Types of Coats in Dogs

Dog hair can be a source of great comfort to those who love nothing more than to snuggle up with their favorite fluffy pooch. But, for those who find themselves allergic to pet hair dander, it can be a nightmare. Different dog breeds feature different coats, and each type of coat requires different grooming instructions. According to ProfessorsHouse.com, all dogs, regardless of breed, can benefit from regular brushing, which help keep all types of coats healthy.

  1. Long and Double Coated

    • Collie

      Long-haired dogs typically have more hair on their legs, sides and tails than other breeds and tend to shed more frequently. Large breeds, including the Collie, Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever, and small breeds including the Silky Terrier and Lhasa Apso, all fit into this category. Daily brushing is required to prevent the under coat from getting knotted.

    Curly

    • Perhaps the most endearing feature of breeds like the Poodle and Bichon Frise is their exceptionally curly hair. Non-shedding, these breeds are considered hypoallergenic, the best choice for people with allergies. Grooming is necessary every few months to keep the coat's curls from becoming tangled.

    Short and Smooth

    • Bull Terrier

      Dogs with short and smooth hair, like Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas and Bull Terriers, require regular light brushing because their coats shed continuously. According to SeeFido.com, this type of hair has a dense undercoat and is thicker around the chest area as well as in their thighs and tails.

    Wiry

    • Schnauzer

      Many of the wire-haired dog breeds, including the Dachshund, Schnauzer and Fox Terrier, often appear to have a moustache, beard or fuzzy eyebrows. Because their hair is so dense and wiry, they need to be groomed through a process called stripping, which requires a special knife to remove dead hairs trapped in the coat.

    Corded

    • Dogs with corded coats feature twisted, mop-like hair similar to dreadlocks. The Komondor and Puli are the most prominent breeds with this type of coat, which is extremely hard to maintain and can become dirty easily as food and other debris get trapped in the hair. Regular bathing is required for adult corded dogs, during which each cord should be separated by hand to ensure that the shampoo connects with the skin. However, all traces of shampoo residue must be washed away to prevent skin irritation and diluting the shampoo prior to use is often recommended. Drying this type of coat can also take a long time and commercial hairdryers are often the best option.