Labrador Retriever Hair Cut

The following question was sent in by TJ, owner of a very adorable 19 month old, yellow Labrador Retriever named Nicki.

TJ's writes in regards to cutting his Labrador Retriever's hair. The Labrador Retriever Hair Cut is always a popular one here at All About Labradors as the weather warms up.

Readers Email - TJ Writes:

Thank you for being so generous with all these question. I have a great yellow lab, Nicki, a free gift in front of the local grocery store and love her dearly. She is 19 months old and I have be cutting her hair, pretty much every 4 months since we got her at 6 weeks old, is this totally wrong?

The main reason for cutting her hair is to help in drying her off after swimming, we have a pool and she loves to swim and she’s a spoiled indoor dog (smile), I should also mention, not only the pool but don’t ever leave the door open in the bathroom when filling the bathtub. Keeping the hair short allows her to swim as much as she like and I can quickly dry her off, so she can come back in the house. We are cautious with the sun, she has never sun burned, the backyard is fully shaded. Is cutting the hair really bad for this breed?

Thank you, TJ

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello TJ, thanks for your question and the wonderful photo of Nicki. This is a popular question that we get asked many times and our answer is always NO (unless needed for medical purposes).

Labrador Retrievers owners believe that by cutting or shaving their dog it will keep them from shedding or keep them cooler in the warmer weather. The undercoat that they cut or shave actually helps to keep your Labrador Retriever cool and helps provide insulation from the heat and sun.

What we do believe in is grooming thoroughly. I provided the answers to your question in a previous post on this blog that should provided the answers you seek: Does a Labrador Retriever need a Haircut.

In the "Does a Labrador Retriever need a Haircut" post I refer to a tool called the Furminator. I've posted a review on that tool, which may also be of help: FURminator Dog deShedding Tool.

Last but not least Woodhaven Labradors provides a wonderful article on Grooming Your Labrador Retriever.

I hope this will be of help to you and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care of yourself and Nicki.

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

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