A viewer asks: “Would it be better for my longer coated dogs (I have border collies) to be shaved in the summer? I think they would not like it and some say that it can be kind of like an insulation layer that helps insulate from heat. My unshorn adult dog seems quite comfortable in winter and summer, and same with my last one.” What can Creator tell us?

This is native wisdom in recognizing that what is present in the design features of various species is a carefully orchestrated architecture to enable them to exist and thrive comfortably in their natural habitat, and that is true of canines with long fur. In the same way they prevent loss of heat through cold air in the environment getting through, they will keep the body of the dog from overheating when it is in a hot climate because the insulation works for both sets of circumstances. This is simple common sense. There, of course, are extremes beyond which natural protection will be inadequate, but there are other coping strategies animals can turn to, even then, to save themselves in many cases.