severe matting

Question
We found an abandoned chow chow.  She is very sweet but very severely matted.  Giant mats, larger than my hand cover her backside.  She is in very poor shape as far as grooming.  I have heard that you are not supposed to shave chow chows but in this case I don't see any other option.  What do you recommend?

Answer
You are correct- you need to do it in order to evaluate the true condition of the dogs skin underneath and not freak the dog out by trying to dematt it. However, If you find a really good groomer who knows how to soak the coat in the tub with conditioners and blow it out with an HV air blower, also, you'll have to pay  extra money because it would require to extra time to try and dematt if the dog is amenable - that may be an option. But you have to know the groomer and their tolerance for that kind of work. It's not impossible but hard work for the groomer and the dog. You would have decide if it is worth it.
It will take a very long time for it grow back- most likely about a year.