Sheltie in Summer. Can the Groomer help?

Question

Hi, I was thinking about getting a Sheltie, but I have a question. I live in VIrginia, and it gets HOT in the summer. The Dog would be mostly inside in air conditioning, but still.

okay, I have a thing against heat. I get hot easily and HATE heat, so maybe that's why I'm so obsessed. I can't stand the thought of a poor puppy being uncomfortably hot.

My actual question is.. Do Professional groomers have "haircuts" that they can give to a Sheltie (not shaving, but cutting the hair short to remove alot of bulk). Something that wouldn't look weird?

Can they do that?
Will it help a long-haired dog be more comfortable in the heat?

THANKS!! I really don't know much about such things, so I appreciate being set straight on this issue.

I'm still trying to decide if I am Going to GET a sheltie. I want one bad, but my apartment is teeny and I don't have a yard (Though it says shelties are good inside dogs, and I walk alot and spent alot of time home (accept for 8 hours work with an hour at home for lunch)). So anyway..

My place is air conditioned anyway, so I guess I shoudln't worry so much.

Answer 1

I am a dog groomer and I wouldn't recommend having her hair cut. There are 3 things that are important to keeping a dog cool. Fresh, cool water, shade and air flow. Air conditioning is good but consider getting a floor fan so that your dog can lay in front of it. Don't be surprised if she lays belly up! Fill her water dish 2-3 times a day. If she has to spend any time outside make sure she has shade and water.

Answer 2

Actually the shelties coat helps keep the insulated and cooler in the summer along with warm in the winter. It kind of sheilds them from the elements. Think of the fur as the thick outside of a cooler. So don't feel you have to cut your shelties hair. It may actually make her warmer if you do.

Answer 3

I had a sheltie for 15 yrs and i trimmed her one summer and she seemed to suffer more from the heat than when she had a full coat. i live in south georgia too. i did find that if i kept her brushed extra regular, to get the loose, dead hairs out of her undercoat she was better.