Shaved Tibetan Mastiff: Important Things You Need To Know

The ancient Tibetan Mastiff is a rare, giant dog breed with a distinctive double coat. This loyal guardian dog was first introduced to the public in 1847. It is well known for its huge body and thick coat. The dense, woolly undercoat and coarse top coat are the main reasons why Shaved Tibetan Mastiff is not as simple as it seems.

We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shaving Tibetan Mastiffs and give you some useful grooming advice to keep this breed healthy.

The Purpose of Shaving Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their thick, double-coated fur that helps protect them from extreme weather in the Himalayas. So what is the purpose of shaving Tibetan Mastiff? During hot weather, its thick fur can be an ideal place for external parasites to live and lay eggs on there. Shaving might be the only way to solve that problem. Here are some reasons why we have shaved Tibetan Mastiffs:

• Removing annoying fleas and ticks that build up on the dog's skin.
• Getting loose and dead hair, flea dirt, and grease out of dog's fur.
• Shaving will prevent the dog from matting and tangling.
• Maintaining the coat healthy and clean.

Can You Shave a Tibetan Mastiff ?

You should not get a shaved Tibetan Mastiff unless its fur is pelted, so keep in mind that shaving can have a detrimental effect on Mastiff's coat and should not be done frequently. Tibetan Mastiff has a two-layered, thick, and long coat.

The inner layer is the soft and fluffy undercoat that protects the dog from harsh weather, whether hot or cold. The outer layer is guard hair which is normally long, thick, and rough. This hair helps protect the dog's skin from pests and overexposure. If you shave the Tibetan Mastiff down completely, the coat will grow back weirdly and a little bit funny. Because the inner layer will grow back quickly, which is overtaking the slow-growing guard hair, will make the coat texture thinner or harsher than usual.

How to Shave Tibetan Mastiff?

It is still okay to shave Tibetan Mastiff if you carefully follow the rules, but you are better to ask the veterinarian or professional groomer before shaving your dog. Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most challenging dog breeds to shave. Their dense and thick fur makes it difficult to shave even with highly experienced groomers. It’s important to be aware of potential risks when shaving this breed and closely monitor it after shaving.

Before Shaving

Here are the important things you need to bear in mind before shaving:

• Don't shave Tibetan Mastiffs in the summer or during the hot season.
• Consider the health of your dog. Mastiffs with certain skin conditions, allergies, or medical issues may be more prone to complications from shaving.
• Seeking professional advice for shaving methods to ensure the well-being of the dog.
• Using proper equipment and knowing your dog's skin type and potential health requirements

Steps to Shave

There are two types of shaving: wet and dry. For double-coated dogs, wet shaving is safer and less irritating for their skin.

• Initially, the dog's fur needs to be completely wet.
• Applying high-quality shaving cream on its body.
• After the cream is soaked in, shave down slowly toward the tail, starting at the neck or head. Be careful not to shave too close to the skin otherwise, it may hurt the dog.
• Finally, rinse the Mastiff with warm water and dry this huge lovely dog with a clean towel.

After Shaving

After shaving, make sure to keep a shaved Tibetan Mastiff cool and clean:

• Never let the dog expose its skin directly to the sun.
• Bathe it gently and properly hypoallergenic dog shampoo and dry it thoroughly to prevent matts and skin irritation.
• Use good-quality mats and beds for your dog.
• Take Mastiff out for exercise in the morning or in the evening when the weather is neither hot nor cold.
• Brush the Mastiff weekly with a slicker brush.

Besides, here are some common risks that can occur if you shave Tibetan Mastiff:

• The Mastiffs can experience shave shock. They can get sad and become more sensitive. In this case, you need to be patient and take good care of them.
• They might be more prone to sunburn and other skin-related problems.
• Shaving can cause hair loss, which takes twice as long to regrow.
• Both the undercoat and guard hair of Tibetan Mastiff might not regrow in the same way as it was before.

When and Why You Shouldn't Shave Tibetan Mastiff?

The hot season is the worst time to get a shaved Tibetan Mastiff and is not recommended by veterinarians. Its two layers of coat are like a shield that provides protection against the weather elements and helps regulate their body temperature. Shaving its coat at that time may cause heart stroke, and hypothermia and lead to many skin-related health issues.

Shaving dogs with double coats will not help them stop shedding. Some dogs even shed much more hair after being shaved. If you accidentally trim the Tibetan Mastiff too closely to the skin, this can cause permanent hair loss and changes in coat texture.

After shaving, shaved Tibetan Mastiffs may also possibly suffer from psychological effects that they become more vulnerable and anxious. In case they shed a lot, you have to groom them at least three times a week. Instead of shaving off its fur, you can brush and trim the Mastiff regularly to maintain their appealing coat. This way would preserve your dog's natural and protective fur.

Conclusion

To sum up, the answer to the troublesome question of whether you shaved Tibetan Mastiff or not is "It depends on many factors". It is crucial to consider relevant factors before shaving that are likely to affect the dog's well-being, from health conditions, skin, and coat type to the external environment. This step is primarily important to ensure the health and well-being of the Tibetan Mastiff.

Make shaving and grooming a wonderful and positive experience for your canine companion. Generally speaking, treating them with love, respect, and care is the key to making them feel comfortable during the shaving and grooming process.