Best grooming for a shaggy dog?

[Imsosorryalan]

Alandog is a shaggy mongrel. ( think pippin from come outside) today has been a lovely sunny day which means Alandog has been panting for most of it!

I'm not quite sure what's best for her. A grooming place for a short back and sides. Will this harm her coat she seems to have two layers a longer top and a shorter waterproof coat underneath. Or should I get a furminator type thing to thin out her coat?

[notapizzaeater]

We have a trimmed bearded collie - he hates being groomed so it was the best option. We keep his coat about 1" long and he looks like a cuddly teddy bear !

[Fuzzysnout]

Personally I would leave her coat alone but make sure that she is not spending too much time outside on a hot day. If you are outside as a family make sure she has a shady spot to lie in. Even if you trim her she will still overheat in warm temperatures so supervision is best.

Unfortunately dogs don't have sense to know when they are getting to hot so you have to watch & make the decision for them.

[DoesItWearingWellies]

If she doesn't mind being brushed then I'd suggest a dual comb that is a bit like a rake and a Furminator combined (I think it's called a HairRaiser?) and it is amazing how much loose and dead coat gets trapped.

I'm not sure if having her clipped will harm her coat as it (should) grow back in, but I can understand your hesitation - we deliberated with our long-haired pup and opted to use the comb to ensure all his dead coat was out and we also make him ice lollies from pureed fruit mixed with water for hot days. One thing to remember, especially if you have a light-coated dog, is clipping her hair down could make her more susceptible to sunburn.

I think the dual comb is about £18, which would be cheaper than sending her to the groomers for a short back and sides and you can guarantee that it won't ruin her coat.