You know that grooming your Golden Retriever is important, and you want to do it right.
When it comes to a haircut, it can be quite challenging to decide how to go about it, as there are so many options.
One common question about grooming a Golden Retriever is whether you can use sheep shears to do it. Continue reading to find out the answer.
Can You Shear a Golden Retriever With Sheep Shears?
You can shear a golden retrievers coat using sheep shears. If you’re asking if you should use them, the answer is probably not.
Can You Shear a Golden Retriever With Sheep Shears?
If You Decide to Use Sheep Shears on your Golden Retriever…
If you’re at the point where using sheep shears seems like the only or the best way to go, you’ll want to follow a few important steps.
Research How They Work
Don’t just dive right in. Take some time to read about how professional sheep shearers use their tools.
Research first how to use sheep shears when trimming your Golden Retriever’s fur
Try to find some videos online, too. More preparation means the easier the process will be for your dog and you.
Know Your Types
Sheep shears come in manual and machine options. Manual shears look a great deal like a pair of scissors, and they work much the same way.
The manual type of sheep shears works like a pair of scissors
The good thing about manual shears is that you’re not going to be able to get all the way to your dog’s skin, which leaves some fur behind and less of a chance of injury.
Machine shears work much like electric clippers. They offer a closer cut, but you’ll usually have to run them back and forth over the same spot a few times.
The machine sheep shears work like electric clippers and offers a closer cut
Start With a Dry Coat
When humans go in for a haircut, the barber or hairstylist usually wants the hair wet. This is not the case for dogs.
Always start with a dry coat for the safest and best results.
Before you cut your Golden Retriever’s fur, make sure it is dry
Purpose of Your Golden Retriever’s Coat
Like some other dogs, Golden Retrievers have a double coat. You probably know that and you probably don’t enjoy all of the shedding.
The truth is, though, that this double coat is very important.
The outer coat acts as a shield protecting your Goldie from the elements. It has a harsh feel to it, but it’s that way so it can be effective.
Beneath that is a soft coat that acts as insulation. It helps them stay warm in winters and cool in summers. When your dog sheds, it’s this soft coat that comes off.
Your Golden Retriever’s fur acts as a protection and insulation for the dog
If you decide to shave or shear your dog, you are removing an essential component. They’ll no longer have the protection they need, which can lead to issues like sunburn and skin damage.
They might also overheat in the summer, which could kill them.
If you have ever seen a sheep that has been sheared, you know that their skin is bare after this. Sheep shears are made for this purpose.
So, while you can technically cut your dog’s hair with sheep shears, you can end up leaving them without their protective coat.
How to Address Your Dog’s Coat
Chances are that if you want to shear your pup, one of two things is happening. Either their fur is matted or you are tired of seeing their hair all over the place.
It’s understandable that you would consider such drastic measures. However, there are things to consider.
Sheep shears – while mostly simple tools – require skill, experience, and precision. If you don’t possess any of the 3 said traits, you’ll likely cut your Golden Retriever in the process.
And you’ll probably cut off much more hair than you should. Remember, Golden Retrievers only need a trim – not a full haircut.
If you’re dealing with a great deal of shedding, the best thing to do is to de-shed your dog. Your dog groomer can take care of this for you, or you can do it yourself.
To do so, you’ll need a brush designed specifically for the process. After bathing and conditioning your dog’s coat, be sure to dry it.
Then, simply brush their entire body to get all of the loose fur.
Rid of all the loose fur on your Golden Retriever by brushing it
If your issue is that your dog is matted badly, it’s usually a much better option to call your groomer.
They have the skills and tools that are necessary to take care of the mats without impacting your dog’s skin.
In some severe cases of matting, your groomer will agree that the most humane thing you can do for your pet is to shave or shear them.
Of course, this is something the groomer can do, but it’s also a time that you could use sheep shears to get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shearing a Golden Retriever With Sheep Shears
How much do sheep shears cost compared to dog shears?
If you want a good pair of electric sheep shears, you can expect to pay well over $100. You can usually get decent dog shears for around $20.
How can I keep my dog’s hair from getting matted so I don’t need to shave him?
Basic, regular grooming can keep your Golden Retriever’s coat in great shape. Brush their coat a minimum of every two to three days from their head to the toes. When you notice they are starting to shed, break out your de-shedding tool to help the process and keep the fur off of your floor.
If I use sheep shears on my dog, will its fur grow back?
It’s difficult to say, as shaving or shearing them can actually damage their fur. It will likely grow back, but it probably won’t feel or look the same. And it might grow back in patches, as opposed to all coming in at once.
Conclusion
To review, yes, you can technically use sheep shears on your Golden Retriever, but it’s not advisable.
It can damage their fur and leave their skin unprotected from harsh environmental elements.
It’s always best to carry out regular grooming and let a groomer help you address any issues with their coat.