So informative. Thank you.

Deborah, I live in West Texas and summer temperatures can sometimes go as high as 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit. I have shaved my OES(s) in the past. it keeps them cooler and comfortable and their coat grow back quickly. With my current adult OES I have kept his coat to 1-2 inches in length in the summer. In the past I have taken my dogs to the groomer, but my dogs always get an ear infection shortly thereafter. Today, I am going to attempt cutting the adults hair today for the first time. I am confident I can do as well or better as the pro groomers here (with practice anyway) and I can prevent ear infections better than the pros.

I ding it easier to work Matt's with conditioner on. My dog is also more tolerant at this time as it doesn't pull the skin as hard.

Is there anything really bad (vocabulary) about shaving an OES down during the summer in the south or that is badly matted?? Please a first time owner and no groomer wants him …after they find out it’s and OES…in my area???

Ridiculous. Just cut the Matt out.