Types of Dog Hair

Properly caring for a dog's fur is a big job. Although it would make life easier to take care of all dog hair the same way, different types of dog hair require unique care to stay healthy and well-groomed. It is important to know your dog's hair type to determine the best way to care for it.

  1. Wavy

    • Wavy dog hair is sometimes also referred to as a curly dog coat because of its characteristic curls. This type of dog hair easily becomes tangled, knotted and dry. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners help keep this hair in good shape. It should be sprayed with conditioner before brushing to prevent damage to the hair. Dog breeds with wavy hair are Bichon Frise, poodles, Irish water spaniel and Portuguese water dog.

    Wire

    • Wire-haired dogs, also known as broken-haired dogs, have rough, wiry coats. The bristled coat requires plucking of wild or unruly hairs. To pluck the hairs, simply hold the dog's skin taut and pluck out the hair using your fingers. This process stimulates your dog's skin and hair and results in a better-looking coat. Dogs with wire or broken hair are Affenpinscher, border and Scottish terriers, otterhounds and West Highland white terriers.

    Long

    • There are three varieties of long-coated dogs: long parted coat dogs, long-coated small dogs and long-coated large dogs. Long coats require frequent brushing, combing and bathing to keep the coat clean, shiny and tangle-free. Examples of dogs with long parted coats are Afghan hounds, Maltese and Yorkshire terriers. Long-coated small dog breeds include Pomeranian, Pekingese or Chinese crested dogs. Chow chows, Cocker spaniels, English sheepdogs and Saint Bernards are included in the long-coated large dog category.

    Medium

    • Medium-length dog hair may look short but is actually at least longer than an inch. Medium dog coats are easy to groom, requiring only weekly brushing and perhaps monthly grooming with trimming, bathing and so forth. Medium coats must not be over-trimmed when grooming, and because of the way they stand out, it's easy to trim more than you mean to. Medium-coated dogs include Akitas, golden retrievers, German and Australian shepherds and Siberian huskies.

    Smooth

    • Smooth coats are sleek, shiny and easy to groom. This type of hair almost gives the appearance of skin rather than fur. Occasional brushing and bathing are the only types of grooming required by these types of dogs, making them a good choice for someone with no time (or interest) in grooming a dog. Regular brushing, however, is beneficial to the dog's skin and keeps shedding under control. Smooth-coated dogs include beagles, boxers, Great Danes, dalmatians, pugs and greyhounds.