Why you want a dog that sheds
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, March 29, 2023
I received something in the mail a little while ago that made me think of grooming dogs with double coats. I want to share my thoughts about grooming the American Dirus dog with you today.
One of the reasons Lois developed a dog breed with a wild appearance is because the healthiest animals are always produced by nature. Natural selection weeds out the weak and unhealthy. There is a reason wild wolves living in captivity regularly live to be 18 years old. This is also the reason high content wolf dogs tend to have drastically longer lifespans than 100% domesticated dog breeds.
One important feature that supports overall health in our American Dirus dogs is its natural, high-shedding double coat that mimics all wild canids.
Wolves, fox, and coyotes cannot take themselves to the groomers every three weeks for a wash, dry, and brush. They must maintain a healthy coat without regular grooming sessions.
These animals keep their coats clean naturally!
A double coat allows the fluffier undercoat to grow in-between the harsher outer coat, acting as a barrier from debris, water, dirt, and grime. In the winter, this double coat keeps them warm and insulates them from the frigid blowing winds.
A double coat that sheds easily is an added benefit. When the weather changes, this fluffy undercoat wiggles its way from the skin and slides down the guard hairs to release itself to the elements. Birds and other creatures use it to their advantage.
Aside from that, the shedding process moves oils produced by the skin. These oils keep the skin and hair from breaking or cracking. It also takes dirt, grime, and debris with it. Whisking away foul odors that may have lingered there.
When we groom a dog using shampoos that break down the body’s natural oils, the result can be cracked, weathered skin that itches. Dogs need oil on the skin and hair to stop itchy scabs and scaly skin from forming. If you wash away these natural oils every three weeks, you may find your dog scratching more, or biting itself more often.
A double-coated, high shedding dog rarely needs to be groomed.
Instead, a good grooming session with a slicker brush will draw the oils along the hair shaft. This promotes undercoat release, and keep any mats from forming.
No need for expensive shampoos.
High costs associated with going to the groomer are slashed completely.
Doggie smell will almost be eradicated.
But, if your dog is a low shedder or does not have a double coat, going to the groomer is almost mandatory. You must combat the smells from oils that never have a chance to glide down the hair shaft and fall away with the undercoat. Debris build up near the skin, causing scabs and smells is almost guaranteed. Matting and snow build up are major issues for this coat type.
Do yourself a favor.
Live free of grooming fees and doggie smells associated with a low shedding single-coated dog breed.
The only way to go, in my opinion, is a high-shedding, double-coated dog breed, like the American Dirus dog.
Here is an article I wrote on why you want a dog that sheds.
Also, I have a special video for you, my dear friend.
Let’s get together and spend a few minutes chatting.
I received a few gifts in the mail and I want to share them with you.
Here is the link to join me for a coffee or tea break. I look forward to it.
And… if you liked the video, don’t forget to like and subscribe.
Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.