Sounds fair!

Hi Sophie. You have misunderstood and possibly not fully read the main point of article. The ‘after’ photos are the same dogs taken when the hair was completely regrown, at least 6 months later.
We hope for scientific studies, but currently this is all we can do to judge the positive or negative effects of clipping or shaving on regrowth. However, as I say above, the idea that it can damage structures beneath the skin surface (i.e. the hair follicle) seems anatomically highly unlikely. The term ‘shave’ as used by dog owners or groomers refers to close clipping, not the use of a razor. Even a ‘shaved’ dog still has 5-10mm of hair above the skin.
I am very interested in your perspective from the human medical field and if you have evidence that clipping can cause alopecia I would greatly appreciate you posting it in a reply.

Regarding the term “clipping”, possibly the term is used differently in Australia. In America, we use 2 different terms – clipping and shaving. Those that groom (either professionally or their own dogs) use clippers with different size blades to cut a dog’s coat to varying lengths, based on either the breed standard or the owner’s preference. My Old English Sheepdog is in “full coat” and his groomer uses clippers to keep his hair at an average length of 4”/10 cm. Some owners go to the extreme and have their dogs shaved down to the skin. These are the dogs who are susceptible to sunburn, skin cancer, and if they are a dense fur, double coated breed, possibly, alopecia.

I would agree there certainly could be underlying conditions for alopecia, such as thyroid problems, parasites, etc. However, as a clinician in the medical field, your saying alopecia is not a possibility after shaving is a myth is completely irresponsible. Especially because “You say so.” rather than presenting any clinical evidence to prove otherwise.

Hi Gina. I can’t really say how long it will take as this article is really about double coated breeds. He will return to normal in time.

It certainly applies to any single coated breed like Bichons or Poodles.

Yes we will definitely have to disagree. I posted the ‘after’ pictures because they look like any other (unclipped) dog I see, but of course a) I don’t have an expert’s eye, and b) coat care in the general public is not always optimal. Note also the advanced age of the ‘after’ German Shepherd and Collie.