How to Decide On A Style For Your Dog's Haircut
There are several factors to consider when choosing a style and length of coat for your pet, and it is our hope that this guide will help you with making this important decision.*
*Please note that all pets are born with a natural predisposition towards a certain length and texture of coat, and for this reason not all styles will be suitable for every pet.
Your dog's breed and genetics
Breeding and genetics have a huge influence on coat colour, length and texture. There are eight main types of dog coat: double, combination, heavy, smooth, silky, wavy, corded and wire, and of course it's possible that some pets will have a combination of these. Breeding also has an effect on bone and muscle structure, as well as where on the body hair will grow, which is why many dog breeds vary greatly from each other. When choosing a style for your pet, it's important to consider what nature has given them and cater the haircut to your pet's natural coat and body type.
Your dog's age and health
Age and health also have an effect on a pet's coat and their suitability to certain hairstyles. Elderly pets, or those with health issues, may be better suited to a low-maintenance style or one that requires less time standing at the groomers (as well as daily upkeep). Likewise, health can affect the condition of the coat and its ability to grow and therefore protect the skin from the elements, so this should also be considered. Ill health can be diagnosed from changes in coat texture, density and skin condition so regular health checks are important.
Your dog's lifestyle
Lifestyle is a big factor in hairstyle suitability. Working dogs, or those who live predominantly outdoors, need a coat that will protect them from the elements and assist them with their work. An impractical hairstyle will hinder them and may not give them the protection they need. Similarly, house pets may become overheated and uncomfortable in a hairstyle that is unsuited to their lifestyle of being housed indoors in a home with central heating.
If your dog loves nothing more than splashing about in puddles, swimming in lakes and running through fields, you might consider a hairstyle that enables them to do this without difficulties. In some instances a shorter coat with few furnishings will be easier on you and your pet than a longer coat which will become tangled easily and bring in outdoor debris.
Your dog's personality
If your pet enjoys being brushed and petted they may be well-suited to a hairstyle that will require regular grooming. In fact they will probably love the attention! However, pets that are simply too busy to keep still for long (and we all know one of those!) would most likely be happier in a style that requires minimum upkeep.
For those with a coat that is able to be styled, personality can also be displayed through coat furnishings. Schnauzers, for instance, are known for their long beards and eyebrows, while some Spaniel breeds are styled to have long hair on their legs, chest and abdomen, known as skirt and feathering. Depending on where hair grows on your pet, you may be able to display your pet's personality through unique or breed specific styling.
The amount of time you have for maintaining a coat
It's worth considering the amount of time you have to maintain your dog's coat before choosing a style (or even a breed) that requires a lot of work. Managing and maintaining your pet's coat is an unavoidable part of pet ownership, and as a responsible pet owner you should consider whether you'll be able to maintain your pet's coat in its natural state before owning a pet.
All dogs will benefit from regular coat care, but for longer coated dogs and those with coats that tangle easily it is essential, and should be a part of a daily routine. If you wish to keep your pet in a longer style you must be prepared to take on the upkeep for this.
The season/weather conditions
Choosing an unsuitable style for the weather or seasonal conditions can cause health problems or even lead to an uncomfortable pet. Depending on how well your pet copes with temperature changes, you may decide on a shorter coat in the summer and a slightly longer one in the winter. It's worth remembering that long coats will bring in more dirt and debris during the winter months, and will require more care when they get wet and dirty.
How regularly you can attend grooming appointments
If you are unable to attend regular grooming appointments then a high-maintenance style, or one that requires the services of a groomer to maintain, may not be the right choice for you and your pet. High-maintenance styles will need regular attention and lots of upkeep both at home and at the salon, so if you're unable to commit to this then a different style may be better suited.
If you are unsure as to any aspect of your pet's care, speak to your vet or trained professional such as a pet groomer, sitter, walker and trainer. We are all here to help you!