The diversity of canines, from purebreds to mixed breeds, brings an array of dog coat types, and it’s important to know what kind your pooch has.
Dog coat care should be tailored specifically to your dog’s coat type, which is critical for their well-being.
“Various breeds and their coats have been developed for dogs to live in different environments and to perform certain tasks,” says veterinarian Brian Collins with the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center. “Caring for them properly will help ensure that the coat is contributing to their overall health and comfort.”
So what are the main dog coat types and how do you figure out what kind of coat your dog has?
The Main Dog Coat Types
Your dog’s genetics determine if they’re born with predetermined-length fur, which grows to a certain length and stops, or undetermined-length hair, which keeps growing until it’s cut or breaks.
“All dogs only have one or the other,” says Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, a certified master groomer. “It’s the number one thing for everyone to know.”
Dogs’ coats fall loosely into three main categories: short, medium, and long.
Short Coats
Short-coated dogs have a predetermined length of fur that is usually less than 1 inch and lies close to their skin. Dogs with short coats, such as Boxers, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, have a sleek look.
Smooth Coats
Smooth-coated dogs have short coats, but their fur is fine and soft; think Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Vizslas.
Hairless Breeds
Dogs that have little or no hair are called hairless, such as the Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier, and Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless). And not to split hairs here, but some put hairless coated dogs in their own coat category.
Medium Coats
Medium coated dogs have smooth, predetermined-length fur that is about 1 or 2 inches long. These are typically breeds that shed heavily, such as Huskies, Chow Chows, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Golden Retrievers. Some dogs, such as Goldens and Berners, have areas on their bodies (chests, undersides, and tails) where their fur is longer and feathered.
Long Coats
Though some long-coated dogs, like Great Pyrenees, have predetermined-length fur that grows several inches, many long-coated dogs have undetermined-length hair, which puts them in the “dogs that need a haircut” category, like Maltese, Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus.
Other Variations in Dog Coats
Double-Coated Dogs
Dogs of all coat lengths may have double coats, meaning they have two distinct layers of fur, each serving an important role: an outer topcoat with stiffer, longer hair that repels dirt, water, and the sun’s harmful rays plus a softer undercoat with shorter fur that provides insulation. Examples of breeds with double coats are Labradors, Australian Shepherds, and Newfoundlands.
Single-Coated Dogs
A single-coated dog has no undercoat, which means no extra insulating layer of fur. They may need extra protection from the sun and cold. Boxers, Dobermans, and smooth-coated Chihuahuas have single coats.
Triple-Coated Dogs
These dogs have the ultimate winter weather gear: an outer topcoat plus two layers of undercoat for extra insulation. This coat type is also called a primitive or Arctic coat. Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds are triple-coated dogs.
Wire Coated Dogs
Wire-haired dogs have wiry, coarse, bristly fur. “They have thicker skin, deeper hair follicles, and a lot more hairs in their follicles that are a lot more complex,” Bishop-Jenkins says. Although not exclusive to the group, many terrier breeds have wire coats, which makes for their adorable bushy eyebrows and beards.
Wavy Coats
When it comes to wavy-coated dogs, think Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, some Havanese, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles. “The wavy coats have kidney bean-shaped hairs, and the follicle itself is bent,” Bishop-Jenkins says.
Curly Coats
Curly-coated dogs have much tighter curls than dogs with wavy hair. These coarser curls can appear as ringlets. Poodles are a classic example of a curly-coated dog. “The hair is elliptical-shaped, and the follicle is twisted,” Bishop-Jenkins says.
Mixed Coat Dogs
Mixed-breed dogs may have combination coats because they inherit multiple coat genes from their parents—it’s just another way they’re unique.
So, how do you figure out what kind of coat your dog has?
How To Identify Your Dog’s Coat Type
The easiest way to identify a dog’s coat type is to observe the dog and ask some simple questions:
Q: Does the dog have no hair on most of their body?
A: If yes, you have a hairless dog.
Q: Does the dog have fur that grows under an inch long?
A: If yes, you likely have a dog with a short coat and predetermined hair length.
Q: Does the dog have fur that only grows 1-2 inches long?
A: If yes, you probably have a dog with a medium-length coat and predetermined hair length.
Q: Does the dog have longer outer layer hairs (topcoat) and shorter undercoat hairs?
A: If yes, you likely have a double-coated dog.
Q: Does the dog have hair that keeps growing and needs haircuts?
A: If yes, you have a long-coated dog with undetermined-length hair.
Q: Does the dog have hair with distinctive ringlets?
A: If yes, you have a curly-coated dog.
Q: Does the dog’s fur bend but does not have full ringlets?
A: If yes, you probably have a wavy-coated dog.
Q: Does the dog’s fur feel coarse and bristly?
A: If yes, you likely have a wire-coated dog.
Veterinarians and groomers can help identify your dog’s coat type, as there are all sorts of variations.
Essential Grooming and Care Tips by Coat Type
A dog’s fur or hair serves a purpose, from keeping them warm and cool to protecting them from the elements, so proper care is critical. Grooming a dog incorrectly can harm their coat and even put them at risk of skin cancer.
