hair over eyes.

[auldyin]

Is there any reason NOT to trim the hair hanging over the eyes of dogs such as tibetan terriers, old english sheepdogs etc. Surely their sight must be limited by that fringe over the eyes?

[Snappy]

If you want to show them there is. Thats the breed standard of those breeds

[electricblue]

For pets i guess its up to you our yorkie has his fringe snipped so he can see,

[little coojy]

just tie it up or use a grip.

[WiccanKitten]

They do look really cure with the hair tied up. Especially Yorkies!

[auldyin]

thanks for the answers. I'll give her a trim now that I know it wont harm her.

[Pajama Girl]

Do be careful. Old English Sheepdogs need hair over their eyes to shade their corneas. Cutting the hair and exposing their eyes to bright sunlight will often hurt their sight.

And they do see quite well through the hair. It's like sunglasses for them. We don't see their eyes but they see (and smell) us very well.

But some other breeds like Tibetans were not bred to do too much more than just make us happy with their companionship. (A job at which they excell, I might add.)

[heathfield]

Pajama Girl is right. I knew of an Old English Sheepdog resident at the ski-slopes at Glenshee. The owners trimmed the dog including the hair over the eyes. The dog began scratching its eyes, and so a vet was consulted. He diagnosed irritation caused by a snow-blindness, and cautioned the owners not to do it again. (The rest of the body was OK to trim, just not over the eyes).

[lankeela]

If they are kept groomed they should not need trimming. The coat is a natural protection.

[auldyin]

Thanks again. The dog is a Tibetan Terrier with a mass of black hair almost obscuring her eyes. I'll trim it back slightly.