Many of the dog breeds kept in the UK today have double coats that evolved in much colder climates. These coats consist of a unique dual layer of hair, to provide insulation and protection from the elements in their native environments.
However, many of these breeds now live in environments that are far warmer than those they originally evolved in. As a result, special care is needed during hot weather to help prevent overheating and heat stress.
For years, dog owners were often advised never to clip a double-coated dog breed. However, as our understanding of canine thermoregulation and heat-related illness has evolved, many vets, canine welfare experts and professional groomers now recognise that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
Curious about whether a summer clip could be the right choice for you and your dog? Read on to discover expert insights, grooming advice and practical tips to help keep your dog healthy, comfortable and cool throughout the year.
What Is a Double Coat in Dogs?
Double coats consist of a soft, dense insulating layer of hair closest to the skin (called the under coat) with longer, coarser hair that acts as a protective top coat. Breeds with these coat characteristics include:
- Akita,
- Alaskan malamute,
- Chow chow
- Spitz
- Pomeranian
- Shiba inu
- Siberian husky
- Old English sheepdog
- Bearded collie
- Rough collie
- Bernese Mountain dog
- Pyrenean Mountain dog
- Leonberger
- Saint Bernard
- Tibetan mastif.
Whilst there are arguments that a double coat can help to keep these dogs cool by keeping the heat and sunlight out, the coat has generally evolved to trap heat.
Expert animal physiologist Dr David Marlin suggests that whilst a coat can provide insulation from external temperatures, it may also reduce the body's ability to release heat efficiently in warm weather. This is one reason why some heavily coated dogs can struggle during hot summer months.
However there are ways that we can help our dogs to keep cool. In the UK, although we do have hot weather spells, the infrequency means that your dog’s comfort can be managed with these tips -
- In hot weather, walking your dog very early and much later in the day when it is generally cooler and avoiding exercising in the hottest parts of the day.
- Daily coat management to remove as much of the insulating soft layer as possible.
- Providing access to cool, shaded areas
- Providing a fan or air conditioning if possible.
- Providing cooling mats or cool tiles for them to lay on.
- Providing plenty of fresh water.
You can find out more in our blog 'Keeping Your Dog Safe From Heatstroke: Tips for the Summer'.
The Best Grooming Tools for Double Coated Dogs
Double coated dogs shed - a lot! The undercoat tends to shed twice a year with the top layer shedding once a year. That lovely, lush double coat requires a consistant grooming routine to keep tangles and mats at bay.
To help keep these dogs cool, the key is the remove as much of the soft insulating layer of their coat (the part that sheds the most) as possible. This will also reduce the risk of mats forming. Here are our recommended tools for grooming double coats at home:
- Slicker brush – This wire pinned brush is great for long, dense coats and the ideal choice to use at the start of the groom. It can be used all over the coat to remove knots and tangles and will also help to remove some of the loose undercoat.
- Combi Comb – This is a great tool to remove any tangles from the longer top coat. Pay extra attention to the legs, chest, neck and tail.
- De-matting Comb – A comb with serrated teeth to gently break up matts without removing chunks of the coat.
- Coat rakes - These are excellent tools to gently remove as much of the dead, loose undercoat as possible. They have curved blades to comb through the coat without harming the skin. Our handy coat rakes come in a range of sizes to suit a variety of coat types. It’s best to have at least a couple of rakes to suit the hair on different parts of the body.
- Bristle brush – Use this brush all over once the coat is thoroughly combed through to flatten the longer guard hairs. This brush will help to make the coat look glossy by spreading the natural oils from the skin along the hair shafts.
- Bug Spray – Finally, finish with a spray of Wildwash bug repellent across the coat to keep fleas, ticks and other pests at bay.
As double-coated breeds begin to shed, professional groomers often use high-velocity dryers to "blow out" the dead undercoat. This process removes large amounts of trapped hair and can help you to keep ontop of the vast amoung of loose hair during the shedding season.
Clipping Double Coated Dogs - Should I Clip?
Yes you can clip a double coated dog, and the decsion to clip should always be based on your dogs welfare over aesthetics.
Thinking around the topic of clipping double coated breeds has evolved, with many vets, canine welfare experts and professional groomers now recognising that clipping can be beneficial for a dog's health and wellbeing.
For some dogs, particularly heavily coated breeds that become noticably withdrawn, lethargic, uncomfortable or distressed during hot weather, clipping can significantly improve quality of life. Clipping can also be crucial for dogs that are very matted.
Your vet may also recommend clipping if your dog:
• Is high risk of heat stroke, or has previously suffered from heat stress
• Is elderly or struggles with mobility
• Is overweight or unfit
• Has heart or respiratory conditions
• Has a particularly dense coat
• Shows signs of discomfort during warm weather.
Clipping doesnt necessasarily mean clipping the whole of the coat short. A simple belly clip can work wonders to help double coated breeds to keep cool when lying on cold tile floors.
