will be uneven! I am glad there is someone like you out there that tells it like it is! my mind is now at ease and I know my sweet Bailey will get her coat back! We have also found a way to keep her coat well maintained as she likes to get into stuff constantly! I am switching to a more open minded groomer!
I was surprised to learn that people are against shaving goldens. Or worse, think it’s cruel! I would never do something cruel to my furbabies. We have had 3 goldens in the past 15 years and never thought of shaving, until 2 yrs ago we had Maggie shaved. She was neither embarrassed, nor ugly. And she is so much more comfortable (she’s a total inside dog). We’ve had her shaved 2 more times since. She’s 9 now and when she’s shaved she looks like a year-old puppy. People always ask how old she is and are surprised to hear she’s 9. Her hair grows back in 3-4 months and has never grown unevenly or ugly. She’s a total beauty, shaved or not.
All interesting. I am just over a year old and my folks are talking about getting me a “summer do.” They say last summer I acted like I had heat exhaustion all the time. Before I came to live with them I was chained out in the sun with little water and it may have been too much for me. Also our yard is often water and mud filled. I think its a lot of fun but they don’t like muddy toes…and muddy everything else. They are vain about all my fuzzy bits and how pretty they are, but daily comb outs for fur and fleas and dematting makes me grumpy and snarly. But here people are saying they leave all the fuzzy bits and that’s the part that gets the most mud and matted. So hard to decide.
My husband and I have had Goldens for over 30 years and never had any reason to shave one. We live in the south.
This might be the most absolutely selfish thing a human could do to any dog. and I say selfish because nothing about shaving them is to the dog’s advantage. Good regular grooming, good nutrition and a great blower lets my goldens be healthy look great. It is one of my favorite bonding times with them. I can not imagine being lazy enough or selfish enoug to shave one of them.
Thanks for posting!
I live in a very hot climate and my golden seems very uncomfortable in summer. I have been around too many forums where people think you are the scum of the earth for daring to even consider shaving a golden!!! I never did as I thought it was just plain *wrong*.
My brother has 2 goldens and shaved his last summer. He said that it was the best thing he ever did! He said his boy and girl were so much happier, which made him happier as he didnt have to worry about them as much.
I have decided…this summer we are shaving! I will post later on to let you know how it goes
VJM,
Thanks for your post. Everyone will be looking forward to your update!
Max
Hello Max!
I just wanted to say we shave our dog every summer and he LOVES it. We take him to the cottage and he could spend all day in the water chasing tennis balls. No sunburn, no heat stroke and I would argue that he is HAPPIER with short hair. Sand is not stuck in the fur all day and less times spent drying means more time playing! I would disagree with it being selfish, because all it takes is one summer trimming your goldens locks, and you will visibly SEE a HAPPIER dog. It grows back in 2 months and you would never notice you trimmed it! Thanks for the Post!
Hi Max and human!
We did the deed yesterday. Buddy is nine this year and this is our very first summer cut. I have to be honest, I had a few tears watching his fur falling to the floor. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that fur!!!!
but no regrets!
That said, I am so happy we did it. We live in Taiwan and it is very hot and humid here in summer. Buddy seems so much more comfortable now at home and outside playing.
It will take *me* a few days to get used to my boy looking like a chicken
I just noticed the pic of Max before and after 3 months. WOW, that grew back fast!
I am so happy I stumbled upon this blog.
Thanks Max!
I don’t get the whole thing about not shaving your golden. Mine gets a shave every summer. His full coat grows back just fine by the time winter starts. And he is HAPPY with his summer cut!
I shaved my two Chow Chows every year since they were 6 months old here in Texas. I noticed a HUGE difference in their appearing to feel cooler after the coat came off. I never had a problem with hot spots or sunburning and they were outside alot. We have a Golden now and he is going to be shaved next week.
Hi…………… My name is Charlie and I am a Golden Retriever who will be two years old next month. My owners gave me a hair cut last month (my second) and I feel refreshed and full of energy with the warm weather approaching. Even though I live in Montana the summers do get warm. My coat grew back just beautifully the first go round and will expect it to do so this time. Would recommended to all my four legged friends that need a boost in these hot summer months! Take care……….. woof woof
Hi Max!!!
I will be six in a couple months and my mom started thinking it was time for a summer cut for me and my “brother”, Mister. We love the pool so very much, and don’t get to go for short swims because the dry-off process is so long. And the hair behind my ears just really hates to dry! So she finally did it! I think I actually look pretty cute and its nice to look young again!! When I roll around on the grass, I can really feel everything scratching my back. And I’m getting lots of attention, hugs, and kisses! Mister and me are both very happy with our cuts and I’m sure mom will enjoy the brief respite (big word for a little golden!) from the huge tumbleweeds and constant Furmination!
Thanks again for your site and pics. They helped mom make the decision.
