This is sad story of neglect. This poor dog hadn't been groomed in a very very long time. The hair was so matted that when I shaved it it came off in one big chunk. It was full of adult (fat grey) as well as little woodticks, and sores (from the hair being matted). The dog's rear end was so full of poop that it could barely go anymore and it was stuck in big chunks! In the end the dog looked pretty silly (being "bald" and all), but it just had to have felt better! Needless to say, these photos were taken a couple years back and we haven't seen the dog since. I am sure it is in dire need of a good grooming.

Keep in mind that even in the middle of Winter, if your dog is matted down to the skin, it will not benefit from having matted hair. When that hair gets wet from the snow, the dog  will remain wet (because the mats have a hard time drying out) and the dog will remain wet for hours & catch a chill.  If needed, you could always purchase a dog sweater or jacket.

As groomers, we can not stress enough the importance of brushing your dog out on a daily basis or at least schedule regular groomings with your professional groomer.