Re: [pyrnet] Shaved great pyrs

[Christy <take_a_hike@earthlink.net>]

Title: Re: [pyrnet] Shaved great pyrs

I am on my third pyr.  My first two I never even considered shaving them.  But, this one..  I do.  It is true their hair doesn't grow in quite the same... it's just not as soft.  My boys coat was bad to begin with..  he is on a prescription diet which has affected his coat.  No matter how much I groom or brush he will always look like a huge brillo pad.

I had him shaved down rather late in the season last summer.. and had concerns if he would get enough coat for winter.  Oh..  no problem there.  He looks like a huge "brillo pad" right now.. and he is for the most part an indoor dog.  I wouldn't shave if you show or don't want the texture of the hair to change.  I do it because he backpacks with me,  And in Washington state.. all the moisture year round he was having way toooo many hot spots.   I don't have him shaved down to the skin... they use a longer guard on the clippers.  For me... the texture of his hair is not as important as his own comfort.  Having an over heated dog backpacking with hot spots.. was Not at all comfortable for him.

I have also heard that you never shave them.. until I ran into a breeder that convinced me.  She asked me... Do you plan to show?  If not.. then why not?   My vacuum thanks me..  and he was much more comfortable last summer.. being able to hike farther and harder than normal.  Next month.. he will get his shave early for this season of hiking.

Christy

on 3/28/04 1:25 PM, Old4fun@aol.com at Old4fun@aol.com wrote:

> I am so upset.
>  
> A friend of my daughter's has two pyrenees.  A 4 year old old adult female she rescued and a 6 month old male puppy.   She took them to the groomer a couple of days ago.  She says there was a "misunderstanding" and when she returned the groomer had shaved both dogs almost down to the skin!!!   
>  
> It is my understanding that this should NEVER be done.  I know my pyr can shed... and I keep him brushed.  I've heard they will now be at risk for sunburn or being cold.  Is this correct?  I tried to do some web research for her but am not that savvy.
>  
> She lives in northern Michigan right on a river.  Normally her female pyr loves to take swims.  I've told her not to let Georgia in the water until her hair grows back.
>  
> What other advice should I give her?
>  
> Thanks
> Sherry
> (owner of the great pyr Nicodemus Bottom and two little shih tzu furballs)