A dramatic viral photo of a husky wearing an extreme haircut has raised an important question: Is it cruel, or just kind of goofy looking, to shave a dog like this?Given a robust debate on this topic since the photo first came to public attention on social media about a week ago, TODAY posed that query to to Teri DiMarino, president of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association and a groomer with more than four decades of experience. While DiMarino began by characterizing the shaved husky as “really quite comical,” she explained that, by and large, it’s better not to shave dogs of that breed — and others on this long list — that have what’s known as “double coats.”
Did you know that our dogs’ double coat not only acts as an insulator, but also protects them from the extreme summer heat? “In fact, dog breeds with double fur coats such as Huskies should never, ever be shaved. Their coats trap air, which are insulators and crucial in protecting your dog from sunburns! Dogs with single fur coats however, are able to be trimmed, not shaved entirely – just for canine maintenance and hygiene! Be aware of your dog’s needs before visiting the groomer’s – you may be harming your dog instead. Just trim a little of the edges if its messy! So dog owners beware – shaving your dog may do more harm than good!