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woes of growing a coat out

1K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  HavaneseSoon 
#1 ·
So I've been growing Ollie's coat out for 14 months now, he's got a slow growing coat. he's also always been an itchy pup, but it seems since his coat length is longer, he's been itchier.

also, when I come home from work everyday, b/c he's playing all day with my other dogs, he usually has an unsightly mat on him, which he didn't have in the morning.

and lastly, I noticed a couple of days ago, he's either chewed some fur off on his side, or something funky, it's pretty short in a patch of his hair one side.

so my question: should I just whack it off and keep him in a puppy coat?

he has a lot of breakage I think from playing with my other dogs (the mouth him, and what not).

all comments welcome. I know don't have a preference for his coat length I just want him to be less itchy.
 
#2 ·
It sounds like he would be better in a cute puppy cut,especially as you are not too bothered about coat length.I think if a Hav has beautiful fur then show it off and let it grow,but if it is not so great then they look better trimmed up a little.We keep our 2 trimmed as it is definitely much easier,they both go to the groomers once every 2 months,and that way I hardly have to comb or brush them,Dizzie is much happier that way!
 
#4 ·
It sounds like he would be better in a cute puppy cut,especially as you are not too bothered about coat length.I think if a Hav has beautiful fur then show it off and let it grow,but if it is not so great then they look better trimmed up a little.
Ditto! If it's easier for both of you, he looks better and FEELS better with a shorter coat, why not go with it!?!?
 
#5 ·
I was trying to grow Riley's coat out too but at 1 1/2 yrs it seems he's still blowing coat. So it wasn't working out. Last week I got the clippers out and yesterday I finished his haircut. Maybe this just isn't the right time for Ollie. You could always try again in the future. Btw, I don't regret the haircut. He looks cute and I'm sure he won't miss me tugging on his knotted hair.
 
#6 ·
Rosie hasn't noticed the difference in her short coat. She is not even cold. Her undercoat is real thick and curly. Probably why she had began to mat so much. I am letting it grow to a longer puppy coat--that is unless she and Jetho are still rough housing with each other. Jethro (the cat) weighs 10 lbs now and has taken to grooming Rosie. He licks his hair all in place and then tries to lick Rosie's into place. He has pulled on hr ear hair so much as to shorten it about two inches. So what is the point in growing a long coat again until they settle down?
 
#7 ·
I was growing his coat out to see if I'd like it, see what he'd look like. I can't be sure if the longer coat is the cause of his increased itchyness.

it's only been the last couple of months that he's been having mats from playing, and now, missing some hair on his side. I also noticed that certain places like his neck really aren't growing much at all, which might also be a side effect of playing (my bigger boy Oz likes to mouth Ollie).
 
#8 ·
Finn is 22 months and just had another minor coat blowing around his hind quarters. It was matting and I combed tons of hair out of him there. The blowing phase before that probably took place at around 18 months, and he looked dreadful after that. Thin hair, moth-eaten. But it now is filling in and it is thickening up. No increased itching involved, however, that I noticed. It seems like I remember Augie blowing coat off and on until around 2 as well. I have trimmed some of the remaining long hairs off Finn and am thinking about keeping it shorter - a longish puppy cut. If Ollie seems happier, I would just keep it short. Would new hairs coming in possibly cause itching in some dogs?
 
#9 ·
I had Zoey growing out for about 18 mo . I finally gave her a puppy cut and I think she looks younger. Her mats are close to the skin so long or short its still as much grooming. Although I think its easier to pull the mat threw a shorter coat.I't took me a couple of weeks with the sisters itching to discover a flea on Zoey. Do you give a flea treatment? If not That may be the cause. Apple Cider Vinegar not only helps with flea control but is good for the skin. I would try a oat based non soap shampoo and rinse with the apple cider vinager. Maybe his skin is just dry.:tea:
 
#12 ·
I have been growing out the hair in Dexter and Jack, they are older so I do not have to worry about "blowing coat." I am also finding out I do not have to bathe the boys as often.

It has been about a month since the last bath. So, I do not have to worry about over bathing them. Make sure you are using a good quality conditioner. It is Winter and the skin can get dry.

Have you changed any foods or snacks lately? It could be an allergy that is causing the dryness. Just thoughts of mine... I hope I have help some.
 
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