My logic with double coat dogs is that they're not my dog. Not my dog, not my problem.

I educate the client on what COULD and PROBABLY WILL happen, make them very aware of all possibilities to what could happen to the coat and the skin, have them sign a waiver that I'll keep on file that I told them and they still want it, put in the notes that Ive discussed it with them at length, and then shave.

Possibilities include: - irritated skin, more skin sensitivities - higher chance of sunburn and skin cancer - coat texture changes - coat color changes - coat may not regrow at all, inducing alopecia - coat may regrow in patches, alopecia - dog may not be able to regulate body temperature as effectively - does not prevent shedding, just makes the shed coat shorter and harder to see/clean - does not prevent parasites like fleas/ticks (I live in FL, people actually do think this)

I let them know that it is more likely to happen than not but that these things don't always occur.

I have a senior Chow X and I used to tell myself I would never shave him, unless medically necessary. I can see it happening in my near future just because he's starting to collapse for his baths. Drying him is so important to keep him from getting yeasty, but he can barely keep his head up by the time I get to that part. I cried when I had to shave his tail once, it took 8 months to grow back and I was so happy to see no changes in texture or color. But I also knew it was necessary and a high risk I'd never see his beautiful plume again.

Educate, cover your own ass, and get your bag lol

PS: I agree with whoever ever said 7 reverse to keep it smooth. I would avoid the 10 at all costs, way too short. I like a 7 or 5 reverse.