I think in the end if your dog is one that loves to play and run about all over and poke into every place and really enjoy being a plain old dog, a long coat is a hindrance and too hard on the dog to keep up. Tibbe just hated my trying to get out mats and all of the things it took to try to keep his coat long, as it was when I got him. He's such a prey-driven and fun-loving go-getter, I had to make the decision what would make his life better from his point of view. Long grooming sessions are not his thing but playing and dashing about are so he got a shorter coat for the very same reason.
No matter if she's buzz-clipped, Katie would still be adorable, Lisa. I enjoyed these pictures of her so much. They show a beautiful, healthy dog panting and fully happy from enjoying herself just being a dog. I'd rather see that any day than a gorgeous show dog picture. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love a beautiful, formal picture of a gorgeous dog in full, silky coat and I'll admit it, but my heart enjoys these kinds of pictures of dogs even more.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |