summer hair cut:how short is too short.
I am thinking of getting an OES or a Giant Schnauzer in the next year or two. I know about Giants but have never owned a OES before. Do you think too much of the undercoat can be stripped out thus reducing cold weather protection? I always wondered about that with say like The Furminators. Second question is about summer haircuts. I always thought that a dogs coat offered them insulation from not only cold but heat as well. I understand that in the OES case a full coat is probably not ideal in hot & humid weather. But sometimes I see them shaved down with what looks like must have been a #10 or #15 blade. Which seems like the sun can really beat down on the skin. Is a inch or two left on a better option. Thanks |
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| Hi Wendy...welcome to the forum..
I am no expert, so I am giving you suggestions from what I have read and personal experiences with my 2 OES's. There are different coat textures with an OES, depending on genetics. One of my OES's, Pearl has a more coarse, thin coat. So I don't use a rake to thin her as much. My other OES, Heart, 2 1/2 years, is still has alot of her puppy coat..VERY fluffy....Very dense..so I DO use a rake to get as much undercoat, ((which that is all she is....  ) ~~~
Pearl~~~ 
Heart~~~~ 
As far a shearing in the summer. Since the OES has a undercoat of 'cotton", I was told and I read that they are prone to overheat in the summer, especially in full coat. I don't keep my dogs outside for any length of time any time of the year, but definately not in the summer. Also, since they have a lot of pink skin which can burn just like ours, I make sure to use sunblock on all exposed areas in the summer...concentrating on the nose, head and back, if neccessary. Again, Wendy...this is just my opinion and suggestions..... Good Luck !!! and keep us posted... |
| Thanks for the advice.
Your dogs are beautiful!! I never leave my dog outside unattended. The only time he goes outside without me is if I am in the kitchen where I can see him. (His name is Cooper & he's a Chesapeake Bay Retriever) But I do like to be outside and walk alot, even in the cold Minnesota winters. Cooper doesn't do well when it is warm out, he thinks 50 F is too warm! So I am experienced at keeping dogs cool in hot weather. This is gonna be a tough decision, but have plenty of time to make an educated one. Thanks again. |
| I never care for the scalped look on the OES and, you're right, their skin can be at risk for burning if you aren't careful in the sun at first. The hair grows fast though (depending on the dog, upwards of a 1/2" per month), so usually it wont be exposed for long.
The coat as a protector from the heat is a myth. There's no reason why you can't keep them in coat during warm months, though, you just need to be more mindful of the conditions and make sure that they don't overheat. I always keep the air on for the dogs in the summer and we have a dog door so they can come in, cool off and then go outside. Lots of water in and outside, too. Walks and exercise gets done in the evening when the sun goes down- which is fine with me because I hate the blazing sun myself! No furminators on an OES. They don't shed so there aren't mounds of dead hair to pull out like you'd get on a lab or a golden. It would just pull hair out that didn't need to come out and make the dog pretty uncomfortable. You'll probably hear this a thousand times from all of us before you actually make a decision but getting a dog from a reputable breeder is so, so important. Someone that does health and genetic testing, is breeding proven champions and has years of experience with the breeds. Just to bring this back to the coat conversation, though, the difference in a correct coat and a lousy coat really makes a major difference in your ease of grooming. My well bred dog has 2 inches of coat and looks amazing. If you like a fluffy, but shorter haired dog, this could be a haircut that you could have all the time. My other, BYB OES, has about the same amount of hair and is a hot mess. His hair looks flat, thin and, generally, just not good. I can't wait until it starts to grow out more but, then, I'm torn because he mats so much easier. The better coat is just so much easier to take care of and look good at any length. |
| I am not a fan of the furminator - I must be the only person who failed with it and now I hate them. It just chopped off their coat.
I live in the Sunbelt, so temps are in the upper 90s and 100s in the Summer. I have 2 Sheepies, in long coats, but the undercoat removed. I use a rake and a comb. I usually groom them weekly, and after my son's dog visits (she manages to mat them terribly). Riley tends to mat quicker than Bailey, due to their different coats. And I have to spend way less time on them now than I did when they were younger - puppy coat was a pain. I did trim both girls last summer, when we were dealing with a flea invasion. Never again for me. I think it took more work with their hair 2-4 inches long. Maybe it just doesn't mat as easily when it is longer. Or maybe I just really like it longer. |
| Thanks.
I really appreciate you OES owners taking the time to answer & your answers were very helpful!! |
| One of my girls collapsed at the park due to over heating; she was only 7 or 8 months old when it happened. I had her shaved the next day, and have done it the 2 summers since. I only go to about 1 or 2 inches, however, as they can sunburn easily. Also, my groomer told me that their bodies produce most heat in the torsos; so you can leave the heads and legs longer, if you like. That first summer cut my girls got left them looking alot like Giant Schnauzers! |
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