Our Grooming by Breed dog clipper sets come with a skip tooth clipper blade, designed for thinning the most densely packed areas of the coat (such as the neck tummy and trousers) to help reduce tangles, keep your dog cooler and reduce grooming time. You can find a mains powered or cordless clipper set tailored to your own breed of dog below.
What our customers say:
Why Should I Not Clip My Double Coated Dog?
Before reaching for the clippers, there are downsides of clipping double coated breeds.
- Clipping cuts through both layers of the double coat which could lead to a change in colour, texture and appearance. Also the guard hairs in the top coat take much longer to grow back than the undercoat which can leave the coat looking uneven and patchy - and the effects can last quite some time.
- Clipping the top coat also leaves the skin less protected from the sun and elements so if you choose to clip your dog for health reasons, you must ensure the clip isnt too short and they are kept out of the sun and also kept warm in cold, wet weather.
- Clipping could uncover alopecia in certain breeds (such as the spitz). This doesn’t necessarily mean that clipping has caused the hair loss, rather than the bald patches in the coat had been hidden.
- Thought must also be given to the time of the coat regrowth as it could take a year to 18 months for the coat to fully grow back.
A Note On Coat Funk
Some groomers may be reluctant to clip certain double-coated breeds, and it's understandable why.
In professional dog grooming, "coat funk" refers to a condition where a dog’s coat becomes dull, thin, or patchy, often after clipping certain breeds, especially double-coated ones like Huskies or Golden Retrievers.
When clipped short, the coat’s regrowth may become imbalanced, with the undercoat growing back faster and the outer coat not recovering properly. This leads to a scruffy, uneven texture and a loss of the coat’s healthy appearance. No groomer wants their clients to be left feeling unhappy with their dog's groom and the resulting coat regrowth!
Coat funk can sometimes cause long term effects, with slow or incomplete regrowth. It's a key reason why groomers avoid clipping certain breeds unless absolutely necessary. Instead of a full-body clip, many groomers recommend other methods, like de-shedding or thinning, to help keep your dog cool while preserving the natural look and texture of their coat.
It's always worth having a chat with an experienced dog groomer or vet to decide what’s best for your dog's wellbeing.
Can clipping a double-coated dog help keep them cool? Key Tips
Double-coated dogs, originally from colder climates, have a unique coat structure designed to protect them from the cold. In warmer environments, managing their coat is crucial to prevent overheating. Cliping can help keep these dogs cool by releasing body heat, and can be especially useful for dogs with exisiting health conditions or matted coats. Here's what you need to know:
Understand the Double Coat : Double coats consist of an insulating undercoat and a protective top coat. Breeds with this type of coat include Akitas, Siberian Huskies, and Pomeranians.
Grooming Tips : Regular grooming is essential. Tools like slicker brushes, de-matting combs, and coat rakes help manage shedding and keep your dog comfortable.
Partial clips (clipping the most densly packed areas of hair such as the tummy and chest) can help double coated dogs keep cool, reduce tangles and matting. Our grooming by breed clipper sets are designed with this in mind.
If you’re thinking of having a double coated dog fully clipped, check with your vet before heading to your groomer first.
Clipping Considerations : Clipping can help double coated dogs to keep cool by releasing body heat, however it may alter the coat’s appearance and leave the skin less protected. The resulting shortened coat will reduce protection from sun, rain and cold weather and requires extra care in very sunny, wet or cold conditions.
If you’re unsure whether clipping is right for your dog, or need guidance on grooming techniques, feel free to reach out to us. We have a range of clippers and blades and can advise on which combination would best suit your breed to help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy throughout the year!
Frequency Asked Questions
What are the best dog clippers for thick coats?
If you decide to clip your dog, choosing the right equipment is essential.
Thick-coated breeds require powerful dog clippers capable of working through dense hair without snagging or clogging.
When choosing dog clippers for thick coats, look for:
• Professional A5 clippers - the standard used in dog grooming salons.
• High-quality clipper blades
• Reliable performance
• Low vibration and noise levels
The Masterclip Grooming by Breed clipper sets are designed specifically to tackle thick coats whilst helping owners maintain their dog's comfort throughout the year. Find your breed here.
Is It Safe to Clip My Dog During Hot Weather?
For many owners, the question isn't whether they can clip their dog, but whether it is safe to do so during hot weather.
In most cases, clipping a dog's coat can be carried out safely during the summer, with the right coat preparation and provided the dog is healthy and is clipped appropriately. Your dog might not need a full body clip.
Many vets now recognise that reducing excessive coat volume can help dogs regulate their body temperature more effectively and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
However, every dog is different. Factors such as breed, age, health, coat condition and lifestyle should all be considered before deciding whether clipping is the right option. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team here.
Can clipping prevent heatstroke in dogs?
Clipping alone cannot prevent heat stroke. However, for dogs that struggle with heat, it may form part of a wider care strategy, alongside sensible exercise management, shade, hydration and cooling measures. You can read more about preventing heatstroke here.
