This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here.
All images of dogs are provided by the owner with permission to use within this blog.
Caring for your dog’s coat properly is a struggle for many pet owners, rescue and purebred alike. Knowing how much upkeep and maintenance is required for your specific dog’s coat is just as important as selecting a good food or getting enough exercise. It all starts with the basics of identifying what kind of coat your dog has, and then learning how to maintain the coat.
Begin With The Basics
Did you ever remember something difficult by learning a rhyme? Maybe you learned that Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge (the lines of the treble clef). As someone who was interested in space and the planets, I remember My Very Energetic Mother Just Sat Upon Neptunes Pin (yes, I am “pluto-is-a-planet old”). These are examples of mnemonic devices that help us to remember important information in a particular order.
As a dog groomer, there is no simple mnemonic to remember all of the coat types, so I often find myself tearing through textbooks. While writing this article, I have found a way to remember the coat types, in order! This order is based on the list of coat types from "Notes from the Grooming Table", by Melissa Verplank, a book that is usually a groomer's guide to every dog.
Smooth Short Combination Double Heavy Silky Long Curly/Wavy Wire Corded
Smiling She Comments, Down Here Silly Little Cute/Wacky Wiggly Corgi
What does this mean for pet owners? Your dog’s unique coat needs and care falls into one of these ten types, although some coats are harder to identify when looking at mixed breeds. But what is hair and how does it differ from fur?
Start at the root - literally
All fur is hair. There, I said it. Is your mind blown? The important distinction is that while all mammals have hair, not all mammals have fur. That is because, chemically, hair and fur are both made of keratin, like your fingernails, but physically, they appear vastly different.
The best way to distinguish whether you are seeing hair or fur is to look for the presence of something called ground hair (also called underfur, undercoat, or down hair). This hair usually makes up the inner layer of the coat, and is made of wavy or curly hairs with no straight portions or sharp points. Mammals who possess both ground hairs and guard hairs (long, coarse hair; repels water, blocks sunlight, usually marked with pigmentation) are considered to have fur, while mammals without this distinct under layer have hair. A simpler way to say this is that a pig, a human and elephant all have hair (no undercoat), while a dog, cat, and horse have fur (the presence of an undercoat).
All of these terms are going to get really confusing quickly, so we’ve made this quick list for reference. For the purposes of this article, we will use the following terms:
Coat - the presence of undercoat and guard hair, together; this is also known as fur. There are 10 coat types in dog grooming: Smooth, Short, Combination, Double, Heavy, Silky, Long, Curly/Wavy, Wiry, and Corded.
Guard Hair - the stiffer, outer hair that repels water. This layer sits over the undercoat, and is usually what makes up the “markings” of many dog breeds.
Undercoat - the softer, inner layer of hair. In Smooth and Short haired breeds, this has the same appearance as guard hair, and is harder to identify by itself.
Growth
Both undercoat and guard hair have different growth cycles. There are four phases to the hair cycle, starting with Anagen, followed by Catagen and Telogen and finishing with Exogen.
Anagen is the period of new hair growth. The longer the anagen period, the longer the hair grows. A human may have scalp hair that is in the anagen phase for 2-6 years while arm and leg hair may only be in the anagen phase for 30-45 days. A dogs anagen phase is relative to their coat type,
Catagen is a transition phase. During this phase, growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks, detaching the root from the blood supply.
Telogen is the resting phase. For human scalp hair, the resting phase is about 100 days, while the hair on the arms and legs is much longer.
Exogen is when the hair falls out, and the follicle enters a new anagen period, growing a new strand of hair.
What does this mean for dogs? Well, not only do the two layers of coat have different phases, but each coat type is different, with Short and Smooth Coat dogs having an anagen (growth) phase that is much shorter than the telogen (resting) phase. Short and Smooth Coat dogs tend to look like their hair never grows, while Silky Coat and Curly/Wavy Coat breeds often have long anagen phases, that makes it seem like their hair never stops! Double and Heavy Coat breeds can have different growth phases as well, with some breeds of dogs having short, dense coats (Shiba Inu, Norwegian Elkhound), and others having long guard hairs with dense undercoats (Alaskan Malamute, Pomeranian).
Purpose
Besides being really fun to run your fingers through, your dog's coat plays an important role in their health. While not all coats are created equally (Whippet coats in Alberta winters do not win against a Huskys natural insulation), all dogs coats have important roles, including:
Protection. A dog’s coat acts as a physical barrier from the outside world, including dirt and debris. The guard hair has a coarse texture to it that prevents water from soaking in, as well as preventing wind from drying out the skin.
