Dog Grooming - to clip or not to clip a collie

Question
I have a 6 yr old collie.  He gets very hot in the summer.  I have left his fur long and have shaved him in the past.  Which is best to help keep him cool in the summer time?  Should I clip or just continue to brush?

Answer
Ellen I feel it would be in your fur balls interest to brush and thin out coat with thinning shears. These coated breeds need the longer coarse hair as an hair conditioner. The air circulates in and around the hair to cool down the dog. They also pant when hot because the hair circulates in the mouth and nose to cool them down.
It's great that you care about your boy. Your doing your best to make sure he has the best that us humans can give our pet. Thanks for writing.