Years ago my family had to shave 1/2 our German Shepherd's hair off due to Mange. Before it grew back the worse problem we had was that he was soooo embarrassed It was weeks before he could walk with his head high. Poor baby I try to thin out my Aussie's and Border Collies fur in this Washington DC heat and humidity but I agree with Cris's comment about avoiding a serious shave if possible. The long hair really will protect from all kinds of things. I occasionally have to take them to the groomers for knots however. Six long haired dogs are just too much for me alone. Laurie