Does Your Dog Need a Summer Cut? Breed-Specific Tips and Summer Coat Care

Hello, this is Kiku from NENE’s store’s International Business Division.

As summer approaches, many pet parents start wondering, “My dog looks hot—should I trim their coat shorter?”

This is especially common for small dogs who live indoors. While they may spend much of the day in air-conditioned rooms, they can still be exposed to sudden heat during walks and outings.

Small breeds with fuller coats—such as Pomeranians, long-haired Chihuahuas, and Maltese—can often look especially warm, leading many pet parents to consider a summer cut.

In this article, we will explain the benefits and precautions of summer cuts for dogs, which breeds may or may not be suited to them, and everyday summer care tips—focusing mainly on small indoor dogs.

A summer cut can give a cleaner, neater appearance and help with tangles and dirt. However, depending on your dog’s breed and coat type, cutting the coat too short may not be ideal.

What matters most is not simply deciding to cut the coat because your dog “looks hot,” but choosing care that suits their coat type and lifestyle.

Benefits and Things to Consider

A summer cut is a grooming style in which a dog’s coat is trimmed shorter for the warmer months.

For dogs with thick coats or hair that continues to grow, it may be done to make grooming and maintenance easier during hot weather.

However, not every dog needs a summer cut. A dog’s coat also plays important roles in protecting the skin, shielding the body from UV rays and outside conditions, and helping regulate body temperature.

For this reason, trimming a dog too short without considering their breed or coat type can sometimes place extra strain on the skin.

When considering a summer cut, look beyond “They seem hot” and also think about:

• Whether it suits your dog’s coat type
• Whether the trim will expose too much skin
• Whether regular brushing could help maintain the coat instead

Summer Cuts by Breed: What to Know

Whether a summer cut is suitable depends on the breed.

For breeds whose hair continues to grow, a shorter summer style can sometimes make it easier to keep them clean and comfortable.

On the other hand, for double-coated breeds such as Pomeranians, trimming the coat too short may affect the coat texture or skin condition, so extra care is needed.

Below, we introduce summer grooming considerations for popular small indoor breeds whose pet parents are often especially interested in everyday coat care.

Use this as a guide, but when in doubt, avoid cutting the coat too short based on your own judgment. It is best to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Pomeranians: Avoid Cutting Too Short

Because Pomeranians have a double coat, it is important to be cautious about trimming their entire coat too short.

In summer, it is often better to focus on partial trimming and regular brushing to manage excess coat, tangles, and areas that get dirty easily.

Chihuahuas: Focus on Partial Trimming

Chihuahuas are known for the longer feathering around their ears, chest, and tail.

Rather than trimming the entire body short, it is often best to tidy the areas prone to tangles or dirt and maintain cleanliness through regular brushing.

Maltese: Well Suited to Summer Cuts

Because a Maltese’s hair continues to grow, a shorter trim can make summer grooming easier.

However, avoid cutting the coat so short that the skin becomes visible. Choose a length that helps prevent tangles while still providing coverage.

Toy Poodles: Shorter Cuts Still Need Tangle Prevention

Toy Poodles are generally well suited to shorter summer styles.

However, even with a shorter coat, tangles can still form. Be sure to brush areas such as under the legs, beneath the ears, and around the inner legs regularly.

Shih Tzus: Keep Humid Areas Neat

Shih Tzus can be prone to humidity and moisture around the face, mouth, and belly.

For summer, consider keeping areas that get dirty easily neat and tidy to help maintain cleanliness.

Summer Care Should Go Beyond a Haircut

A summer cut is one option for helping your dog stay comfortable in warmer weather.

However, it is not necessary for every dog. Whether it is suitable depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, skin condition, and living environment.

Rather than judging only by how cool a shorter coat may look, it is important to choose a care routine that feels comfortable and manageable for your own dog.

Even after a trim, shedding, tangles, and oil buildup can still occur.

Whether you choose a summer cut or not, regular brushing helps remove loose hair and tangles while giving you a chance to check your dog’s skin condition.

Summer grooming is not just about cutting the coat short.

By including daily brushing in their routine, you can help your dog stay comfortable throughout the season.

For dogs who dislike brushing, or for pets prone to tangles and shedding, choosing a gentle brush that can help smooth and maintain the coat is also important.

At NENE’s store, we offer SHARR, a dual-sided pet brush featuring a pin brush and natural boar bristle brush. It can be used from detangling through to finishing, all with one brush.

Let’s turn everyday summer grooming into a comfortable, caring moment with your dog.