Cooling cuts for thick-coated breeds in Florida
Thick-coated breeds — Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, even Huskies — were not designed for Florida summers. But shaving them is the wrong move. The double coat actually protects against heat by trapping a layer of cooler air against the skin.
What works instead is a "cooling cut" or "summer trim" — a strategic shortening that removes bulk without taking the topcoat down to the skin. The undercoat gets thoroughly stripped (de-shedding treatment), the leg feathering is shortened, the belly and groin are trimmed close to let air circulate, and the topcoat is left at full length on the back and sides.
A good Florida groomer knows this distinction. If a salon offers to "shave" a Golden Retriever for summer, find a different salon. Shaving a double coat can lead to coat funk syndrome — patchy, slow regrowth, and increased sun exposure on the now-bare skin.
Schedule the cooling cut in early May, before peak heat. A second touch-up in late July keeps things manageable through August. Cost is usually $80–$150 in Florida depending on size and salon.
For Huskies specifically: never shave. Strip the undercoat with a high-velocity dryer instead. A blowout treatment every 6 weeks keeps a Husky comfortable in Florida summers.