Labrador Retrievers are known for providing a friendly companion and are usually excellent working dog breed. They are very good-natured and very hardworking. They are warm and intelligent. They are also America’s number one breed registered to the American Kennel Club, a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States.
Even people who are not into dogs can recognize what a Lab looks like and awe by its charms. Labs are naturally muscular and athletic; they have plenty of energy and are very happy-go-lucky. They give off that outgoing and high-spirited companion as well.
Labradors have two types: American Labs who are taller, longer, and sleeker in appearance, and English Labs that are larger, stockier, and heavier. You can easily recognize Labradors by their standard colors, which are black, yellow, and chocolate. However, they can also be in black, red, and white. No matter what color of fur they have, all have a thick double coat and sheds moderately every year.
Now that we’ve mentioned all about shedding and coats, we’re sure that you’re curious if your Lab needs a haircut for maintenance. Well, the answer to that is: NO. Getting your Labs haircut is absolutely unnecessary. Find out why and what you can do to groom your Lab!
Do Labs Need Haircuts?
As pet owners, you always want what’s best for your fur baby, and make sure to really be mindful of the important details for their welfare. You tried to search for the best way to take care of your Lab’s lovely coat and came upon this article; well, worry not because we got you covered.
While dog haircuts are trendy for many dog breeds, Labs are an exemption as they do not necessarily need these haircuts, especially in their working roles. The Labrador Retrievers’ coat is perfectly designed for their needs, whether they are taken care of as a family pet or an active service dog for those who need them.
What’s With the Labs’ Coat?
What is within a Labrador’s coat that doesn’t need a haircut? Well, for starters, no matter what color of fur your Lab has, he has a thick double coat. They shed moderately every year and shed heavily during shedding seasons. Despite not needing a haircut, Labs coats need much maintenance that they can ever need.
Their coats play a very vital role as they keep your Labs warm and cozy during winter nights but at the same time cool them and protect their skin during summer days.
Going back to history, Labrador Retrievers are also known initially as working dogs, helping their owners whether inland or in water. Their thick double coat that is also water-resistant protects them from all harm. These days, where Labradors are often kept as pets, their thick double coat fur still protects them during walks or when enjoying their run in dog parks.
For their very helpful and protective coats, a regular grooming routine is recommended to keep for their shedding and for your Labs to look at their absolute best. However, haircuts should not be part of this routine. Cutting or even shaving their fur can actually bring more harm than good and can even make cleaning shed fur even tricky.
What Risks Are Associated with Labrador Haircuts?
As mentioned earlier, Labradors don’t need haircuts because their coat and shedding patterns fit them as they provide them complete protection from weather and the outside world.
However, it is very evident for fur parents to be worried once seasons change. If you live somewhere hot, you may have the worries that your Lab would feel hot with his thick double coat that you may be thinking of shaving or cutting their thick double coat.
Unfortunately, if you trim or shave their fur even with good intention, you might actually bring more harm than good for your fur baby.
Cutting or shaving their fur during summer may increase their risk of exposure to the sun and sunburn or, worse, skin damage. And when winter comes, they may not have their thick double coats to protect them from the cold and keep them warm. They may struggle to be warm and have their bodies’ heat drop.
Trimming or cutting their fur may make them look cleaner or delay shedding. But then again, this may cause more harm as Labs will most likely feel the itch when their fur starts growing. This will lead to their excessive scratching and may even damage their newly exposed skin.
Can I Shave My Labrador?
Shaving your dog will bring more harm to your dog. Shaving will expose your Labs skin to the sun and any other elements. Labs that have their coats shaved will just suffer from sunburn and extreme cold that may cause further complications.
However, there will be times when your local vet needs to shave a part of your Lab’s fur; This is usually just a very small patch for a surgery or a procedure that would not affect the overall coat.
But then, bottom line, shaving your dog to control shedding, body regulation, or even for aesthetic reasons is never recommended.
Does Haircuts Help Labs Stop Shedding?
Mostly, owners give their Labs a haircut in an attempt to stop or prevent them from shedding. Labs shed moderately every year and shed heavily when shedding seasons come.
However, shaving your Labs or even getting them a haircut won’t stop their shedding. This may cause more problems as their fur will be growing shorter than it did before. You may have a lot more trouble when cleaning the next time as some vacuum finds this shorter hair harder to pick up.
The best way to prevent and control your Labs’ shedding is to have a strict grooming and cleaning schedule. Bathing your Lab regularly, grooming them at least once a week, and vacuuming shedded hair around your home weekly are just some of the ways that you can do.
How Can I Groom My Lab?
Your Lab’s thick double coat is very vital in protecting your fur baby; that is why it is very important for you, as his owner, to look after their coats as well. So how can you groom your Lab?
Well, it starts with small steps such as brushing their fur once or twice a week and more frequently during shedding seasons. Ensure that your Lab is used in grooming from a very young age so it won’t be that much of a hassle whenever you try to brush them. You can also make your grooming session fun by getting them treats all throughout.
Apart from brushing your Labs, you will also have to bathe them occasionally but not too often. This can affect the natural oils that they need for the protection of their furs. Grooming your Labs regularly is the best way to minimize their shedding and keeping them protected at the same time.
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