I selfishly have my Golden Retriever, Honey, trimmed down short one time/year. It probably doesn't make a hill of beans of difference to her, but I'm happier, therefore, she's happier. We don't have to fight that thick, wooly hair in the hot summer afternoons (outside for brushing), I don't have big, white wads of hair all over the kitchen floor, so Honey and I have more time for playing together and loving each other. She is not shaved. Her hair is about the length of a Labrador Retriever now, maybe a little shorter, and she looks adorable!! And it will make it so much easier when she goes swimming to get her dry. She has the thickest, sheep like, woolly fur that I have ever seen. This is no "cheap" alternative, either. I paid $100 to have her done this year (including tip). So I don't take that decision lightly. I did choose to not trim Zipper or Lilly this year (this is before Zip passed away), as their coats aren't the same texture or thickness as Honey's.

It's an owner's perogative and if they are caring properly for their dog, then I truly don't see the problem with it. But, I do admit, it isn't for Honey, it is for me, which makes me a bit selfish, I guess, but like I said, in the long run, Honey is happier because I'm not chasing her with the slicker brush and shedding blade anymore. We can do a lot more fun things together!

Logan