To shave or not to shave? - Page 2

Hallix, I am in Texas as well.  Do NOT shave your dog.  Brush everyday and provide lots of WATER!  All of my dogs have access to a kiddie pools, like anjablue, bought at Wal-mart during the summer months (they would like them year round though!).  Some even take naps in them with their heads propped up on the sides.  They love them.  Also, lots of shade (we are fortunate and live in the woods)!  I would have them all inside in the air-conditioning if I had the room, but they tolerate it rather well.  If your dog does stay outside, it is most important for them to have plenty of water.  Make sure they have water in something that can not be spilled because even 1 hour in 100 degree heat without water can put your dogs life in danger!!  Also, exercise and play with your dog in the mornings and evenings, not in the heat of the day.

We had a great pyr when I was a child that my dad shaved like a lion every summer.  Mostly, I think my dad liked the attention it got him, but didnt help the dog to much.  

During World War 2, The U.S. Marines employed working dog teams in New Guineau. The climate was very hot and very humid. They used both Dobermans and GSDs.  (This was an era when Dobermans were still excellent working dogs.)
To their surprise, they found that the GSDs actually handled the heat and humidity much better than the much shorter haired Dobermans. The GSD coat regulated their body temperature better. The Dobermans ended up being painfully sunburned and also suffered more from insect bites and scratches from thorns and brush.
This was one reason why the U.S. military standardized on GSDs after WW 2 because they found they can work from Alaska to the desert to the tropical jungles.
A good tub for the dogs is one of those rubber horse water troughs from the feed supply store. A 50 gallon is perfect size for one GSD. If you have GSDs that like to make out in the tub, you might need a 100 gal. ;-)

I would like to point out also in hot weather you should never wet the top of your dog to cool them off. The water will evaporate off their back, making them hotter. Wet the feet, the throat, and the belly, and let him dry off in the shade. And certainly don't shave it, the GSD coat is a wonderful, all-weather system.

Same as above, don't shave, groom, I have kiddie pools for the dogs, they love standing in them.

Always,
Cee

Better safe than sorry, at least she didn't shave her ahead of time, no need to get so abrasive, Hodie.