The No-Shave List: Protecting Your Dog’s Coat ✂️
Gabriella DarinShare
As pet parents, we all want our furry friends to be comfortable, clean, and looking their best. But when it comes to grooming, not every dog should be shaved. Certain breeds have unique coats that protect them from heat, cold, and even skin problems. Shaving these coats can actually cause harm, leading to long-term issues like hair not growing back properly or even alopecia (permanent hair loss).
Let’s look at some popular breeds that we commonly groom here at Mercado Pet that should never be shaved — and what you can also do at home to keep them looking and feeling great.
🐶 German Spitz
Why not shave: Their double coat protects them from both hot and cold weather. Shaving can damage the coat and leave uneven regrowth.
Grooming tip: Brush 2–3 times a week and do light sanitary trims.
🐶 Pomeranian
Why not shave: Very prone to post-clipping alopecia — their fur may never grow back properly.
Grooming tip: Maintain their “teddy bear look” with neat trims and frequent brushing.
🐶 Siberian Husky & Alaskan Malamute
Why not shave: Their double coat regulates body temperature — cool in summer, warm in winter. Shaving interferes with this natural system.
Grooming tip: Invest in professional de-shedding during spring and fall shedding seasons.
🐶 Samoyed & Great Pyrenees
Why not shave: Their thick coats provide insulation and protect against sunburn. Shaving risks coat damage and skin irritation.
Grooming tip: Schedule regular de-shedding baths and blowouts to manage their fluffy coats.
🐶 Chow Chow
Why not shave: Dense coat protects skin; shaving can lead to hot spots and patchy regrowth.
Grooming tip: Focus on brushing, sanitary trims, and seasonal de-shedding.
🐶 Golden Retriever
Why not shave: Their water-resistant double coat is essential for skin health and temperature regulation.
Grooming tip: Feather trimming (legs, tail, chest) and regular brushing are ideal.
🐶 Rough Collie & Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Why not shave: Their long double coats are part of their breed standard. Shaving can damage coat texture and slow regrowth.
Grooming tip: Brush several times per week and trim lightly around paws and sanitary areas.
🐶 Bernese Mountain Dog & Newfoundland
Why not shave: Both have heavy coats designed for working in cold, wet climates. Shaving ruins their natural protection.
Grooming tip: Frequent brushing and occasional professional de-shedding will keep their coats healthy.
🐶 Australian Shepherd & Border Collie
Why not shave: Their weather-resistant coats help them work outdoors and regulate body temperature. Shaving risks permanent damage.
Grooming tip: Brush regularly and keep fur tidy with sanitary trims and paw trimming.
🐶 Akita
Why not shave: Dense, plush double coat protects against both heat and cold. Shaving may lead to alopecia and poor regrowth.
Grooming tip: A strong undercoat rake and de-shedding bath during shedding season are essential.
🐶 Tibetan Mastiff
Why not shave: This ancient guardian breed has a thick coat that protects them from extreme weather. Shaving compromises skin and coat health.
Grooming tip: Brush weekly, and book professional de-shedding services to manage their seasonal coat blow.
It’s tempting to think shaving might make double-coated breeds cooler in summer, but the truth is their coats are natural air conditioners. Shaving can damage their fur, cause skin problems, and even prevent their coat from growing back.
Instead, the key to keeping these breeds comfortable is:
✅ Regular brushing
✅ Professional de-shedding treatments
✅ Light trimming of paws, ears, and sanitary areas
👉 At Mercado Pet, we specialize in gentle, breed-appropriate grooming so your dog’s coat stays healthy, protective, and beautiful year-round.