Many owners of long-haired dogs struggle over whether or not to clip their dog's hair short during the hot summer months. Recent evidence has suggested that keeping your dog's hair long may actually be better for him because his coat acts like insulation for him. That means that not only will his long hair keep the cold out in the winter, it will also keep the heat out in the summer. It's believed that by clipping the hair and removing this insulation, your dog will only be hotter. There are times when clipping is necessary, such as with excessive matting or some type of skin problem. Talk with your veterinarian about whether or not clipping will be good for your dog.