Choosing the Right Haircut for Your Dog

Heading to the Doggy Spa can be a big deal. We often struggle with what we want our pets to look like. There are long hair cuts and short hair cuts for many dogs including: shihtzu, lhasa, poodle, yorkie, pomeranian, cocker spaniel and many more. Many of the owners we see at Golda's Grooming opt for longer cuts during the winter and shorter cuts for the summer as a practicality to staying cooler in the warmer months. Other owners like to keep their pets shorter all year long as a low maintenance option to keeping up with regular brushing. A few of our regular customers keep their pets long all year long because they want their pet looking its fanciest for any unexpected picture perfect moments. It's also important to take into account the cost of regular upkeep. Most dogs who have fur that grows long visit their groomer regularly, within an 8 week timeframe to avoid tangles, dirt, and other unwanted problems (i.e. sharp/ overgrown toe nails, ear mites, fleas, skin problems, etc.). It's also important to consider what the cut will look like if your dog has skin problems such as dandruff or scaly skin. A shorter cut may be more comfortable for your pet and help you to monitor such issues, but a longer cut may look better.

Longer haircuts are hand scissor cuts that require more time and patience on the part of the groomer and the dog. If your dog is hyper at home, it will probably be bringing its go, go, go personality to the grooming table and may not have the patience to sit still for hand scissor trims. These trims are also generally more expensive because of the time it takes to hand scissor.

Shorter haircuts are clipper cuts that require shaving of the fur to a shorter length. If the dog isn't matted it can sometimes be shaved with a 3 3/4 or 4 blade that leaves the fur at its longest length for a clipper cut. If the dog is matted it often needs a 7 blade to get beneath the mats. This cut is fairly close to the skin and if not performed by a professional groomer can cause skin burn. It's very important as an owner to keep your dog brushed. It not only makes the entire grooming process smoother for the groomer, but it is easier on your pet. Tangles can be painful to brush out. With regular brushing you can avoid this. Golda's Grooming recommends using a curved wire brush that pulls through tangles with ease. Areas to focus on include the tail, under the ears, and the legs.

Shaved feet or Clean feet is also popular among poodles. This can be done whether the body is cut to a long or short cut. This is when the foot is shorter than the rest of the leg giving it a cleaner appearance.  Typically other dogs, do not have their feet cleaned.

In our experience the main things to keep in mind when choosing a cut for your dog during its grooming are as follows:

1. budget friendly for regular grooming within an 8 week period
2. is it comfortable for your dog
3. is your dog matted
4. does your dog have skin problems
5. what is your personal preference

We hope this article has helped you to consider what is best for your dogs next grooming.

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website.

Golda's Grooming

 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or 
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:

Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

 

Why Chihuahuas Make Awesome Pets

Let's Celebrate the Chihuahua for a Moment Shall We...

From the song I Chihuahua to Yo Quero Taco Bell! Chihuahuas have long been a symbol of fun and excitement for all to enjoy. They are undoubtedly a small bundle of energy and joy and often mean the world to their owners, sharing a bond unlike any other. Yes Chihuahuas can sometimes get overly attached to just one person and the chihuahua tends to like being the only child, but if you are lucky enough to have one of these little pistols you are sure to see why they can be the preferred pet of the household.

Here's our top 10 reasons for getting a Chihuahua:

1. They make excellent guard dogs... That's right guard dogs. Sometimes all it takes is one protective little pup to yip, yap, and snarl to make the difference in whether or not an intruder dares to enter. Even if it's as small as a Chihuahua.
2. They are low maintenance and less costly to get groomed. - Although Chihuahua hair can shed, it is extremely short with very little undercoat. Regular brushings and bathing will do the trick when it comes to routine care of your loved one. You might also want to make additional appointments with your groomer just for nail trimmings to keep those sharp claws buffed down.
3. Chihuahuas come in a lot of varieties of sizes and breeds. We all typically imagine chihuahuas as being tea cup sized but some of our favorite breeds include the Cheagle (Chihuahua/ Beagle), Chug (Chihuahua/ Pug), the Chiweenie (Chihuahua/ Daschund), and the Pomchi (Pomeranian/ Chihuahua). These are just a few of the super cute crossbreeds we've seen and enjoyed grooming at Golda's Grooming boutique.
4. They are often talkers. Many Chihuahuas like to speak to you. This can be one of the cutest traits of the Chihuahua when they tell you they love you or even sing along with a song.
5. They get cold easy, so they are big cuddlers. Chihuahuas are true lap dogs and love the warmth of a soft cuddly blanket or even just being cozied up to mom.
6. They often can fit in a small carrier or purse for extra convenience.
7. They love their owner(s) and are both devoted and loyal
8. Chihuahuas tend to be high energy. Although this can be bad, it can also mean they are more playful than other dogs and enjoy their toys immensely.
9. Chihuahuas live long lives and tend to have only minor health problems in their old age unlike many other pure breeds. The perfect pet for a long term companion.
10. These cuties love to be pampered and are the perfect pet for dressing up.

Our very own ~ Oliver is a Cheagle. His personality is fun loving, good with children, and  he loves to sleep under the covers where he can keep your feet warm. He's sociable and is good with other dogs and cats. Just further proof why we believe Chihuahuas are awesome.

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website.

Golda's Grooming

 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:

Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Skype, It's Dog-gone Awesome

Why should Skype be limited to people. Skype is becoming ever more increasing in popularity among pets and their loving but distant owners and even distant pet buddies. 

This video is just one small step for Skyping puppies.


Don't take our word for it. Even Burt from Burt's Bee's misses his dog on travels and makes sure to get in some quality time with his pal. Check this out!

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website or Follow our Blog.

Golda's Grooming

 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or 

Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:

Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet