Full Pants and Feathers

[shellyk]

We have two Newfs who are family companions not show dogs so I wonder if having long and full pants and feathers is really necessary? Our female is three years young and never got an adult type long coat. She has curly fur that never mats. I love it even though it isn't the typical Newf look. Her pants and feathers really fade so I have been clipping them pretty short and her curly hair is very forgiving of my clipping ability

Our male is 2 years young and has the long thick coat and it mats horribly. I was clipping a really bad mat out of one of his feathers and it really looks horrible!! His straight fur isn't forgiving and looks like I did it with a hatchet. I am tempted to take him to a groomer and have them all shortened and evened out.

In the very wet Pacific Northwest their pants and feathers get wet 2 -3 times daily - is there a reason other than breed standard that I need to keep them long and full?

 

[Jeannie]

It is your choice on how you want them to look. I always kept Adam's on the shorter side. He had a really thick coat.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You should trim the coat so it works best for you and your dogs lifestyle. I keep coats long when showing, but then trim it shorter when they are done. When you cut a mat, hold the shears vertical and not cut across. Using a thinner will not leave cut marks like a straight shear will.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

After Myra's bladder infection, I shaved her back end down. I did it for medical reasons but I must say having it shorter has made life so much easier for both of us. Zeke is still longer but this spring I may take him shorter cause he's really starting to hating the combing all the time. I just want them both happy and comfy and that's what matters.

 

[victoria1140]

I always do a but trim so that its more sanitary but the feathers hide it.

However l have a friend who l help who finds it easier to clip the feather and pants back so its easier for her to groom.