Here's the question I was asked by a client of mine about his Lab:
"What do you think about her being shaved for the summer? I was thinking about it for a couple reasons, it might keep her cooler and obviously cut down on the fur around the house. Kind of, maybe just shorter hair everywhere. I think I'll try it as long as it doesn't mess with her swimming or make her more prone to allergies etc. What do you think? I want to get your opinion before I decide."
And here's the answer from EKC Grooming's blog, :
"First, some basic information, so we all start out on the
same page. A double coated dog is any dog with a harsh outer coat and a
soft undercoat. The soft undercoat is what sheds and leaves tumbleweeds
all over your house. German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador
Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies are just a few examples
of a double coated dog. (Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers are
NOT examples of double coated dogs. This information does not apply to
them.) These two coats grow independently of one another and to different
lengths. The outer coat is longer, and tends to grow slower. The
undercoat is shorter and grows faster, and also turns over, or sheds, twice a
year. Now that we all understand basically what we’re dealing with, why
shouldn’t you shave a dog like this?" Here's the link to the remainder of the blog post.
So ... please don't shave your Labs and goldens. Get yourself a good grooming tool like a Furminator, brush them regularly, bathe them occasionally, and get a good vacuum cleaner for shedding season.