Insulation. A healthy coat helps a dog to regulate their body temperature, even in Smooth Coat breeds. The coat protects against damaging UV rays, and offers further protection from overheating in the summer. During the winter, nothing beats a double coat for the insulation factor!
Immunity. A healthy coat can provide a protective barrier against cuts and scratches, meaning the coat plays a supporting role for your dog’s skin. The skin is a vital part of the immune system, and needs protection from infections, health issues and harmful bacteria.
Health Indicator. Most of the time, groomers and veterinarians can spot a health issue just by looking at the coat’s condition. A shiny and clean coat usually means a healthy canine, while a dry, flaky or dirty coat can indicate a health issue.
The 10 Coat Types
Smooth
The Smooth Coat lays close to the body, looking almost like it has been painted on; this coat is easy to maintain with some simple brushing, and will shed fine hair that may weave into fabrics. Smooth Coat breeds are the most sensitive to exposure, and require bug spray and sunscreen in warmer climates and jackets and boots in cooler climates - sometimes two layers!
You can read more in our blog Smooth Coat Grooming.
Short
The Short Coat also lays close to the skin, however, it does fluff when dried well. This coat is easy to maintain with some simple brushing, but it usually sheds a coarser hair that is harder to get out of fabrics. Short Coat breeds are less sensitive to exposure than their Smooth Coat friends, although bug spray, sunscreen, and jackets can be used to help protect these breeds during activities.
Read more in our blog Short Coat Grooming.
Combination
The Combination Coat consists of both long coat and short coat, in specific areas of the body. Generally, this means there is a short coat around the face and on the front sides of legs. There can be a shorter coat on the body, with longer coat sections on the undercarriage, rear sides of the legs, and on the tail. These longer sections have a tendency to create mats, and will need more brushing than the previous coat types. Combination Coat breeds also experience something groomers call “Grinch feet”, where long hairs grow between the toes, and need to be trimmed. Seasonal shedding, depending on climate and environment, may loosen the coat, causing it to collect and stay on everything. Combination Coat breeds tend to be much more tolerant of exposure to wind, cold weather, and other environmental conditions.
Read more in our blog Combination Coat Grooming.
Double
The Double Coat consists of straight hairs, in short to moderate lengths based on breed. The outer guard hairs are harsh, and provide protection against water, while the undercoat is soft, thick and dense, helping to insulate and protect further from the elements. This coat type is very tolerable of extreme cold temperatures, however, they may struggle with warmer temperatures. Double Coat breeds usually shed profusely once or twice a year, especially in environments that have seasonal changes (cooler temperatures in autumn and winter); these shed hairs cling to fabric easily, and can be difficult to remove.
Read more in our blog Double Coat Grooming.
Heavy
The Heavy Coat consists of both long coat and short coat, in specific areas of the body. Generally, this means the majority of the coat is long, thick and silky with a limited amount of short, smooth coat in specific areas. The longer section of coat will form mats and tangles if not brushed daily, whereas shorter areas can be brushed weekly. Heavy Coat breeds also experience something groomers call “Grinch feet”, where long hairs grow between the toes, and need to be trimmed. Seasonal shedding, depending on climate and environment, may loosen the coat, causing it to collect and stay on everything.
Read more in our blog Heavy Coat Grooming.
Silky
The Silky Coat consists of a combination of long, silky coat, as well as short, smooth coat on some parts of their bodies. Typically, they have very short, tight coat on the face and on the front sides of the legs, a shorter coat on the body and longer hair around the underside of the body and the rear sides of the legs and tails. The longer section of coat will form mats and tangles if not brushed daily, whereas shorter areas can be brushed weekly. Silky Coat breeds also experience something groomers call “Grinch feet”, where long hairs grow between the toes, and need to be trimmed. Seasonal shedding, depending on climate and environment, may loosen the coat, causing it to collect and stay on everything.
Read more in our blog Silky Coat Grooming.
Long
The Long Coat consists of a long coat over the entire body, often referred to as drop-coat type. These breeds are often left natural, with very little trimming; pet owners often opt for shorter, low maintenance haircuts in order to keep up with the coat at home. Without proper care, these coats will form mats and tangles, unless kept in a low maintenance trim style; these mats can quickly become irritated and infected due to poor air circulation. Long Coat breeds also experience something groomers call “Grinch feet”, where long hairs grow between the toes, and need to be trimmed and may also have eye and ear problems due to the excessive coat. Long Coat breeds tend to be much more tolerant of exposure to wind, cold weather, and other environmental conditions.