My family was blessed with a beautiful golden named Lacey. I did my own grooming and shaved her with a number five clipper guard about every four months. She loved it! She would get so excited when it was time to get her hair cut she would try to jump on the table I groomed her on. After the haircuts she always prances around so proud of herself and feeling good. Her hair always grew out beautifully just like it would have looked had she never been cut. We preferred it short for the sake of her and our house being cleaner. If I felt it was unhealthy for her in any way I would not have continued to keep it short but it was definitely the best choice for her and our family. We are considering getting another golden. Lacey passed on to doggie heaven two years ago. If it makes our new golden happy and healthy I will keep him or her short too.
Hey folks, relax! Its just a haircut. My gorgeous golden is 13, and about two years ago, the heat was really just too much for her. She was lethargic and slow and wouldn’t even walk the 1/4 mile down to the ocean in our new england town. So I took her to the groomers and requested a “puppy cut.” I wasn’t sure what I would get, but it was a pretty close shave. And suddenly, my 11 year old dog looked like a pup and her energy level soared. (And its a blast to run your hand over her fur, like a flat top for dogs). So now, every summer she gets a shave and swims and runs and is loving the new england summers again- with many complements. By the end of September, she is back to her usual gorgeous hairy self. Best part of her summer haircut is that she just doesn’t smell nearly as awful after an afternoon in the ocean. Bonus!
For those who preach nature’s way, I guess you could say the same about us. and we get haircuts all the time. Never mind shaving those annoying beards every single day. So calm down and think of your fabulous golden. If you think they might be happier in the heat with less fur, and you might be happier in your home or car with less fur, go for it. I can honestly say, my dog has never indicated in any form that her summer
haircut is undesireable. and we have never experienced any sunburn; and this dog spends hours outside.
I am a6 year old golden who has had chronic itchies, allergies, and the biggest pain in the but feet eating disorder. I hear “Winston–NO FEET!” many many times a day. Sometimes all I have to hear is my mom yell to my Dad…Winston is eating his feet again…I stop when I hear her calls dads name….funny isnt it
I had these chonic symptoms since the day I walked in this house. THousands have been spent trying to figure out causes and solutions. Shots, pills, savs, ointments, sprays, and yes…1/2 my life spent in socks!
WEll I am REEEEEELY uncomfortable right now. I am nervous, whing and barking. Started a few days ago when it got up to 96 degrees.
My mom gives me wonderful oatmeal shampoos, with leave in vets best.
ANyway. my mom is at her wits end and is seriously researching shaving me down…just a bit. I am looking just miserable and she is at her witz ends roght now. SHe too has heard the things in the posts above, but is seriously considering it now…just to give me some relief. SH hurts for me and doesnt know what else to do.
Matty,
First of all, dogs do not need to be shaved all the way to the skin! Get the longest
“summer cut” available. Secondly, it is the owners responsibility to keep the shaved
dog out of the sun to avoid sunburn. Therefore, if the dog gets a sunburn, needs an
antibiotic, etc. and all the pain etc. is the owners responsibility. Its just common
sense!
P.S. My dog Honey is a 10 year old golden with skin allergies from day 1. I have finally ended up using: Temaril P once a day or once every other day depending on the itching, plus Amiltriptyline 75 mg. once a day. Also she is borderline hypothyroid, so she takes Soloxine 1 and 1/2 tab. per day. Also I keep the air conditioning on when it is humid and hot as she is miserable. she is most comfortable in the winter. I have
tried cortisone shots also in the past but they are temporary.
(To Winston Stordahl)
I thought it over and weighed the pros and cons also about shaving my golden. The pros won out and she was given a teddy bear cut. You could see right away that she was more playful and more comfortable. She could only play in short spurts and spent more time trying to stay cool by laying around with that full beautiful coat. She plays freely now and has lost weight and trimmed her figure up. These dogs were bred for the colder climate and we just dont live in that and we made a decision to shave her. Yes she doesnt have that beautiful fur coat but what she does have is a happier life. I will do it yearly every summer.
Hi Max!
So glad to see your photo’s and see you’re looking good! My owners’ brother is considering shaving a little off of his Golden ‘Rudy’, to keep him cool this summer. They run & swim alot, year-round, and Mr. Rudy isn’t liking the exceptional heat of this summer in MN. My owner is doing research to provide Rudy with an acceptable summer-cut and your site has been the most informative yet!
I need to address Winston Stordahl’s post regarding his allergies too.
I had really bad allergies too (I’m a Border Collie x Livestock Guard Dog) and my owner was really patient in dealing with all of my itchies etc. It took two years, but she found that using a shampoo made by Virbac, specifically designed to assist my skin in healing and changing my diet to a lamb/rice or salmon/rice (my favorite) took care of all of those nasty itches! We also went to see Dr. Deb, DVM and had my blood tested and found I was hypothyroid (whatever that is…).
