You know what.........this argument is getting really "OLD".

Is it not personal preference? Don't poodle, cocker spaniel, schnauzer, terrier, (etc.) owners get their dogs shaved? (and remember, when I say SHAVE I mean they have a clipper blade used on them........they are not buck NAKED) Any why do they do it? Some do it for convinience. Brushing all the hair that the dog would grow if left natural might be difficult for their schedules. So when sheltie, chow, golder retriever, keeshond, border collie (etc.) owners have their dogs shaved because it is convienient for them to care for the dogs coat, why to we scorn them??

Most of these dogs getting shaved (remember.....NOT BALD) are pampered indoor pets. They aren't broiling out in the hot sun getting sun burned or heat stroke. They are inside lounging in the air conditioning. They get to spend more time having "dog-fun" instead of tedious daily groomings to care for their excessive coats.

I think I would worry more about the pet owners who's dogs are 30% (and more) overweight having heat stroke than a double coated collie who was shaved down.

Now can't we just agree that people who have a pet (be it a dog or a cat or a goat or a horse) and choose to have their pet's hair cut short is NOT killing their animal??????

just my humble opinion. And by the way I shave several of my own cats for various reasons and their hair have never been damaged by it.