grooming american eskimo

Question
we have a 11 month old American Eskimo (32lbs).  He has just started developing mats on the back of his legs.  First, I'm wondering why he is now when he hasn't before?  Second, is it alright to cut them out as trying to pick them out is painful and stressful to him.  Finally, that fur is EXTREMELY long, is it okay to trim it down for the summer?  Thanks!

Answer
He is a double coated breed and needs to be brushed or he will develope mats. Get yourself a rake...kind of like a metal comb, with teeth about 1 inch long. That way you can get down to the skin.  Yes, you can cut the mats out, but then try and keep up on the brushing.  He is only 11 months old and now has his adult coat, thats why he is starting to mat now and not with his puppy coat.  You can trim him down for the summer, but be forwarned...the coat MANY times, does not grow back like it was.  It comes in dry and frizzy looking.  My suggestion is that you have him professionally groomed at least 2 times per year..preferrably when he starts blowing his winter undercoat.  Keeping that undercoat brushed out will keep him cooler and mat free. Then you need to completely brush him out at least once a week.
Good Luck to you,
Wendy