Re: [pyrnet] Shaved great pyrs

["Tracy" <espinay@bigpond.com>]

Well, never say never is my credo now <g>.  As a general rule, I do think
Pyrs are better keeping their coat - provided you can brush them out
regularly and keep them well maintained and provided they have a good coat
to do this with.  I do have one Pyr here though - my rescue girl - that I
relented this summer and took her coat back with a #4 blade (about an inch
long all over).  She has a very incorrect coat - like cotton wadding - that
just sucks dirt straight to the skin no matter how often you brush her.  The
shorter style has worked well for her.  My other Pyrs have good coats so I
wouldnt do them - except for my old recently departed girl who had her belly
shaved in summer to help her keep cool.

If the skin is really short with pink skin showing through, then I would
certainly be careful of sunburn.  As long as the skin is covered though, it
shouldn't be a problem.  As for cold, you may need to take more care - think
Labrador or short haired German Shepherd depending on the comparison in coat
length and treat about the same you would these breeds.  I probably wouldnt
limit their swimming time though.  A shorter coat will, after all, be much
easer to dry off after a dip <g>.

Tracy Bassett
Country Styles Grooming
Espinay Pyrenean Mountain Dogs
Murrumbateman, Australia
espinay@bigpond.com