Difference Between Dog Hair & Dog Fur

Dog hair and dog fur have the same chemical composition, according to vetinfo.com. However, there are differences in the growth and texture of hair and fur. Some believe the coat of a dog breed plays a part in possible allergic reactions. Also, according to vetinfo.com, it is a commonly held belief that dogs with hair, rather than fur, shed less and are hypoallergenic.

  1. Hair and Fur Chemistry

    • Hair and fur are made up of the protein keratin. This is the same material that makes up the outer layer of the skin and nails of the animal. Due to the identical makeup of hair and fur, the chemistry of the two types is not the possible cause of any tendency to allergic properties, according to the vetinfo.com.

    Growth Cycles

    • According to vetinfo.com, hair has a longer and a more varied growth cycle than fur. Hair stays in the anagen, or new growth stage of the hair growth cycle, longer than dog coats that are considered fur. Coats that have a short anagen phase reach full growth and shed in a shorter period of time. These coats can be any length or type. It is not the length of the hair, but the length of time that it is in the growth stage that determines if it has a long period of anagen.

    Texture

    • Hair is often finer in texture than fur. The texture can also be curly or wavy. This type of hair traps the shed hairs and pet dander against the skin and reduces the appearance of shedding. This same trait may contribute to the conception these dogs pose less of an allergy threat. The dogs have the same hair and dander, but because it is held on the dog's body rather than being shed and entering the environment, it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in a person near the dog.

    Length

    • Fur is generally shorter than hair. The fur can also be accompanied by an undercoat of shorter, thicker fur shafts. The undercoat can be more prominent in cold weather and among northern breeds. The fur and undercoat falls free of the animal easily during shedding, contributing to the perception the dog with fur has a denser coat.

    Hair and Fur Fallacies

    • A common belief, according to dogplay.com, is that hair will grow forever unless it is cut or breaks, while fur grows to a standard length and is shed. This is not true. Hair goes through the growth cycle of new growth and resting. When the hair reaches the exogen stage, it dies and falls from the dog. It seems the breeds of dogs, such as poodles, that are considered hypoallergenic have a longer anagen or growth cycle than other breeds and have less hair reaching the exogen stage and falling from the dog.