Winston, you gotta TELL your owner to take you to the vet & have those itchy feet checked out. I know, I know…some of us REALLY hate the vet, but it’ll do you some good. The vet can recommend the right shampoo (instead of oatmeal – which might be drying your skin too much because of the other additives) and maybe a change in diet to get rid of those itchy feet, once and for all! Good luck Winston!
Max, thanks so much for posting your photos and the replies you received. Those naysayers have a right to their opinion, as do we all. You’re the best Max!
Wags & slobbers,
Sok
This was very helpful! We have a nine month old son who is all over the floor and every time I see him clap his hands I cringe at the 5 inch hairs sticking to them . . .and I mop and sweep every other day!! I can’t keep up! I’m constantly washing the poor kid’s hands. He’s going to have dish-pan hands by the time he’s one! So this Friday, after a lot of consideration and a TON of guilty feelings, we are going to shave our muffin (I know, that sounds funny). Thank you for your blog, I found it very cute and comforting that we are making the right decision.
We had debated this very same thing. Everyone telling us they have their coat for a reason. Both of my Goldens (Sophie a True Golden in Color and Cooper a Red head like Max) both have skin allergies. We’re constantly fighting the Hot Spots during the warmer months. They usually go part of the summer with a nice bald spot. So why not cut it all off?? They Both go in Next week for their very first Summer Cut! Seeing Max’s picture gave me a great visual as to how Cooper will look!
Golden Retrievers and other double coated breeds should NEVER be shaved. It’s doing a major disservice to the dog. Any groomer should know this and if a reputable one, should refuse to shave the down down.
Lisa, why do you say the double coated breeds should never be shaves. It has been >98 degrees for weeks now (NW Fl) and I was considering doing that next spring. Even though I brush nightly, the long hair is too plentiful. One comment was to shave the chest and belly…that little bit may help. Would like to hear from you about this question.
Today was a heck of a day! I was taken to the groomers for my first ‘summer cut’ which my owners ‘thought’ was just a short hair cut. Short doesn’t begin to describe it! Here I was prancing & dancing – as all happy dogs do – and they were in shock! After reading all the posts they now feel much better knowing it will grow back, but in the meantime, I had a GREAT time twice on the beach today and dried out in record time. Since we live on the beach that’s a good thing. But, in the future I think I’ll keep enough hair on to still be ‘golden’ instead of white, lol.
To all the folks shaving their Goldens: Does the word anthropomorphic mean anything to you? Perhaps, after you learn about your breed of dog and what the coat is there for, you take 1 minute to google search the word so you will have a better understanding…sheesh!
I always had labradors and now I have 2 very furry golden retrievers. Since I live in the South of Brazil, where summers are long and hot (and winters can get quite chilly), we decided to summer-trim them exactly as Max did. The dogs seem to love it, less panting and much more frolic and playing. It is easier on us too, after they get wet. We have been doing it for 3 years now and the coat always grow back even and fully in winter. They do look funny and not so pretty but, I can attest, much happier and relieved. We cut the fur 2 centimeters high, like a lab. It does grow back quite quickly. No matter what some people might say, they DO seem relieved and happy.
We always get our Golden Retriever, Sailor, shaved too. Living in Florida can be pretty miserable for him during the warmer months. I always know it’s time when he wakes up panting before any exercise or his morning outing. We’ve had a “warm” winter and am thinking about giving him his cut a little early as he’s waking up panting already. He’s still a handsome boy with his golden locks or not
People keep saying if they wanted a dog that looked shaved they would have gotten a lab, and that a coat makes a golden. Well I have a Golden and I believe a temperament makes a Golden, not looks. Her fur is annoying all aver my house though, so I will probably shave her soon.
Hi, I’m a 7 year old Golden and had my 1st summer cut last year. I was adopted from a provious home and had some minor matted fur. My mom decided it was better to have a shave and bath rather than deal with the knotted fur. I’m so glad she did! We requested the groomer leave at least 1 inch of fur to prevent sunburn. They did a great job. After a bath and cut, my undercoat was brushed out and it removed SOOO much dead hair that my coat was a fraction of its original thickness. I have been more playful and pant less in the hot summer months. Plus, I dry quickly, which has greatly helped my chronic skin problems and hot spots.
My brother (a lab) also has severe allergies. He was allergy tested and it showed he is actually allergic to dust mites and dog dander. The vet recommended being extra viligant about vacuuming and keeping dog hair out of the house. My summer cut has helped because I don’t shed as much now.
So yes, an uncut golden is a beautiful sight, but sometimes a summer cut is best for everyone. It has helped both myself to stay cooler and free of hot spots, and has helped reduce the allergies in the house. My vet said it is perfectly fine and actually helps many dogs feel better and healthier. My mom is going to try to do the cut herself with clippers this summer.