Read more in our blog Long Coat Grooming.
Curl/Wavy
The Curly/Wavy Coat consists of soft, curly or wavy coats, and usually are considered to be “non-shedding” breeds, though, this is a misnomer, as the breeds in this group still shed. The hair that is shed is usually trapped in amongst other hairs, and is only removed when groomed or brushed. The Curly/Wavy Coat has a tendency to mat if left unattended so regular brushing daily is important for coat and skin health - unless the coat is left in a “pet-style” low maintenance haircut. A wide range of moderate weather conditions are tolerable for these breeds.
Read more in our blog Curly/Wavy Coat Grooming.
Wiry
The Wiry Coat is usually a combination of soft, dense undercoat with wiry guard hairs all over the entire body. The longer guard coat has a tendency to form mats and tangles if not brushed regularly, or maintained by way of hand-stripping or plucking (usually done on a 4-8 week schedule). The Wiry Coat is able to tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, both warm and cool, although cooler climates will trigger natural shedding of the undercoat.
Read more in our blog Wiry Coat Grooming.
Corded
The Corded Coat is a very unique coat type, where the coat naturally curls into cords or “dreadlocks”. The strong top coat entwines itself around the soft, wooly undercoat to form each cord, as a controlled mat, which can be coaxed into forming by fingers alone. These cords are formed away from the skin, so as not to create pain, irritation or infection, and a well cared for coat can have cords that grow nearly to the ground! A properly cared for coat takes about three years to attain full length, with weekly maintenance to prevent cords from becoming too thick or entangled. Frequent bathing is not recommended for this coat type, as shampoo is difficult to rinse out completely, and it is extremely difficult to get the dog thoroughly dry.
Read more in our blog Corded Coat Grooming.
Basic Care
So, When Should I Brush My Dog?
We wrote specific recommendations for each coat type in the above blog pages, but there may be other times that you may want to brush your dog’s coat. Here are a few basic times we recommend brushing your dog’s coat.
Before, During, and After a Bath
Water + Tangles = Problems. That is the basic formula to remember when you find tangles in your dog’s coat. Always brush your dog’s coat before a bath, to prevent tangles from tightening, as well as preventing loose coat from clogging your drain. For Short and Smooth Coats, using a Rubber Curry comb during the bath can help work shampoo into the coat. For Combination, Silky, or Long Coats, using a wide tooth comb when applying conditioner will help the conditioner work into every strand. Brushing after the bath will help to remove any additional loosened coat, as well as quicken the drying process.
After Getting Wet
This includes getting wet from snow, rain, or going swimming - all those “other” water times. Brushing your dog after they get wet helps to prevent tangles, allows you to apply Detangler or Conditioner, and helps the coat to dry properly. Read our blog Detangler/Conditioner for information about selecting and using a Detangler/Conditioner.
During Shedding Season
One day, everything in your home is tidy, and poof! The next day there is coat everywhere! Shedding season happens during both autumn and spring, so brushing your dog during these periods helps to remove the loose coat, before it ends up all over your home. This is most important for Double and Heavy Coated breeds, as these breeds grow thick winter coats in the autumn, which then fall out in the spring.
Why Is Brushing A Dog Important?
Brushing your dog’s coat can prevent painful mats from forming in their coat, as well as releasing loose coat that can cause the thickest coats to overheat;
The massaging action of brushing promotes blood flow to your dogs skin and coat, which actually reduces shedding;
While brushing your dog, you are able to spot lumps, bumps, warts, and potential skin issues;
Your dog may not know it, but they look much better when they are well brushed;
The time spent brushing your dog provides an amazing opportunity to bond with each other.
Some Tips When Brushing
We often encounter dogs who do not like being brushed, especially when they are young dogs who have never had this experience. One thing we recommend is playing a game with your dog, a small container of treats, and their brush(es) - simply called “The Bucket Game”, courtesy of Chirag Patel.
Start seated near your dog, on the floor, with a container of treats. When your dog looks at the container, they get a treat. If they turn away, withdraw, or in any way look uninterested in the treat, stop. Your dog has just said “One Second, Please”. When your dog returns to looking at the container, proceed with small strokes of the brush, watching for the signs that your dog is still consenting (looking at the container) or that they have opted out (turn away, withdraw, or look uninterested). For a more detailed explanation, read our blog The Bucket Game.
Brushing is a critical part of maintaining a happy, healthy dog, but it does not need to be a chore. If you are struggling to keep up with brushing, then do not hesitate to ask your groomer for tips, or set up weekly brushing appointments. Remember - the best way to brush your dog is what works for you!
Comments