Hairless (and Near-Hairless) Dogs
Though hairless breeds don’t have much fur, they still have grooming needs that include: Regular baths with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, application of a light oil (like argan, emu, or jojoba) after rinsing to help keep their skin supple. For spot grooming, you can use a wet, gentle washcloth to wash away mud or dirt.
These dogs also need vital daily care. “Hairless breeds need protection from the sun by reducing exposure or applying sunscreen,” Dr. Collins says.
Short-, Medium-, Double-, and Triple-Coated Dogs
It’s the golden rule of grooming for short-, medium-, double-, and triple-coated dogs: Don’t shave the top of their torsos (also called their jacket area); it could damage their hair follicles permanently and leave their skin exposed to the sun.
“Those fur types are to be deshed and never to be cut, especially not on the torso,” Bishop-Jenkins says. “If you have a Golden Retriever and the underbelly skirt gets all matted, cut it. It’s fine. You can trim the bottom of their tail. You can thin the hair that’s sticking out behind their ears. That’s not primary hair, and it’s not part of the jacket area.”
Deshedding means gently removing the dead fur your dog is shedding without cutting or shaving it. We have dog grooming tips on that, too, in just a moment.
Wirehaired Dogs
Wire-coated dogs have far more hairs in their follicles, which sit deeper in their skin and have unique grooming needs to keep their coats coarse and healthy.
“Wirehaired breeds require special attention to maintain the texture and appearance and to remove dead hair through hand stripping or rolling the coat,” Dr. Collins says. “The longer hairs can become matted if not tended to regularly.”
Long-Haired Dogs
Grooming long-haired dogs involves routine brushing and detangling knots to prevent mats. Dogs with hair that keeps growing also need trims, baths, and extra care.
“All your long, haircut dogs that have undetermined-length coats need more humectants, emollients, moisturizers, and collagen,” Bishop-Jenkins says.
Many so-called non-shedding dog breeds have similar grooming needs.
Most dogs typically need baths about every 4-8 weeks depending on their activity and their “I like to roll in the dirt” level.
Keep in mind that these tips are a very basic starting place. Always discuss your dog’s hair and skincare with your veterinarian, especially if they have allergies or skin conditions. Be sure to use a reputable, trusted groomer. Although some groomers receive training and become certified, no state in the U.S. requires it.
Common Coat Problems and Solutions
Each dog coat type comes with its own challenges. Here are some of the best ways to tackle some common coat concerns: shedding, matting, and dullness.
Shedding
Shedding in dogs is one of the biggest gripes for dog parents. Some people buy clothes the same color as their dog’s fur color to camouflage the shed hair.
What’s the best way to deshed your dog?
You can go all in with brushing, raking, and combing out the dead fur, bathing with deshedding shampoos and conditioners, and then blow-drying the last holdouts before they drop onto your floor.
But even regular brushing is beneficial.
“Brushing helps remove loose hair and dander and facilitates the natural movement of oil (sebum) to moisturize and protect the skin and coat,” Dr. Collins says.
Bishop-Jenkins has a couple of favorite deshedding tools she uses on the dogs she grooms.
“There are two kinds of deshedders that Andis makes,” she says. “There’s a deshedder that has space between these curved C-shaped teeth. That would be for a thicker-coated dog, like a golden retriever. Then there’s an Andis fine deshedder that I would use on your wire-coated types.”
Matting
Prevention and routine maintenance are the keys to avoiding mats. Long, curly, and double-coated dogs are most prone to matting, which can be painful and even cause infections.
Mats form when loose hair becomes twisted and trapped in a dog’s coat, then tangles and forms a knot.
Pup-safe detangling sprays can help loosen and untangle the matted areas. If the knots are severe enough, consult your veterinarian or groomer. They may have to shave out the mats.
Dull Coats
A healthy diet, regular bathing with shampoo and conditioner, and brushing help prevent dull coats.
Some dogs may need supplements like fish oil, coconut oil, or extra vitamins and minerals to help put a shine on their coat. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog’s coat is not up to par or is missing hair.
When To Seek Professional Help with Your Dog’s Coat
When you have a dog hair dilemma, when should you consult a groomer? When do you need to call your veterinarian? The key is to identify your dog’s coat type and commit to the coat care they need.
“If a dog parent is unfamiliar with how to take care of their dog’s coat, it may be best to make an appointment with a groomer to establish a routine,” Dr. Collins says. “A veterinarian should be consulted when abnormalities are noted on the skin or if the dog is licking or scratching themselves excessively. A veterinarian may become involved when a dog has become severely matted, and sedation or anesthesia may be necessary to get things under control. Some dogs may benefit from anti-anxiety medications that are given prior to trips to the groomer.”
The best place to go for advice on coat care for your dog is their breeder!
New member of the family is an Irish Wolfhound so appreciated this article!
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are mixed-breed dogs and belong in the mixed coat category.