Belly clip/clipping a dog not designed for clipping

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Peter7917

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So I took the plunge and ended up with a border collie x german shepherd. I figured I can offer enough exercise and while I am still young enough I can do a high energy dog justice. An eventful mix no doubt.

My question is, I used to have a lab x border collie (pts last October). She was always clipped out her whole life with no ill affects.

Does anyone do a belly clip on dogs which aren't designed to be clipped? Just for hygiene reasons, we ride through some crazy countryside and don't really want a dog covered in burrs etc! I am just thinking when she is older a belly clip may be a good idea but would like to hear other peoples opinions on belly clips and in general clipping a dog that shouldn't be clipped.

thank you
 
My opinion would me that these breeds have the coats that they do for a reason, warm in the winter and cool in the summer, they're not that hard to maintain, it takes ten or fifteen minutes to brush a dog out or towel dry it or even pop a light cover on them as protection. Grooming/putting your hands on a dog also improves your bond and helps check for lumps, bumps and parasites you may not know were there otherwise. I have a longhaired dog and he does get covered in burrs and all sorts of other things, it's just a matter of picking them out and while you're doing it, you can check them out generally. Best of luck with her :)
 
You would probably have issues of injury on their belly if they have no hair to protect it.
Chuck a fleece on if they are really wet and brush later. You will need to brush a lot anyway with a half German shedder!!!

Personally I think it will be a great active mix and sounds like you are up for the work out 👍😁
 
I've had German Shepherds for a long time. Usually burrs will comb out without too much trouble. I can't speak for border collies.
 
I agree completely with CC's post.

I have had a number of long haired double coated dogs of various breeds and have never clipped. I did however cut off feathers on paws and between pads as mud or snow collecting on the paws is uncomfortable. It is also a good idea to check between toes after a walk as long haired dogs especially seem to collect grass seeds which are painful and if not removed can penetrate the skin and cause an abscess

I tried just about every brush, comb and rake on the market for dogs including those with rotating teeth (stupid, useless things).

I like to comb down to the skin and have never found a brush to be effective for long haired double coated dogs.

I could have saved myself a lot of money if I had bought this first - Chris Christensen Buttercomb 000.

If you have one you don't need anything else for a semi or long haired dog, or a short haired dog with a thick coat. I have had mine for many years and it is as good as the day I bought it. No problem with the thick long coat of a Rough Collie for example and makes short work of GSD semi long hair.

Don't waste your money on the snap on wooden handle, I found it awkward and never use it.

As CC says it only takes a few minutes each day and is much kinder to the dog to groom daily, and think how much nicer they must feel.

For short haired dogs, lurchers and JRT for example, I used a Zoom Groom followed by a pure bristle brush.

RIP Joe from laptop 013b.jpg
 
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The GSD x border collies I know (purpose bred for working trials) don’t have long coats and tend to be the length of a smooth collie. Definitely no need to clip
 
skinnydipper said:
I agree completely with CC's post.

I have had a number of long haired double coated dogs of various breeds and have never clipped. I did however cut off feathers on paws and between pads as mud or snow collecting on the paws is uncomfortable. It is also a good idea to check between toes after a walk as long haired dogs especially seem to collect grass seeds which are painful and if not removed can penetrate the skin and cause an abscess

I tried just about every brush, comb and rake on the market for dogs including those with rotating teeth (stupid, useless things).

I like to comb down to the skin and have never found a brush to be effective for long haired double coated dogs.

I could have saved myself a lot of money if I had bought this first - Chris Christensen Buttercomb 000.

If you have one you don't need anything else for a semi or long haired dog, or a short haired dog with a thick coat. I have had mine for many years and it is as good as the day I bought it. No problem with the thick long coat of a Rough Collie for example and makes short work of GSD semi long hair.

Don't waste your money on the snap on wooden handle, I found it awkward and never use it.

As CC says it only takes a few minutes each day and is much kinder to the dog to groom daily, and think how much nicer they must feel.

For short haired dogs, lurchers and JRT for example, I used a Zoom Groom followed by a pure bristle brush.

RIP Joe View attachment 29172
Click to expand...
beautiful dog......can i ask what is so special about the chris c. comb. i have a collie cross who has a double coat and i thought it might be good for her but it seems like a lot of money..what am i missing?
 
I can't remember it costing a lot of money but I've just found it on Amazon for £35 which does seem excessive.

All I can say really is that it seems to go through the coat nicely and it is comfortable to use.

I have had other metal combs where the tines have bent so that some of the gaps between them are narrower/wider but this is still perfect.

It was all I used on my GSDs and Annie who had a very long double coat and Joe who had long hair with an undercoat like cotton wool.

I would hate for you to buy it and be disappointed - I wish I could let you try mine before you buy but I couldn't be without it .
 
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