All 3 of my Golden Retrievers get shaved every April/May and they ALL grow their back evenly and beautifully. It does help with their coat growth and getting rid of the build up in hair (as even humans get if we didn’t wash but once a month). They love it when they get shaved because they have far less itching and scratching, they don’t sweat, and thus stink, and they appear happier because of all this. For our benefit as owners, they hardly shed AT ALL. If they do, it is short hairs and not nearly as visible, and fewer and farther between. Therefore, during the winter times when I have to vacuum at least twice a week, in the summertime I only have to vacuum once a week (and this is because I do anyway). They also require less baths and when you do bathe them, it’s much, much, much easier and they do dry faster!
So, with all of this being said, it is much better for everyone; the dogs and the owners. I’ve been shaving them every year for the last 7 years, for 1 of them, and the last 2 years for the other 2 and they couldn’t be happier. And, so am I!
Kelly
I find it very disappointing that this website is encouraging shaving golden retrievers. We, as golden retriever owners are responsible for preserving the integrity of the breed. That does not mean shaving the protective coat just to appease us humans. I would recommend that anyone who is thinking of getting a golden take into consideration their coat type. If they do not want to keep up with a long coat, perhaps they should consider a lab instead.
I just received your message and was quite taken aback that you would ridicule those golden retriever owners that shave dogs when it is not for OUR benefit but for the DOGS. I too have had golden retrievers my entire life, and I have been told by more than a couple of Veterinarians, groomers, pet stores, etc. that it is VERY good for their coat, it cools them off in the summertime, they have far less itching problems, and far less incidences of fleas and being able to leave their eggs, thus causing more fleas. Not to mention it is very good for their coat since long haired dogs create a build up of dirt and natural emollients that even baths can’t get out. They grow their coats back in THREE months. So, the other nine months of the year they and I get to enjoy their coat having grown back evenly. Perhaps I will stick with my Golden’s since I (ME) know what makes THEM happy….
I think this is a matter of opinion for all owners. However, Carmelita can keep her negative comments to herself since it is the discretion of the owner and there is no wrong option. Some do, some don’t. If they choose to do so, that doesn’t mean they should have gotten labs.
We have always had our Holden’s shaved for the summer. They love it! They dry fast on those humid days….no stink….easier to find ticks….less shedding….so much cooler….and reduced our goldenseal allergies! Daisy has severe allergies to trees, grass and moss. This reduces the amount in her fur. The hair grows back exactly like it was before. Highly recommend it.
Max:
Woof up? I’m nine and have been getting summer cuts for like the last 5 years and LOVE it! The first time was strange, but just showed my human that it is a personal choice and this is for me! Not only do I have more energy but I also stay much cleaner and dry much faster, I get the human dude to take me to the beach all the time. Never had a problem with it growing back weird either. Too those that say, the dog’s embarrassed, try checking out hot spots sometime? Glad those went away.
The human takes me out to the sun deck and I have a blast while he’s doing the shaving. Man, I love that sun deck. Just got to get the human to stop cleaning that glass door. Tried to show him a thousand time, I leave those nose prints there for a reason. That thing HURTS when you run into it.
Peace out
Alex
P.S. I hit the SC beaches alot too. Smell you up next time I call the human for a road trip.
Interesting, my husband is always saying he’s going to give Harpo, my golden a summer cut! I said don’t touch him! I give harpo a little pool. See, he likes to dig a cooling hole and lay in it…Ahhh dogs will be dogs. But, I want my golden to look like a golden!
And, I know, we want them to be cool, as well and feel good.
I will consider this, your dog looks nice
Take care, thanks for posting
Krissy
The people who are against shaving don’t given any specific reasons. For example, “Goldens have their hair for a reason.” Goldens originated in Scotland where summer temperatures are much lower than in most of the US: their double coats are necessary for insulation and bouyancy there. For those of us who don’t show our dogs, the coat doesn’t need to be perfect and it seems as if there are significant benefits to it. As for “the integrity of the breed” that is something that applies to poor breeding more than to haircuts. We’re not talking about altering the entire breed! Let’s go out there and close the backyard breeders and puppy mills to help maintain the integrity of the breed. Our boy (whom we adopted at 6 months) never had a chance at a nice coat since he was backyard bred by people who wanted to make a few bucks from their genetically inferior pets. We love him, he’s a great dog and people who meet him think he’s beautiful. His personality is exceptional!
Our 1 y.o. Golden is miserable in warm weather and will be getting a short cut this summer so he can continue to exercise and play in the heat. I’ve had many dogs of different breeds in my 52 years and have never had one that suffered from the warm weather like this. How “selfish and cruel” is it to want your dog to be comfotable so he can enjoy every day?????