I have my dog groomed every spring and she is a long haired dog with very dense hair. My groomer doesn't shave her but leaves about 1/2" on her and she does great. It's very hot and humid here during the summer and she spends most of her time in the house so she doesn't suffer at all. She sleeps in the house at night as do my other two dogs that are crated. She is almost 14 years old and her grooming sessions does wonders for her spirits. My groomer makes over her and alway puts a little pink ribbon on one of her ears. She has arthritis really bad in her hind hips and she has trouble having a bowel movement because she can't squat the way she used to and we have to keep her backside clipped pretty close.