Re: [PyrNet-L] Shaving Pyrs

["Karen Reiter" <kreiter@servtech.com>]

<<I would like to say that I agree that shaving a Pyr is breaking down a
defense system that was created to protect them.  <snip>  Pyrs have this
coat as protection from both heat, sun, and cold.  They will overheat more
quickly without the protection of their coat in warm weather or even
temperate weather 70 degrees to 90 degrees.  Again, if you shave their coat,
you are really taking away the protection that was designed for them in any
weather.>>

I agree that this is probably true for most Pyrs who have a *reasonable*
coat.  However, I have a 10 year old spayed bitch with HUGH coat (5-6" all
over).  Her coat used to be relatively easy to care for, but after she was
spayed, it became very cottony, almost downy soft.   Because it's so soft,
it mats easily causing her to overheat in summer and it's difficult to keep
it in decent condition.  I spend about 15-20 minutes every day giving Shelly
a brushing, and then on weekends, she gets even more grooming.  Well, at 10
years old, she isn't as patient with me fussing over her as she used to be.
So last summer, I spoke with her breeder and I/we decided that it was okay
to have her clipped down to 1.5 - 2".  Well, when I picked her up from the
groomer, she acted like she had gained 5 years back on her life.  I could
almost hear her say "I'm Free!!!".

IMO (and I believe hers too), her coat was creating more problems and
discomfort for her than was necessary.  She still had enough fur on her to
protect her from the elements, but she was generally more comfortable (and
much happier) with this shorter *look*.   Besides, it was less fur to clean
off of the couch <g>.  My male, otoh, has a very easy coat to contend with.
I don't think that I'll ever have reason to clip his coat down.

I guess that we just need to find what works best for our own needs, and
especially those of our dogs.

Karen Reiter
kreiter@servtech.com