A common myth is that dogs need to skip grooming in winter to stay warm. The truth? A half-inch length difference doesn't change much — but skipping grooms can lead to painful matting. We break down the winter grooming debate and offer smart alternatives.
Every winter, we hear some version of the same request: "Can you leave him longer this time? I don't want him to get cold." It makes total sense as an instinct — but the reality of winter grooming is a little more nuanced than it seems.
The Half-Inch Reality
The typical difference between a summer cut and a winter cut is about half an inch of coat length. For most dogs, that difference provides minimal additional warmth. A dog's actual insulation comes from their undercoat and body condition — not the length of their trim.
That said, you absolutely can request a longer cut in winter. We're happy to skip the body trim entirely and focus only on the areas that need attention (face, paws, sanitary areas). Just know it's a preference, not a necessity.
The Real Risk: Matting
Here's the thing nobody talks about: skipping winter grooms often leads to painful matting. Wet snow, rain, and mud work into a longer coat and tighten into mats — especially behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits. Mats pull on the skin, cause discomfort, and can hide skin issues underneath.
A matted coat is not a warm coat. It's an uncomfortable one.
The Mini Groom: Our Winter Recommendation
If you want to skip the full haircut but keep your dog healthy and comfortable, consider a mini groom. A mini groom includes:
- Bath and blow dry
- Nail trim
- Ear cleaning
- Trimming around the face, paws, and sanitary areas
- Brushing out any tangles before they become mats
It keeps your dog clean and tangle-free through the winter months without removing length you want to preserve.
If you want your dog to keep their coat longer in winter, that's completely fine — just keep up with brushing at home and don't skip appointments. A longer coat requires more maintenance, not less.