Grooming Tips

Dutch was severely matted

On our last Grooming Tips post we explored the tools and the process for caring for our Pyr's coats.  But a big question with Pyrenees parents is "should I shave my Pyr"?

Although there are definitely two opposing camps on this subject, the National Great Pyrenees Rescue does not recommend doing a shave down on a dog unless there is severe and heavy matting.  The dogs are a double-coated breed with a very fine and dense undercoat which acts as an insulator protecting the dogs from cold and the heat.  A good graphic that explains how this work was taken from Kelsie McKenzie's blog "It's Dog or Nothing" and is shown below (original credit for diagram is unknown).  As you can see from the graphic, it is also important to keep your dog's coat brushed so that the undercoat works the way it was intended.

Coat basics

Henry's trimmed rear

In addition to this, Pyr skin is pink and fair and can burn easily when left in the sun!  So while shaving a Pyr is not recommended, in cases of severe summer heat (like almost anywhere south presently) some Pyr owners will do a "puppy cut" or shave their bellies and inner thighs to help add to their cooling abilities.  Pyr owners may also trim their rears with a "sanitary cut" or trim their feet to reduce their "elf"look.

Fuzzy toes

Groomers may do a "thin and trim" cut with a comb attachment on a razor then trim the rest of the body and legs with a scissor.   So there are options for keeping your Pyr neat and trimmed but shaving a Pyr is not recommended!

Check back often as is the next grooming post we will explore bathing Pyrs including how often, what shampoos to use, and other bathing topics!