When Does Puppy Fur Become Adult Fur?

The arrival of your puppy's adult coat depends on his breed and family tree. His coat growth pattern comes from his parents and the type of coat he has. Some long-haired, double-coated breeds take longer to get their adult coats than short-haired breeds. All puppies will begin to shed some of their soft, downy puppy coat around 3 months of age, though.

  1. Puppy Coat

    • All puppies are born with a fuzzy, soft coat that protects their skin and keeps them warm while their body temperature regulates. While a puppy is in the litter, his mother will groom him and keep him clean. This helps to stimulate his system and prepare it for the cycle that will continue throughout his life of shedding and growing new coat.

      Between 3 and 4 months of age when puppies typically leave the litter, their puppy coat will begin to fall out and be replaced by stronger, harsher hair. This process can take from several months to several years.

    Who's Your Daddy?

    • A puppy's parents' genes determine what type of adult coat he will have and how long it will take to grow. Dog breeds with double coats made up of a shorter, soft undercoat and longer, harsh outer coat can take from one to two years or slightly longer for the full adult coat to arrive. In the interim, your pup may look like a gangly adolescent with little fur. This is normal. Puppy fur sheds more quickly than adult hair grows to replace it, resulting in a shaggy, sparse look.

      Regular grooming will help your puppy's coat to shed more quickly and also keep it from landing around your house. A soft pin brush is good for daily brushing. It will help to stimulate your puppy's skin and hair growth.

    The Shedding Cycle

    • Labrador breeds shed year-round.

      Short-haired dog breeds, such as Labrador retrievers and beagles, shed hair all year round, even though their fur is short. This is true of many short-haired breeds. Golden retrievers, German shepherds and pugs are full-time shedders as well.

      Some long-haired breeds are actually minimal shedders, losing their fur only twice a year in spring and fall. Long-haired Chihuahuas and dachshunds shed less than their short-haired counterparts. Havanese and Afghans sport long coats that require grooming but shed minimally.

      Many terrier breeds shed very little, although they require regular grooming and trimming to keep their coats in shape. Yorkshire terriers, Scottish terriers and miniature schnauzers fall into this group.

    Color Changes

    • A dalmatian puppy's spots grow in with his adult coat.

      Your puppy's fur color may change along with its texture as his adult coat comes in. Some breeds, such as poodles, are born one color but mature to a different one. Dalmatians' spots come in with their adult coats. In these breeds, color changes signify the arrival of a puppy's adult coat.